suggestion for small upgrade

[paokle]

Hello!
i got for free an old pc from a friend and i'm thinking to spend few money to upgrade some parts so i can have it as a lan pc messing with os's,overclocking etc, the build is:

cpu: intel q9300 @ 2.5
mobo: asus p5kc
ram: 2g ddr2 kingston
gpu: asus ati 4870 512mb
psu: thermaltake 500watt

so i'm thinking to add maximum ram, the specific mobo supports ddr3 but max is 4g and 8g ddr2 both @ 1333 what should i go for ?
also thinking to change the intel box heatsink with a thermaltake frio so i can overclock a bit the cpu but the psu will be enough @ 500watt ?
i'm searching for a cheap heatsink for 4870 cause it has the stock from ati and it is very loud on idle and a bit hot at high loads even with asus smart doctor,
feel free to suggest anything that may help ty.

 

[billyb0b]

500 watts is plenty for that machine and overclocking

4gb or 8gb. i would go with 4gb due strictly on cost. this is a machine to fart around on. no point on going 8gb

 

[Ken g6]

4GB DDR3 is less than half the price of 4GB DDR2. (Both selecting the cheapest brand I recognize; the story is similar for the very cheapest RAM.) So I'd go with 4GB DDR3. We only recommend 8GB around here lately because it's so very cheap in DDR3.

 

[paokle]

well about ram the problem isn't the money i'm just wondering 2x DIMM, Max. 4G DDR3 @ 1333 will be faster than 4x DIMM Max. 8G DDR2 @ 1066 ?
the mobo supports dual channel too so i just want to add whatever will give best perfomance cause i'm thinking to stretch it to the max
(my mistake at 1st post for DDR2 supports 1066 not 1333)

and about the cpu heatsink found scythe mugen 3 cheaper than thermatake frio that has also good reviews, anyone could give any info i will be appreciate it,
all that plus a cheap cooler for my gpu will not cost more than 120$ so np at all.
oh also need a suggestion for thermal paste ty.

 

[mfenn]

The DDR3 1333 will be cheaper and faster, go with that. I would most definitely NOT spend the money required to take the machine to 8GB of DDR2. Also, do not buy an HSF for that machine, it is not spending money to overclock.

Finally, for the GPU, if you have $120 to spend, you should just get a new GPU. A 6770 or GTX 550 Ti can be had for less than amount and will outperform the 512MB 4870.