Choices for upgrade; CPU/CPU+/PSU?

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Well, I've saved up some money, and I'm pretty happy with my PC except for two things: my CPU and my PSU.
My CPU is a C0 stepping, which is absolutely dreadful to overclock, and I reckon its holding my rig back for overall performance and benchmarking (a lot, in the latter case).
I'm looking at either an E7400 or something even better.
The PSU isn't too bad, its holding up well and delivers more than enough power for my rig. However, I wouldn't mind getting a CoolerMaster realpower modular 520watt.

I'm more leaning towards a new CPU at this time, but I don't know whether my PSU would hold me back (since my CPU is atm).

So, these are my options:
1) Buy new CPU, E7400; hope it doesn't fail at overclocking like my current CPU.
2) Save up for even better CPU in the near future; quad core or E8x00.
3) Buy a new power supply, then save up for new CPU.

Which one to choose? I'll set up a friendly poll, and any comments/suggestions/ideas will be appreciated!

 

[ShadowFold]

Buy a new PSU. That will last you longer than a new CPU. Only plausible upgrade I can see you doing on the CPU front is a Q9x50.

 

[DanishDevil]

I concur. Grab a nice 750W or something that will last you a few years.

 

[Error 404]

Buy a new PSU. That will last you longer than a new CPU. Only plausible upgrade I can see you doing on the CPU front is a Q9x50.

And that would cost a f*ckload for me. Highest quad I'm willing to shell out for is a Q9400, maybe even a Q9550 if I can eventually afford it. I'm a student, don't have a job, so a new CPU would most likely be a good dual or a low end quad.
Currently I'm pushing 1.51 volts through my E5200 just to get 3.8 GHz stable, and even then its limiting the rest of my PC. This 4850, it can run Vantage stable at 750 MHz core, no extra voltage! My RAM clocks like there's no tomorow, so a high clocking CPU would be nice to go along with my current setup.

As for a PSU, I don't feel like shelling out heaps for a high wattage one; 500-600 watt is all I need, but reliability is imperative, and modular would be nice.

 

[DanishDevil]

I'd recommend a Corsair HX620W or an Enermax MODU82+ 625W (I run one).

 

[CDdude55]

If your a gamer a nice Quad should help you out in the future when mulithreaded games become the standard and should give you a nice boost in your benchmarks(especially when OCed).

Would also get a new PSU if i were you, that generic brand doesn't look to good.

 

[LagunaX]

Don't get the e7400. Plenty of e0 e8400's/e8500's/e8600's that clock way better.
Scan the forums or ebay and buy a used proven cpu - ppl are selling and moving to i7/ddr3.
Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, OCZ, Enermax psu's.

 

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I'll be buying from MSY, (www.msy.com.au), and they have no Corsair or Enermax PSUs available.
Here's the brands available:
SHAW
A-POWER
Asus
Aero cool
Superflower
Vantec
Huntkey
Coolermaster
Antec
Thermaltake

Which ones would I be able to trust?

And I forgot TPU has a B/S/T forum! Thanks LagunaX for reminding me of that...

 

[grunt_408]

I have used Thermaltake for a while now and quite like them.
I also have a coolermaster that is about 3 years old still going strong in my second rig.

 

[Error 404]

I trust Coolermaster, I'm a bit of a fan of their stuff (its like they have a budget product for everything I need!), which was why I was looking at their modular 520 watt PSU. I honestly don't need more than 600 watts, and can't AFFORD more than 600.

 

[DanishDevil]

Out of those brands, I would personally go for an Antec.

 

[a_ump]

i second the Antec vote , followed by Thermaltake, then coolermaster

 

[DanishDevil]

I'd go with this one if they've got it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371020

 

[LagunaX]

Antec or Thermaltake.
80+ rating for efficiency model.
There is a guy selling his corsair 620hx (6 hrs left) on ebay australia now:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Corsair-HX620W-Modular-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ110413048743QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Components?hash=item19b5216ba7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

 

[Error 404]

Antec is a fair bit more expensive, but MSY has a 550 watt Antec TP3 for AU$150, and the CoolerMaster Realpower Modular 520W that I'm looking at is $129. Is their much of a difference?

Also, the 12 volt ATX power connector needs to be long enough to stretch from top to bottom of my case; I had to extend my current PSU's 12 volt 4 pin cable by probably 6 inches for it to reach properly!

 

[LagunaX]

Get the cmpsu-520hx modular for $155 AU and be done with it:
http://www.ple.com.au/?p=products&category_id=221&s=volavcusqrju8elgul844e5aa5

However, the coolermaster is not a bad psu for what you want. Additionally, it has the 6 pin and 8 pin pci-e connector which the corsair does not (2 6 pin pci-e instead).

 

[subhendu]

corsair hx 620 or higher