My current build is about 3 years old (except for the graphics card, but even then it's like 3 years since it's release date) and I'm starting to have to sacrifice graphics for performance on newer games, and I will have to even more so when I (eventually) get the 24" monitor that I want, so I figure it's time for an upgrade.

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R - $229
CPU: Intel Core i7 950 - $319
RAM: OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum 3x2GB - $159
GPU: PowerColor HD6870 1GB - $289
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-B123A 12X Blu-ray DVD Combo Drive - $69
Total: $1065

From my old system I'll be carrying over:
Case: Coolermaster Elite 330 (without PSU)
PSU: Coolermaster eXtreme Power 600W
HDDs: 1TB WD (storage) + 500GB WD (Windows, etc.) - both SATAII
Monitor: Samsung 226BW (Will eventually upgrade to 24"
Keyboard: Logitech G15 (orange)
Mouse: Logitech MX518
Speakers: Logitech X-530's
Headphones: Steelseries Siberia v2 (white)

Are there any improvements that you can make to the new parts? I'm mostly concerned about whether or not my current PSU will be able to handle all these new parts. i'm thinking yes but I may be wrong? I'd prefer not to have to to a whole PC overhaul is all.

Thanks.

EDIT: I also have an aftermarket HSF, I have no idea what though. But I will be transferring this to my new CPU (I'm assuming a socket 775 cooler is compatible with a soclet 1336?).

Edited once, 29/11/10 - 10:35pm.

Looking at your current system microshift I don't see any real reason to upgrade the majority of it. Just make sure you're running the q6600 at around 3.6-4ghz depending on what your cpu cooler will allow and replace the 4870 with the 6870 and you'll be back in the game.

What i'd personally look at doing is:
-Upgrade to an ssd for your os and main apps
-Replace the extreme power with a high quality psu a 750-850w corsair/seasonic/silverstone/enermax
-Perhaps replace the case with something better suited to higher performance systems - coolermaster cm690 II advanced / silverstone RV02 / corsair 600T
-Upgrade to the 24" monitor

The above upgrades will serve you very well now, whilst also laying the foundations for a system overhaul some time in the future.

My Q6600 craps out if I even try to run it at 3GHz so that's out. I'm not really looking to overclock anyway to be honest, I'd prefer a CPU that performs well at stock.
Also, does the case really matter? Would any of those increase airflow in any substantial way? Consider that in this case I have an intake and out take fan.
On the topic of SSDs, I'm going to wait for them to come down in price so that I can get a big one (500GB-ish) at a reasonable price. This would probably be a future upgrade for me.
The main reason I was wanting to upgrade was because of the fact that my CPU doesn't perform that great at stock, and to upgrade that would require a motherboard upgrade due to new socket.

EDIT: In regards to the case, my current case basically only just fits in it's spot now, so I can't get anything bigger. And I need the jacks on the front, not the top.

Okay if you want to stick to stock the i7 950 upgrade is a reasonable option. I'd go with your initial build but replace the power supply as listed earlier. Whether or not you can use your existing aftermarket cooler is very much dependant on what it is. The mounting hole layout and size is completely different between the two sockets, therefore whether you can use it comes down to whether a compatible retention bracket has been created for skt1366. Can you find out what it is or post a pic? If you want to stick with stock clocks the stock cooler will also be oaky. If you find yourself wanting an aftermarket cooler to reduce noice etc, then these are excellent budget alternatives:
www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13884
www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_23_769&products_id=12544
www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=207_23_769&products_id=13920

As for the case it's well worth upgrading it, but the psu is the priority for now the case can wait.

Edited once, 29/11/10 - 11:22pm.

I seem to remember it being called TRUE or something like that. It was a very popular Thermalright socket 775 HSF. For the life of me I can't remember the name..

EDIT: Ultra-120 Extreme! That's what it was.

Edited once, 30/11/10 - 7:42am.

yep the true can be mounted on skt1366 with an updated retention module:
LGA1366 Bolt-Thru-Kit Rev.B
www.thermalright.com/products/index.php?cat_id=20#id=128

I've had a quick look around and haven't been able to find anyone local stocking it, so you'll have to see what you can find. Perhaps contact thermalright and ask if you can purchase one from them directly

Cheers I'll ask if my local PC shop might be able to get it in, if not I'll ask them or I might just buy a new one.

In regards to the power supply, which of these do you recommend?
Corsair HX-650 - $143
- OR -
Corsair HX-750 - $195

Do I need the 750W or will the 650W suffice? I would imagine the 750W for future proofing as well?

EDIT: Is the TX series a better option? I can't really tell the difference at first glance except that the TX series is cheaper.

HX is modular, the TX isn't. Thats why the TX is cheaper, its defiantly going the extra 20-50 bucks to get the modular HX psu

Umart sells the Bolt thru kit for the 1156 socket so they could probably order one for the 1366 if you asked

Edited once, 30/11/10 - 12:43am.

As cocun posted the TX series is cheaper because they are hard wired and the internal components aren't as good either, given the size of your current case stick with the HX series so that you can at least remove any unused cables. As for the 650 or 750w option, the 650w is plenty for your upgraded build for a single graphics card, but should you want to add a second 6870 down the track it's not really up for the task. Also buying a high quality psu you really want it to last for as long as possible, so spending a bit more on a higher watt model is going to give you more flexibility for your next build. But it's up to you, by all means go for the 650w, it's an excellent unit.

I think I'll stick with the HX-650W, I don't usually like to run 2 card setups, I prefer to upgrade to a newer model than buy a second of my existing.
So how does this sound then:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X58A-UD3R - $229
CPU: Intel Core i7 950 - $319
RAM: OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum 3x2GB - $159
GPU: PowerColor HD6870 1GB - $289
PSU: Corsair HX-650 - $143
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-B123A 12X Blu-ray DVD Combo Drive - $69
Total: $1208

I'll be buying these parts one-by-one over the coming months as I get the money as well, so I probably won't have it built until after christmas.

Edited once, 30/11/10 - 8:12am.

Except for the psu and optical drive the rest really need to be purchase together, since sandybridge skt 1155 cpu's arrive Jan 2011 you may well find a better cheaper alternative aswell

Oh I don't mean putting them in one-by-one, I mean I'll be buying them as I have the money and then I'll put the whole thing together when I have everything.

That still doesn't make sense, as you will likely double up on shipping costs, or at the very least pay considerably more due to depreciation. A CPU or GPU worth $200 now won't be worth that in 2-3 months time, I can guarantee that. Save up, buy it all at once, and that way you can check out the new Sandybridge CPU's in January. I wish I could say more about the Sandybridge CPU's, but trust me... just wait for them.

Do you have a idea if they r going to cost a mint or be a decent price

Ah of course I didn't think about that, duh.
With the Sandybridge CPUs, would it be better for me to get one of those when they come out or pick up an i7-950 for cheaper?
Also, I presume the new socket 1155 is superseding both 1156 AND 1366?