cheezhead18

Hey all,

So my current system is this:
AMD Opteron 180 2.4 GHz
ATI x1950 XT
2 GB RAM
MSI MS-7184 AmethystM mobo
APEVIA ATX-AS520W-BK 520W PSU
XP
(as seen also in my sig)

I'm wondering was the cost analysis would be to upgrading this system would be. Currently I am unhappy with the performance of this system as I have been seeing slowdowns in relatively easy to run programs (CS: Source). I have a feeling it is my aging motherboard, as it came with a prebuilt bought back in October of 2005 that I have upgraded over the years. (It has a serial printer port, lol)

Currently I am considering a Core 2 Quad Q8200,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115055
this Gigabyte motherboard,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128358
and 2 gigs of DDR2 RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134488
and keeping my current PSU, Graphics Card, case, etc.

My questions are as follows:
Is the cost of this upgrade (about $320 with NewEgg's prices) worth it with the new i7 core pushing out the socket 775 Processors?
If so, will a more expensive processor give me more of a deal?
Is my current PSU able to handle this upgrade?
Should I get more RAM?
How will this upgrade handle games like Empire: Total War?

I also will be selling my Opteron if I do in fact go through with this upgrade, if anyone is interested.

Thanks!