I'm looking to replace my GPU, add more RAM and I'm getting a new monitor. The monitor is settled, I know which one to get. I'm also getting Windows 7, since XP won't allow more than 4GB total system memory (probably go for the 64 bit version).

Now, to my questions, its been a while since I did this;

1: Do I need to replace my motherboard as well? I currently have the aging Asus P5B, P965 Socket-775, ATX. It only has DIMM 240 support (and DDR2 SDRAM) as far as I know, the 6GB memory I want is probably not going to run on this and I'm also unsure of whether it will run a modern GPU. I know it runs most DX10 cards though.

2: Which GPU would you recommend? Not too highly priced, looking for the low range high performance or high range medium performance sort, preferably ATi, I just like the ATi setups better. No crossfire or SLI, takes too much space and power, I want to keep using my Hiper 580W power supply.

3: Will a newer graphics card even fit into my Thermaltake Aguila cabinet? I remember there being scant room even for the X1950XTX when we put it in.

4: Which memory manufacturer? I know that most Corsair and Kingston chips are decently priced and run well, not looking to overclock them btw.

Thanks in advance for all help!

For the graphics card:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,2782.html

In the final page of the comparative test there is a chart to compare the GPUs and know starting from which one you'll notice a significant improvement:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,2782-7.html

I saw a marked down 6850 at my regular electronics and PC store, I think I may go for that!

Anyone know the dimensions on it? Also, will it work on my P5B? I'm not sure it can handle the bus and DX11 chipsets to be honest.

I don't think it should be a problem unless it's a dual chipset card (I don't really know), in which case I simply don't know though I imagine it should work. I'm not 100% here though, but I don't see any reason why it would not work. Most, if not all, motherboards that are newer than 2005 or so, probably have a PCI-Ex16 slot (IIRC P5B has) and that's really all your motherboard needs to support. DX11 has nothing to do it. As for how it fits in your case, I have no idea. Look up for the dimensions somewhere, they're bound to be easily found.

Also, if you're going for more than 4GB of RAM, you're not probably getting 64-bit but for sure, because the 4GB max is not a limitation of XP, it's a limitation of the 32-bit system. You need a 64-bit system to take advantage of more than 4GB.

As for your memory, you said your motherboard supports DDR2. Then that's what you want to get unless you're upgrading your CPU as well, which I believe you did not mention doing. Anyway, your Asus P5B seems to support up to 8BG of RAM so it should be fine. The manufacturer doesn't really matter. Like you said, Corsair and Kingdom are good but just about any memory should do fine. Take the cheapest. Also, make sure it's not ECC (ie. it's non-ECC) and not some SODIMM (laptop memory; regular DIMM is fine). But overall, it's pretty easy to pick RAM.

Also, don't count on my word. If I were getting an upgrade, I'd definitely look up for some more confirmation about this. That said, I wouldn't look too long and I'd just try if it works because it most likely will. Plus I might be over-careful so these are probably pretty safe words I have here.

You will need 64-bit Windows to use 4 GB of RAM (or even 3 GB I think).

One thing:

All the affordable system upgrades with great price / performance are NOT UPGRADEABLE.

AMD has a new socket which the current stock isn't forward compatible to coming up in quarter 2 IIRC.

Intel has a new socket now but the CPUs are not that cheap, obviously if you need something now my suggestion has to be LGA 1155 from Intel if you want upgradeability and AM3 from AMD if you want something cheaper and likely AM4? from AMD if you're willing to wait until they release.

Up to you really. I can give more info if you want. Intel also readjusts their CPU prices in April so consider that as well.

if you are running a core 2 quad already then just get the memory(DDR2-800, I say get 8 GB just cause you can, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231207 get 2 of those, G.Skill memory is very reliable with good performance and fast with RMA if needed, edit: bah you are from Norway =P ) and a 6850 or 6870 with Win7 64bit, video card size won't be a problem for your case.

Motherboard should be fine; 4GB of DDR2-800 is what I would suggest here. You don't need more than 4GB, seriously.

What is your current CPU?

GPU - 6850 or 6870 would be good.

What resolution will your new display have ?

I'm going to run the Core 2 Duo E6600 for a little while yet, waiting for the i7 Quad to drop in price, I'll also need a new motherboard for the i7 as is. The cpu is overclocked, runs at 3GHz. My bottlneck is gpu and RAM right now. I can't afford a new cpu, gpu, monitor, RAM and motherboard at this time. With a new gpu I'll also need a bigger power supply I'm guessing and hardware isn't exactly cheap here in Norway... I'll probably do the full work-up in the spring and throw in a Quad cpu, replace the motherboard and possibly upgrade to some faster RAM eventually!

My new monitor will run at 1920x1080, its the new Samsung P2770FH!