Need guidance on upgrading/tweaking PC

[Wolfstan]

Processor: AMD Athlon X2 4200+
Memory: 2GB Corsair in Dual Channel
PSU: ENERMAX Whisper II EG465P-VE FMA(24) ATX12V 460W
Hard Drive: 250G|WD 7200 SATA2 16MB WD2500KS
Video Card: XFX 7900GT 256MB PV-T71G-UDE7
Monitor: Dell CRT, 1280 x 1024
Sound Card: Audigy 2 ZS
Speakers/Headphones: Old [11yrs] RCA Box-style speakers w/ Altec Lansing Subwoofer, Alessandro MS1
Keyboard: Gateway PS/2
Mouse: Razer DeathAdder
Mouse Surface: Razer
Operating System: XP SP2

All right, so the items in bold are the parts I want to upgrade/overclock. My goal here is bring better performance in games, get rid of that bloody annoying "screaming" PSU, and replacing this eye-gouging CRT.

For the CPU, the prices for the best S939 are too hiked for my liking, so I am considering OC'ing it or leaving it at stock clocks. Before I built my computer, I bought the Arctic Cooler Freezer 64 Pro, with the intention of attaching it as I built the PC. I never used it, because I thought it wasn't designed for my CPU, but it turns out it was. I am going to attach it soon, to lower my temps. (CPU usually idles at 37 degrees Celius, and peaks at 49 under load, a little too hot for my liking) My room doesn't help my temps either, the idiot who designed intalled too many heaters, making it hellish in the winters, even with the windows open. So, to OC or not to OC? I'm leaning towards installing the cooler and NOT overclocking.

For the PSU, ever since I booted the PC for the first time, it emitted this high-pitched whine. I'm looking to replace it, as I think I underserved my system in the power department with only 460w. I want to prep for future PC builds, so I'm looking at 650-750w of power. I'd rather have power to spare than be lacking any at all. These are the PSUs I have been looking at;
FSP Group FX700-GLN ATX12V V2.2/EPS12V 700W

OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI ATX12V 700W Power Supply

The rebates on both make for a good deal, but they are about to expire quickly... so I need to make a decision fast.

One thing I need solid clarification on is the amount of power needed for my GFX card; what's all this buzz about the 12v rails? What does it mean for my 7900GT and the next generation of VGA I plan on buying down the road?

Speaking of GFX, I have been getting a lot of artifacts (at least that is what I think they are? they appear as lines, blocks, and other shapes obstructing my view.) in games, which I suspect might be a result of under-powering, possibly overheating. What I really want to know is if it is worth it to get an aftermarket cooler for my 7900 and OC it to get the most I can before I upgrade to the next best thing, or just get an 8800GT? It would be more economical to get the aftermarket cooler. [edit: this cooler: http://www.xoxide.com/thermaltake-tmg-nd1-cooler.html] But the 800GT would offer greater performance, yet how much bottleneck would my system see.

Last but not least, the most independent upgrade I can make for my system, getting an LCD! I'm tired of the burning sensation in my eyes after gaming for only an hour. I used an LCD at 1024x768 and it was 100x better for my eyes than this 1280x1024 CRT. I'm a pretty regular gamer, but I also want good visual quality for my movies and the like. I paid a visit to the LCD thread, and have settled on the 19": LG Flatron L1970HR, 1280x1024 (5:4), but I'll be darned if I can find it anywhere to buy.

So... that's my plan. Weigh in on it, if you don't mind. :]

 

[Roguestar]

I'll try and remember to make a bigger, more structured post tomorrow morning but right now it's late and I'll just pick on bits I noticed when scan-reading your post .

460W is more than enough, even if you were to SLI. Just get a good quality PSU, that's the big difference. A Corsair 520W is a great choice.

Buy the 8800GT and see a big leap in games performance. It'll improve graphics much more than the amount by which it makes the CPU a bottleneck.

 

[Wolfstan]

I see. I thought Enermax was a reliable brand, but maybe not. I guess now it is just a question of finding a PSU that will power my system as it is + an 8800.

 

[Wolfstan]

Bump!

Any suggestions, people?

 

[fleabag]

In my opinion, you're GPU limited than anything else, though I wouldn't feel too bad since you're not using a video card that is exactly "old" by any means. You should buy a Kill-a-watt power reader and see how many watts you're drawing from the wall before trying to upgrade the PSU. It's a good investment and will help you know how much power your devices really are using.

 

[Denithor]

Well, you've got plenty of RAM and a decent cpu as well. Try to OC the cpu to see how high you can get it while maintaining stability (use Orthos or Prime95 to test for stability). There should be an OC guide around here somewhere...I'm lazy tonight though.

Antec Earthwatts 500W is a great powersupply and only $35 right now after MIR. Pick one up before newegg gouges the price!

And I would suggest this XFX 8800GT 256MB card for $220 after MIR. At 1280x1024 you won't see any difference between it and the 512MB models.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Denithor
There should be an OC guide around here somewhere...I'm lazy tonight though.

Me too, but I have it bookmarked: Zebo's A64 overclocking guide.