Budget build with used components

I was given a nice pile of used components recently, all high end gear but a little outdated (2008). This will be my first time building a desktop from scratch. I have a budget of $400 and I'm willing to replace/update some of the hardware I've acquired.

I don't need anything crazy performance wise, potentially a little video editing. My main requirement is getting the most out of my $400 budget. The computer has to outperform any current off the shelf computer in my budget.

Here is a list of the hardware I already have. Everything works to my knowledge.

power supply: SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI

mobo: LanParty p45

ram: a-data vitesta extreme edition 2gb ddr2 800+ (x4)

cpu: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7400 (3M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)

gpu:GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-Bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16

storage:Western Digital WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s (potentially broken...upgrade to SSD?)

That's everything I have. I still need a case, any other large expenses I'm missing?
Would it be worth replacing the motherboard, cpu, and ram for $300? I think the mobo is maxed out as is. Any suggestions or guidance?

How about an OS?

nyesteeze said:

power supply: SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold ((SS-650KM Active PFC F3)) 650W ATX12V V2.3/EPS 12V V2.91 SLI

mobo: LanParty p45

ram: a-data vitesta extreme edition 2gb ddr2 800+ (x4)

cpu: Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7400 (3M Cache, 2.80 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)

gpu:GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-Bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16

storage:Western Digital WD VelociRaptor WD1500HLFS 150GB 10000 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s (potentially broken...upgrade to SSD?)

Click to expand...

The first thing that I notice is the Hard Drive, 150GB is incredibly small, after installing Windows and a few small programs you're looking at 100gb or so free, and raw video footage is incredibly large so my first priority would be to get a 1-2tbish hard drive, those can be grabbed for incredibly cheap nowadays

(for example right here, 1tb 50 dollars, feel free to use whatever online retailer you want, they should be about the same price WD Blue 1tb)

That gpu may surprise you with how solid it will run. A 9500GT while not an astoundingly powerful card will run most things rather well. I have one in my secondary computer for when my friends come over and most games will run fine on it.

I would say definitely prioritize replacing the cpu/mobo combo as a gpu doesn't need a new Windows install while a motherboard does, you could just replace the gpu down the road if it doesn't suit your needs. That PSU at a glance looks like it's probably high quality and is plenty powerful for a mid tier gaming rig let alone a $400 rig.

Hope I helped, have a good day!

I think that the CPU, Mono, and RAM need the most upgrade

These should work well
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mX99WZ

You can just throw in a good case that you like, anything from a good company like NZXT, Corsair, Fractal Design, Bitfenix, etc.

For OS, I recommend the Windows 10 tech preview. Installing it and getting one is a bit complicated, but its free

After a little more research everything is pretty outdated. I'm really just working with a PSU...

At this point, it makes most sense to upgrade the MBO, CPU, RAM, and HD right away and I'll get to the GPU down the line.

Thank you for the suggestions ninjabubbles3 and Des_Zac.

I'll be using Windows, probably 7.

Is it worth using two HDs? A smaller SSD and conventional HD?

Any other suggestions for a MBO, CPU, RAM, and HD in the $300-$350 range?

Ninja's got a good set there.

Better Mobo + RAM: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/YwGbCJ