few quick upgrade questions

[daveb]

I'm planning to replace my cpu/mobo/ram, as my 5 year old comp is showing its age. My budget is tight (student, haven't worked full time in 2 years), hence the decision to salvage the rest of the parts rather than building fresh. I'd like to keep it to around $300. Usage is mostly gaming, usually old titles like Counter-Strike and Dota, with a bit of Heroes of Newerth and Empire: Total War thrown in.

Here are the current specs:
AMD64 3500+
MSI K8N Neo4 mobo
2gb DDR ram
2 sata hard drives
9800gt (bought last year, has let me play everything I want on decent settings so I'll keep it)
Antec LanBoy case
OCZ Modstream 450w PSU

I'm pretty much set to order the following and just swap it right in:
i3-530
Intel BOXDH55HC mobo
Crucial 2GB DDR3-1333 1.5v CT25664BA1339

With pricematch this all comes to $314.37, plus a free $50 copy of Napoleon: Total War from the Intel combo deal (sweet! been holding off on this one til after exams lol)

My questions are:
1 - Will my current PSU keep up with the new parts? I've plugged everything into an online PSU calculator, and it gives me around 350w, so I should have some leeway. However, should I be concerned about the age of my current PSU?
2 - Any compatibility issues that stand out? I haven't done this in a while and just want to make sure.
3 - Any suggestions? AMD alternatives, better RAM, whatever - anything's appreciated.

Thanks for your help guys

[jcmaz]

1) It's more than enough.
3) I would go with the AM3 platform since it will give you a better upgrade options.
My choice would be AMD 630 Quad + Gigabyte sata 3/usb3 mobo + Coolermaster 212+ to OC the quad.

You should be able to get some more $$$ if you sell your current computer and get a Phenom II 965 instead

[_dangtx_]

if you play older titles, dont upgrade. save your money. that ocz is fine for light hw applications

[CroSsFiRe2009]

Dont think you should be upgrading. Go for an amd build since it'll fit into your budget much better. Your PSU should be perfectly fine.
NCIX.com - Buy AMD Athlon II X2 250 Dual Core Processor Socket AM3 3.0GHZ 2MB Cache 60W Retail Box - ADX250OCGQBOX In Canada.
NCIX.com - Buy ASUS M4A785-M mATX AM3/AM2+ 785G DDR2 PCI-E16 PCI-E 2XPCI SATA RAID Video Sound GBLAN Motherboard - M4A785-M In Canada.
NCIX.com - Buy Gigabyte Radeon Ud HD 5770 850MHZ 1GB 4.8GHZ GDDR5 2XDVI HDMI Display Port DX11 PCI-E Video Card - GV-R577UD-1GD In Canada.

Slightly over budget but it gives you a much better video card and has the option to unlock to a quad (somebody confirm this?)