Upgrading Computer, Need Advice

[newguy77]

So I've got approximately $800 that I've decided to spend on a new motherboard and an image card. I've already got a sound card, hard drives, disc drives, but I don't know what to base the decisions off of seeing as I've never looked into computers that much. I would like for the computer to be able to play games like Civilization IV, possibly some older titles, maybe I'll look into some newer titles, etc., basically a computer that is as up to date as possible and will be able to run well with newer titles.

Please leave advice, links, recommendations, anything that you may think is helpful and Thanks in advance for the help.

EDIT: Thanks to everyone who looked at this, but seeing how little I know about how to do this, I'll ask my brother for help and research it myself online so I know how to do it for myself later. Thanks again and Report for Deletion

 

[Starnerf]

When you say you're looking for a motherboard and graphics card, are those it? You already have a CPU, RAM, power supply, case, etc? Because $800 will get you a top of the line motherboard and graphics card. But they will be wholly unnecessary for the workload you've described.

 

[Thee Prisoner]

This is a good tech site for advice: http://www.tomshardware.com/us/

$800.00 is plenty for a good motherboard and video card(s). You won't really need a soundcard unless is it a very good one, modern motherboards have a good sound chip already built in.

What model of hard drives, disc drives, power supply and what kind of case do you have? Important things to know before you make your decisions on what to buy, for example will your power supply have enough juice to power the new video card and processor.

If you post on Tomshardware be specific on what you have and what you plan on doing. You will get some contradictory information, some people are fanboys of certain mobos, cpus and video cards. But overall it will be a big help. Before you actually buy or build anything, post what you are planning to buy. That way if you have any incompatible items they will let you know.

Happy building, the Prisoner.