Pinching pennies on upgrade build

[Skpstr]

Trying to upgrade on a tight budget, and this one has to last a few years, so I want to get it right, so I have a few questions.

First, here is what I'm looking at. http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/Skpstr/saved/3bGi Basically, the PC is for gaming, but Im not looking to play BF4 with photorealistic quality

This is a stretch as is, so I can't go any higher.

I basically cheaped out on the Mobo and RAM, to be able to go from a 2Gb 7750 to a 2Gb 7790. Is that a good idea? (keeping in mind that the most I'm going to want to do is an OC on the CPU)

Next, can I use DDR2 RAM on a DDR3 board as a temporary measure? (I can always pick up more /better RAM later)

Is there a huge difference between 1066/1333/1600/1866 RAM?

Is a higher or lower CAS better?

TIA

 

[USAFRet]

DDR2 v DDR3. - only if the motherboard supports it.

No PSU? No OS?

 

[Skpstr]

Using the existing 450W PSU and HD (both less than 3 months old)

 

[rothingham]

I assume you have all the other necessary components (HDD, case, monitor,...), right?

Sadly, you can't use DDR2 on a DDR3 motherboard, their interface is different so it won't fit.
I wouldn't mind to much about the RAM if I were you, I doubt you'll see a bottleneck on that part.
So just pick the cheapest 😉

 

[geofelt]

No, you can't use ddr2 in a board that takes ddr3.
ddr2 is more expensive anyway.

I would buy a 2 stick kit of 2 x 2gb so you get better performing dual channel operation.

AMD cpu's are sensitive to ram speeds. Usually 1600 speed costs no more.
The lower the cas numbers, the better.

On a budget, you can't be too picky. Do what you can.

Graphics is the real engine of gaming, the stronger 7790 is a good idea.

 

[Skpstr]

Ok, I did go a BIT higher, and changed the RAM to 1866Mhz, and the GPU to a 2Gb GTX 650 Ti boost. http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/Skpstr/saved/3bGT

Will my 450W PSU still be ok?