I'm looking to play WoW mainly. Also, I own emulators from the PS2 back into Atari, and I am planning on purchasing the original XBox and PS3 as well. I think I would attempt to own a Wii emulator, but I'm not sure how well that would work. The next TV I own may be 3D compatible as well, but I'm not sure because I just got a 42" LG I hope to have for a few years. Either way, this is starting construction on my personal continuous build into the mineral oil cooled computer I want when I finally get settled. The current processor is an i3, and the whole deal was only bought about a year ago.
Yeah, I know I can build for less expensive than I can buy. It's why I'm in forums asking for help on this very issue. My only problem is that I don't know how to socket a processor. I know most tasks in hardware replacement are plug and play with the occasional driver you have to find, but processors require a lot more knowledge than I have. Also, I can't find an i5 within my price range. I would be fine with simply upgrading my video card and processor, but I still wouldn't have enough RAM and I'd still have to buy a larger PSU, which would mean buying a new case as well. This train of thought brings me right back to where I can make the most technological relevant upgrades with the cheapest cost. 3D isn't important and neither is 70fps. I would be happy with HD and 40 fps on medium.