Upgrade suggestions?

I'm planning to overhaul my PC by this summer—basically prepping it to actually run The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim—so I could use some advice on what needs to go if I want to get any real performance out of this thing. Here’s the current mess:

- Intel Core i3-2100, LGA 1155, BOX, 1.5MB cache

- Asrock M3N78D, s.LGA 1155 - NVIDIA nForce 720D, ATX, Solid Capacitor

- 2 x DDR3 2048MB ( 2GB ) Kingmax, 1333MHz, CL9, FLFE85F-B8EE9

- HDD SAMSUNG 500GB 7200rpm 16MB cache Serial ATA II-300, F3

- XFX Core Edition 80+ 450W PSU - EasyRail technology

- Pioneer Lite-On DVD Writer, DVD±RW, 24x DVD±R ,8x DL , 40x CD-R

- Thermaltake V4 Black Edition, VM30001W2Z, Mid-Tower, 4.5 kg

- 3 x SCYTHE Slip Stream 120mm 1200 rpm, SY1225SL12M, 24.00dBA

- Sapphire HD 6770, 1GB DDR5 128 bits, Dual-Link DVI+HDMI+D-Sub

- Dell UltraSharp Monitor

Do I need to swap the motherboard or the power supply too, or can I just stick to the usual—CPU, GPU, and RAM? My monitor is 20", 1680x1050.

I’ll just tell you this—there’s still almost half a year left until summer hits. So, why not just wait to start a new thread until the timing is actually right and you've firmly decided which components you want to swap out?

Looking at what you've posted, if I were in your shoes, I'd probably focus on upgrading the graphics card and the processor first. But honestly, that can wait for now...

Exactly... come asking for advice a week before you drop the cash. It’s pointless when there's a constant stream of new hardware hitting the shelves every other day.
In my book, you upgrade the CPU and the GPU, and that's about it. You probably won't even touch the rest of the build.

Yeah, I know—I’ll reach out when the time actually comes. I just wanted to get a feel for what needs changing and what doesn't—just checking things out. Thanks anyway 🙂