Ever since I got my new PC config set up I have been trying to stress the system.
Intel 2500K @ 4.4ghz / 1.28v loaded max vdroop (1.41v BIOS) / 65c max
Radeon 5770 @ 925 / 1400
8gb G.Skill DDR3 1600
Samsung 830 64GB SSD
OCZ 600W PSU
BD Burner
Antec 300 case
Audinst HUD-mx1 > Sennheiser HD600
23.6" Samsung monitor
I ran all the hardcore stress tests while overclocking, but I wanted to see if I could make it stutter during normal use. I could do more, but I don't think I'd ever really run more stuff than this.
With all of this up, everything still runs as fast as opening the first program. I had a e8400 C2D and the difference is night and day. Running the encodes ensures that CPU usage very high. The only issue I've had is that sometimes foobar will bug out and a song will skip once every 6hr or so.
I don't think I'll be needing to upgrade for a while. I could see grabbing a budget next gen nvidia card if I ever got into a super high demanding game like Battlefield. I usually stick with less demanding games like SC2, Diablo 3 and CS:Source.