Upgrading my Machine - need some advice.

[nickoo1]

Hey all,

I'm looking to upgrade my computer's motherboard, graphics and RAM. Right now I'm running an AMD Athlon 64 3400+ processor, MMX, 3DNow at 2.5 GHz (will this need update?). I have a custom case and am running 220v power supply.

My motherboard currently has only AGP and PCI slots, and im looking to upgrade to a PCI-x16 video card - therefore I am replacing my Mobo as well. I'm looking for some input on the hardware I have been looking at:

Motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131324

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131381

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157162

Video Card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121305

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500043

Thanks

 

[SimonDavies]

At a pinch you should look at changing the CPU (I assume it's the older socket 939 model) as well as replacing the PSU (way WAY under powered).

I would also go with the

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131381

motherboard out of the three, the first Asus board has onboard graphics already and as you want to get a better card you shouldn't really have both.
I also don't know too much about Asrock myself, where as Asus are generally quite good.

Having just looked at the spec all the boards I can confirm that if you have a socket 939 cpu you will have to replace that with an AM2 cpu instead.

As far as the graphics cards go, it really depends on whether you're an Nvidia or ATI fan, again personally speaking I prefer Nvidia but that's just me.



Simon

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[BadBigBen]

replacing the PSU (way WAY under powered).

Simon, that is VOLTAGE not WATTAGE... ;-)

But I agree, a total upgrade would be best at this stage...

the bits from the old system, could be sold on eBay...



Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[kmcferrin]

Simon,

Asrock is owned by Asus. They are now the Asus "value" brand. From what I hear they are generally quite reliable.

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[SimonDavies]

Cheers Ben, so far I have worked 24 days with only 1 day off. Mind is getting a tad tired

KMCFerrin, thanks mate

Simon

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[BadBigBen]

Simon, I remember those days...

some are fond (college days) memories others are not (work)...

now go get some well deserved sleep... and let's wait until the OP comes back...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[paparazi]

In short...your present setup is likely a socket 939 which ran original DDR ram and probably has a 20 pin main power plug on the motherboard. It is also likely that it is running a 3.5inch IDE hard drive ALL of which have now been superceeded by newer, faster technology ie:
Socket AM2+ or AM3 (yours either socket 754 or 939)
Required 24 pin 500watt or above PSU (yours 20pin lower watts?)
Required DDR2 or DDR3 depending on selected motherboard (yours original DDR)
Prefered 16/32mb SATAII hard drive 250GB plus (yours IDE smaller capacity?)
What does all this mean to you? well basically, there is little you can salvage from your old unit so to retain it's monatory value keep it whole and sell on, build a new tower unit with modern fast components.
Martin
Martin

On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep