Looking to upgrade

[Mosley]

I am looking to upgrade...

The only things I think I need are:
CPU (Probably a P4 2.4/800)
Motherboard
RAM (512mb)
Video card
Case

I am having a problem with the motherboard. I was thinking about an Intel motherboard. But I have been reading about Asus.

I am also not sure about the case.

For the RAM should I get two 256s, or one 512? Why?

I am a little nervous of buying these on the web. Is it safe? Can someone recommend any sites to buy from?

[pave_spectre]

Have you compared any particular motherboard models to get an idea of what options are available with different makers, such as dual-channel RAM, Serial-ATA support, firewire. What you get depends on what your main purpose for the machine is.

If your getting a new case you may also need to look at a new power supply, unless one comes included, or you current supply isnt completely useless and can be kept.

Antec (http://www.antec-inc.com) make a good range of cases and power supplies. Their Truepower series are quite nice

If the motherboard supports dual-channel RAM then two sticks are usually reccomended for obtaining best performance.

NewEgg (http://www.newegg.com) comes highly reccomended for purchasing parts via the web in the US.

[Mosley]

This machine is my home computer. I will use it for the internet and a little gaming. I also have a digital camera.

The motherboard I was looking into is the Intel P4 2.4CGHz, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478 Retail (D875PBZ). but I just figured to get an Intel motherboard because the CPU is Intel, and my current MB is Intel.

[Abbadon]

I just bought a new system with that exact same processor. I got this (http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_detail.php?UID=433) mobo with it. I'm very happy with my choise: easy installation, lots of goodies in the package (both soft- and hardware), splendid manual, excellent online support for drivers etc,... It supports dual channel ddr-ram, so you'd be best served with two sticks (I put in 2x512) and it will support procs over 3Ghz, so future upgrades are possible.

I agree with pave on the case: Antec makes great products, both cases and psu (got myself an antec for the new system myself) but as usual with quality products: you have to be willing to cough up some $$$. I know Chieftec makes some very nice cases as well, and their prices are a tad lower...

[Mosley]

Abbadon: Is that an Intel MB? Where did you buy that board from?

What do all of the letters after 865 mean (865P, 865PE)?

[Abbadon]

It's an MSI mobo, but made for intel procs.

the letters after the 865 are just different versions of the same mobo. The neo2 beeing the most advanced I think. Other letter indicate special features

865PE Neo2-LS for example means:

865 --> the 865 chipset
PE --> I'm guessing: pentium ;)
Neo2 --> a particular version of the mobo, there is also the NEO, not sure what the differences are
L --> the mobo has onboard lan
S --> the mobo has onboard sound

It also features 4 SATA-connectors, so that's nice as well.

I bought mine in a shop here in Belgium, so I'm not sure that will help you much. I don't know if other mobo's have this as well, but msi provides a handy tool that checks the drivers for all your components and allerts you when new ones are available. This even includes bios! The core center allows you to tweak/overclock your system from windows.

Still, be sure to look into other manufacturers as well before making a descision! There's plenty of review sites out there. Your mobo is probably the most important piece of the pc, so choose wisely ;)

If any more questions, just shoot!

[saphalline]

"865PE" is all one thing. It's Intel's i865PE chipset. They also make the i865P, i865G, and i875P. My advice, stick with either the i865PE or the i865G chipsets, with the "G" version having onboard video.

If your machine is older than a PIII, you'll notice that modern mobo's have a lot more going for them nowadays! :D Onboard functions are no longer crappy, so it's common to see things like ethernet/LAN, audio, USB 2.0, firewire, and SATA all on one motherboard. And best of all, they all work! :p The only add-in card you're likely to buy is an AGP video card, and those can be had for really cheap if you only do "a little gaming". :cool:

By the way, any thoughts on your hard drive(s) and CD/DVD drive(s)?

[Mosley]

My current computer (3 1/2 years old) has a new cdrom and hdd, so I am not going to get them.

Any other suggestions on motherboards?

[saphalline]

I have an Abit IS7 that I love. Other than that, just pick a mobo that looks like it has cool stuff. :D