$500 BUDGET PC UPGRADE

[ReD_DrAg0n]

I have a celeron 400mhz socket 370 with a 810 chipset motherboard or something. It has one serial, 2usb, mouse port, keyboard port, printer and a built-in video. It doesn't have any agp slots and it only has 3 pci slots. Currently I have a 8x4x32 philips cdrw/cdr. 2 hds(Quantum Fireball 5.99gb unknown rpm, western digital 30gb 5400rpm) a small-ass case. no room for upgrading. I have to leave my case open in order for it to be cool enough. I barely have enough room for my wd hd. a rockwell 56k data/fax modem with sound. So i want to upgrade to a new video card, sound card and hopefully i have enough for a new monitor.

what i do with my pc is mostly website building and playing games online. my 15-inch monitor is wearing out. It's beginning to black out. I can hardly play any games on it. Please tell me what can i do to upgrade? oh yeah the case specs:

1 external 5.25
1 internal 3.5
2 external 3.5 i use the other 3.5 for my hd.

whats a good case to buy?

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-I hear dead ppl *whisper*-

[Paleo Pete]

Not much room there for upgrading...Only 3 PCI slots means once you get video card, sound card and modem it's full. And disabling the onboard video might be a problem. You'll need a motherboard manual to find out how. Usually it's either by a jumper on the motherboard or a setting in BIOS.

Enlight makes good cases, others will have more suggestions, I'm not too familiar with the various manufacturers.

I would consider a new motherboard, they can be found to support the CPU you have for $100 or less, and probably with AGP slots and more PCI or possibly ISA slots. Try to avoid integrated (onboard) components.

A case fan would help with the heat problem.

Price Combat (http://www.pricecombat.com./)
CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com)
Price Watch (http://www.pricewatch.com)

All should have good deals listed on components.

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Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[ranchdog]

The price of excellent and real descent used PC systems has dropped dramatically. Check the local classified ads (maybe run an ad of your own), Check with repair shops, friends, etc. There could be someone that has an excellent system available 'cause they have just purchased the latest and greatest on the market. 500 bucks could go a long way in that direction. Just my .02 pesos. Luck. And naturally beware of the system that was only used on Sunday, by a little 'ol lady. Kick the tires. Ask for a bit of warranty.

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......Indecision may or may not be my problem......

[This message has been edited by ranchdog (edited 08-03-2001).]