How is this for an up grade

[rond36]

Well there comes a time in a computers life when it can't cut it any more and Windows XP and big daddy Microsoft think it is time for a major upgrade. I purchased Microsoft Plus for Windows XP Could only install half of it because Microsoft says I need atleast a 500Mhz processor and a video card with 32MB of RAM! I have been wanting to upgrade and now I have a reason (or excuse) Well here is my up grade. Tell me what you guys think.
Old
Pentium II 333
Intel 440LX Chipset
40GB Western Digital HDD
15GB Western Digital HDD
8GB Quantum HDD
24X Toshiba DVD ROM
Iomega Zip CD-RW 8X 4X 32X (Yes that is 5 IDE devices 40GB HDD is on a Promise card)
ATI All-in Wonder Pro 8MB AGP video card
Sound Blaster Live sound card
384MB PC 66 SDRAM
Running Windows ME, Windows XP Pro, and Mandrake Linux 8.1

New
AMD Thunderbird 1.2Ghz 200Mhz FSB
ECS K7-VZA Ver 3.0 Motherboard VIA KT133A Chipset W/onboard sound
Thermaltake HSF
Enlight mid tower case W/300W AMD Cert. PSU extra 80mm case fan
40GB Western Digital HDD
15GB Western Digital HDD
24X Toshiba DVD ROM
Iomega Zip CD-RW 8X 4X 32X
EVGA GeForce2 MX-200(nVidia) 64MB AGP 4X W/TV out
??Sound Blaster Live sound card
384MB Crucial PC 100 CL-2 ECC SDRAM (purchased by mistake for old system) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif New motherboard can use it. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
Running Windows ME, Windows XP Pro, and Mandrake Linux 8.1

All this is going to cost is $325 plus $39 shipping. Bought it here (http://www.target-sale.com) http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
If later on I want to I can buy a monitor and speakers and have my old system up and running almost the way it was when I bought it in 1998.
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Alright who messed it up this time

[This message has been edited by rond36 (edited 11-02-2001).]

[BigBlue66]

Hey,

Looking good. Seems I read somewhere that the Soundblaster Live! card and the VIA chipset do not play nice together.

You may want to research that issue a little. PC133 SDRAM is dirt cheap nowadays. I would consider upgrading the RAM at some point. With the motherboard's FSB at 200Mhz, you'll be able to enjoy the full benefits of it.

Otherwise, you can't go wrong for the price.

Have fun!

Big Blue 66


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Life = Karma, or is it, Karma = Life?

[bassman]

Seems I read somewhere (and quite a lot of times I might add) That the AMD/VIA combo is sorta like Sulferic acid and sugar. A lot of POP and FIZ at first, then nothing but a mess to clean up when the smoke clears http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif
Not trying to shoot down your choices but, like BB said, you should research these problems.
You can do a Search here for VIA and probably be up for a few days reading thru the results http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif
Good luck


PS, you asked http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Please let us know if what we suggest helps. This helps us help you better.

[kayden azagthoth]

Also, you might want to consider going for the GeForceMX400, instead of the 200. Bigger bang for your buck.

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And all you touch and all you see, is all your life will ever be.

-Pink Floyd

[rond36]

??Sound Blaster Live sound card
I decided to go with the on board sound option. The sound conflict arises when the onboard sound is not disabled in the BIOS and or the device is not properly removed from the device manager and a Sound Blaster PCI card is installed it is a driver conflict not a motherboard issue.

Also, you might want to consider going for the GeForceMX400, instead of the 200. Bigger bang for your buck.

I decided to buy the EVGA GeForce2 MX-400 (nVidia) 64Mb AGP 4X it was only $6 more

If I keep the BIOS and 4 in 1 drivers updated I shouldn't have any hardware conflicts.

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Alright who messed it up this time!

[chall67]

Sounds great. Especially the video card. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif