upgrade of m/b and cpu

[johng]

I want to update an old pc with a new m/b and cpu. i have tried to visit all the sites to see what is best but the field is staggering. this is what i do which may make it easier to recommend an upgrade.
-will run w2k server(maybe adv server) with a/d, dns, dhcp
-will be server in a 3 pc home network w/ asdl connection
-i do not run games on this pc
-use office 2000, quicken

i do not want to spend an arm and leg but reasonable ~ max $250
i also believe i will need to replace my 250w power supply with 350 or 400w

[evalroy]

johng,

It would be helpful to know more about the old PC you want to upgrade, e.g. make, model, form factor (ATX, AT etc), ram, hard drive, video card, etc. I infer from your post that will want to reuse some or all of these components and more detailed information would help fellow forum members and myself to offer sound advice.

Another possibility, would be to look at purchasing a slightly older or refurbished system from a number of reputable vendors on the internet. For example, The Computer Geeks (www.compgeeks.com) has a refurbished Dell Optiplex (400 MHz PII, 6GB HD, 64mb RAM - http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=GX1PII400-2) for $189. Throw in a keyboard, mouse, network card and some more RAM for $50 and you would have a solid system for less than $250. A little searching may yield a better deal.

ER http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


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I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there.
- Richard Feynman

[This message has been edited by evalroy (edited 12-18-2001).]

[Jumby]

Check out this too. http://www.computer-show.com/Modern/items.asp?CartId=4441978ZLABM98&Cc=SYS02

[johng]

evalroy-
My old m/b was an ATX and the audio and video were on the mb.
the pc I bought from a builder in Atlanta, ga so I do not know the details.
It appears the video was a SiS chipset and the audio was "SoundPro"?? the mb was a 400mhz AMD socket 7 processor.
I have already purchased a Maxtor 20gb hdd (7400 rpm). i have purchased 256 SDram and have the cd drive from the unit.
Any help is appreciated!! Thanks

johng

[johng]

Oops - one more thing,
Running a active directory in w2k et. al. I really need something around 1 ghz for a processor or the system bogs down too much even with only 3 machines running. I was assuming on paying $250 for the cpu and m/b alone.

[evalroy]

johng,

McGlen micro offers a nice bundle for an Athlon 1.2Mhz, fan, 128 PC133, and a Biostar MB, check this link:
http://www.mcglen.com/mcglenweb/listKits.asp?SSID=1313256343E6709X745&u=none&pc= none#KTAATH200 (http://www.mcglen.com/mcglenweb/listKits.asp?SSID=1313256343E6709X745&u=none&pc=none#KTAATH200)

The bundle comes assembled; CPU burn-in and a 2 year warranty. I have bought from them before and have found them reputable. They also can offer you a selection of power supplies recommended by AMD (get at least 300W) as well as video cards, sound cards etc.

Hope this helps. If not, try using search engines such as www.pricewatch.com (http://www.pricewatch.com) and www.pricescan.com (http://www.pricescan.com) to search for some better deals. (FYI - always check out the shipping and handling charges, many companies's make a fortune off marking up freight!).

Good luck,
ER http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif


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I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there.
- Richard Feynman

[This message has been edited by evalroy (edited 12-19-2001).]

[drdan]

I saw this deal for a 1.0Ghz Celeron, 256MB computer for $369. Shipping to CO was $53. Hee's the link if you're interested. This would probably give you much more performance for just a little more than an upgrade.
http://208.254.55.8/product_detail.asp?main_cat_no=&sub_cat_no=&item=VNG-C100TX