upgrade quandries

[mathdork]

Hey all-- this seems like a great place full of very wise people and I'm in the midst of several cpu issues.
1) I have an old cpu that I got for free-- Celeron 333 with onboard sound (CM18738) and only 32 MB RAM (8 shared with video). I'm not sure if the video card is onboard or not-- it's the SiS 620 chipset and the specs say that it's got an 8MB AGP video... but I'm inclined to believe that it's integrated (on board). Well to make a long story shorter, it doesn't play any games.. never has, not even my kids Disney games and I would like to do something about that! I'm looking into more memory, it's CHEAP now, and I think I can manage to slap that in myself. Do you think I could put in 128 MB without overloading the system?
Also, my stupid cpu only has one expansion slot, and since I haven't ripped open the case I can't tell if the video is a card using a slot or not. So, if I can only add a sound card or a video card what would you recommend... and what brand?
My intention with this cpu is to be able to play older games... like Heroes of Might and Magic II... nothing real advanced or hitech in current terms.
2) I have a new cpu coming by mail and it doesn't have a sound card at all... probably another onboard deal (says it supports 16 bit Digital Audio). Also the video is an integrated S3Savage with 32 MB shared). I'm pretty sure the video will do for a while, but I'm a bit concerned with the sound. other specs... AMD Athalon processor 1.3 GHz 128 MB SDRAM (32 to video)
Any suggestions about sound for cpu 2?
I seem to be obsessed with upgrade topics... must be because I'm on break from grad school!
thx in advance
mathdork

[JadedC36]

Mathdork;
Your question is just a little confusing. When you sometimes say cpu, do you really mean motherboard? Until you open the case, you can't tell if there are any slots open, or not. Are you looking at the back of the computer to determine this?

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Michael McCann

[mathdork]

I'm actually going off the specs of the system when I bought it. I know thtat it only has one expansion slot.
The only thing I'm not certain about is the video. Everything I've read about these boards makes me pretty darn certain it's onboard (chip on motherboard)... also there is no video card in the device manager... just SiS 620, which is a chipset.
I think I've decided to leave the sound as is... install 128MB more RAM and probably also add a Creative Labs Annihilator 2 video card.
What do you think?

[kenja]

Here (http://www.sis.com/products/chipsets/integrated/socket370/620.htm) is the scoop on the 620 chipset from SiS, but to get definite answers we really need to know the make and model of the motherboard. Looks like 128MB of PC100 (and probably PC133) would work fine.

If you've only got one I/O expansion slot, I doubt it is AGP, which is the only version of Creative Labs Annihilator 2 that I'm aware of. I'm guessing you need to find a PCI video card if you want to upgrade. Seems like the onboard video should work well enough for kid's games, though.

What operating system are you using?

Edit: I went to Pricewatch.com and I see there is indeed a PCI Creative Labs Annihilator 2.

[This message has been edited by kenja (edited 12-16-2001).]

[mathdork]

It's a MicroATX motherboard. I'm pretty confident that I need P66 memory. (The specs say is't a 66MHZ SDRAM Bus CPU, with 5x Core Bus, so I guess that's where the 333 comes from).
I'm also sure that I need to find a PCI video card.
I'm going to try just putting more memory in it first and see what happens though before I do anything else. I've got 128MB PC66 coming in the mail.
Wish me luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[BigBlue66]

Hey,

OK, so both systems have onboard video. Are you planning to add the 128mb to the Celeron system? If so, after you do that, enter BIOS setup and see if you can find a line item about shared video memory. If you find one, it will most likely read 8mb. Use the PgUp or PgDn keys to toggle between any choices that might be available. Bump it up to at least 32mb shared. Save and Exit. See if that helps with playing games. If your games have sound requirements though, read on.

If bumping up the shared memory for CPU1 works well, after adding the 128mb stick, then you will need to add a soundcard.

In fact, you will need to add a soundcard to both systems. From the specs you have related, I would go with a simple Soundblaster 16bit PCI soundcard for both. It is fairly cheap but will do the job you want.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


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Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.
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