buying a new motherboard

[thecocktailarch]

note: I don't have any technical knowledge about PCs, so the simpler the response the better! Thanks in advance.

I'm thinking about buying a new motherboard -preferably a dual-core that can support PCI-express graphics. However, I am wondering if I can do this given the make and model of my machine (it's a Dell Dimension 8300, bought way back at the beginning of 2004). What are my options? Would it be easier/cheaper to buy a new machine? If this is the case, would it be better to buy a cheap model and upgrade it straight away (with new m/board etc.) or to simply get a complete machine (it would certainly be better for me if I can do the former!)?

all the best

[odannyboy000]

Well, if you have a Dimension 8300 that means you probably have a 2.4-2.8 GHz Pentium 4 Northwood Processor. So if you are wanting to upgrade you should go with a whole new computer, but I would definitely not buy a bad PC just so I could upgrade it because the parts might not be what you need to run your hardware more efficiently.

So either build a new computer from scratch, or if you like Dell buy a high-end PC from them.

[saphalline]

Yeah, there are structural issues with OEM systems. The case and headers and such are built for Dell hardware. You can't just buy a standard mobo and slap it in there because the case itself is proprietary. You're better off starting over if you want to do it yourself. Or just buy another new one. And btw, there are companies out there who can build you a computer using standard parts. They're not cheap like Dell, but that's a good thing. ;)

[jlreich]

would it be better to buy a cheap model and upgrade it straight away (with new m/board etc.) or to simply get a complete machine (it would certainly be better for me if I can do the former!)?
If you are non-technical I would suggest getting the best complete system you can afford rather than getting a cheap system and trying to upgrade it right away.

If you wanted to save some cash and get a minimal amount of ram with the system, then buy more yourself (for much cheaper than the OEM will charge), that wouldn't be too bad as ram is pretty straight forward to install and would save a you a few bucks. Although getting the right type of ram can sometimes be a challenge for non-techies. But you can always come here and ask for advice. But if the terms latency, dual channel and DDR2 mean nothing to you and turn you stomach, then you may want to avoid messing with it.

[thecocktailarch]

thanks for your help - can you recommend any companies either based in the UK or willing to deliver there who can build me a PC from scratch?

[jlreich]

There are some regulars around here that are from your side of the pond that can better offer a suggestion on where to go. I'm sure one of them will pick up on this thread. :)