[thegammingperson1994]

So I've had my computer for 3 years. It has an ASUS A7V8X-X motherboard, with 1GB of memory and a newly replaced NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 GFX card with 128MB of memory, and an Intel Pentium 4 processor at about 1.67 GHz (I noticed that windows started rounding up.) I'm stuck on what to do now. I'm guessing that it's the processor that needs the upgrade, but to upgrade that, I'd most likely have to upgrade the motherboard too, right? And then the graphics card probably wouldn't be compatible (It's in an AVG card slot) so then I'd probably have to upgrade the motherboard. And maybe even my case would need an upgrade too! So as you can probably see, I fell behind. A question is: should I by a completly new computer or upgrade it? Thanks to anyone who helps.

P.S. I'd like to keep the cost as low as possible.

[whitekong420]

hello.....first off what do u wanna do with it is it for school?, gaming, just a family pc we need to know secondly whats ur budget maybe

i can help im on a budget of $600-700 give or take well see wen taxes get back!! it all depends on what u wanna do with it there are so many great amazing pc parts out rite now i could spend hours drooling over what i want u know i think a 2.4 processer 2gb of memory a mid range mobo and a 400 psu and a mid range graphics card 7900gtoc-8600gt) should work i really dont know ati too well i would have to ask my buddy on that but yea lets here what u want and lets get u on ur way

[VladTheImpaler1990]

Hey there, well as white... said you must supply us with more info, what Os you want, what processor range you want, dual or quad and your price range.

Thanks Vlad

[thegammingperson1994]

Sorry, I'll try and be more specific :p


My main use for the computer would be gaming. I'm not a hard core or very demanding gamer, and I check my E-mail and access the internet, too. I'm just a kid, so I'd like to keep the cost low. Maybe a dual core processor, 2GB of memory, and a nice graphics card. I think I'd like to keep the cost at $600 or below. In terms of brands, I like Nvidia and Intel, but whatever part that works good will work for me. Operating system is a tough one: I know that vista wasn't worth all the hype, but I still have faith in it and think that I should make the move sooner than later.

[whitekong420]

i would sudgest a 400-600 psu atleast a 8600 or better graphics card and go with a 2.4mhz duel/quad processer that u can over clock to 2.8 to keep it safe and its cheaper and 2gb of memory with a cas latency of 4 and u should be good look in the price range of $50-70 for a mobo there are some awsome ones there im building a comp soon here and im looking at $600-700 depending on taxes what i get back but look up new-egg and do some research buddy and take ur time and pick what works for u and were all here to help

[whitekong420]

# mobo-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130123 $69.99
# processer-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103751 $79.99
# mem-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211174 $51.99
# graphics-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130286 $169.99
# psu-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182030 $64.99
# case-http-://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137 $79.99
# heat-sink-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185125 $19.99
there u have it a cheap but awsome pc upgrade got any questions just ask just thought i'd throw u some idea's

[thegammingperson1994]

Thanks for the suggestions. The thing is, I already have a case with a power supply, so I'm good there. I made a wishlist at newegg (I'm not sure if you can access it) it's called "Possible Computer".

[spike]

If you are going to upgrade your CPU, RAM, and video card,........you NEED a larger power supply, 500 watt or greater, or you're heading for a lot of problems, the Power supply SHOULD BE YOUR FIRST PURCHASE, it should NOT be your last, or left out.

Under powered systems are lots of trouble, and a weak power supply WILL cause you problems and hardware failure.

[mphenterprises]

Hi TGP1994. I believe this is your Public Wish List, correct?

[Knifeblade]

If correct list, and I have no doubt it is, how in the did you find that, mph? ?:| Meh, disregard, I see how now, LOL.
Aside from that, don't consider O/C'ing yet. The mobo and Ram, and the GPU can be boosted, but that's to be done VERY carefully. And after you have the system up and going awhile.

[coastie65]

Hi tgp, If you have an AGP slot there are some very good cards out there such as GeForce 7800, 7900, and 7950, but as previously mentioned, the PSU will definately need to be upgraded. I don't know what kind of socket is on the MoBo, but there are some Pentium 4s that run at 3.0 GHz and up, if the Mobo will support it. As far as I could tell when I checked, Your Memory is limited to 333 Mhz and maybe 1Gb, but Maybe 2Gb. as there are 4 slots. As you can see there are some options with what you have and with some careful shopping shouldn't be all that costly either. As far as the processor update goes, you HAVE TO MAKE SURE THE MOBO will support the particular one you are looking at, as it might not support a higher end Pentium 4. coastie65

[thegammingperson1994]

Sorry MPH, that's the wrong list mine is "Possible Computer" with the capitols included. I'll make sure I upgrade my power supply. (I think my case came with it; will I be able to remove one and find one that fits?)

[coastie65]

yep, Only 4 screws and unplugging the leads and it's out. coastie65

[mphenterprises]

No problem. The one I found was created January 20, 2008. The others were all create November and October of last year. I would gather that this is the correct Public Wish List.

[coastie65]

Hi mph, I just checked out that wish list. Man the pricing is great. I have been looking at a Pentium D 950 $200+. I can't use a C2D :p coastie 65

[mphenterprises]

Hi Coastie. Yes, that is definitely a good budget system. Since he already has a case, and presumable a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse, I would say he is good to go. :D

[thegammingperson1994]

Sorry MPH, that still isn't the list. I've just changed the name to "Possible Computer for PCWorld", hopefully that limits the search. I checked my power supply, and it says the voltage is 230 Volts. I'm assuming that isn't enough, so I'll add a power supply to the list. I'll also check your guys's lists!

[mphenterprises]

If you can, copy the url into this Discussion. The voltage information is important; however, the most important piece of information on that label is the wattage. Your Power Supply should have a maximum of no less than 450- (preferably) 500 Watts of peak power. Anything else is potentially harmful to your entire system if you do any type of gaming or multi-tasking.

[thegammingperson1994]

Ok, here's the link : https://secure.neweg....asp?ID=7803746



I'm not sure if that link will work, but the ID there is 7803746.

[thegammingperson1994]

So what do you guys think? Does it look like it should do ok?