Tech Upgrading PC Questions... (Read 727 times)

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I bought a computer a couple years ago I've been thinking about upgrading some of the components in it to bring it up to date.  

The problem is I'm not really up to date with PC hardware so I don't really know where to begin.

I am hoping if I post my PC specs you guys could give me your suggestions on what to get.

My PC is used mostly for the internet and word processing stuff but I also play PC games occasionally and I would like to keep that up,  my sister bought me the SPORE Creature Creator but I can't actually play it, I don't think my graphics card is up to it.

Here are my Specs:

GENERAL:
OS Name   Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version   5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
System Manufacturer   Compaq Presario 061
System Model   EL442AA-ABA SR1734X NA610
System Type   X86-based PC
Processor   x86 Family 15 Model 47 Stepping 2 AuthenticAMD ~1989 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date   Phoenix Technologies, LTD 3.42, 05/01/2006
Harddrive 130GB
SMBIOS Version   2.4
Total Physical Memory   1,024.00 MB
Total Virtual Memory   2.00 GB
Page File Space   2.26 GB

SOUND:
Name   Realtek AC'97 Audio
Manufacturer   Realtek

DISPLAY:
Name   ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series
Adapter RAM   256.00 MB (268,435,456 bytes)
Resolution   1280 x 1024 x 60 hertz

Let me know if you need to know anything else, thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Last Edit: July 01, 2008, 06:33:37 pm by Jeff
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How many and what types of expansion card slots are on your motherboard. For that matter, what is your motherboard? We will need to know that before we can tell you what upgrades you can even add on your computer. With a 1ghz processor, however, you will probably need a new motherboard to afford you a better processor. That will bring you up to snuff on ram and processing power, then you can get yourself a decent sound card and graphics card.

To answer your question on what specs are acceptable, specifically to play spore you need 2ghz, preferably a dual-core processor or better. You have 1ghz and a single core. You are fine on ram, though 2gb would be better than the 1gb that you have. Unless you are downloading shit day and night like me, that hard drive is fine. I assume it is an IDE drive, so you could get yourself an SATA drive for quicker browsing, but it isn't necessary. Make sure you have a DVD drive, and if you get a new motherboard, make sure that it is either an SATA drive or that you have enough IDE slots on the new motherboard to accommodate your hard drive and the DVD drive (my new motherboard only has one IDE slot but 6 SATA slots). You might go for a new sound card but unless you have decent speakers it won't matter. Depending on whether the new motherboard has integrated graphics or not, you will probably want to get yourself a new graphics card, and you'll want 256 mb of gfx ram or higher on it.

If you want to just keep your current motherboard, if you give me the specs on it, I can tell you what the best you can do with it is.
Last Edit: July 01, 2008, 06:46:36 pm by Jeff
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Hrmm, so it looks like you have an old AMD processor in there... I can't tell exactly what kind (probably a Sempron or Athlon 64), but regardless it's definitely not desirable. If you plan any sort of modern gaming, it simply won't do. I have a hunch that you have a socket 939 processor. All socket 939 motherboards are compatible with their corresponding processors. That said, socket 939 processors have been all but abandoned in favor of the newer, faster, more efficient socket AM2. If you want to use a socket AM2 processor, you will need a socket AM2 compatible motherboard. So you have some options here.

It looks like you have 1 GB of RAM, which is fair for XP, but not for any sort of modern gaming (even games 2 or 3 years old may long for more RAM). I can't determine what kind of RAM you have from what you posted. You may have DDR 3200 RAM, which is the fastest of the old DDR RAM. DDR2 RAM is the standard nowadays. DDR3 is in ridiculous high-end systems and isn't showing any sign of becoming mainstream anytime soon. Unfortunately, DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 are all incompatible with each other, so make sure you figure out what kind of RAM you have before attempting to upgrade.

That graphics card is definitely not up to any sort of modern gaming. Luckily, great performing graphics cards have gotten incredibly cheap; that is, if you have a motherboard that supports the now-standard PCI-Express. Many old mid-range computers used AGP slots, which, suprise surpise, are no longer supported by graphics cards manufacturers.

So now we've identified which areas should be upgraded (haha, basically the whole thing). We do need more information before we can make any serious recommendations. Try to figure out:

What socket motherboard and processor you have (they will match).
What is the fastest RAM compatible with your motherboard (DDR 3200? DDR 2700?)?
Do you have an AGP slot or a PCI-E x16 slot (this is where the graphics card goes... the PCI-E will give you much more flexible and cheaper options)?

To find this information, you can use the trial version of a software called Everest. Find that here.

It would be very useful for us to know how much money you intend on spending on these upgrades so we can give you the best advice. If you are looking at several hundred, it may be in your best interest to purchase a new motherboard + CPU + graphics card + RAM. This will essentially give you an entirely new system, but it is often the best option with old computers. If you are looking at less than a hundred, then you'll have to make marginal upgrades. You should also consider that upgrading a motherboard means gutting the whole system and replacing the RAM, video card, and processor. It's not easy if you don't have any experience doing it. Replacing a graphics card or some RAM or even a processor is very easy and straightforward in comparison to a motherboard change.
Last Edit: July 01, 2008, 06:52:38 pm by Mama Luigi
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Alrighty, so I used Everest and here's what it came up with for the complete computer summary (I took out the TRIAL VERSION tags and the input and internet tabs).  Hopefully this includes everything you guys need.

Computer Type   ACPI Multiprocessor PC
Operating System   Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack   [ TRIAL ][/ TRIAL]
Internet Explorer   6.0.2900.2180 (IE 6.0 SP2)
DirectX   4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name   POKEY (Pokey's Fun Machine)
User Name   Compaq_Owner
   
Motherboard   
CPU Type   AMD Athlon 64, 2000 MHz (10 x 200) 3200+
Motherboard Name   MSI Amethyst-M
Motherboard Chipset   ATI Radeon Xpress 200, AMD Hammer
DIMM1: Infineon 64D64320HU5C   512 MB PC3200 DDR SDRAM  (3.0-3-3-8 @ 200 MHz)  (2.5-3-3-7 @ 166 MHz)  (2.0-2-2-6 @ 133 MHz)
BIOS Type   Award (01/05/06)
Communication Port   ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
   
Display   
Video Adapter   ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series  (256 MB)
Video Adapter   ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 Series  (256 MB)
3D Accelerator   ATI Radeon Xpress 200 (RS480)
Monitor   Plug and Play Monitor [NoDB]  (15451)
   
Multimedia   
Audio Adapter   Realtek ALC658 @ ATI SB400 - AC'97 Audio Controller
   
Storage   
IDE Controller   Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
IDE Controller   Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Storage Controller    MagicISO SCSI Host Controller
Disk Drive   [/b ]Generic USB CF Reader USB Device
Disk Drive    Generic USB MS Reader USB Device
Disk Drive    Generic USB SD Reader USB Device
Disk Drive    Generic USB SM Reader USB Device
Disk Drive   HP PSC 1610 USB Device
Disk Drive    SAMSUNG SP1604N/R  (160 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/133)
Optical Drive   LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-16H5S  (DVD+R9:8x, DVD-R9:4x, DVD+RW:16x/8x, DVD-RW:16x/6x, DVD-ROM:16x, CD:48x/24x/48x DVD+RW/DVD-RW)
Optical Drive   MagicISO Virtual DVD-ROM0000
Optical Drive   MagicISO Virtual DVD-ROM0001
Optical Drive   MagicISO Virtual DVD-ROM0002
Optical Drive   MagicISO Virtual DVD-ROM0003
   
   
Peripherals   
Printer   HP PSC 1600 series
FireWire Controller   VIA VT6307 Fire IIM IEEE1394 Host Controller (PHY: VIA VT6307)
USB1 Controller   ATI SB400 - USB Controller
USB1 Controller   ATI SB400 - USB Controller
USB2 Controller   ATI SB400 - USB 2.0 Controller
USB Device   HP PSC 1600 series
USB Device   PSC 1600 series (DOT4USB)
USB Device   USB Composite Device
USB Device   USB Human Interface Device
USB Device   USB Mass Storage Device
USB Device   USB Mass Storage Device
USB Device   USB Printing Support
   
DMI   
DMI BIOS Vendor   Phoenix Technologies, LTD
DMI BIOS Version   3.42
DMI System Manufacturer   Compaq Presario 061
DMI System Product    EL442AA-ABA SR1734X NA610
DMI System Version   0nx1411RE101AMETM00
DMI Motherboard Manufacturer   MSI
DMI Motherboard Product   AMETHYST-M
DMI Motherboard Version   1.0
DMI Chassis Manufacturer   Hewlett-Packard
DMI Chassis Type   Desktop Case
DMI Total / Free Memory Sockets   4 / 2

As for the money issue, my boyfriend has been recommending I just buy a new PC and save myself the hassle.  If I did buy a new one I would probably be looking in the $1000 range.

Ideally I would like to save some money so that's why I wanted to check out the upgrading route. So for now lets go with $1000 for the high point in my budget.

Do you think it would just be better to buy new?
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Well, you could get an Athlon 4000, which would give you slightly improved processing power, but honestly, you are better off buying an AM2 socket motherboard. You are probably best off building yourself a whole new computer or buying one, but don't discount the learning experience of working on a computer just to have the hassle-free experience of walking into a store and picking one. If you are satisfied with ATI/AMD, then you will need a new MicroATX AM2 socket motherboard. Here are some examples from your same motherboard manufacturer. You will need one of those Micro ATX boards as your computer chassis is designed for a small form-factor. YOu could then put any number of processors in those ranging from a dual core Athlon to a tri- or quad-core Phenom. The book that comes with it or information from MSI will tell you what RAM to purchase and I would recommend between 2GB and 4GB. Check the ratings and plugs on the new motherboard, as you may need a new power supply, however upgrading your motherboard and processor should be all you need to do to play Spore and have a smoother running computer. If you decide to get a motherboard without integrated graphics, then I would probably recommend getting a decent ATI video card to go along with it. As for whether you should by new, you could probably upgrade your computer for about 200$, whereas you would be willing to spend 1000$ for a new and you would lose all of the current hardware you already paid for when you got that computer.
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If you get a motherboard, processor, and compatible RAM, it will set you back roughly $200-$250 for mid-low end parts. The video card would be another $100 but you would be pretty much set for any modern game, including Spore, Sims 2, even Sims 3 when it comes out. That's $350. You would definitely not be able to find a pre-built computer with matching specs. So it would be cheaper to upgrade.

However, you do have to factor in convenience. It certainly is more convenient to buy a desktop than to upgrade one. While changing parts in a computer is a lot easier than many people may think, it certainly is time consuming. There's also the possibility that something won't work (I purchased what turned out to be a broken motherboard). There is plenty of literature online about how to properly change a mobo and the rest is cakewalk after that.
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I think it's possible to keep the current motherboard, with a few fairly cheap upgrades. Remember he isn't building a beast of a gaming PC, he just wants it to be more capable for gaming.

Grab an Athlon 64 4600+ X2 for about $65 and you'll have an entry-level dual core, also grab an 8800 for about $120-140 and you'll have a very powerful card that will last you through another CPU upgrade for sure. Another gig of ram would help out as well, and wouldn't cost more than $20-30.
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Are you sure an Athlon X2 will work on the motherboard? The documentation tells me it only supports single core Athlons up to 4000.
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Are you sure an Athlon X2 will work on the motherboard? The documentation tells me it only supports single core Athlons up to 4000.

I assumed his mobo would go to the maximum supported dual core for 939. Guess he would have to get a new mobo to get something more than the barely-faster 4000.
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I assumed his mobo would go to the maximum supported dual core for 939. Guess he would have to get a new mobo to get something more than the barely-faster 4000.
I had the same problem with the socket LGA 775s on the Intel side where my motherboard supported up to Pentium D but not the Core2 series, which was why I wanted to verify it before saying that a motherboard upgrade was not required.

Well Raimiette, you could call MSI and ask them if the Amethyst-M boards support Athlon X2s. That is what I would recommend before upgrading your motherboard. Just call them up, give them the info they ask for and ask them which dual-core processors your motherboard supports, if any.
Last Edit: July 02, 2008, 06:00:23 pm by Jeff
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goat Raimiette is clearly a woman, not a man.

Also I have no idea where you would buy a Athlon 64 4600+ X2 for $65.
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Also I have no idea where you would buy a Athlon 64 4600+ X2 for $65.
Newegg.
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I called up MSI and after some discussion I was told this:

Are you sure an Athlon X2 will work on the motherboard? The documentation tells me it only supports single core Athlons up to 4000.

So from what I've been hearing I should likely get a new motherboard that supports dual core and go from there, right?

I don't really have a preference on the motherboard manufacturer as long as it works but from what I've been noticing while browsing at the motherboards online is that certain motherboards only support certain processors right? (I am a retard & thought they would be universal for some reason)

So I was checking out the AM2 socket motherboards on TigerDirect.ca (I am in Canada so Newegg is a no go unfortunately) and here is what it came up with:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Recs=30&Nav=|c:2320|&Sort=4

These range pretty wildly in price and I would imagine more $$ = better but your input would be appreciated.

EDIT:  I also found these:

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/category/category_slc.asp?page=1&Nav=|c:2417|&Sort=4&Recs=30

goat Raimiette is clearly a woman, not a man.

Also I have no idea where you would buy a Athlon 64 4600+ X2 for $65.

Yup, this is true.


Last Edit: July 02, 2008, 10:57:53 pm by Raimiette
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Newegg.
Dude, I was talking about socket 939, which I thought goat was aswell because he was talking about marginal upgrades.
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Oh, as for my recommendations, I didn't see anything wrong with this motherboard:

MSI K9VGM-V Motherboard

MSI are a reliable brand, the price is right, it will fit in your computer, and the reviews are good. This is a socket AM2 motherboard and supports DDR2 RAM.

So I hunted around on that Tigerdirect.ca and this is a really fantastic deal: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ CPU Memory Bundle. For $110 you'll have the processor and RAM taken care of. That processor is a good mid-range and will definitely game. The only thing I'm not sure about is whether or not it comes with the processor fan. Here's a cheap one that should get the job done just fine and should be super easy to install.

All that leaves is the graphics card. Even though it has one of those pesky rebates, for $140 this card will smoke. EVGA GeForce 8800 GT Video Card. Pretty much any game you throw at it will run at high frame rates on max graphic settings.

So price-wise, that puts you at about $372 (after rebate, before shipping). We can't tell how good your power supply is, but if it's a cheap one that can't deliver over 250 watts to your system, you may want to consider upgrading that aswell. They're not too expensive... take your pick.

Here is a VERY good, very useful motherboard installation guide. I highly recommend reading it before purchasing the parts so you know what to expect.
Last Edit: July 03, 2008, 06:36:57 am by Mama Luigi
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Newegg.

Besides the whole thing, Newegg doesn't ship to Canada anyways.