Is it possible to upgrade my motherboard+cpu+ram using older components?

[pauljones]

I only use my computer for word processing, viewing videos/flash sites/browsing the web, playing old games like Starcraft and Diablo 2, and streaming internet radio off winamp. I'm looking to just increase speed of my computer from a 500mhz celeron processor to something around 2.0Ghz processing speed. I currently use a Emachines eTower 500i and just want something faster. Basically just replace the motherboard + CPU + ram with something newer, while keeping everything else the same.

If it's possible, I've deided on a Pentium 4 processor but don't know what type of motherboard to get and whether my old video card + ethernet card is compatible with such newer motherboards. Concerning P4 processors, I am not sure what bus size and L2 cache size are. I've read on some hardware guides that not just processing speed is that important as much anymore. So I'd like to know what exactly am I looking for in a p4 processor?

Once I figure out motherboard + CPU I can easily find out what type of ram I need, I just need a help on determining motherboard+CPU.

 

[Nitestick]

well if you're looking for a p4 processor frequency is pretty important. i won't get technical on you but AMD's cpu's frequency doesn't matter. my 2.0ghz cpu will ouperform a 3.8ghz p4

 

[NosBoost300]

i say you get a sempron... considering your only going to be playing old games.... why spend that much more just to be way overkill for such light games? i say a sempron 2800+ or something around that area

 

[kmote]

i agree, why are you upgrading for such light use, and why are you upgrading quite so much?

 

[FghtinIrshNvrDi]

Well, a socket 754 sempron 2600 setup is really affordable. It's like 150 bucks. That's what I'd do in his situation. He probably just likes being able to click on something and not have to wait all day.

AMD Sempron 64 2600+ ~$65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819104249

MSI K8MM-V Socket 754 with onboard video ~$55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130494

CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) ~$45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145026

That should do alright I think.

Ryan