Small upgrade

[JoshSB]

Hey guys, my father's computer is pretty crummy at the moment, it has a P III and like 256 of RAM SD100 I think, Anyways, I am looking for a cheap P4 or AMD 64 with a cheap Mobo combo with 512 ram to upgrade to, it would keep its current IDE HDD as well as optical drives.

Granted it is an HP so I may have trouble upgrading the CPU/Mobo, or since its a brand new bios there will be no problems?

 

[b1gapl]

If your father's comp is an HP you have to reinstall Windows on it since your changing the mobo. Yea go with AMD 64. Whats your budget?

 

[JoshSB]

Not much, not looking to spend over 250 on it, not even sure if he wants to upgrade it, if you dont mind just give out the cheapest (but not utter crap) build you can, I already know where I can get the RAM so that is not part of the conversation, just needing the Mobo and the CPU.

Question, I have installed another version of Windows to upgrade the HP to XP, would that mean I do not have to reinstall it since it is not the version the factory put on it, or for sanity's sake just reinstall?

 

[b1gapl]

Usually when you are changing out major components such as the mobo, it is recommended that you do a fresh install of windows.
Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135003
CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103537
Socket 939 getting old but this is a major upgrade from your dad's previous. It will serve well. $138 for the combo and it will be $118 after rebates.

 

[JoshSB]

You are a genius, Thanks.

 

[JoshSB]

But, there will not be any problems with the computer recognising the new Mobo and CPU once reinstalled on windows right?

 

[Nukem]

No, but you will need new ram (PC3200) and probably a new PSU to handle the extra power needed... I'm sure Dad's 200 or 250W will not handle the requirements.

 

[JoshSB]

k

 

[Nukem]

I also just realized that there is no integrated video on that mobo, so unless you have a PCIE card, he won't have anything to look at as well...

mobo - 46.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130541

CPU - 65.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103537

GPU - 59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814141027

RAM - 87.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231079

PSU - 49.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104016

I'm assuming you want to use the rest of the parts. Case, drvies, etc... more than you wanted, but it's 310.00 without shipping...
You could probably drop down the GPU if he doesn't game or anything like that... maybe a PCIE 6200 LE for like 40.00

Just a thought...

 

[b1gapl]

Get this PSU instead it has more power and cheaper.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953