Motherboard compatability

[Nukem]

I currently have an HP a522n computer. I have been wanted to do some upgrades, tweaks, possible over-clocking, etc... What I have to do first is get a new motherboard. What I want is a motherboard that will take all the stock parts right now; i.e:
Memory, socket 478 CPU, etc... and push them to a board that will let me upgrade to at least 3.4 sometime down the road, AND will elt me upgrade memory to at least 3Gig (if not 4) but I have to admit I haven't the knowledge (YET...) to know what kind of board I should get. Oh... and for right now keep it in the HP case. Sound doable? any help sugestions would be VERY helpful and appriciated. Thanx

 

[Codeine]

Well first, what will you be using this computer for? Gaming? Second, with a new mobo that can support up to 3.4ghz, and will also be good for OC. Will probably take different RAM then your current rig.

Heres a great suggestion, just buy the mobo, and dont put it in your computer. Just built a howl new rig. I dont know your money issues nor what your going to use this computer for. But 900$ can built a nice computer.

 

[Nukem]

The main thing I'll be using it for will be media stuff, and some gaming. But mostly for multi-media stuff. When I got this thing, I had a P3 600 Mhz machine that was CRAP from the word go!! So I can't complain TOO much about what I have now. I am limited on a budget, hence why I am asking about using the parts I have now and then branch off from there. I basically try and get an upgrade part every other month or so... Like now it's sitting with:

1 Gig Kinston PC2100 Ram (max ram)
3 case fans
450W Power supply (vice stock 250)
Radeon 9600 video card</a> (about a year old)

But since this is a stock intel board I can't do much with it. SOme of the programs I use for my media stuff are serious memory hogs and I can't multi-task to good when I'm runnig them, hence why more memory (2-3 Gig) I'm not all that much into tyring to get the best machine that will beat everyone else and all that, I'm trying to get what I can a piece at a time. What I have now is ok for me, but I want better, but I'm not in a hurry to get it. To give you a rea good idea of what I have now... Try this:

HP a522n Product Specs