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

pauljones · 01-25-2006, 04:14 AM

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 · 01-25-2006, 09:18 AM

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 · 01-25-2006, 09:59 AM

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 · 01-25-2006, 11:23 AM

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

FghtinIrshNvrDi · 01-25-2006, 11:40 AM

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/Produc...82E16819104249

MSI K8MM-V Socket 754 with onboard video ~$55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130494

CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) ~$45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145026

That should do alright I think.

Ryan

01-25-2006, 04:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
pauljones Newb Techie Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 14	Is it possible to upgrade my motherboard+cpu+ram using older components? 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.

01-25-2006, 09:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
NosBoost300 Nvidiot Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bellflower, CA Posts: 9,313	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 __________________ Nosboost300's Monster Rig 3x1gb G.Skill DDR1600, EPower 1KW PSU, Gigabyte UD EX58, 30GB OCZ Solid Series SSD Core i7 920,EVGA GTX260 SLi (216/192) 3dmark06 25k Club - Intel Core i7 4.0ghz Club http://www.infernodeals.com

01-25-2006, 11:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
kmote Super Techie Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 441	i agree, why are you upgrading for such light use, and why are you upgrading quite so much? __________________ KMOTE

01-25-2006, 11:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
FghtinIrshNvrDi Wizard Techie Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,475	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/Produc...82E16819104249 MSI K8MM-V Socket 754 with onboard video ~$55 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130494 CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) ~$45 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145026 That should do alright I think. Ryan __________________ I'm an unhyphenated American. System Specs: Intel Q6600 @ 3200 1.4v Abit IP35 Pro "The Snake" 2x2gb A-Data @ 800 Diamond HD 3870 512mb Great FORD TRUCK resource: http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode