How do I update my processor???

Would think you'll stick with Asus; you'll need a new case too. Here's the best prices I can find today ($221+shipping); prices change daily. You'll reuse your drives, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Suggest you order all from the same place (newegg.com). That's where I've found the best shopping.

Motherbroard
AMD Semperon 1.5Ghz CPU with heatsink and fan.
enlight case with 350w PSU
184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700 - Retail

 

Thank you, Sparrow! Just a couple of quick questions and then I promise I'll leave you alone My primary question is about the case replacement... is there a reason why I have to change cases from the one I'm currently using? I noticed the psu is already installed in the case, which is obviously a benefit, but can you not just purchase a new psu and reuse the same case? I'm obviously just trying to cut costs as much as possible, since this is a secondary machine for my son to play his games on only. I don't want to put any more money into this project than I need to, if you know where I'm coming from.

My second question is simply about reasoning behind your choices of m/b and cpu... I'm not questioning that they are good choices, I'm just curious what features, etc., are behind you recommending these as opposed to the hundreds of other options on newegg (that site has me seeing double... WAAY too many things to look at for a poor little blonde gal!). I'm always eager to gain new insights and information, so I'm interested in your reasonings behind these recommendations if you are willing to share.

Thanks again for all the help! This site is always much appreciated!

Sincerely,
Shannon

 

Hi shenanigins,

Like Pete, I've built PCs for many years, and learned what matters and what doesn't. The case is most important. The new mobo is an 'ATX' which won't go in your old case, and the old power supply isn't designed for an ATX mobo either.
We could shave about 20-25 bucks off the $200+ by choosing less quality, but I'm afraid you'd be sorry in the long run. Actually you're getting practically a new computer for your son; how old is he? If he's in high school, this should last him thru college!
BTW, you don't pay tax on this, living in Texas.

Re: the mobo, it's good quality by a good company, not the latest but will be serviceable for years (mileage varies, but I'd guess 5 +/- 2). It has onboard audio and video, a big cost savings.

 

Iceolated,

That Motherboard has 2 power connectors on it. The AT and ATX. Typically the makers who used these combo boards only used the AT P/S.

I would be VERY surprised if they used an ATX power supply. It is quite easy to tell if it is or not. The AT uses 2 single row connectors while the ATX uses a single dual row 20 pin connector to the motherboard.

Shen,

Go here:
http://www.pricewatch.com/

or here:

http://www.matrixsurplus.com/

And see what you can get. You memory will work in an older PIII motherboard but not in anything new. The newer boards use 184 pin memory and you use 168 pin dimms.

You can get a barebones system from either of those places for under $200 depending upon how fast a system you need and how much memory you get..

George

 

In a way I agree with sparrow

A few more $$ spent now will provide better ( and maybe even longer ) preformance.

Newer software and hardware can be very demanding.

98 will run on most anything. But XP can be a different story.

In other words put some thought into what you may want to do in the future. The MB, case, etc. that you choose now could make a lot of difference.

BillyBob

 

iclarius

You didn't check the photo on the page I suggested. Re: pricewatch, I always check thet first.

I wouldn't suggest used or outdated equipment for a child who may want to use the computer for many years.

I'd also point out that everything I've suggested is retail, not oem, and carries a good warranty.

 

Sparrow, Pete, and everyone else who posted....

Just a quick thank you for your help, suggestions, and recommendations. I will let you all know what the end result is once I get all my ducks in a row. Just gotta decide if I am ready to pour more money into a system just for him to play SIMS. This isn't "his" computer, although it was the system I was intending to have for both him and his younger sister to use as needed for the next few years. The system is adequate as is for school work, though... just not a gaming system. I'll need to put a bit more thought into this before moving ahead.

Thanks a million!
Shannon

 

No problem. I enjoy shopping. You are right about the importance of schoolwork over games; however a reasonable amount of playing is also important to help learning, especially on computers. Good luck.
Mothers are the best judges.

 

iclarius,

Sorry but the P5A is strictly an ATX board. The manual makes no mention of an AT connector, and my P5A board is ATX only. The Everest printout shows a PS/2 mouse and keyboard. An ATX/AT dual board won't have PS/2 connectors for mouse and keyboard because then it wouldn't fit correctly in an AT case.

Now, the P5A-B, which I also have, has both an AT and ATX power connector perhaps that's the board being mistaken for a P5A.

The point here is that if the case is ATX, while a larger power supply is probably warranted, it doesn't mean the case needs changing. If this case is one that serves its purpose efficiently and is visually appealing to the user, perhaps keeping it is worth considering; especially if keeping costs down is an issue.

Cheers,

ICE

 

So, can you tell me then, based on the information about the P5A which I currently have, if it's necessary for me to switch cases? I know I'll have to update the psu if I keep this case, but it would save a few extra bucks if I can keep what I'm already using. Otherwise, I will go ahead and buy a new case... just don't want to purchase anything I don't NEED to purchase!

Thanks!
Shannon

 

The P5A is a full size ATX board, so we know an ATX board fits in the space within your current case.

The only tripping point may be if you purchase a board that has onboard sound, ethernet or video. These boards normally include a backplate that you fit in the back of your case to allow access to the connectors.

If your current case doesn't have a removable backplate then you would need a board that has exactly the same connector layout as your current P5A or a new case to match whatever board you buy.

If it does have a removable backplate, then I would think a full size ATX board would fit without any issues. Some removable backplates are held by screws others simply snap in and out.

Of course, the only reason to deal with this issue is if you really like the case and wish to keep it. By far the easier route is to purchase a new case (99.5% of new cases have removable backplates) and power supply together.

I only suggest this because I got the impression you really liked your current case. If that's not so, then disregard..

P.S. have a look at both pictures here and tell us which one looks like your current motherboard.


Cheers,

ICE

 

Shen,

If you have an AT style keyboard connection, then you have the AT version of the MB. If you have a PS2 style keyobard and mouse connection, you have an ATX MB.

Even if you have an ATX case, how big is the power supply? If it is 200 or 250 watts, then it is too small for a newer MB and CPU.

A new case and Power Supply can be purchased for $40-50 and less at computer shows.

George

 

iceolated... The m/b I have is the same as the first photo on the left... definitely the P5A, not the A-B. I don't really have any specific attachment to the case currently in use, just trying to keep the costs of this rebuild as low as possible.

iclarius... the power supply in the current case is 250w. It's a large case, IMO... quite a bit larger than our Dell 8250. Whatever direction I go, I'll be limited to purchasing online due to where we live and the limited access to computer stores and shows. I'm just not completely certain what I should look for in a "good" case beyond looking at the case Sparrow recommended. Are there specific features that make one case a better choice than another, besides simple aesthetics?

Thanks!
Shannon