Where do I start when replacing computer components?

Question

I know some about computers but not a whole lot so I was looking for someone else's thoughts here. I have an Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz processor, a RADEON X300 SE 128MB HyperMemory video card and I'm currently running on Windows XP (Which has a corrupt system32 file). I like to play games and the lag is kind of bothering me and also I just want everything to run more smoothly online and with everyday functions. I'm not sure what the motherboard is exactly, I know it's convenient to know this. So I just want to know where to start and what would be the best plan.

Answer 1

The motherboard is the large circuit board in your case that connects everything else together, including the processor, memory, video card(s), storage media, etc. Since you're looking to upgrade your Pentium 4-based system, which probably uses Socket 478, you'll really need to get at least the following new components:



- Motherboard

- Processor

- Memory

- Video card

- Power supply (probably)



You may be able to keep some things, like your hard disk(s), DVD drives, monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse, and maybe even your case.



You'll want to choose a processor and motherboard that are compatible with one another, meaning they use the same processor socket and the particular processor is supported by the motherboard. I recommend getting a processor from Intel's Sandy Bridge series of processors, such as the Core i5-2500K or Core i7-2600K (or, if you're on a tight budget, the Core i3-2100), which use the LGA 1155 socket. I'd recommend a motherboard that has an LGA 1155 socket and uses Intel's latest chipset, called Z68. Some good ones are listed below.



As for memory, you'll want at least 4GB, but preferably 8GB (so you won't need to upgrade again soon) of DDR3 RAM (your current motherboard probably uses the very old DDR type of RAM), and you'll want to get it as a matched set of two 2GB or 4GB modules (referred to as 2 x 2GB or 2 x 4GB). I've listed a couple sets below that are on the Qualified Vendors List (QVL) of the motherboards listed, so they're guaranteed to be compatible.



Regarding video cards, you'll want to get one that uses the PCI Express 2.0/2.1 x16 interface, as your current card probably uses the old AGP interface. Any of the motherboards that support the processors I mentioned will have at least one PCI Express 2.0/2.1 x16 slot, if not two or three. I recommend either the Nvidia GTX 460 1GB as an entry-level but very good card, or the GTX 560 Ti as a step up. The high end would be something like a GTX 580 or an AMD Radeon 6970.



I said you'd probably need to replace your power supply because back in Pentium 4 days, a 280-350W power supply was sufficient for the hardware of the time. These days, the absolute minimum would be a 500W power supply if you're using a very basic video card, but for most gaming cards, you'll need at least 750W. I recommend Corsair's TX V2 series of power supplies.



If your case isn't a proprietary case from Dell or HP or some other maker, you may be able to use it for your new system; if it is, though, you'll probably want a new case as well. Cooler Master's HAF series (especially the 922, 932, and X) of cases are great, and Antec makes some really nice ones, too, like the Three Hundred Illusion, the Nine Hundred, and the Twelve Hundred. There are also cheaper cases, like the HAF 912 or the Antec Two Hundred, that would do nicely as well.



On top of all that, to take advantage of your 4-8GB of RAM, you'll need a 64-bit operating system that will run the latest games, such as Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate 64-bit.



If you have further questions, add them to your question and I'll do my best to answer them.



Good luck! :-)



PROCESSORS

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%2050001157%20600095610%20600005686&IsNodeId=1&name=3.0GHz%20and%20higher



MOTHERBOARDS

Asus P8Z68-V ($179.99):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131729



Gigabyte GA-Z68A-D3H-B3 ($129.99):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128502



POWER SUPPLIES

Corsair's TX V2 series, in 650W, 750W, and 850W models (I'd recommend at least the 750W):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=Corsair+TX+V2&x=0&y=0



CASES

Cooler Master HAF series:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=Cooler+Master+HAF&x=0&y=0



Antec "Hundred" series:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&Description=Antec%20Hundred&bop=And&Order=RATING&PageSize=20



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UPDATE: For some reason, Yahoo! Answers has decreased the allowable length of answers and number of sources, so I can't provide links to all the parts I mentioned. WTF, Yahoo!?

Answer 2

Frankly, something that old would cost more to "upgrade" Than just getting or building a new machine. To use a better processor you need a newer mother board, with newer ram, and defiantly a better video card. Your pick ups are probably IDE while the better, faster equipment is SATA. You could go for a better video card but you may need a new more powerful PSU to run it. You probably have 1GB or less of DDR2 ram...it would help if you had more. DDR2 ram is now more expensive than DDR3! You could try your hand at building a machine. Check out Maximum PC, August issue, page 25-33. Nice article for a good moderate machine that can play games and be right up there close to the big boys! I have built a few just for kicks and giggles taken right from the Maximum PC article's and they are excellent Even surprised me!

Answer 3

Seriously, the best way to upgrade your computer is actually to not upgrade it as it's a pretty old system which even considerably upgraded the cost/performance ratio wouldn't be worth it. Getting a new computer wouldn't need to be pricey, you can easily get a computer ten times better than your current one for as little as $300, but for a decent gaming capable rig you should consider a higher budget, something of at least $600 at the very minimum (these price tags are considered as being yourself buying the parts and assembling them together).



If getting a new system is out of the question then you could try upgrading the video card, adding some extra RAM and even upgrading the processor to something better, considering both the capabilities of the motherboard and power supply.



Cheers,

Vatanan.

Answer 4

You have the exact same build as me! :D I encounter these problems a lot but my computer got 100 trojan virus at once and a root virus :(. Send the computer through disc checking and see if it takes care of the problem. If there is any suspicion of physical damage open the case and make shure nothing is bent or disconnected. (mines been dropped too by the guy who rebuilt it :c ) The lag is really since it is a little old, but games like TF2, counter strike and Left for dead play very well on mine, and so does minecraft. Your operating system is 32 bit so it only recognizes 2 gigs of ram max and you probably only have 1 gig based on my knowledge of my build. I'm getting a new computer but that's only because mine is a virus prostitute and is giving me scripting errors in things like java, adobe reader, and in windows xp. If you want to play new games you might need an up grade.

Answer 5

You should first take out the graphics card usually you can just take it out and some have a cable attached so make sure to plug it out. Then take of the CPU cooler it looks like a big block. Take off the thermal paste and carefully take out the CPU and put the new one in. Then apply new thermal paste and put the cooler back on. Then put in the new graphics card in the slot where the old one was and if it needs a Pcie cable plug it carefully in so you don't damage the pins. Then just close the computer case and install the drivers and you can use the new parts.