| Author |
Message |
seldel
Posted From: 68.54.232.201
| | Posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006 - 6:32 am: | |
My knowledge probably falls in the category of "just enough to be dangerous". But I hope to upgrade this pc myself....with your kind help.
I can get instructions for replacing parts online/at the Gateway support site.
But I need to know some basics.
This is a 4-year-old(Gateway) Intel Pentium 4, 2000 MHz 100MHz external bus.
Intel 850 chipset
It supports "up to 2GB system memory using PC600 or PC800 RDRAM".
But this type of memory upgrade is not available for a reasonable price. So the reason for the upgrade is to move to a readily available/less expensive RAM; AND- hopefully have a faster/better performing pc.
I need to know how to identify what motherboard would: a - be compatible; b-be an upgrade.
I need to know what other system changes replacing the motherboard would require.
(This system beeps twice at the Windows log in screen. From info I see online about 'beep codes', I thought it might have been "motherboard failure" or "memory failure".
But, since this is something I have noticed for a long time (months/a year), could it be just normal "post codes"....one for each hard drive?)
Thanks for your help.
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Moderator (Es)
Username: Es
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 5:20 am: | |
Any socket 478 mainboard should support that chip along with the less expensive DDR 400 pc3200 RAM (it is a good match)You will also want to get a new case with a medium to high quality power supply.
Carry the cpu and any other components from the Gateway (video card, modem, etc)and that should be all you will need other than a reload of your operating system, XP doesn't carry over from platform to platform. Don't forget to back stuff up. |
seldel
Posted From: 68.54.232.201
| | Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2006 - 7:09 am: | |
to "Moderator (Es)
thanks for your reply.
So....my selection criteria/term for this new motherboard would be "socket 478"??
And...I should be able to continue using my existing componets?
If replacing the processor along with the motherboard isn't much more expense, is that recommended? And would it change being able to continue using the exisiting components?
And, finally, would you think I'm in over my head with this project if the only other thing I've done inside a tower is installing PCI components, hard drive and memory?
thanks so much. |
Moderator (Es)
Username: Es
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 5:49 am: | |
LGA 775 Intel P4 has replaced socket 478 P4 architecture which means if you stay with Intel DDR2 memory as opposed to DDR1, PCI express instead of AGP, AMD still has a very good selection of AGP and PCI Express DDR boards in Socket 939 and Socket 754 architecture and they offer true 64bit platforms as well.
I have always been an Intel Fan, but AMD sure has come up since the socket 7 days of the K6 and K62. |
seldel
Posted From: 68.54.232.201
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 6:37 am: | |
Well, you are speaking 'greek' for as much as I understand.
I have noted the AMD literature. But what limited familiarity I have is based on Intel. I can at least gauge the cpu speed with Intel.
Of the "DDR2"/"DDR1" you mention, which is the most advanced?
And is my notion that AGP is superior to PCIexpress for graphics card in error? I'm not a gamer; but want good permformance for image and video editing and multimedia processes.
Again, I would like to actually upgrade in speed and performance for this pc rather than just a linear replacement of the motherboard.
but I don't know enough about how to select that component and stay within the smallest amount of money to be spent to do so.
And....that would require little or no replacement of other components.
thanks again for you input. |
Moderator (Es)
Username: Es
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 6:28 pm: | |
DDR2 = most advanced
PCI express is newer than AGP and is a newer more advanced standard for all (including integrated) Video.
As far as minimal cost to upgrade, stick with your 2Ghz CPU there is nothing wrong with it.
Do a search on P4 socket 478 mainboards and see who has what for sale look for AGP based boards that support DDR400 and get some DDR 400 memory.
Specific Chipsets to look for are the Intel 865 ($100) based board which is still extremely popular among the mid level boards and that board will support 1 gig sticks of ram easily. the i848 is also another option in the low cost market. ($75 to $90)
I can get into specs of each chipset but you can google each and read the reviews and choose what you need for features.
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seldel
Posted From: 68.54.232.201
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 6:47 am: | |
Thanks |
