About motherboards and CPUs

[Niflheim]

Heeey,

So I thought it was about time I switched my motherboard (Asus P4P800-E) to any motherboard that has a PCI-Express slot, because I want to buy a PCI-Express video card someday soon. I thought I could buy a PCI-Express motherboard and replug all the stuff I have on this new motheboard (my brother can do that with his eyes closed). But I wasn't sure if it would work so I went the a local computer store. The guy said that my CPU wouldn't fit on a PCI-Express card, he talked about a number of pins or I don't know. He said I'll need to buy a new CPU if I want a new motherboard. I thought it was annoying because CPU are not free so I went back home and wondered why is life so complicated.

I have a Pentium 4 3.0ghz CPU, and that's pretty much all I know about it. As I said, my current motherboard is an Asus P4P800-E AGP, so my CPU fits on that.

Is it true that I can't find a PCI-E motherboard on which my CPU would fit and that I'll need to buy a new one?
If so, what about CPUs? I never thought about shopping that, I don't know any specs or what I actually need to buy.
Oyoyoy.

Oh and a little question I have since I'm thinking about a new motherboard : how do I know if it will fit in my tower (or box or I don't know)?

Ouf, thanks.

 

[Kromis]

What??!?! Your CPU won't fit on a PCI-E card?!?!? WTF? That doesn't make sense!

Unless you are talking about a PCI-E compatible motherboard And what motherboard did you want to buy?

It's all about the pins!

Most ATX motherboards will fit in ATX cases.

Your processor is most likely Socket 478 so...

I don't think there are lots of Socket 478 motherboards with a PCI-E slot.

 

[JPB]

Here is a list of socket 478 boards with PCI-e... Granted only 2 boards, but still either one will fit in your case, since their both Micro ATX. If you want a different board, you may need to buy another cpu. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...ption=&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=

 

[Niflheim]

Oh yes, PCI-E compatible, that's what I meant hihihi
So about the pins eh. Damned pins.

Then you say that with that card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130539R (which is the cheapest hihi), I could keep my P4 3.0ghz CPU, I would have PCI-Express and it would fit in my case? That would be most wonderful, since I dont intend to buy a new CPU I think I can keep my 3ghz a little longer.

 

[JPB]

Yes, I can assure you it will fit in your case. How tall is your case in inches ? Since you don't seem to know if is a mid or micro. But sometimes you have to be careful when buying open box items. I don't think they come with anything, and the like's. And sometimes can be hard to track down necessary drivers and such, chipset, audio, ethernet, video if applicable etc :... Maybe someone can add a reply that has experience with open box. But yea, IF your cpu is a socket 478, then it will work.

 

[JPB]

Oh, you can download Everest Ultimate ( trial ) and make sure its socket 478 if you want.

 

[Niflheim]

Yesss.
Oh it's 16 inches tall. And how do I know for sure what socket is my CPU?
And darghh, Newegg doesn't ship to Canada, so I guess I won't have to worry about the open box. That stinks though. I hope I can find that card somewhere else, oyoyoy.


Oh yep, Everest says : 478 Pin uPGA.

 

[JPB]

Try Froogle search for MSI 915GM

 

[Niflheim]

Oh yeah, I'll surely find one.
Hey thank you so much! For the amazing information and help and the lightspeed answers Now I know what I'm looking for and won't need another CPU hihi.

Thanks again