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Disregard this forum

Upgrade the RAM to at least 1GB, probably best if you install it in pairs, your board may be able to run memory in dual channel mode.
Upgrade the graphics card to a 7800GS (AGP), the best card on the market for AGP slots.

Anything better will require a new motherboard and processor.
 
If thats a generic power supply, considering upgrading it.
Ram needs to be 1 or 2gb
OC that p4
7800gs...or if you dont wanna spend that much, x850xt can be had for pretty cheap now
 
The 7800gs is a very decent graphics card...but..Im not real hot on a $275-$300 graphics card on a EOL graphics platform. As far as AMD vs. Intel for gaming...its all in the eyes of the beholder...AMD probably has a slight advantage but not enough to get histerical about. If you are serious about a processor/motherboard upgrade I think I would be looking at the AMD socket AM2 series. Check out Newegg.com for the various AM2 processors and motherboards. Something in the 3800+ category is under $150 and a decent AM2 motherboard can be had for under $100. Then with a new mobo you would go with PCIe for graphics ...and for the same money as the 7800gs agp card you get a 7900gt pcie card. Stay away from high end SLI motherboards on your budget and stick with your plan for 2 gb of ram (AM2 uses DDR2). Do not fail to upgrade your Powersupply if you go this route! Dont cheap out on the powersupply. In summary:

AMD AM2 3800+
Asus or MSI AM2 mobo
7900 gt pcie graphics
2 gb (2x1gb) DDR2 Dual channel set ram (brand name) not generic
500 watt +/- well rated power supply (enermax/fortron) dont cheap out..you could regret it.

This can be done for under $1000
 
"pile of junk" is a little extreme in my mind for a nice setup like you describe. Put more ram in it and give it another video card would be good upgrades for you. And that will run dual channel so give it a bunch in a pair.
 
More memory and new video card are the way to go. I am not fond of OC'ing NetBurst CPUs. They are hot and power-hungry enough in stock form.
 
i'd go for 2gb ram and a much better video card, a 2.8ghz isnt bad at all for a processor. shoot for 1k you can build almost a whole new system.
 
Originally posted by: ILikeElfenLied
How about this motherboard? http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16813130050
With this CPU?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103631
Please reply with your thoughts. Thanks. Shuold I get a fan for the MoBo?
Click to expand...

Those are both perfectly acceptable selections. Ya, somebodys gonna recommend something different, but, those parts are fine. Stay away for water cooling, it is not required or needed. Overclocking is only for the enthusiast or foolhardy rookie. Todays platforms offer more than adequate performance with the proper selection of parts without venturing into overclocking. Remember...2gb of DDR2(2x1gb) and a quality Power supply. No fan is required for the motherboard itself. The retail version of the processor you are considering has a Heatsink and fan included that are perfectly adequate. Insure your case has has adequate ventilation for cooling.
 
Originally posted by: ILikeElfenLied
Does this case have enough cooling?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154
Its kinda expensive.... not sure why. If you know please tell me. Thanks.
Found a MoBo + CPU bundle and was wondering if its worth the money. Check it out.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications...asp?EdpNo=1908180&sku=MBM-A8NSLIU-3800
Click to expand...

That case is a waste of money..just paying for bells and whistles. Look at this one..much less and decent in construction and includes a 120mm exhaust fan and 80 intake fan.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119077

The tiger direct combo is in excess for your needs and tiger direct doesnt have good pricing on motherboards and processors. The SLI motherboard is not needed since you dont plan a sli configuration. I suggest you stay with the AMD AM2 3800+ and the MSI motherboard you had prviously looked at. Save you money and invest in good power supply.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194003

Stay focused on you needs and requirements...not your wants and flashy parts! Invest your upgrade money wisely.
 
Originally posted by: ILikeElfenLied
Does my video card need to be compatible with my motherboard? or does it not matter?
Click to expand...

It needs to be compatible on the basis of the video interface. Any new motherboard you select for this upgrade will have PCIe for graphics...thus..you need to buy a PCIe graphics card. I had previously recommended a 7900gt based upon your budget ...its in the $275 range.
 
Originally posted by: ILikeElfenLied
Does my video card need to be compatible with my motherboard? or does it not matter?
Click to expand...

This would be a good choice graphics card in the 250-$300 price range. I like it because..1. Leaktek has been a leader in graphics cards for years..2. its made to nvidia's reference design specs for memory and core speeds. Many 7900gt's avail are not to reference design specs...they overclock them to try to snag more market attention and in many cases it results in unhappy customers owning cards that attifact and act spooky. Design specs are established for a reason when venturing beyond specs..you take your chances and should not complain.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122244
 
Yes...the epox board has 8 channel 7.1 sound integrated. Unless you are a real sound "freak" it would probably be fine for your use. You say you have everything!! Does that mean you already have the processor? If so..the board and processor "must" be properly match for it to work...the epox board is a AMD AM2 board...you must have a AMD AM2 processor for it..along with DDR2 memory. Here are a couple of links for powersupplies that are good quality and will provide ample power.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817194003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104934

As far as Hard Drives go...there are bargins galor. As cheap as they are today..get nothing less than 120 gb and they are cheap all the way up to around 250 gb. These Seagate drives are a good deal.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148039
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822154413



A closing question...have you ever built a system up before? If you havent yet ordered your parts...I would suggest one final parts list review before you push the button to order to make sure you have all your ducks in a row.
 
Originally posted by: ILikeElfenLied
Heres a hard drive that looks good, but I need a veterans opinion.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822148103
This one has alot more space for a decent price, but its western digital...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144392
Is 500 watts enough? I wouldnt want to put this computer together and realize that its not enough... If you want Ill list every part im going to buy so you can make sure Im not forgetting something, and yes, this is the first computer I would build. Im still a little freaked out about how to put it together...
Click to expand...

The 160gb Seagate would be plenty...wester digital is ok also if u want to spend the extra money. The drives that I had recommended where SATA drives..the drives you selected are IDE drives, but it doesnt make that much difference. Also remember with XP you need SP2 to get capicity beyond 137gb. Yes 500 watts should be sufficient fo this system.
After this long thread..my hands are even a little clamy over you building your first system. It would be nice if you had someone you trusted that has some experience at this to guide you along. This isnt rocket science...but...use common sense and take your time and read all instructions very carefully. If you are not sure about something..stop...until you get the right answer.
 
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