How would I switch out a motherboard?!?!?

[Ryan]

I have an old Gateway G6-266, and I wanna change my motherboard/processor to a Duron one. I currently have a pII-266 processor. How hard would it be to install? Could I just switch the board/processor and it would my computer start normally? Are there any good sites to help me with this. Thanx!

 

[snow patrol]

Well it depends. I'm not sure, but it's quite possible that your existing case will not be in ATX format and will have a fairly lame power supply. If you're wanting to upgrade to a duron based system, you'll need a new case realistically. You'll also need new RAM, as I very much doubt the RAM in your current machine will be up to scratch. In fact, I doubt if any of the components in your current machine will be worth keeping really

Sorry to put a downer on things, but I'm just trying to tell it like it is. You'd seriously be better off building a new system from scratch.

 

[Ryan]

That's what I was thinking too. I just wonted to know if there was any way to salvage what I have. I was looking into a new system too. Thanx!

 

[snow patrol]

No problems. BTW - just post on this forum when you're looking for advice on specific components for any new system you may be considering. I always find that there are a hell of a lot of extremely helpful people on this site who will give you all the advice you need.

Good luck

 

[Ryan]

Thanks! I just discovered this site, and I am book marking it! Hmm, i am also thinking of just taking a crappy Celeron cpu and finding a slot adapter then replacing my PII-266 with it. Do you think there will be much of performance gain? I am running Win2K with 64mb ram. I would be upgrading my ram, of course. Whad to yall think?

 

[Impact55]

I'd save that money for a brand new system with MSI K7T Pro2 and a Duron 700 mhz. check out mwave.com for some great deals .

 

[novice]

What they said about junking your old system may not be completely necessary. You could simply order a motherboard/cpu bundle from somewhere like mwave.com (I just ordered a MSI-6309 and Celeron 600 for $171), add an Enlight 7237 case for $47 (250W) or $62 (300W) and then throw your peripherals in there (ram, hard drive, floppy, CD-Rom) keep your existing mouse, keyboard, speakers, monitor, etc. That is basically what I am doing because I have severe budgetary constraints. Not sure if you have integrated sound and or video in your gateway, but there are cheap options for those as well. You should be able to find a sound card for around $30 or less, (and the MSI-6309 does offer built in sound, but I prefer the 3D sound affects) and Bestbuy currently has voodoo 3 3000 video cards for $79.99 and the V3 2000 PCI for $69.99. These are all (IMHO) bang for the buck bargains, and for some of us they are necessities ! I am just trying to decide now whether or not to spring for a Geforce 2 MX video card or just go for the reliable, fast for the $ Voodoo 3 3000 ( I already have 2 Voodoo 3 3000 PCI cards in two of my other machines, and have been very happy with their performance/dollar ratio).
Anyway, good luck whichever way you decide to go and come back often and let us know how it goes. I know I have learned a ton from the good people on this board as well as Hardwarehottalk.com.
Chuck

 

[snow patrol]

Well, I wasn't really recommending that he got rid of everything, but I think the only things he'll be able to keep are the mouse/keyboard/hard disk/cd rom. The RAM is probably PC66 which isn't the best type for the DURON. Also, the hard disk is probably pretty slow as is probably the case with the CD ROM drive. I just reckon that it'd be best to spec out a completely new system. If you're on a tight budget, the DURON is an excellent choice as well.