I need help with a big upgrade

[GMFarmer]

I havent upgrade my pc in about 4 years and decided its time for a upgrade, right now I have a Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz 2405.3, 1.5GB DDR, GeForce 7600 GS AGP 8x 512 MB, and my motherboard is a ASUS P4P800-E Deluxe.

I'm planning on upgrading my processor, to this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819116027
my memory to this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231032
and I have yet to find a power supply.

Now looking at my MB, will be processor function normally with it and perform nicely?
As for my memory, there are 4 slots and I want 1 set which would make it 3.5GB, would it work with the 1.5 ithout any problems and perform nice or do they have to have the same CAS? will it give problems to my processor?

As for the power supply, I really dont know what to get, right now the one I have has a max output of 450W, but everytime I restart my PC it says that my video card doesnt have enough power from the power supply, thus it lowers its performance, so I'm guessing I need more power, shall I get something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817341002
and if yes, how do I know it'll fit in my pc tower?

thanks and any advice is greatly appreciated, I just dont want to screw this up, its a xmas present from my family and they want all the pieces to work fine without a new MB. thanks again

 

[mechBgon]

Welcome to the Forums I looked at the Asus CPU Support chart for the P4P800-E Deluxe and it looks like it supports that CPU if you've got BIOS revision 1003 or later. The sticker stuck to the BIOS chip (in a little socket similar to this :camera:) will show the BIOS version that the board shipped with, so if that's at least 1003, you're definitely OK. If it has an earlier revision listed on the sticker, then look at the POST screen to see if it's been updated, and update it if necessary (assuming you have a working CPU for it already).

From my indirect experience with the P4P800 family, I would try to avoid loading it up with mixed RAM if you can find some other solution. Updating to the latest BIOS may help with stability. These Crucial modules are a pretty safe bet, and also cost less per pair. Maybe you could sell the other modules and get four of these.

Regarding the power supply & video card issue: what brand and model is the power supply it has now (the label should say), and what video card is it?

 

[robisbell]

I'd do more research I'm not seeing those sticks being compatible with that old board.
Kingston has a set that is compatible and $20 less than the ones you picked.

http://www.ec.kingston.com/eco...rtno=KVR400X64C3AK2/2G

as for the PSU, you may want to look at a good, dependable 500 to 550 watt PSU.

 

[gtechie]

As far as the power for the video card, did you also plug in another 4pin power connector to it? After looking at a couple of 7600GS 512mb AGP video cards at newegg, they all look like they have a power connector on the card that you need to connect another power connector to.

As far as your ram speed is concerned, your overall ram speed will be limited to the slowest ram you have in your system. So, it's best to get the same brand and same size ram as the ones you already have and there's no point in getting faster ram.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

I don't mean to thread-crap, but I question the value of going from a 2.4 Ghz P4 to a 3 Ghz P4 and adding more RAM to an outdated architecture. Especially at a total cost of over $350 (including the PSU). I don't think it will offer much of a performance increase, and it's certainly not a good value.

BTW, that PSU is great (I have the 600W version), but it's overkill for the OP's system. An Antec Earthwatts would do the job, and for half the price.

From the other threads I have read here (esp. General Hardware), it sounds like a better idea is to get a new, inexpensive mobo that supports either a Core 2 Duo or Athlon X2 (or even a combo mobo and CPU), some cheap DDR2 RAM, and a cheaper PCI-E graphics card. Even if it means waiting to save up enough cash. Why pay a price premium on older technology?

 

[gtechie]

I somewhat agree with InflatableBuddha. Excluding a monitor, you can get a new core 2 duo computer for around $600-$700 from most vendors. Basically, for that price, you should be able to get Core 2 Duo, PCI-E video card, DDR2 ram, and so forth. Newer and faster technology basically.

Anyway, it's your choice to upgrade or save up for a new pc, but we just wanted to let you know your options basically. On second thought, a new pc may not be an option since I just re-read that the parts will be a xmas present for you.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: gtechie
I somewhat agree with InflatableBuddha. Excluding a monitor, you can get a new core 2 duo computer for around $600-$700 from most vendors. Basically, for that price, you should be able to get Core 2 Duo, PCI-E video card, DDR2 ram, and so forth. Newer and faster technology basically.

Anyway, it's your choice to upgrade or save up for a new pc, but we just wanted to let you know your options basically. On second thought, a new pc may not be an option since I just re-read that the parts will be a xmas present for you.

I agree that some new PCs are pretty cheap (good value) right now, but like you said, the OP already has a monitor and he's not looking for a new PC.

Another option - he can keep his case and fans, (and possibly hard drives and optical drives) and just put the new mobo/CPU/RAM/video card in the case. From the outside, it will look identical.

@OP - what do you use your computer for, and what is your budget?

 

[GMFarmer]

mechBgon, I had my power supply model written somewhere, let me see if I can find it, btw if this helps the measurements of it are H:3.3 W:5.8 D:5.7 and there plenty of space in the D and some H.

I'm going to buy the same brand and size of RAM like all of you recommended, the only questions I have its what is the difference in 2 CAS latency to 3 CAS? Is there a advantage or just a number.

I'll make sure to update my BIOS but I'm just worried since the website says theres some risk in doing so, what are the odds?

and I should get a PSU in between 500-600W not a 700W since it'd be a waste right?


one last question when I'm set, get the processor, BIOS updated, RAM ready to install and PSU in which order should I do it? Should I do the processor first, make sure everthing runs right? then shutdown, install the RAM, run the PC make sure its ok and then the PSU? How should I do it and do I have to back-up any of my data because of changing the processor? Will I loose anything? thanks.

InflatableBuddha, I use my PC for everything, surfing, reading, watching vids, music, school and high-end gaming, but it has been getting slow and slower recently, so I came up with the idea of a xmas upgrade. my budget its basically $300-400

BTW should I get one of those multi USB ports that will expand it to +4 making a total of 7-8 since I basically use all of them or is it a bad idea?

 

[mechBgon]

First check that power cable that gtechie mentioned.

If your PSU is a good-quality 450W, it should handle your proposed system OK as long as it's not crammed in a cupboard where it heats up. If you want a new PSU, this one would be a safe bet. ATX PSUs should be size-interchangeable.

If this will be the first time you deal with Socket478 Pentium4 removal & installation, this page may help.

If it were me, I'd start with backing up important data, then update the BIOS, then plunk in the new CPU (and PSU if you're getting one), make sure that works, then install the new RAM. That could be enough changes in hardware to make Windows want to be re-activated, which is fine... just go ahead and try the online method, then use the phone method if necessary.

Your motherboard has additional USB headers on the motherboard :camera: that you can connect extra outlets to. Asus should've included some of those outlet plates with the motherboard.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Excellent PSU recommendation by mechBgon. Of course, stick with your current one if it's enough for your new video card, since you're on a tight budget.

It looks like you'll be sticking with the same mobo, so the 3.0Ghz P4 will be a good upgrade.

For the video card, I would recommend the X1950 Pro. It's over double the performance of your 7600 GS. Again, pay attention to the recommended PSU specs. You can't really go much lower for new titles without sacrificing details and framerates.

Lastly, the DDR. Again, mechBgon made a great recommendation. However, 4 GB of that eats up $200, which is half your budget. You could drop it to 3GB or 2GB and still get really good results.

This setup will cover you for most games (except Crysis), as long as they aren't really dependent on multi-core processors (ie RTS games). So you should be ok for a bit.

You'll be set for your other tasks - vids, schoolwork, surfing, music, etc. You'll have enough RAM to keep a bunch of programs open; just don't have them all running and try to game at the same time. You'll choke your CPU.



Your mobo supports 8 USB ports, so you'd have some at the back directly on the board, and then you can run a connector to your front or top of your case for the other ports. Does that work for your case? Edit: Once again, mechBgon has it covered ^^.

 

[GMFarmer]

InflatableBuddha, that X1950 Pro looks like a sweet video card, I didnt know mine had such low clocking etc in difference to it, I would have bought it if I knew, I'll make sure I'll keep that in mind, prolly for my next upgrade. BTW think with this upgrade i'm doing right now that I might be able to play Gears on it?
Thanks everyone

 

[GMFarmer]

OK this is what I've made up my mind in buying:

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...aspx...N82E16819116027

RAM: one set of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/...aspx...N82E16820141308
and one of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/...asp?...N82E16820141307

PSU: I might prolly get this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/...aspx...N82E16817341002

one quick quest on the ram, even tho they look and have the same specs. the single one has a different model number, it doesnt matter right?

another one, will I have to re-install my OS if I upgrade any of this? I am missing some of my OS disks and numbers, so taht'll be a problem.

thanks for your support and I'll defenetly upgrade my whole system next time for better options

 

[mechBgon]

For your motherboard, you want either one, two or four memory modules, but three probably won't work, and would deprive you of dual-channel performance even if it did. If you'd like to end up at 3GB of RAM total, then make it one pair of the 1GB modules plus one pair of 512's.

If you do get one pair of 1GB and one pair of 512MB, put the 1GB modules in the slots marked DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1, and the 512's in the other two slots, and that should get you dual-channel operation.

It is quite possible that the hardware changes will make Windows uncertain as to whether it's on the same computer it used to be on, so you might need to re-activate Windows. You can try the online activation and then use the phone-in method if necessary. Tell them you upgraded some parts and added some RAM and then it needed reactivation. Reactivation would not require your Windows disc or your license key.

 

[GMFarmer]

mechBgon, I was looking at your installation guide, everything looks ok but was wondering if the TIM (Thermal Interface Material) was actually needed for my instalation or not since I dont have it or if I can use anything else to replace it, or if i can find it at a common local store etc? thanks

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: GMFarmer
mechBgon, I was looking at your installation guide, everything looks ok but was wondering if the TIM (Thermal Interface Material) was actually needed for my instalation or not since I dont have it or if I can use anything else to replace it, or if i can find it at a common local store etc? thanks

Yeah, the TIM is very important. Local computer stores will carry it :thumbsup:

 

[GMFarmer]

I'd like to say that my upgrade went sucessful. My problems with the video card stopped for a day, then it started again. I'm about the get rid of it and get a new one.

So what should I do? should I sell my current video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/...%2bAGP%2b8x%2b512%2bMB ? Where can I sell this for some good funding and fast? and should I get the previous one recommended by InflatableBuddha? the X1950 Pro?

thanks