Newbie: Need to Upgrade Dell 8200

[DNyholm]

I have an older Dell 8200, 2.4 Ghz, 768 MB RDRAM (Unfortunately since is it way too expensive to upgrade this), old Nvidia graphics card (not PCIexpress or AGP either).

I was thinking of taking out the motherboard and chipset and replacing it with a new motherboard, CPU, and video card and picking up some new memory. I have no idea where i really want to start. I basically just use the computer for Everquest 2 and World Of Warcraft, along with standard stuff like surfing the net, etc... A buddy of mine was telling me about all the duo core processors, but also mentioned that if the game you a re playing doesn't support them, you are basically only using 1/2 of the processor??

Or. should I just start over with a new case etc.. and be better off that way??

Would someone mind giving me some GENERAL direction on this as far as which motorboard I might want to consider along with some processors and memory. I figure I want to go relatively quick (3.0 ghz) since i won't upgrade for another 2-4 years unless something drastically changes. For the first scenario, I'd like to spend under $500 including about 2 GB Ram (assuming PC800 will be enough?). Also, it seems the video cards change everyday, so I'm thinking it might just be worth it to get a decent PCIexpress card now and then maybe upgrade to a better card as my game choices change and it becomes a need.

Thank you for all the help.
Dennis

 

[SuperNaruto]

core 2 duo are just faster processor due to new architecture, i had a 8200 before.. better off selling it and buying a new system...

 

[Twsmit]

Start over and scrap the entire computer/sell it off. You have an ancient P4 system with RDRAM and AGP, there is no reason to upgrade the motherboard while still having that CPU and video card.

Look into a Athlon 64 or Athlon X2 system, go with 2GB DDR2, and a nvidia chipset motherboard.

CPU- $75
mobo- $70
ram- $150
Video- $200
PSU- $65

That puts you a little over budget, but essentially this is what you will want. Moderate CPU, solid budget motherboard, solid ram, midrange video and a solid PSU.

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: DNyholm
I have an older Dell 8200, 2.4 Ghz, 768 MB RDRAM (Unfortunately since is it way too expensive to upgrade this), old Nvidia graphics card (not PCIexpress or AGP either).

I was thinking of taking out the motherboard and chipset and replacing it with a new motherboard, CPU, and video card and picking up some new memory. I have no idea where i really want to start. I basically just use the computer for Everquest 2 and World Of Warcraft, along with standard stuff like surfing the net, etc... A buddy of mine was telling me about all the duo core processors, but also mentioned that if the game you a re playing doesn't support them, you are basically only using 1/2 of the processor??

Or. should I just start over with a new case etc.. and be better off that way??

Would someone mind giving me some GENERAL direction on this as far as which motorboard I might want to consider along with some processors and memory. I figure I want to go relatively quick (3.0 ghz) since i won't upgrade for another 2-4 years unless something drastically changes. For the first scenario, I'd like to spend under $500 including about 2 GB Ram (assuming PC800 will be enough?). Also, it seems the video cards change everyday, so I'm thinking it might just be worth it to get a decent PCIexpress card now and then maybe upgrade to a better card as my game choices change and it becomes a need.

Thank you for all the help.
Dennis

Here's some general prices of hardware that is popular now:
Mobo: Gigabyte S3 - $108
CPU: Intel C2D E6300 - $190
RAM: 2 GB PC6400 - $210
Video Card: Midrange - $200 - $250

One drawback to the mobo's that are out now is that they only have one IDE port. Meaning you can only hook up 2 devices. If you have 2 optical drives and 1 hard drive, you will most likely need to pick up a new hard drive that is SATA.

Hard Drive: 320GB Sata - $90

And your current power supply won't run all of this new hardware. You will need a new one of those too.

PSU: 500W - $80

Now this is really a general price guide. If you wanted to go even further into the budget category, you could do so with some more research and piece together something else. What I listed above seems to be the general build most users have gone with recentley. At least from what's been posted in this forum.

I think your best option would be to completely build a new system. You won't be able to go too far with upgrades on your dell. You could maybe sell your current rig on craigslist to help offset the costs.

 

[SuperNaruto]

Dont forget case

Also you can wait for the e4300s

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: SuperNaruto
Dont forget case

Also you can wait for the e4300s

Yes, good tip! The E4300 will be a very good buy in the coming months.

And as far as a case goes, you can find a decent one for <$50.

 

[DNyholm]

Wow, thank you all for such quick replies. Looks like i have a lot of research to do.

The reason I was saying about upgrading the dell was to basically use it's case and powersupply. Iwould change out the mobo/gpu/memory/chip but keep everything else. Honestly, the case is kinda nice and I believe it has a 350 watt power supply.

I was also looking at building a tivo type computer for the livingroom, so maybe i'll just use the Dell for that and start fresh here.

Argh, the choices!!

 

[mcurphy]

Originally posted by: DNyholm
Wow, thank you all for such quick replies. Looks like i have a lot of research to do.

The reason I was saying about upgrading the dell was to basically use it's case and powersupply. Iwould change out the mobo/gpu/memory/chip but keep everything else. Honestly, the case is kinda nice and I believe it has a 350 watt power supply.

I was also looking at building a tivo type computer for the livingroom, so maybe i'll just use the Dell for that and start fresh here.

Argh, the choices!!

You probably really want to look at new power supply. The new mobo's have a 24 pin connector, vs the 20 pin on your current PSU. I think you can get an adapter, but IMHO you are better off getting a new one. Get a good quality PSU that you know won't fail for your new expensive components.

Here's a cheap one ($69) that has really high recommendations and great reviews: Enahnce 5150GH

 

[PCNerdDude]

i see you were thinking about reusing the case.

Forget it.

Dell uses a proprietary mounting system (looks like ATX, but it really isn't). Also, your Power Supply (if i remember correctly) is proprietary. Just follow the other advice given here. New case/mobo/graphics/memory etc.