old motherboard. Need suggestions on new ram and gfx

[bradismad]

I have an ASUS A8N-E mobo. I've really lost touch with the hardware world over the years and dont know whats compatible anymore.

What I ask for is, considering my mobo's old age, what is the best RAM (2gig) and graphics card I can run compatibly with this machine?

Thanks

Here's some of my dxdiag

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 12/11/2011, 20:09:50
Machine name: SUP
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.101209-1647)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 4000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.4GHz
Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 765MB used, 1694MB available
Windows Dir: CWINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7800 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0092&SUBSYS_C5173842&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0012.8558 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 4226688 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VD n/a
Mini VD nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 12791488 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-43D2-11CF-9C7A-1BE500C2CB35}
Vendor I 0x10DE
Device I 0x0092
SubSys I 0xC5173842
Revision I0x00A1
Revision I 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0059&SUBSYS_812A1043&REV_A2
Manufacturer I 1
Product I 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5750 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 11/17/2004 03:05:38, 2297664 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 100, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 25, 24
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 25, 24
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5750 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 11/17/2004 03:05:38, 2297664 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x41
Format Flags: 0xFFF

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: CWINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
MPU-401, Hardware (Kernel Mode), Input, No DLS, External
MPU-401, Hardware (Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, External
Realtek AC97 Audio, Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
MPU-401 [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, External
MPU-401 [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Input, No DLS, External
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller I n/a
Vendor/Product I n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller I n/a
Vendor/Product n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product I 0x10DE, 0x005A
| Matching Device I usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 10:45:37, 59520 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/4/2004 04:00:00, 4736 bytes
|
+-+ Logitech USB MX510 Optical Mouse
| | Vendor/Product I 0x046D, 0xC01D
| | Location: USB-PS/2 Optical Mouse
| | Matching Device I usb\vid_046d&pid_c01d
| | Service: LHidUsb
| | Driver: LHidUsb.sys, 12/11/2003 01:50:00, 37916 bytes
| |
| +-+ HID-compliant MX510 Optical Mouse
| | | Vendor/Product I 0x046D, 0xC01D
| | | Matching Device I hid\vid_046d&pid_c01d
| | | Upper Filters: LMouFlt2
| | | Lower Filters: LHidFlt2
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 8/17/2001 13:48:00, 12160 bytes
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 10:39:47, 23040 bytes
| | | Driver: LHidFlt2.Sys, 12/11/2003 01:50:00, 25630 bytes
| | | Driver: LMouFlt2.Sys, 12/11/2003 01:50:00, 70894 bytes
| | | Driver: Logi_MwX.Exe, 12/11/2003 01:50:00, 20992 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
+ PCI bus
| Matching Device I *pnp0a03
| Service: pci
| Driver: pci.sys, 4/13/2008 10:36:44, 68224 bytes
|
+-+ Standard Game Port
| | Matching Device I *pnpb02f
| | Service: gameenum
| | Driver: gameenum.sys, 4/13/2008 10:45:29, 10624 bytes

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device I *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 4/13/2008 11:18:00, 52480 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 10:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device I root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 16:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 10:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device I root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 16:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 10:39:47, 23040 bytes

----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Local Area Connection - IPv4 -

-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s

-------------------------
DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps
-------------------------

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 48.8 GB
Total Space: 70.9 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: WDC WD740GD-00FLC0

Drive:
Model: SONY DVD-ROM DDU1615
Driver: cwindows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:40:46, 62976 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
Name: Multimedia Audio Controller
Device I PCI\VEN_1102&DEV_0005&SUBSYS_00211102&REV_00\4&13699180&0&4048
Driver: n/a

Name: NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GT
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0092&SUBSYS_C5173842&REV_A1\4&243D7BD0&0&0070
Driver: CProgram Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Drs\dbInstaller.exe, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 175104 bytes
Driver: CProgram Files\NVIDIA Corporation\Drs\nvdrsdb.bin, 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 285176 bytes
Driver: CProgram Files\NVIDIA Corporation\license.txt, 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 15511 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\nv4_mini.sys, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 12791488 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\OpenCL.dll, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 65536 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nv4_disp.dll, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 4226688 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvapi.dll, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 2449408 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvcompiler.dll, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 17240064 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvcuda.dll, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 5595136 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvcuvenc.dll, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 2099520 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvcuvid.dll, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 2398016 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvdata.data, 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 2130002 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvinfo.pb, 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 3250 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvoglnt.dll, 6.14.0012.8558 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 17956864 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvdispco32.dll, 2.00.0018.0000 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 919872 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\nvgenco32.dll, 2.00.0013.0000 (English), 10/7/2011 20:50:00, 877376 bytes

Name: nForce4 HyperTransport Bridge
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005E&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&00
Driver: n/a

Name: nForce4 PCI-Express Root Port
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&70
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:36:44, 68224 bytes

Name: nForce4 PCI-Express Root Port
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&68
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:36:44, 68224 bytes

Name: nForce4 PCI-Express Root Port
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&60
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:36:44, 68224 bytes

Name: nForce4 PCI-Express Root Port
Device PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005D&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&58
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:36:44, 68224 bytes

Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005C&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_A2\3&2411E6FE&0&48
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:36:44, 68224 bytes

Name: Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005B&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_A3\3&2411E6FE&0&11
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbehci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:45:35, 30208 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:45:36, 143872 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\usbui.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 16:12:08, 74240 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:45:37, 59520 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\hccoin.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 16:11:54, 7168 bytes

Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_005A&SUBSYS_815A1043&REV_A2\3&2411E6FE&0&10
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:45:35, 17152 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:45:36, 143872 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\usbui.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 16:12:08, 74240 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 10:45:37, 59520 bytes

Name: Realtek AC'97 Audio
Device I PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0059&SUBSYS_812A1043&REV_A2\3&2411E6FE&0&20
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\ksuser.dll, 5.03.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 16:11:56, 4096 bytes
Driver: CWINDOWS\system32\ksproxy.ax, 5.03.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 16:12:42, 129536 bytes

 

[Googer]

Perhaps you could just change motherboards, look on ebay for an ASrock motherboard with the ULI M1695 chipset. It's also got a daugterboard slot for an am2 upgrade adapter (it exists). Probably one of the coolest motherboards of the last decade; it's just too bad nVIDIA bought up ULI and did nothing with it. This would be the cheapest possible upgrade for you; allowing you to keep AGP if you want, or upgrade to a low end PCI-e card or get an AM3 CPU and run newer ram. This motherboard offers a ton of options for someone like you.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/1733
http://www.anandtech.com/show/1782

 

[bradismad]

That's cool, I'm not really interested in doing a whole overhaul like that though (might as well do a new build). I just was wondering if anyone knew the most recent and top GFX card and RAM that would work on my motherboard.

Santa doesn't have enough money for an overhaul. Thanks!

 

[Googer]

That's cool, I'm not really interested in doing a whole overhaul like that though (might as well do a new build). I just was wondering if anyone knew the most recent and top GFX card and RAM that would work on my motherboard.

Santa doesn't have enough money for an overhaul. Thanks!

I'm not sure if they brought out an AM3 daughtercard, but I do know an AM2 card exists and has DDR2 sockets. You can, with a BIOS update run any AM2 or AM3 CPU on it; with a suspected possible exception for AMD's bulldozer that is am3 but requires AMD's latest 990 Chipset to operate.

 

[mfenn]

An A8N-E is DDR, which is really bad cost per gig these days (2GB for $40). DDR3 is literally 3 times cheaper (and 3 times faster!). It does have PCIe though, so you could theoretically run out and buy a 6990 for it (not that I recommend that). What sort of dollar figure did you have in mind?

 

[bradismad]

Really have no clue on how to update my chipset. Really I dont wanna do any of that, I just want the latest and greatest (2005/6ish) info on what is compatible that I can ask for for christmas. Thanks for help people.

Really, I just want to plug in and play.

 

[Googer]

Really have no clue on how to update my chipset. Really I dont wanna do any of that, I just want the latest and greatest (2005/6ish) info on what is compatible that I can ask for for christmas. Thanks for help people.

Really, I just want to plug in and play.

The chipset is soldered on the motherboard and cannot be removed.
Seems to me like you are stuck with AGP but want to run modern graphics with out a major overhaul. You're existing system uses DDR1 so you can carry that over at no cost. And at a later date, you can add the AM2 card with an AM2 or AM3 CPU and run cheaper DDR2. ASROCK ULI M1695 for the win.

The boards sell for around $40 on ebay. You will need to pick up a copy of Windows 7, home premium (oem) Total Cost should come to around $110-130-ish.

http://www.ebay.com/dsc/i.html?_nkw...=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=1
http://www.ebay.com/dsc/i.html?_nkw...=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=1
http://www.asrock.com/mb/index.asp?s=939
http://www.asrock.com/mb/spec/upgrade.asp?Model=AM2CPU%20Board
http://www.xpcgear.com/am2cpuboard.html

 

[Slugbait]

I just was wondering if anyone knew the most recent and top GFX card and RAM that would work on my motherboard.

Edit: I misread the mobo model number, thought you had AGP...you don't

To echo mfenn, spending money on RAM is also unjustified.

 

[Googer]

The garbage situation is even worse with nVidia...your best option there is the 6200.

Incorrect, the highest nVIDIA AGP Card is the 7800. I have one EVGA 7800 AGP in my closet in an ESD enclosure, I will sell it if anyone expresses interest.

 

[Slugbait]

Incorrect, the highest nVIDIA AGP Card is the 7800.

I know what the highest one is...I also know they were discontinued years ago. You can still buy dusty stock at a couple of obscure websites for around $200...but at known e-commerce sites like the 'egg, your best option is a 6200.

 

[mfenn]

The chipset is soldered on the motherboard and cannot be removed.
Seems to me like you are stuck with AGP but want to run modern graphics with out a major overhaul.

Like slugbait said, the OP's board is PCIe not AGP, so he is OK there.

 

[mfenn]

Really have no clue on how to update my chipset. Really I dont wanna do any of that, I just want the latest and greatest (2005/6ish) info on what is compatible that I can ask for for christmas. Thanks for help people.

Really, I just want to plug in and play.

I can tell you what is compatible, but that's not going to be very useful without a dollar figure that you had in mind or at least what games you would like to (attempt to) play.

Compatible starts at the low end with the GT 520 for $25 AR and ends at the high-end with the GTX 590 for $750. Like I said before, you will be somewhere within that range depending on your budget and needs.

 

[infoiltrator]

We need to know power supply information before reccommending anything. I doubt much more than a GT430/440 or an HD 6670 is acceptable.

 

[Googer]

===delete this post===​

 

[Slugbait]

Compatible starts at the low end with the GT 520 for $25 AR and ends at the high-end with...

Keep in mind that it may not be totally compatible...I have a 939 board in the living room HTPC, and if all four RAM banks are filled, Windows cannot see my GT 520 and will load the generic VGA driver. I must empty one bank for Windows to detect my card. I struggled with it for an hour before searching around, and found that it was a known issue that pissed off quite a few people who were trying to extend the life of their machines by adding RAM and bumping up their video to the 9-series.

8-series works perfectly fine. The original card in that machine (which died) was an 8600GTS.

This could be solved with a BIOS update...but the mobo had already reached EOL by the time 9-series were released, and the manufacturer refuses to support it anymore.

So getting both RAM and video...OP might end up losing some RAM back again. It depends on whether or not Asus released a newer BIOS to cover this issue.

 

[Slugbait]

Eep...make that a GT 250, not a GT 520 (jeez, where is muh head these days with mixing up model numbers?)

 

[mfenn]

Keep in mind that it may not be totally compatible...

Very true. That also jogged my memory that some of the original PCIe 1.x mobos have PCIe implementation bugs that cause with newer cards.

 

[mfenn]

We need to know power supply information before reccommending anything. I doubt much more than a GT430/440 or an HD 6670 is acceptable.

Very good point. It sounds like the system was a custom build originally, but who knows what kind of PSU is in there?

 

[Gs dewd]

To the op, I still have one of those boards up and running. Memory is not to much of a problem. You can buy either 2 x 1gb sticks or 4 x 512 mb sticks whatever you find thats cheaper. Mine is running 4 x 512 mb pc3200 in dual channel @ 400 mhz. I picked them memory up off ebay for next to nothing. I also run a Athlon 64 x2 4200+ which you can also pick up on ebay for a good price (under $50). You will have to reinstall win xp to pick up the second core. I run a Radeon Hd 3870 in mine with no problems. I use mine for crunching so it runs 24/7 under full load. The system still has plenty of life left in it and will have for time to come. For normal day to day (internet, office apps, very lite gaming, and such) hell even a athlon xp system would still be viable (I have 5 of those up and running along with my main system which is a Phenom II x4 system). If you have 2 512 mb sticks of mem in yours just find 2 more and you will be set. Just force 400 mhz in the bios as with 4 sticks of mem it will want to fall back to 333 mhz.