Pentium 4 Upgrade

[SteveCrook]

Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade an existing PC from a P3 to a P4 and would be gratefull if someone could look over my proposed specification and spot any holes.

New motherboard: Asus P4T (i850 chipset)
Memory: 2 x 256MB RIMM PC800 RDRAM Non-Parity (Two CRIMMS also required)
Processor: P4 1.5GHz S423

My Case is a Supermicro SC760-A which should be OK as Asus ship the motherboard with a mount conversion to put an i850 motherboard on a standard ATX form case. However, bit concerned about the power supply. Do I need to replace it with one that has an ATX12V 2x2 connector on it? My existing power supply is the 400W model shipped with the case.

My existing AGP Graphics card is a Matrox G450, not sure if this will work on the new motherboard?

Fairly confident that my other components should all be fine. No issues with USB devices and I can't see any reason why my other PCI cards wouldn't work.

Any guidance would be much appreciated,
Steve

 

[ledzepp98]

you will probably need a new power supply that has the proper power connectors...your best bet is to e-mail supermicro and ask if the 400watt power supply is compatable with p4 motherboards (and the asus one in particular). otherwise, i don't see why you would have any other problems, and the matrox card should work fine...i don't recall seeing anything about an incompatability with this card and the p4t.

 

[vash]

Your case should be fine, but your PS won't be. You can buy an Intel, P4 powersupply from many places, so it shouldn't be a problem. Look at some local vendors, you'll probably be able to find a P4 power supply somewhere.

vash

 

[bjc112]

go to newegg.com to get your new PSU... its the Enlight 7237 340watt P4 ready... it runs for about 75$ i think....

but may i ask you, what about a AMD solution instead.... much cheaper.. and will outperform the p4..!

 

[dullard]

For about $60 more you could get the 1.7 GHz chip. Then to save $25, go with 4x128 MB PC800 RIMMS. I think these changes will give you much better performance (the P4 is really poor at 1.5 GHz and under).

 

[SteveCrook]

The rate of replies on this forum is amazing, thanks for all the comments guys.

I guess I really haven't got a good reason for going P4 instead or Athlon. I expect the arguement about that has gone on in here many times. My only (good?) reason is that I've always used Intel CPU's in the past and never had any trouble.

My main concern is to future proof my solution for a couple of years. I don't mind upgrading a CPU once in a while but I don't want the pain of replacing motherboards, memory etc, each time something new comes along. The bottom line is, which is going to give me the easiest upgrade path in the near future, Intel or Athlon?

 

[SteveCrook]

BJC112,

You've got me wondering if I'm doing the right thing now, just looking at the prices of the Athlon range I could save myself a load of money!

I like the Asus boards so I guess the A7V266 has to be flavour of the month?
PC1600 DDR is so cheap it's not worth mentioning.
An Athlon 1.4 266FSB seems like good value for money.

How am I doing so far?

Regards
Steve

 

[Doctorweir]

Wait!!!
Do not buy a Socket423-board now. Wait two weeks and get the Abit TH7 II and a Socket478.

423 is a waste of money, 'cos you have no upgrade path to the northwood.

I'd say buy the cheap 1.5GHz now...if you're lucky, you can OC it to 2 GHz

Anyway, save the money now for a Northwood upgrade...

My two cents...

 

[Dulanic]

<< The rate of replies on this forum is amazing, thanks for all the comments guys.

I guess I really haven't got a good reason for going P4 instead or Athlon. I expect the arguement about that has gone on in here many times. My only (good?) reason is that I've always used Intel CPU's in the past and never had any trouble.

My main concern is to future proof my solution for a couple of years. I don't mind upgrading a CPU once in a while but I don't want the pain of replacing motherboards, memory etc, each time something new comes along. The bottom line is, which is going to give me the easiest upgrade path in the near future, Intel or Athlon? >>



If your concern is future proof I would go Athlon because AMD has said they will continue to use Socket A all the way up till Hammer then they will likely switch. A current P4 is NOT an option if you want upgradability later, tho the new ones coming out will be once their available. As for the Athlon and P4.... Athlon 1.4Ghz will kill a P4 1.5Ghz and the AMD would be cheaper. So basically upgradability with id say Athlon and price/performance wise the Athlon is the winner too. But if you want a P4 deffinetely wait for the new Socket sometimes this month (I think).