Upgrade or Rebuild?

[Sinuko]

Hi everyone,

I was hoping to get some help before I purchased a few items to upgrade my computer. I was strapped for time and cash when I purchase this one, so I have a Sony Vaio PCV-RX860. I don't have any major problems with it, and I've wanted to update it for a while now.

Here are the specs for it:
Chassis Form Factor: Mid Tower
Dimensions (WxDxH): 8 in x 14.6 in x 14.2 in
Graphics Controller: AGP 4x - SiS 651
Installed Memory: 512MB / 1.5GB (max)
Video Memory Type: Shared video memory (UMA) - DDR SDRAM
Interface Type: AGP 4x
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 2.4GHz
Processor Data Bus Spd: 533MHz
and various optical drives and whatnot.

What I planned to do was add 1 GB of RAM, and a Geforce 6600GT video card to replace my MX440. Finding the RAM wasn't much of a problem, but for the video card, it reccommend/needs a minimum of 300W power supply. I researched it a little, and found that my current (proprietary) power supply is only 289W or 260W, though I'm not exactly sure which it is. I've read complaints of users that bought a new supply, that it touched the video card.

I'm not planning to find a different video card, as I play a few games, but I don't need anything that's brand new either. Could anyone recommend a case with a better power supply that'd fit this mobo? or assist me in building a new quality computer for about ~$800. I'm a college student, and books & tuition just put a BIG dent in my wallet.

I've tested some things on newegg, and I'd like to know if this is a viable alternative, and if I'm missing something would you let me know as well.

Case: Rosewill TU-155 Steel ATX Mid Tower ATX12V 400W with P4 support Power Supply $42.99
Motherboard: BIOSTAR I945P-A7 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard $94.00
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 630 Prescott 800MHz FSB LGA 775 EM64T Processor $178.91
Memory: 2x GeIL DDR2 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4300) Unbuffered System Memory 2x $105.44
Video Card: AOpen GF6600GT-DV128 Geforce 6600GT 128MB GDDR3 PCI-E x16 $139.00
Opticals: NEC DVD Burner Model ND-3520A BG $37.99
Hard Disk (Optional) Maxtor DiamondMax 10 300GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA133 $119.00

Total: $822.77

 

[xrax]

the problem is that you will also have to buy an OS since the OS that came with your Sony PC is OEM. But since you are a student you can probably get a deal on OS. Check out the Buyer's Guides on here and start from there. Consider AMD since you get more bang for your buck.

 

[Sinuko]

I knew I'd have to get a new OS, and I'm ok with that. But should I just go with the build I listed or try to find a PSU that'd fit the old Vaio? Also, am i missing any major componets, I overlook anything? I'll do more research on AMD, and then buy something accordingly.

 

[amdskip]

Rosewill TU-155 Steel ATX Mid Tower ATX12V 400W with P4 support Power Supply $42.99

You are going to want something different than this. That power supply is generic and won't effectively power your new system. Measure your current power supply and report back here. It might be standard sized.

 

[Sinuko]

Power Consumption:
Processor: 1.25-1.388V
Motherboard:Vcore,+3.3V,+5V,+12V, -5V, -12V,5VSB(Stand By), V Battery
Memory: 1.8V-2.4V (each?)
Video Card: None listed, read a professional review stating: "Because of the increased power supplied by PCI Express graphics slots, it also requires no additional power connector."
Optical Drive: None listed

Hard Disk:

Power Requirements (Avg)1 & 2 Disks
Largest value: (Spin up/Peak) 12V (mA) - 1778 5V (mA) - 729 Power (w) - 25.1
Power Requirements (Avg) 3 Disks
Largest value: (Spin up/Peak) 12V (mA) - 1812 5V (mA) - 741 Power (w) - 25.5

The Power Supply says : +3.3V,+5V,+12V combined 380W Max, with a total output 400W Max. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to combine the voltages, or how much the motherboard would take care of the accessories. What kind of PSU should I be looking for?

 

[LukeMan]

You can build a quality computer system for under $800 with OS quite easy.

AMD 64 3200+ Venice - $150
cpu hsf - $20
Abit/Asus s939 mobo - $80
Case/psu - $100
dvd burner - $40
windows xp oem - $100
geforce 6600gt - $150
120gb hdd - $50
1gb pc3200 memory - $100

Total : $790

 

[Sinuko]

That's still leaves me with a power consumption problem. What kind of PSU/Case should I get? Would having one with too many watts (i.e. 550w if only ~450 is need) mean I'd always use 550w? I know not having enough will lead to componets fighting for power.

By the way, thanks for all the assistance thus far, it's really appreciated.

 

[LukeMan]

nah, it just means you will have that much power if you ever need it. It won't use that much unless it's needed. Look for a quality psu, like fortran or antec, antec usually being cheaper. You can buy a 450-500 watt antec on ebay for $60-$80 shipped.