Hey computer nerds, I need advice

Uranus · 08-25-2007, 10:19 PM

I need to upgrade my computer, and I need to do it in steps as to not empty my bank account.

I'm running XP with a 2.53GHz P4 1 GB ram and a little GeForce FX 5700LE

I would like to get a Dual core that can run some of the new games
A above average video card that will also support new games.
And I will also need a new mother board and power supply and memory.
How hard is it to install a new motherboard? Do you know of any good online stores to look for this stuff, any tips on what to avoid? Should I stick with Pentium's or go for AMD, I really only use the computer for Games and MCB

thank you for any help,
Chris

netsurferdude2 · 08-25-2007, 10:47 PM

Heres where I buy:

Newegg.com - Buy Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

TigerDirect.com Best Deals - Computer Parts, PC Components, Desktop Computers, Laptops, Notebooks

stickyskunk · 08-25-2007, 10:50 PM

Once you have done your research and know what components you are going to use, try this site to find the best prices. Pricewatch | Lower prices on computers, laptops, mp3 players, motherboards, computer parts and electronics

Malystryx · 08-25-2007, 11:12 PM

Installing a motherboard is a piece of cake. But if you currently have a tower from gateway, dell, etc... then putting a new motherboard in that case will probably not happen. Most of the connectors from the case to the motherboard are all one connector, you will need each connector as an individual as some motherboards have pins in different spots. It looks like you are building a new PC. All newer platforms use DDR2, so you won't be able to use DDR2 with your current setup, and you can't use your current DDR1 with your new setup. You will also need a new motherboard for that new dual core processor. You can probably get a power supply now, as long as it's a 20+4 pin power supply. Your motherboard most likely uses a 20-pin connector to power it, newer motherboards use a 24 pin connector, but you can take off the last 4 connectors on a 20+4 pin power supply to run a 20 pin motherboard. Your video card is an AGP card and won't be compatible with a new board. So your pretty much going to have to buy everything at the same time to be able to use it. AMD or Intel, it's your choice. I never had any problems with AMD, so I always stuck with them. Also you don't need a really fast processor for gaming. You just want a good amount of ram (2GB preferred) and a decent video card. What games are you looking to run and what is your budget?

Uranus · 08-25-2007, 11:31 PM

I do have a Gateway. I will be buying piece by piece and putting it together at the end.

I would like to be able to run the new MOH and Bioshock and such. I would like to spend around 250 for the motherboard/cpu combo and 200 for the Video card. maybe I should just start off with a new case and power supply.

z1p101 · 08-25-2007, 11:34 PM

If you can work on a messed up cocker you can build a computer with a blind fold on. The other posters here have given you really good advice on what to buy and where to shop.

I have built many computers from scratch and the key is to get all the correct parts that are compatible with one another. Look around at all the web sites that are listed and feel free to pm me with any questions about will this work with this etc.... Also, for video gamers, amd systems tend to give you more bang for the buck than intel (it is a whole hardware design thing that you will not be interested in).

Edit** I answered this post on a computer that I built last year for 200 dollars running Gentoo Linux as the OS. I believe that will qualify myself as a true computer geek.

Jaan · 08-25-2007, 11:36 PM

Bang for the buck, if you want to play new games you're better off getting a console. I priced out a decent PC gaming system for a guy a couple of months ago, and it was around $2000. For that you can get a PS3 or Xbox 360 and an high def TV to play the games on.

Yes, you can do it cheaper, but then how long will you be able to play new games before your system is obsolete again?

Skull Lazer · 08-25-2007, 11:53 PM

Give me your budget, and I will build you a computer.

Jaan · 08-26-2007, 12:04 AM

By the way, Bioshock installs a rootkit on your computer. Sony's up to it's old tricks. Even the demo installs a rootkit. Who the hell needs copy protection on a demo?

Link to article

Uranus · 08-26-2007, 12:33 AM

I would like to keep it under 1000

08-25-2007, 10:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
stickyskunk MCB Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vegas Posts: 625	Once you have done your research and know what components you are going to use, try this site to find the best prices. Pricewatch \| Lower prices on computers, laptops, mp3 players, motherboards, computer parts and electronics __________________ Vegas Chingón all pump team Vegas Chingón MySpace MCarterBrown.com Feedback

08-25-2007, 11:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
z1p101 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 101	If you can work on a messed up cocker you can build a computer with a blind fold on. The other posters here have given you really good advice on what to buy and where to shop. I have built many computers from scratch and the key is to get all the correct parts that are compatible with one another. Look around at all the web sites that are listed and feel free to pm me with any questions about will this work with this etc.... Also, for video gamers, amd systems tend to give you more bang for the buck than intel (it is a whole hardware design thing that you will not be interested in). Edit** I answered this post on a computer that I built last year for 200 dollars running Gentoo Linux as the OS. I believe that will qualify myself as a true computer geek. __________________ Not a gun whore Last edited by z1p101; 08-25-2007 at 11:42 PM.

08-25-2007, 11:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jaan MCB Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: People's Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 2,003	Bang for the buck, if you want to play new games you're better off getting a console. I priced out a decent PC gaming system for a guy a couple of months ago, and it was around $2000. For that you can get a PS3 or Xbox 360 and an high def TV to play the games on. Yes, you can do it cheaper, but then how long will you be able to play new games before your system is obsolete again? __________________ Hey, Ezekiel called...he wants his zoomorphic representations of divine providence back! "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." -- Winston Churchill

08-25-2007, 11:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
Skull Lazer Rec Poster Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 61	Give me your budget, and I will build you a computer. __________________ WOOOT WOOOT!

08-26-2007, 12:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
Jaan MCB Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: People's Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 2,003	By the way, Bioshock installs a rootkit on your computer. Sony's up to it's old tricks. Even the demo installs a rootkit. Who the hell needs copy protection on a demo? Link to article __________________ Hey, Ezekiel called...he wants his zoomorphic representations of divine providence back! "You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life." -- Winston Churchill

08-25-2007, 11:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
Malystryx Active Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 158	Installing a motherboard is a piece of cake. But if you currently have a tower from gateway, dell, etc... then putting a new motherboard in that case will probably not happen. Most of the connectors from the case to the motherboard are all one connector, you will need each connector as an individual as some motherboards have pins in different spots. It looks like you are building a new PC. All newer platforms use DDR2, so you won't be able to use DDR2 with your current setup, and you can't use your current DDR1 with your new setup. You will also need a new motherboard for that new dual core processor. You can probably get a power supply now, as long as it's a 20+4 pin power supply. Your motherboard most likely uses a 20-pin connector to power it, newer motherboards use a 24 pin connector, but you can take off the last 4 connectors on a 20+4 pin power supply to run a 20 pin motherboard. Your video card is an AGP card and won't be compatible with a new board. So your pretty much going to have to buy everything at the same time to be able to use it. AMD or Intel, it's your choice. I never had any problems with AMD, so I always stuck with them. Also you don't need a really fast processor for gaming. You just want a good amount of ram (2GB preferred) and a decent video card. What games are you looking to run and what is your budget?