Upgrading some core parts

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tony R
  • Start date Start date
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Tony R

On my desktop, I want to get a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM (128 MB
just isn't cutting it anymore). Problem: I've never bought / installed
any of those. I was looking at these:

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131517
CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1707439+1050706980&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=343
(not sure which one)
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820161679

Here are few of my biggest questions:

1) Will these last me a while? I'm not a gamer and I don't use any real
high-powered applications. My laptop (with a dual-core 32-bit and 2GB
of DDR2 RAM) fits my needs perfectly. I shouldn't need more than those
in a while, right? (excluding more RAM)

2) Will those work together fine? The CPUs are 939 socket, same as
motherboard. Is there anything else I need to look for?

3) I've never used a 64-bit processor. What should I expect to be
different? I run WinXP and Ubuntu on both my laptop and desktop. I know
I'll have to get the AMD64 architecture, but am I going to have to
worry about any of my applications not working?

4) How easy is the installation? I've installed my power supply, HDDs,
disk drives, ethernet, sound card, etc. Can I just unplug my current
cords and plug them into the new motherboard? :)

5) Should I have to worry about any of my current parts not working
with it?

6) Newegg recommends Corsair RAM for that motherboard. Does it make a
noticeable difference?

7) Are the extended warranties worth it for any of those parts?

Thanks a ton in advance for your helpfulness. I'd hate to buy these and
have them not work (or have me mess something up). Sorry there are so
many questions - I don't expect answers for every one of them, but
anything you guys can help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
-Tony R.
 
On my desktop, I want to get a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM (128 MB
just isn't cutting it anymore). Problem: I've never bought / installed
any of those. I was looking at these:

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131517
CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1707439+1050706980&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=343
(not sure which one)
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820161679

Here are few of my biggest questions:

1) Will these last me a while? I'm not a gamer and I don't use any real
high-powered applications. My laptop (with a dual-core 32-bit and 2GB
of DDR2 RAM) fits my needs perfectly. I shouldn't need more than those
in a while, right? (excluding more RAM)
Click to expand...

That depends entirely on you and how you use the laptop. While I've
upgraded my desktop a few times, my laptop is still a pokey old
Pentium III with 256Megs of RAM, and a 6Gig hard drive. While the
hard drive size is a bit of an annoyance, it otherwise fits my needs
just fine.
2) Will those work together fine? The CPUs are 939 socket, same as
motherboard. Is there anything else I need to look for?
Click to expand...

You can probably save a few bucks by going with the non-SLI version,
as you're not into gaming, and presumably don't plan on stuffing two
identical nVidia video cards in there.

Also, you'll probably need to add a new video card to your shopping
list. It's likely that your old system has an AGP video card
(assuming it's not older than that, or integrated). The motherboard
you've chosen doesn't have an AGP slot for video, it uses the newer
PCI-e standard, which requires a different size video card. Since the
motherboard doesn't have an integrated video chipset, you'll need a
separate video card.
3) I've never used a 64-bit processor. What should I expect to be
different? I run WinXP and Ubuntu on both my laptop and desktop. I know
I'll have to get the AMD64 architecture, but am I going to have to
worry about any of my applications not working?
Click to expand...

Nope. The AMD64 architecture is designed as an extension to the old
x86-32, and even has a 32bit mode that behaves as the old x86-32 chips
when running 32bit x86 software. There are a few programs that do
have a problem with the AMD64/EMT64 (same thing, really), but they're
rare, and I don't think any are mainstream applications.

For 99.9% of the time, if you're sticking with your old 32bit
software, you won't notice much difference in how you do things.
4) How easy is the installation? I've installed my power supply, HDDs,
disk drives, ethernet, sound card, etc. Can I just unplug my current
cords and plug them into the new motherboard? :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's basically it. On some cases, you may need to remove the
power supply from the case first. It's just easier than trying to
work around it in tight conditions. I personally usually install the
CPU and heatsink to the motherboard first before installing the
motherboard. It gets a bit cramped once the board is screwed into the
case.

The most confusing part is probably going to be installing the
connectors for the case's LED indicators and power switches. The
motherboard manual usually labels exactly what's what, but the case
manufacturers tend to be sadistic sorts that don't always label their
wiring. Get some masking tape for when you disconnect your old stuff
(just in case).

Everything else is well labeled with fairly unique connectors that
only go in one way. Most of the big name motherboard manufacturers
even provide nice step by step diagrams and sometimes colour photos
telling you how to do the installation.
5) Should I have to worry about any of my current parts not working
with it?
Click to expand...

Yes. As I mentioned, you'll probably need to add a new video card to
your shopping list. You're already looking at new RAM, so that's not
an issue. If you've got more than 3 PCI cards, you may have a problem
(sound, modem, tvcard, IDE controller expansion card, etc), as that
board only has 3 PCI slots.

If you've got more than 2 IDE drives, you may need to add an IDE
controller card too, as it looks like this board only has one PATA IDE
channel.

Even if you've got a standard ATX case and power supply, if it's less
than 400W, you may encounter a problem, as modern systems can be real
power hogs. You might be able to get by with a good 300W, but you may
run into weird, hard to diagnose problems if you're getting near the
PSU's limits. I'm not saying that you need to replace the power
supply, but put it in the 'maybe' column.

Can't really think of anything else that might come up.
6) Newegg recommends Corsair RAM for that motherboard. Does it make a
noticeable difference?
Click to expand...

Not really. They have a nicer warranty, and they offer nice paired
sets for dual channel operation -- that takes some of the guesswork
out. Whether the price difference is really worth is largely open to
personal opinion.
7) Are the extended warranties worth it for any of those parts?
Click to expand...

Depends on whether you're into extended warranties or not. For the
most part, they tend to be pretty useless, but some people like the
warm fuzzy feeling it gives them. Just be sure to read what's covered
and what isn't if you plan to pay for one. I personally consider them
rather worthless, but some are more worthless than others.
 
Tony said:
On my desktop, I want to get a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM (128 MB
just isn't cutting it anymore). Problem: I've never bought / installed
any of those. I was looking at these:

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131517
CPU:
Click to expand...

It's fine. Not sure you have a reason to have 2 built-in network
adapters, however.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1707439+1050706980&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=343

All OK.
(not sure which one)
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820161679

Here are few of my biggest questions:

1) Will these last me a while? I'm not a gamer and I don't use any real
high-powered applications. My laptop (with a dual-core 32-bit and 2GB
of DDR2 RAM) fits my needs perfectly. I shouldn't need more than those
in a while, right? (excluding more RAM)
Click to expand...

2GB ought to be adequite for the next 5 years (or more).
2) Will those work together fine? The CPUs are 939 socket, same as
motherboard. Is there anything else I need to look for?
Click to expand...

Look up on asus's website, and double check the CPU and RAM support
lists. I don't see any issues offhand, however.
3) I've never used a 64-bit processor. What should I expect to be
different? I run WinXP and Ubuntu on both my laptop and desktop. I know
I'll have to get the AMD64 architecture, but am I going to have to
worry about any of my applications not working?
Click to expand...
Only if you install XP 64 bit edition.
4) How easy is the installation?
Click to expand...

As long as you're good at reading the manual and following the
directions, it should go well. Definately read and follow the static
electricity procedures, if you do nothing else.

I've installed my power supply, HDDs,
disk drives, ethernet, sound card, etc. Can I just unplug my current
cords and plug them into the new motherboard? :)
Click to expand...

Maybe. You'll have to look.
5) Should I have to worry about any of my current parts not working
with it?
Click to expand...

AGP Video card and your current power supply are likely incompatible.
AGP video is NOT supported by this board.

6) Newegg recommends Corsair RAM for that motherboard. Does it make a
noticeable difference?
Click to expand...

In performance, given identical specs, probably not. Corsair is a good
name, tho'.
7) Are the extended warranties worth it for any of those parts?
Click to expand...

You will have to decide THAT on your own.
 
mcheu said:
That depends entirely on you and how you use the laptop. While I've
upgraded my desktop a few times, my laptop is still a pokey old
Pentium III with 256Megs of RAM, and a 6Gig hard drive. While the
hard drive size is a bit of an annoyance, it otherwise fits my needs
just fine.
Click to expand...
Today I loaded win98se and ie6 on a Dell Latitude LX 1000d (486dx4)
with 24MB of ram (maxed out), and got it online with broadband. It
actually was quite acceptable for web surfing (MSN and CNN, also
NASA's website). Oddly IE6 was more responsive than IE5....

Why? Somebody told me I couldn't. :)
 
Overall, those responses calm my biggest fears. But, I was disappointed
that I would probably have to buy a new video card, so I went
re-shopping.

Here's a comparison:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...mpareItemList=N82E16813123263,N82E16813131517

The EPoX is the new one I'm looking at - about half the cost, same
processor (right?), 5 PCI slots, and an AGP slot. This is looking
really good to me - unfortunately, I don't know what a TON of those
specs are, so is there anything I'd have problems with if I chose the
EPoX motherboard?

Thanks a lot for the help,
Tony R.
 
First question you should ask your self what are you using the pc
for? and build a pc around you needs
 
Tony said:
Overall, those responses calm my biggest fears. But, I was disappointed
that I would probably have to buy a new video card, so I went
re-shopping.

Here's a comparison:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...mpareItemList=N82E16813123263,N82E16813131517

The EPoX is the new one I'm looking at - about half the cost, same
processor (right?), 5 PCI slots, and an AGP slot. This is looking
really good to me - unfortunately, I don't know what a TON of those
specs are, so is there anything I'd have problems with if I chose the
EPoX motherboard?
Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with it. But AGP is a dying technology. What card are you
wanting to keep? If it's an older card, particularly a geforce 2, you
may as well scrap it (geforce 2s die prematurely due to overheating).
If you're not into gaming, you can save money by going with a model
with integrated video.
 
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