New Mobo

[Expectation]

If I have an old pc and want to upgrade it. Can I simply just take out the old processor and put in a new one?

Or do I need to systematically change all the parts, ie power supply, and shit.

Thanks, I'm noob.

[Dymond]

Well unless your old computer was REALLy old you should be fine. However its still not going to be extremely easy. You will have to remove the old MOBO.. remove the power connector and case wiring going to it, unscrew it, place the new MOBO in and then reconnect everything.

I found a nice how-to for ya also with pictures: http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_mother.htm

[Jacx]

If I have an old pc and want to upgrade it. Can I simply just take out the old processor and put in a new one?

Or do I need to systematically change all the parts, ie power supply, and shit.

Thanks, I'm noob.

really depends...different chips work on different mobos so u cannot just shove anything in!

What would be better is for u to say what u got aka what mobo board is currently in the machine and what chip, and one of us fuckers can tell u what level u can upgrade to!

With upgrading a mobo u can also expect to have to upgrade the power supply (especially on a older machine), chip, ram...things like sound/graphics can be onboard reducing some of the cost!

[Expectation]

Very helpful Dy. Thanks.

Basically, I have an old Gateway Desktop and I was just going try to upgrade the guts instead of buying new system. And yes, I would have to buy the new ram to go with the board, and It looks like John is saying that I need a new power supply (and fan?)


I was just thinking of getting a "barebones" kit and try to stuff everything in. But it would be an understatement to say that Computers aren't my thing.

My fear with the Barebones kits would be operating system. Obviously I don't have a vista machine and I didn't know if I could just move my XP license. So, I was looking into the Linux Ubunto (or something like that).

[Smash Bros]

hey expo i just done the same thing lol.

although i didnt know about the power supply lol. i just went to a comp fair and got a mobo, processor, ram (and going back to get a power supply). although with new mobo now some have SATA. which means more parts.


bit of advice i used is go to a comp shop talk to them about it and then find the parts cheaper elsewhere lol. :D

[Expectation]

then find the parts cheaper elsewhere lol. :D

Very wise :)



So, you were able to do it yourself? I have read your threads to figure some stuff out. It has all be very helpful.

[Dymond]

Honestly your better off getting a new case since your replacing everything else anyways! Its not that hard just take your time and read the manual.

[Smash Bros]

Very wise :)



So, you were able to do it yourself? I have read your threads to figure some stuff out. It has all be very helpful.

yeah ive been able to do it myself lol. although some of the new shit i had no clue about, like SATA, but Dy helpoed me out with that.

[Red Dragon]

A lot of Gateway components are made specifically for Gateway machines. Not very upgradable

If you want to do your own build or attempt an upgrade. Here is the order I do it in.

1)Figure out what CPU you want and that it is in your price range. (If you are new to hardware, I would try to find someone that will sell you a motherboard/chip combo)

2)Motherboard - If buying seperate from CPU then check the socket to make sure that your chip will fit on it. Also note what type of RAM is supported and what type of slots it has (AGP,PCI,PCI-e), and whether the harddrive will hookup through IDE or SATA.

3)RAM - look at what your mobo supports (speed and type) to judge. Most motherboards will give you a choice of 2 or 3 different speeds that are supported.

4)Harddrive - IDE or SATA most new mobo's support both or SATA. check for speed (RPM) and size in GB.

5)case- would make sure to get one big enough for MOBO

**I would keep the power supply (if 400W or more) otherwise replace.
**keep your ribbon cables for hooking up CD/DVD drives.
**keep CD/DVD drives if you have them
**Can keep harddrive but will need to format and reinstall OS (backup files)

[Expectation]

Good info and good advice. Thanks.

[Seabiscuit]

Very helpful Dy. Thanks.

Basically, I have an old Gateway Desktop and I was just going try to upgrade the guts instead of buying new system. And yes, I would have to buy the new ram to go with the board, and It looks like John is saying that I need a new power supply (and fan?)


I was just thinking of getting a "barebones" kit and try to stuff everything in. But it would be an understatement to say that Computers aren't my thing.

My fear with the Barebones kits would be operating system. Obviously I don't have a vista machine and I didn't know if I could just move my XP license. So, I was looking into the Linux Ubunto (or something like that).
if you looking into linux ive herd good things about mandrake havnt been able to try it yet though(just got a box with it on it today) gentoos good but you have to know a bit about computers (alot i wouldn't suggest this one unless your a programmer) ive ran gentoo for 6 months now and its getting a lil hard to maintain ive herd ubuntoo is good to though
heres some info on different linux os's if you wana do some research 75 recommended linux oss (http://http://www.linux.org/dist/list.html)