Question to computer experts...

Saber · 03-24-2003, 07:08 AM

Ok currently on my HP Pav. computer I have the following

12 GB Hard Drive
64 MB Ram
Intel Inside Celeron Processor.

Now the model I have is 6545C And here are the results for it from kingston tech.com

Standard Memory (Stock) - 64 MB
Maximum Memory - 256 MB
Expansion Size - 2 Sockets

So in total I have 2 slots in which I can put 128 mbx2 in or just one 256.

Now heres my problem. I plan to upgrade to a Pentium 4 Processor, and 1028 MB Ram. However according to my step dad who is a computer engineer I will not be able to do that on this computer because of its motherboard. I asked him if it was possible to upgrade a motherboard.. he said no. But heres my dilemma I went on ebay to double check him and I found tons of motherboards for sale. I found this one....
V133 Asus Motherboard

If I completely remove my motherboard and replace it with that will it function right? This is my first computer project and this computer has no real importance to me, I would just love to improve so my brother could play BF with me ( he loves it so much).

If it does in fact work with a changed motherboard then I would upgrade it with 2 512 MB's and keep the standard 64 MB with it so making the total 1092. Please help as I really want this computer to be really nice and work good.

ColKilgore · 03-24-2003, 07:28 AM

My advice:

If you upgrade your mobo (motherboard), you probably will have to up the power because most manufacturers put just enough to power what's in there. Going from a Celeron (stripped down P2) to a Pentium 4? Faster processors mean more power. Doubt the bigger PS would even fit in the case.

Alot of prebuilt manufactured jobs come with custom mobos that ONLY fit the very small case that comes with it. Doubt you could fit a different motherboard in there. Also keeps customers who want to upgrade to have to buy from the company that made the computer.

Also, your current mem won't work with a P4. So you will need to buy different RAM.

And I imagine with your specs you have an intergrated video card. Probably some old Vanta thing or something. That won't cut it for modern day gaming. If you replace your mobo, that means buying a video card. Even if it came with a seperate video card component, it won't be nearly able to handle BF 1942.

Trust me. I started out with a prebuilt Compaq POS. It didn't do nearly what I wanted. Now I only build and upgrade my own. It takes some know-how, but it is cheaper in the long run when you just upgrade when needed. Also considering the majority of people don't know jack about PCs, something complete, ready to run, and off the store shelf seems very comfortable.

Saber · 03-24-2003, 07:41 AM

I have a Geforce4 video card that I bought to play ultima online. I figured that space might be an issue but I am very good with my hands and could easily make a case for it that works just as good as current one. If I did get a P4/new Mobo/ and 512 ram all at the same time it would work though per se right?

If all comes to shit I am more than likely to go get a new P4/512 MB DDR Ram/80 GB drive for 1,000. But I really would like this shitter comp to run like a champ.

Saber · 03-24-2003, 07:52 AM

Oh and also do you have any links to advice on building computers?

And about what is the average price for a home built P4/512 DDR Ram/20+GB computer? (Not boughten, but how much for a built one that I make by buying parts and stuff off ebay.)

ColKilgore · 03-24-2003, 07:52 AM

Nah, power issues would arise. Unless you have a 350w+ power supply?

And those HP/Compaq PCs aren't made to be upgradeable. They figure the average Joe Sucker will completely reject any idea of sticking his fingers in a PC case and would rather buy the **NEW** HP/Compaq P4 PC for only $999!!!

If I were you, I would off load that PC and build you a new one. Maybe cannibilize the drives and spring for a new mobo/processor/mem/power supply/case. You'll spend a fortune on the other parts anyway. Might as well spend a little more and get the complete package!

ColKilgore · 03-24-2003, 08:02 AM

F*** Ebay, my friend.

For best prices on components, go to www.pricewatch.com. That is, if you don't mind online purchases. You WILL get the best prices.

But you need to go to places like:

http://www6.tomshardware.com/
http://www.ocaddiction.com/
http://www.buildeasypc.com/

Do research. Have an idea of what you are going to do mainly with your PC. Not only is it fun, but it's educational. You will get knowledge on PCs so that in the future, you will know what to buy for whatever you are going to do.

Saber · 03-24-2003, 08:26 AM

But what about price?

And do I need to buy all the cables to connect parts? Or do they come with it when I buy them>

JeanFrancois · 03-24-2003, 08:49 PM

Cables usually come with retail boxes but not with OEM parts.

The motherboard in your HP is non-upgradable, you can't just stick a new P4 mobo in there, big OEMs will always screw you on connectors, size or something else. It's new computer time, leave the old one as it is, it might still serve a purpose.

Check out www.newegg.com for a pretty decent online store, or look around locally if you'd prefer, referring to www.pricewatch.com to see what a good going price is.

Here's a guide from Ars Technica, some crazy site, and PC mechanic.

03-24-2003, 07:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
Saber Sergeant Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Washington Posts: 408	Question to computer experts... Ok currently on my HP Pav. computer I have the following 12 GB Hard Drive 64 MB Ram Intel Inside Celeron Processor. Now the model I have is 6545C And here are the results for it from kingston tech.com Standard Memory (Stock) - 64 MB Maximum Memory - 256 MB Expansion Size - 2 Sockets So in total I have 2 slots in which I can put 128 mbx2 in or just one 256. Now heres my problem. I plan to upgrade to a Pentium 4 Processor, and 1028 MB Ram. However according to my step dad who is a computer engineer I will not be able to do that on this computer because of its motherboard. I asked him if it was possible to upgrade a motherboard.. he said no. But heres my dilemma I went on ebay to double check him and I found tons of motherboards for sale. I found this one.... V133 Asus Motherboard If I completely remove my motherboard and replace it with that will it function right? This is my first computer project and this computer has no real importance to me, I would just love to improve so my brother could play BF with me ( he loves it so much). If it does in fact work with a changed motherboard then I would upgrade it with 2 512 MB's and keep the standard 64 MB with it so making the total 1092. Please help as I really want this computer to be really nice and work good.

03-24-2003, 07:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
ColKilgore Master Warrant Officer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Great U.S. Posts: 1,079	My advice: If you upgrade your mobo (motherboard), you probably will have to up the power because most manufacturers put just enough to power what's in there. Going from a Celeron (stripped down P2) to a Pentium 4? Faster processors mean more power. Doubt the bigger PS would even fit in the case. Alot of prebuilt manufactured jobs come with custom mobos that ONLY fit the very small case that comes with it. Doubt you could fit a different motherboard in there. Also keeps customers who want to upgrade to have to buy from the company that made the computer. Also, your current mem won't work with a P4. So you will need to buy different RAM. And I imagine with your specs you have an intergrated video card. Probably some old Vanta thing or something. That won't cut it for modern day gaming. If you replace your mobo, that means buying a video card. Even if it came with a seperate video card component, it won't be nearly able to handle BF 1942. Trust me. I started out with a prebuilt Compaq POS. It didn't do nearly what I wanted. Now I only build and upgrade my own. It takes some know-how, but it is cheaper in the long run when you just upgrade when needed. Also considering the majority of people don't know jack about PCs, something complete, ready to run, and off the store shelf seems very comfortable. __________________ Someday this war is going to end. And today, I have seen that end. The Best to all of you! Keep up the good fight!

03-24-2003, 07:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
ColKilgore Master Warrant Officer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Great U.S. Posts: 1,079	Nah, power issues would arise. Unless you have a 350w+ power supply? And those HP/Compaq PCs aren't made to be upgradeable. They figure the average Joe Sucker will completely reject any idea of sticking his fingers in a PC case and would rather buy the NEW HP/Compaq P4 PC for only $999!!! If I were you, I would off load that PC and build you a new one. Maybe cannibilize the drives and spring for a new mobo/processor/mem/power supply/case. You'll spend a fortune on the other parts anyway. Might as well spend a little more and get the complete package! __________________ Someday this war is going to end. And today, I have seen that end. The Best to all of you! Keep up the good fight!

03-24-2003, 08:02 AM	#6 (permalink)
ColKilgore Master Warrant Officer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Great U.S. Posts: 1,079	F*** Ebay, my friend. For best prices on components, go to www.pricewatch.com. That is, if you don't mind online purchases. You WILL get the best prices. But you need to go to places like: http://www6.tomshardware.com/ http://www.ocaddiction.com/ http://www.buildeasypc.com/ Do research. Have an idea of what you are going to do mainly with your PC. Not only is it fun, but it's educational. You will get knowledge on PCs so that in the future, you will know what to buy for whatever you are going to do. __________________ Someday this war is going to end. And today, I have seen that end. The Best to all of you! Keep up the good fight!

03-24-2003, 08:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
JeanFrancois Chief Warrant Officer First Class Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,039	Cables usually come with retail boxes but not with OEM parts. The motherboard in your HP is non-upgradable, you can't just stick a new P4 mobo in there, big OEMs will always screw you on connectors, size or something else. It's new computer time, leave the old one as it is, it might still serve a purpose. Check out www.newegg.com for a pretty decent online store, or look around locally if you'd prefer, referring to www.pricewatch.com to see what a good going price is. Here's a guide from Ars Technica, some crazy site, and PC mechanic. __________________ Don\'t feed the trolls.

03-24-2003, 07:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
Saber Sergeant Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Washington Posts: 408	I have a Geforce4 video card that I bought to play ultima online. I figured that space might be an issue but I am very good with my hands and could easily make a case for it that works just as good as current one. If I did get a P4/new Mobo/ and 512 ram all at the same time it would work though per se right? If all comes to shit I am more than likely to go get a new P4/512 MB DDR Ram/80 GB drive for 1,000. But I really would like this shitter comp to run like a champ.

03-24-2003, 07:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
Saber Sergeant Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Washington Posts: 408	Oh and also do you have any links to advice on building computers? And about what is the average price for a home built P4/512 DDR Ram/20+GB computer? (Not boughten, but how much for a built one that I make by buying parts and stuff off ebay.)

03-24-2003, 08:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
Saber Sergeant Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Washington Posts: 408	But what about price? And do I need to buy all the cables to connect parts? Or do they come with it when I buy them>