Upgrading some core parts
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Posted by Tony R on October 1, 2006, 11:47 am
Please log in for more thread options 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/ProductList.asp?Category=34&N=2010340343+50001028+1051707439+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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by mcheu on October 1, 2006, 2:10 pm
Please log in for more thread options 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? 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? 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? :) 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? 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? 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? 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. >
---------------------------------------------
>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. Thanks. MCheu | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by paulmd@efn.org on October 1, 2006, 9:02 pm
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mcheu wrote: >
> >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/ProductList.asp?Category=34&N=2010340343+50001028+1051707439+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) >
Today I loaded win98se and ie6 on a Dell Latitude LX 1000d (486dx4)
> 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. > 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. :) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by paulmd@efn.org on October 1, 2006, 8:50 pm
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Tony R wrote: > 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: > It's fine. Not sure you have a reason to have 2 built-in network adapters, however. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Category=34&N=2010340343+50001028+1051707439+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) 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? Look up on asus's website, and double check the CPU and RAM support lists. I don't see any issues offhand, however. >
Only if you install XP 64 bit edition.
> 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?
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? :) Maybe. You'll have to look. >
> 5) Should I have to worry about any of my current parts not working > with it? 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? 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? You will have to decide THAT on your own. >
> 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Posted by Tony R on October 1, 2006, 10:32 pm
Please log in for more thread options 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/ProductCompare.asp?bop=AND&Submit=PROPERTY&SubCategory=22&Manufactory=1315%2C+1318&PropertyCodeValue=709%3A7495&MinPrice=50&MaxPrice=105&OEMMark=0&CompareItemList=N82E16813123263%2CN82E16813131517 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. paulmd@efn.org wrote: > Tony R wrote:
> > 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/ProductList.asp?Category=34&N=2010340343+50001028+1051707439+1050706980&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=343
> It's fine. Not sure you have a reason to have 2 built-in network > adapters, however. > > >
> 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) >
> 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? >
> 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? > > > Only if you install XP 64 bit edition.
> > > 4) How easy is the installation?
>
> 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? :) >
> Maybe. You'll have to look. > > >
> > 5) Should I have to worry about any of my current parts not working > > with it? >
> 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? >
> 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? >
> You will have to decide THAT on your own. > > >
> > 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
>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/ProductList.asp?Category=34&N=2010340343+50001028+1051707439+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)