Updating an old desktop

yobrigidey · 03-22-2009, 08:55 PM

Hello everyone, I am in dire need of some help! I am forcing myself to be on a VERY tight budget on some upgrades to an older CISNET desktop. Basically, I am considering replacing the motherboard, CPU, Memory, and PSU. The computer will mainly be used as a media center hub to store music, pics, dvd's and record/play tv, and will stream everything to multiple media center extenders (2 xbox's)

I am 98% sure I'll be going with the e8500 processor.

I know very little about motherboard specs and manufacturers. It will need integrated audio, video, and 10/100/1000 ethernet (unless anyone believes I should purchase separate cards for any of these items)

The goal of the system is to have at least 2 tv tuners with onboard mpeg2 encoders. I'll be adding HDD's as needed for storage.

The current specs of the system are:
Motherboard: Biostar k8vga-m micro ATX
Processor:AMD Athlon 64 3400+ Socket 754
Memory: 512 MB DDR 200 mhz

One potential problem I see is the current HDD that I have is IDE. Would I be better off just purchasing a new HDD?

Also, what kind of things do I need to consider when selecting a motherboard that will fit in the case I currently have? Is it safe to assume that any micro ATX board will fit?

I can get any other information you might need to help me. Thanks in advance for the help!

**linderman** · 03-23-2009, 09:35 AM

an Intel E8500 will not run on your existing motherboard ............. your existing motherboard is an AMD based platform .............. and it takes much older DDR ram ....... newer CPU's use DDR2 and DDR3 memory

basically what you are talking about is a whole new system ?????? not much will be or can be salavaged from your exisiting system

what is your budget for this adventure ?

yobrigidey · 03-23-2009, 10:10 AM

Well the title of this thread might be a little misleading. I am looking to reuse the existing case, hdd, and DVD burner, but install a new mobo, CPU, memory, and psu. I am mainly asking for some guidance in what to look for when selecting a mobo to go in an older case, as well as some mobo, memory, and psu recomendations. I would like to stay under $500 for the hardware.

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yobrigidey

Well the title of this thread might be a little misleading. I am looking to reuse the existing case, hdd, and DVD burner, but install a new mobo, CPU, memory, and psu. I am mainly asking for some guidance in what to look for when selecting a mobo to go in an older case, as well as some mobo, memory, and psu recomendations. I would like to stay under $500 for the hardware.

What are you using the computer for???? Games, Internet AIM, movies? Once that is determined we can help you find the appropriate parts.

**linderman** · 03-23-2009, 02:42 PM

$500.00 is doo-able ................ I think

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131340 [$80.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...MD%206400%20X2 [$109.00 ]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148212 [$50.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 [$90.00]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121272 [$150.00] w/ $30.00 rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835207004 [$40.00]

**linderman** · 03-23-2009, 02:45 PM

you'd have to throw in another $100.00 to go intel E8400

subsitute above board and cpu with

GA-EP45-DS3L $100.00

E8400 $170.00

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

you'd have to throw in another $100.00 to go intel E8400

subsitute above board and cpu with

GA-EP45-DS3L $100.00

E8400 $170.00

You don't even know what he wants to computer for lol. If he doesn't want gaming or high end movies some of that is just a waste lol.

**linderman** · 03-23-2009, 02:55 PM

I am all ears man .............. whats the waste ?

**linderman** · 03-23-2009, 02:59 PM

I would be very skeptical going with onboard video .................. for high quality DVD / TV ................ the only people I have seen truely satisifed with onboard video are the internet / word processor surfers ....

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

I am all ears man .............. whats the waste ?

Those are all quality parts but I mean unless he wants to game or OC for some other he doesn't need a higher end video card, a gpu cooler made for oc'ing or a 650 watt psu. He is making it seem like he wants this computer for like AIM, internet email etc. You know what I mean? It seems like you got offended over this lol, it wasn't meant to "offend you"....If I made it seem like that, it was an accident.

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yobrigidey

The current specs of the system are:
Motherboard: Biostar k8vga-m micro ATX
Processor:AMD Athlon 64 3400+ Socket 754
Memory: 512 MB DDR 200 mhz

You are long over due for an upgrade. lol

**linderman** · 03-23-2009, 03:25 PM

nah ................... not offended at all

discussion is what this place is all about ...............................

he could save "some" on lesser video card ............. the 4850 is $119.00 after rebate

the 9600GT is $80.00 after rebate ....................but I cant help but think thats giving up alot of video muscle to save $40.00 ................ might not need it today but how about in two years ?

as for power supply .............. there isnt squat for savings in getting less than a 650 watt unit ............ the 550 watt if it has quality will save you maybe $15.00 ........ thats not a good trade ................. and if you dont get a good quality unit ........ you will waste even more $$$$$ on the electric bill >>>>>>>.catch 22 situation for sure

what you think connor ?????? I hate wasting money too ............ but worse then that is parts that dont cut the mustard next year at this same time ............ all software gets more demanding as time wears on ................ fact of life

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

nah ................... not offended at all

discussion is what this place is all about ...............................

he could save "some" on lesser video card ............. the 4850 is $119.00 after rebate

the 9600GT is $80.00 after rebate ....................but I cant help but think thats giving up alot of video muscle to save $40.00 ................ might not need it today but how about in two years ?

as for power supply .............. there isnt squat for savings in getting less than a 650 watt unit ............ the 550 watt if it has quality will save you maybe $15.00 ........ thats not a good trade ................. and if you dont get a good quality unit ........ you will waste even more $$$$$ on the electric bill >>>>>>>.catch 22 situation for sure

what you think connor ?????? I hate wasting money too ............ but worse then that is parts that dont cut the mustard next year at this same time ............ all software gets more demanding as time wears on ................ fact of life

Well put.

yobrigidey · 03-23-2009, 06:30 PM

HOLY Jesus, this thread exploded! First, thank you for all your help thus far! As stated in the first post, it'll mainly sit under the desk acting as a storage hub for movies, music, and pics, as well as acting as the center of my network for broadcasting/recording live TV to various extenders. The only time it'll have a monitor on is when we are on it surfing the internet. I don't even really see this being used for word processing. This will NEVER EVER EVER be used for playing games. The highest demand I can see coming from this in the future is ripping blu-ray and surfing the net simultaneously.

In that case, is there a need for more than onboard video? I guess I have always thought that it was for on-the-fly video processing for demanding games and what not...I'm not sure what the demand would be for broadcasting/recording live TV. Researching video card info now....

yobrigidey · 03-23-2009, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by connor-53

You are long over due for an upgrade. lol

Haha...this is a machine I pulled from my parents house to play with. My dad managed to click enough advertisements to kill it, so they just put it in the corner. I figured, if I can get this up and running for under 500 as a media center hub, that would be awesome!

You'd be surprised how well it runs Windows 7. It won't stream video through media center, but hopefully that'll change soon

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yobrigidey

HOLY Jesus, this thread exploded! First, thank you for all your help thus far! As stated in the first post, it'll mainly sit under the desk acting as a storage hub for movies, music, and pics, as well as acting as the center of my network for broadcasting/recording live TV to various extenders. The only time it'll have a monitor on is when we are on it surfing the internet. I don't even really see this being used for word processing. This will NEVER EVER EVER be used for playing games. The highest demand I can see coming from this in the future is ripping blu-ray and surfing the net simultaneously.

In that case, is there a need for more than onboard video?

HA! Told you linder in that case you should go with this:

Motherboard: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...107&CatId=1533

CPU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...662&CatId=2758

PSU: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...149&CatId=1079

Ram: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...425&CatId=2261

Blu-Ray Burner and reader: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...716&CatId=3634

Total: With Blu Ray Drive: $605
Without: $445

These are quality parts and will serve you well, that PSU will last a LONG time. And that Mobo will be easy to upgrade at a later date if you choose to do so.

You can use the fan and heatsink that come with the CPU seeing how it won't be overclocked. You should be set for a while.

Good luck

**linderman** · 03-23-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yobrigidey

HOLY Jesus, this thread exploded! First, thank you for all your help thus far! As stated in the first post, it'll mainly sit under the desk acting as a storage hub for movies, music, and pics, as well as acting as the center of my network for broadcasting/recording live TV to various extenders. The only time it'll have a monitor on is when we are on it surfing the internet. I don't even really see this being used for word processing. This will NEVER EVER EVER be used for playing games. The highest demand I can see coming from this in the future is ripping blu-ray and surfing the net simultaneously.

In that case, is there a need for more than onboard video? I guess I have always thought that it was for on-the-fly video processing for demanding games and what not...I'm not sure what the demand would be for broadcasting/recording live TV. Researching video card info now....

onboard video will be fine

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yobrigidey

Haha...this is a machine I pulled from my parents house to play with. My dad managed to click enough advertisements to kill it, so they just put it in the corner. I figured, if I can get this up and running for under 500 as a media center hub, that would be awesome!

You'd be surprised how well it runs Windows 7. It won't stream video through media center, but hopefully that'll change soon

It must have alot of spyware virus's trogans etc. I would suggest you reformat the C drive. Make sure you have the OEM OS disc though so you don't have to purchase a new one. If you don't make sure you have a GOOD anti-virus. I would recommend AVG Paid if you don't have a firewall. AVG free if you have a firewall (not windows firewall). Also, run CCleaner and you will see how much it speeds up your computer also defrag the drive. (Make sure you do this overnight when you aren't using the computer).

Ccleaner: http://www.ccleaner.com/

AVG Free: http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Vi...dlPid=11014801

AVG Prof $55: http://www.avg.com/product-avg-inter...y?fprd=ais.12m

~~connor-53~~ · 03-23-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linderman

onboard video will be fine

Yeah that's right ignore my post lol. OWNED!

yobrigidey · 03-23-2009, 07:05 PM

Haha, you all have been very helpful!

The drive has already been reformatted. I'll be purchasing Vista to run the Windows Media Center (wish windows 7 was coming out much sooner!)

I have 2 more questions: Is there any reason to purchase vista 32 over 64 for this system? I know with 32 I'll be maxed out on memory from the get go...

Also, I can get the e8500 for 189.99 on newegg, wouldn't that be a reasonable price for the extra power? (+$20)

03-22-2009, 08:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
yobrigidey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14 OS: Vista	Updating an old desktop Hello everyone, I am in dire need of some help! I am forcing myself to be on a VERY tight budget on some upgrades to an older CISNET desktop. Basically, I am considering replacing the motherboard, CPU, Memory, and PSU. The computer will mainly be used as a media center hub to store music, pics, dvd's and record/play tv, and will stream everything to multiple media center extenders (2 xbox's) I am 98% sure I'll be going with the e8500 processor. I know very little about motherboard specs and manufacturers. It will need integrated audio, video, and 10/100/1000 ethernet (unless anyone believes I should purchase separate cards for any of these items) The goal of the system is to have at least 2 tv tuners with onboard mpeg2 encoders. I'll be adding HDD's as needed for storage. The current specs of the system are: Motherboard: Biostar k8vga-m micro ATX Processor:AMD Athlon 64 3400+ Socket 754 Memory: 512 MB DDR 200 mhz One potential problem I see is the current HDD that I have is IDE. Would I be better off just purchasing a new HDD? Also, what kind of things do I need to consider when selecting a motherboard that will fit in the case I currently have? Is it safe to assume that any micro ATX board will fit? I can get any other information you might need to help me. Thanks in advance for the help!

03-23-2009, 09:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Updating an old desktop an Intel E8500 will not run on your existing motherboard ............. your existing motherboard is an AMD based platform .............. and it takes much older DDR ram ....... newer CPU's use DDR2 and DDR3 memory basically what you are talking about is a whole new system ?????? not much will be or can be salavaged from your exisiting system what is your budget for this adventure ? __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial Last edited by linderman; 03-23-2009 at 09:37 AM.

03-23-2009, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
yobrigidey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14 OS: Vista	Re: Updating an old desktop Well the title of this thread might be a little misleading. I am looking to reuse the existing case, hdd, and DVD burner, but install a new mobo, CPU, memory, and psu. I am mainly asking for some guidance in what to look for when selecting a mobo to go in an older case, as well as some mobo, memory, and psu recomendations. I would like to stay under $500 for the hardware. Last edited by yobrigidey; 03-23-2009 at 10:12 AM.

03-23-2009, 02:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Updating an old desktop $500.00 is doo-able ................ I think http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131340 [$80.00] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...MD%206400%20X2 [$109.00 ] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148212 [$50.00] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 [$90.00] http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121272 [$150.00] w/ $30.00 rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835207004 [$40.00] __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial Last edited by linderman; 03-23-2009 at 02:54 PM.

03-23-2009, 02:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Updating an old desktop you'd have to throw in another $100.00 to go intel E8400 subsitute above board and cpu with GA-EP45-DS3L $100.00 E8400 $170.00 __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

03-23-2009, 02:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Updating an old desktop I am all ears man .............. whats the waste ? __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

03-23-2009, 02:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Updating an old desktop I would be very skeptical going with onboard video .................. for high quality DVD / TV ................ the only people I have seen truely satisifed with onboard video are the internet / word processor surfers .... __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial

03-23-2009, 03:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 20,441 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Updating an old desktop nah ................... not offended at all discussion is what this place is all about ............................... he could save "some" on lesser video card ............. the 4850 is $119.00 after rebate the 9600GT is $80.00 after rebate ....................but I cant help but think thats giving up alot of video muscle to save $40.00 ................ might not need it today but how about in two years ? as for power supply .............. there isnt squat for savings in getting less than a 650 watt unit ............ the 550 watt if it has quality will save you maybe $15.00 ........ thats not a good trade ................. and if you dont get a good quality unit ........ you will waste even more $$$$$ on the electric bill >>>>>>>.catch 22 situation for sure what you think connor ?????? I hate wasting money too ............ but worse then that is parts that dont cut the mustard next year at this same time ............ all software gets more demanding as time wears on ................ fact of life __________________ I still know nothing and I respect that fact, striving to improve and, along the way, help anyone that comes from the place that I used to be! Power Supply Selection LEARN TO BACK-UP YOUR DATA FREE & EASY YouTube - Runtime Software DriveImage XML tutorial Last edited by linderman; 03-23-2009 at 03:28 PM.

03-23-2009, 06:30 PM	#14 (permalink)
yobrigidey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14 OS: Vista	Re: Updating an old desktop HOLY Jesus, this thread exploded! First, thank you for all your help thus far! As stated in the first post, it'll mainly sit under the desk acting as a storage hub for movies, music, and pics, as well as acting as the center of my network for broadcasting/recording live TV to various extenders. The only time it'll have a monitor on is when we are on it surfing the internet. I don't even really see this being used for word processing. This will NEVER EVER EVER be used for playing games. The highest demand I can see coming from this in the future is ripping blu-ray and surfing the net simultaneously. In that case, is there a need for more than onboard video? I guess I have always thought that it was for on-the-fly video processing for demanding games and what not...I'm not sure what the demand would be for broadcasting/recording live TV. Researching video card info now.... Last edited by yobrigidey; 03-23-2009 at 06:42 PM.

03-23-2009, 07:05 PM	#20 (permalink)
yobrigidey Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14 OS: Vista	Re: Updating an old desktop Haha, you all have been very helpful! The drive has already been reformatted. I'll be purchasing Vista to run the Windows Media Center (wish windows 7 was coming out much sooner!) I have 2 more questions: Is there any reason to purchase vista 32 over 64 for this system? I know with 32 I'll be maxed out on memory from the get go... Also, I can get the e8500 for 189.99 on newegg, wouldn't that be a reasonable price for the extra power? (+$20)