Hardware

Ask something
Discussion Locked

PC upgrade options?

0 helpful
8 replies

by samuelfisher2000

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

I have a :
? Soyo SY-K7VIA Athlon ATX, 4x, AGP w/Audio
o
? AMD Athalon 650Mhz CPU
o
? ATX Mid-Tower Case w/ Athalon-approved 250 watt Power Supply
o

I want to upgrade but don’t know what my options are. I do not want a new case. But I do want more speed.

- I could do a new CPU with current motherboard or get a motherboard / CPU combination.

If I go with a new motherboard and CPU which have the best reviews? ZDnet? Cnet? And where can I get them the cheapest?

Also,where can I buy the cheapest and best internal modem I can use with both Linux and Windows? Are there any that work with both Linux and Windows and support caller ID?

8 replies

by thechas

Soulrider gave you some good links to check out for further information.

A site I use to check prices is www.pricewatch.com
You can also get MB info at www.motherboards.org

Don't neglect the CPU mfgs web sites for links to "approved" MBs.

From the info at Soyo's web site, you are limited to a 700MHz thunderbird, or a 900MHz "classic" CPU.
Based on the price of Slot A CPU's, (they are not made anymore, and the 900MHz "classic" cpu sells for more than 2X the price of a socket A) there is no sence in trying to upgrade your CPU at this time.
Besides, there are other advantages to a new MB that will provide greater system speed increases than a fster CPU will provide.

If speed is your goal, I would limit my search to MBs that have ATA133 interfaces built in, and use DDR memory. These 2 items will impact system speed much more than the CPU speed.

I also agree with soulrider that you need to seriously consider a bigger power supply.
Depending on the overall system, you may want to consider a 400 watt supply. If you opt for a P4 system, you may need to change the PS anyhow to accomadate the extra power connector.

For modem information, check
www.modemhelp.org
www.k56.com

I have been happy with the Intel/Ambient HAM modem. Intel has drivers for W95-XP and Linux posted. It does not have caller ID though.
This modem sells for $13.25 at www.compgeeks.com

by thechas

If you go mail order, don't limit yourself to the lowest price dealer for each item.
Get the best price on the combined items, and save yourself some shipping charges.
If you have a good local dealer, buy at least the power supply there.

by the gardener

well like they say, your current MB isnt worth upgrading, yes the Athalon running DDRdram is an advantage over a P4 runing SDram. a doubling of processor speed is hardly significant. if you must i say go with athalon +1600 W/ddr or have a look into the P4 with either SDram or RDram.
try www.tigerdirect.com they have pretty good deals on kits aswell as MB/processor combo's and www.aberdeeninc.com has a great selection of MB with there respective properties aswell.
atleast if you replace what you have you can resell what you have as working rather than have that units MB sit in the closet collecting dust.
i have been looking at the P4/845chipset (for cheap SDram)512Mb, 1700Mhz with dvd and cd-wr for 799.@tigerdirect.
like i said you canresell a working unit but hard to do with just the MB/processor!

This discussion is closed to new replies.