Upgrading.

LnxMad · February 10th, 2004, 10:55 PM

Im in desprate need of upgrading. I have 1.7 Ghz processor and its not cutting it for video encoding and high definition i watch. Im a little short on cash and i could use some help getting the best deal. Im looking for a pentium 4 2.8 or 3.2 Ghz. Also, I have an older mobo, came stock with my old sony vaio. Do I need to upgrade the mobo for the new chip to work? Im pretty sure I have to, but im just making sure.

John Prophet · February 10th, 2004, 11:08 PM

maybe not...but, why dont you tell us the exact model number etc so we can search it out.

You have a 1.7g celeron now?? Those are terrible for multimedia and games etc..cuz of the low amount of cache

beppodmime · February 10th, 2004, 11:19 PM

If it's an older mobo, it's likely for a socket 423 processor, and that'd be enough to disqualify it as a viable platform. Also, if you're running RAMBUS, or PC133 memory, you'd have to upgrade the memory in order to use a 2.8C.

So, you're looking at mobo, CPU, and RAM. Let's see what we got out there...

For a 2.8C, which would also be the processor I'd recomend (we're talking a few seconds difference in encoding benches for the dollar here) dollar for dollar. Those, retail from Newegg, run $187 US. Add to that a decent modern, well equipped board, (this would just be my personal preference), take the Abit IS-7. That runs $93.99 US. And for memory, I imagine more is better, so grab up a dual kit of Geil PC3200 for $92.00 shipped.

So, whas that make out to? $372.99 US. That should improve your encoding times considerably, and is definately a good price for an upgrade. But, there are a few other things to considerate before deciding that that is what you need to do to effect the most dollar for dollar performance increase. Maybe a better video card, for less money, could make the system perform as you like. And, if this is all still in an old OEM computer, other items become necessary, like a case and power supply. If the old system uses a PCI or AGP 1x-2x (I think) video card, then you're going to need a new video card, as well. This all adds to cost, but these things should be considered before such a sizable upgrade.

Hope this helps. Sorry so long. I'm tired.

LnxMad · February 10th, 2004, 11:22 PM

No I have a pentium 4. And yea i have pc133 ram

John Prophet · February 10th, 2004, 11:25 PM

sony vaio what model?? lol

some of it depends on whether it is socket 423 or 478 motherboard.

Also on whether it is a normal atx case....if its regular atx or micro atx but not some proprietary thing, then you can just get a motherboard/cpu deal. Maybe even go with amd for more bang per buck

LnxMad · February 10th, 2004, 11:26 PM

I have upgraded everything but the mobo/cpu. I do have an ok video card. When i bought it i didnt know much. I got a gForce FX 5200 128mb. Sound, Sound blaster audigy2 zs platinum, ram i have 512 pc133, case....http://www.techimo.com/photo/showphoto.php?photo=5225

beppodmime · February 11th, 2004, 12:04 AM

With that kind of rig, I imagine the best bet would be to yank the CPU, mobo, and RAM, and get yourself a modern foundation. You may want to also consider putting a few bucks down on the video, seeing as you are doing more intensive things with the computer. I'm thinking something like a 9600 or 9800 ATI all in wonder cards might suit your needs. But the 5200 isn't going to give you good framerates if you happen to do any gaming.

John Prophet · February 11th, 2004, 12:23 AM

yeah, id go with a nice AMD motherboard/cpu setup....plenty of nice motherboards to choose from..Abit, Asus....those are the typical good hi performance brands

HeadBand · February 11th, 2004, 12:46 AM

since it is sony you may also need a new case and psu also along with ram and the mobo

John Prophet · February 11th, 2004, 01:18 AM

I dont think so though, cuz in the pics it looks like a normal atx case etc