Upgrading.

[LnxMad]

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]

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]

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]

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

[John Prophet]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[John Prophet]

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