Pentium4 motherboard 1

[dbadmin]

Hi Gurus,

I have an old PC which is Pentium 3, 550MHz. All the peripherals in this are added new, like DVD writer, memory, Wireless LAN, DVD ROM etc. My question is, Is it possible to replace the motherboard of this PC with a Pentium 4 motherboard so that I can achieve a much faster performance?

Thanks,
dbadmin

 

[Tels]

You have 2 main considerations;

A new processor family (ie. Pentium3 to Pentium4) will require you to purchase a new system board and a new processor at the very least. Assuming your current system uses an ATX spec case you shouldn't need a new case at least..

Pentium 4's consume more power and generate more heat than P3's so you might want to check your case is large enough to dissipate the heat, and your PSU rating is high enough to power everything.

Memory might or might not need replacing, but remember that if your existing memory IS compatible, it might end up slowing a newer system down.

Usually upgrades of this type require:
a) New motherboard
b) New Processor
c) New memory

All your CD drives, HDD drives and peripherals should hook up to a new board without any problems.

Terry-Lee Blay
MCP, A+, Net+, Server+, APS, IBM Thinkpads/Portables

 

[bcastner]

I agree with Tels above completely.
It is very unlikely you can do a processor switch as planned, unless you do an ugly use of a PCI board or other micky mouse upgrade possibility.

Note too if using XP you will have to re-activate, and very likely you will have to do at least a repair reinstallation of the OS.

See:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=249694

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/other/motherboard/problems.htm

http://www.windowsreinstall.com/install/other/motherboard/win2k.htm

 

[paparazi]

Minimum you are likely to need:

Hardware:

Motherboard
CPU
Heatsink/Fan
DDR ram
350watt plus ATX Power supply
Extra case fans

Software:

Clean install of Windows and applications.

Martin





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[dbadmin]

Thanks all. Then, is it true to believe that it is better to invest in a new PC with basic configuration and add the peripherals (DVD ROM, DVD Writer etc) with the low price PCs flooding the market?

dbadmin.

 

[Tels]

Pros and cons, with that idea.

You are likely to get a good deal if you go down the 'barebones' road, however be sure to shop around - a lot of sellers keep the cost down by using cheaper boards, cases and PSU's.

You may find that although you get a highly specced system on paper, the quality might not be so high.

This is not to say you won't get your money's worth, but it's always good advice to find out exactly what parts you get in a barebones PC and read reviews etc.

I would say that since the Motherboard, case and PSU form the foundation of ANY computer system it's worth spending extra to get quality - you'll also have more scope for upgrades later.



Terry-Lee Blay
MCP, A+, Net+, Server+, APS, IBM Thinkpads/Portables