Hardware Compatibility for Windows 8.1

[Keene]

Hi,
I am using Windows XP right now. And am planning to instal 8.1 instead.
Hardware Info:
Processor: Intel Pentium Cpu
E5400 @ 2.70 GHz
Ram: 2 GB
Display Adapter: Intel 82945G Express Chipset Family

I do intend to get a new 4GB RAM. But based on the above configuration, will I need to change anything else? I don't want to spend much, but do want to have a decent computer that isn't slow either.
Pls let me know.

 

[uplink-svk]

Greetings Keene!

Pleaes provide us with the most and only critical component of Your system - motherboard model/type,

And we'll be able to tell You if it supports Windows 8.1, or not,

regards

uplink

 

[Keene]

Hi uplink,
could you pls let me know where to look for the info u need? I went to Device Manager and the Properties in 'My Computer' for the info I posted above...

 

[barto]

Download a program called Speccy. It's safe and a good program to get the hardware make and models.

 

[Keene]

ok, so i installed CPU-Z and this is what it says. Hopefully it helps...

Model: 945GCM-S2L
Chipset: intel i945G

 

[uplink-svk]

Keene - ooh, that is quite a collectible You've got there pal. Official support ends with Windows 7. So You can try to hit Windows 8/8.1, but there's a very good chance it won't work. And definitely don't count with Gigabyte to help You out there. The mobo is discontinued long enough.

 

[Keene]

i know right! haha.. i was trying to hang on to xp as long as possible... n the machine wasn't bothering either but now thought of getting 8.1

so then, I'll have to get everything new isn't it? (mobo, ram)
I don't have much knowledge of Hardware. So will I have to get a new hard disk too?

 

[uplink-svk]

Keene - yes, You can keep the HDD, everything else will have to go. If You state us a budget, we, or I can give You some shoot-out for what You may get for Your cash.

If You're willing to go for a new system, I strongly recommend SSD. But first things first. What is Your theoretical budget, and what country do You live in, and what is Your prefered reseller?

 

[jefferysummers]

Buying a new hard disk is not a bad idea for you. Buy new it will be more beneficial.

 

[Keene]

Unfortunately, I'm in India. So not sure if you'll be able to help me with the pricing...

I would prefer staying with my present HDD for now, in future though I will go for SSD
The seller recommended Asus H81 motherboard. Do you think it is good?
Also, I work on Graphics so need a decent machine. Maybe not a roaring lion (coz I can't afford it lol) but still a good one.

 

[uplink-svk]

For graphics, go for Z97 chipset motherboard, and get some "K" intel processor, so You can OC it in the future. Be sure to get at least 8 gigs of ram, and some decent graphics card for GPGPU acceleration, or CUDA/GCN support.

 

[Keene]

thanks a lot for all this help

 

[uplink-svk]

If You need some specifics, feel free to ask!

 

[Keene]

I'll keep the thread open for a while, if u don't mind. It's terribly hot in India these days and it'll take me some time to go out and decide upon a shop, to buy the new stuff n sell the old. Will post here if I have any questions and then pick ur ans. as the solution and then close
thx again!!

 

[uplink-svk]

Sure thing. Take Your time. Yup, it's hot in Slovakia too, we have 30°C. I guess though, that when it's 30°C in India, You're celebrating cold day, so I'll take my leave

 

[Keene]

ahahaha you are so right. it is above 45 C here and only the brave dare to step out in the noon. Thanks to your help, got my new machine running at last. Though I miss some of the features of XP but learning to enjoy 8.1 as well. thx once again for all the help

 

[uplink-svk]

I'm glad I could've been of a service.