Hi Sunius,
Thanks for joining the discussion, and for those most useful links which I will keep for future reference. Certainly, the figures indicate that my old CPU is far superior to my present one.
Just for info mY asrock mobo is
http://asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=ConRoeXFire-eSATA2
sorry I dont know how to make an hyperlink!
This is an Xfire version of the one you identified, specifically AsRock ConroeXfire-eSATA2, rev2.0.
Yes it has provision for Sata and IDE HD's, and my PSU can handle both types.
On the face of it THE best way forward is to take advantage of my 'spare' components which were ideal for video work. A pity the old GC was physically damaged and has had to be scrapped.
Putting the subject of replacement GC to one side for the moment, I would now like to pursue with you the use of my spare CPU, memory and HD in my present PC.
You give me the impression this could be straightforward.
If I now deal with the physical process perhaps you could indicate whether it is easy or, perhaps, what additional work has to be done to make it work.
Method 1
Step 1 - remove present CPU, primary HD (PATA) and 2 memory chips.
Step 2 - fit old CPU, primary HD (PATA) and 2 memory chips.
Step 3 - turn on PC power, sit back and watch boot into Windows on screen.
"Comment - I cannot believe it was so simple."
Method 2
Step 1 - remove present CPU and replace with old CPU.
Step 2 - turn on PC power, sit back and watch boot into Windows on screen.
Step 3 - turn off PC, replace present memory with old memory.
Step 4 - turn on PC power, sit back and watch boot into Windows on screen.
Step 5 - turn off PC, replace present HD with old HD.
Step 6 - turn on PC power, sit back and watch boot into Windows on screen.
"Comment - Sit back and be amazed that everything worked first time without a hitch."
I imagine that it wont be so simple and that the following will happen.
There is a good chance that fitting the old CPU and memory will go smoothly although there may well be some tweaking needed to some memory attributes.
I fully expect that if I now fit the old HD the PC wont boot and I will end up having to reload OS and everything else. If that is the case what are the chances that the new CPU and memory will work with my present HD?
Please feel free to set out the replacement routine in as much detail as you think is necessary to make my task as easy as possible.
leonard