Total upgrade question

[mrossiter]

I have a 2004 dell 3000. Can I buy a upgrade kit with a new mother board and processor from like AMD or Intel and use the same case.How do I tell what to buy. I'm also thinking I'll put windows 7 prem. in . Any suggestions ?? I just dont want to buy a new pc. I already have a 650 watt psu. Thanks 😱

 

[o1die]

If you don't mind using the smaller micro atx boards. Your dell case connector is a 9 pin variety, so it might work on newer boards. But the safest way is to order a new case, such as the antec 300 for $49.99 shipped at frys.com. It has the power supply mount on the bottom of the case for better cooling, and will work with your newer ps and any size atx board you desire. I use frys combo deals, which are in store only. The memory is very expensive right now; I recommend a 2x2gb kit of ddr3 for around $100 to use with windows 7 and your new combo. Crucial, kingston, or corsair are all pretty good brands.

 

[AsAnAtheist]

Well this can be problematic. I believe 2004 was the year where manufacturers stopped bothering with non ATX standards and moved to full ATX standards with PSU, motherboards, and cables.

Your most definitely still using DDR ram as 2004 was not a astounding year for DDR2 memory (barely 6 months old~ as it was introduced 2nd quarter of 2003). Also Cnet confirms the use of DDR 400 mhz ram on that PC.
Your going to basically be throwing out everything except for:
Hard drive, PSU, Optical drives, and screws/liftoffs.

The case is already gone for several issues: while some manufacturers did stick to ATX standards for motherboards, and power supplies they rarely ever did any of the cables to ATX standard. The cables i am referring to are the front input cables such as: power, reset, power LED, HDD LED, and speaker. Often times the order of the cables where switched with manufacturers and grouped together into a plastic casing that is used as a plug in to the motherboard. The switched cables makes it very difficult to figure out which cable is which so pulling them out and reconfiguring takes guess work, and could cause damage by short circuiting a component.

So what you need are: Memory, motherboard, case, Processor, and Windows 7.

So here's a few questions:
What is your budget/use for the computer?
What type of Hard drives do you have IDE or Sata?
IDE:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/asset_cache/b/br/brando-usb2ide-cable-v2-2.jpg
Sata:
http://www.pcstats.com/articleimages/200708/LGGSAH62N_sata2.jpg
What power supply do you have? Brand/Model please.

 

[mrossiter]

IDE 40 pin hard drive x2
psu is a cheap chinese made atx 650 switching power
I was going to try to spend around $500 not counting window's 7

 

[mrossiter]

Antec Six Hundred Black / Silver ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811129073
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$20.00 Instant
$99.99
$79.99


ECS Black Series A790GXM-A AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813135228
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$21.00 Mail-in Rebate
$119.99


CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X4096-8500C5C G - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145247
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$104.99


AMD Phenom X4 9150e Agena 1.8GHz Socket AM2+ 65W Quad-Core Processor Model HD9150ODGHBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103287
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$79.99


Total cost $384.96

 

[jsc]

If you extended your budget just a little, you could build a brand new computer and still keep your old one for internet, office apps, and things like that.

At any rate, I would not get an ECS motherboard.

 

[AsAnAtheist]

If you extended your budget just a little, you could build a brand new computer and still keep your old one for internet, office apps, and things like that.

At any rate, I would not get an ECS motherboard.

I agree.

Also do not get old products like Phenom 9150e agina.

Here's a setup under near the setup you just made but with much much better components:

LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 Black 0.8 mm SECC, Plastic + Mesh ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Price: $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112239

OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2P8004GK - Retail
Price: $83.99- $15 Mail in rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227248

Mobo/CPU combo:
BIOSTAR TA790GXE 128M AM2+/AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor Model ADX620WFGIBOX - Retail
Price: $168.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.321816

Total without PSU: $374.80 Shipped~ Total after mail in rebates: $334.80

I would not sit too comfortably with your power supply so I put this one here.

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Retail
Price: $64.99- $25 mail in rebate.
Capability: It can run your system+ a higher end GPU like a HD 4890 or a HD 5850.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

With PSU: $445.48 Shipped~ Total after mail in rebates: $405.48

 

[mrossiter]

Great Thanks, Thats why these forums are so popular.I'm not sure whats old & new,or what will work with what.And welcome all the suggestions I can get from the people who know.I might even go a little higher on the $ side as well.

 

[AsAnAtheist]

Also I recommend you pick a 500gb Sata HDD because since your optical drive probably is gonna use IDE you can have a problem there with available IDE connections. IDE now adays should only be used for optical drivers if absolutely necessary. Hard drives using IDE can be rather slow since they're old.

500GB Sata HDD will run you around $50-$60. I would recommend choosing the 500gb single platter (newest generation) hard drive. I dont have the time to search for it but just go to google and type in: "500gb single platter hard drives"

I have a Samsung Spinpoint F3 which is a 500gb single platter. Don't pay over $54.99 for it.

Good luck. Can someone tell him where to find the single platter 500gb HDD's?

 

[mrossiter]

Also I recommend you pick a 500gb Sata HDD because since your optical drive probably is gonna use IDE you can have a problem there with available IDE connections. IDE now adays should only be used for optical drivers if absolutely necessary. Hard drives using IDE can be rather slow since they're old.

500GB Sata HDD will run you around $50-$60. I would recommend choosing the 500gb single platter (newest generation) hard drive. I dont have the time to search for it but just go to google and type in: "500gb single platter hard drives"

I have a Samsung Spinpoint F3 which is a 500gb single platter. Don't pay over $54.99 for it.

Good luck. Can someone tell him where to find the single platter 500gb HDD's?

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the help. You've definitely made this learning experience a whole lot simpler.

 

[mrossiter]

Found This Seagate Barracuda for $ 49.99

Seagate 500GB Serial ATA HD 7200/16MB/SATA-3G
Note: The condition of this item is New
Mfr Part# ST3500418AS

Combining proven components, state-of-the-art technology and industry-leading manufacturing expertise: the Seagate® Barracuda® 7200.12 drive.

Drive Type: Internal
Capacity: 500GB
Interface: Serial ATA-300
Interface Type: SATA
Spindle Speed (RPM): 7200
Buffer Memory: 16MB
Average Seek (msec): 8.5 to 9.5
Average Latency (msec): 4.16
Form Factor: 3.5"

 

[AsAnAtheist]

Found This Seagate Barracuda for $ 49.99

Seagate 500GB Serial ATA HD 7200/16MB/SATA-3G
Note: The condition of this item is New
Mfr Part# ST3500418AS

Combining proven components, state-of-the-art technology and industry-leading manufacturing expertise: the Seagate® Barracuda® 7200.12 drive.

Drive Type: Internal
Capacity: 500GB
Interface: Serial ATA-300
Interface Type: SATA
Spindle Speed (RPM): 7200
Buffer Memory: 16MB
Average Seek (msec): 8.5 to 9.5
Average Latency (msec): 4.16
Form Factor: 3.5"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&cm_re=samsung_spinpoint_f3-_-22-152-181-_-Product

I would recommend the Samsung Spinpoint F3 for several reasons:
Had 1st or 2nd lowest running temperatures, extremely quiet, and only was surpassed by Western Digital's black HDD's which ran hotter/a little louder..

Like I said I own 1, and I usually hit 110mbs avg read, and 100mbs write which is pretty damn decent for a single HDD solution..

 

[mrossiter]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&cm_re=samsung_spinpoint_f3-_-22-152-181-_-Product

I would recommend the Samsung Spinpoint F3 for several reasons:
Had 1st or 2nd lowest running temperatures, extremely quiet, and only was surpassed by Western Digital's black HDD's which ran hotter/a little louder..

Like I said I own 1, and I usually hit 110mbs avg read, and 100mbs write which is pretty damn decent for a single HDD solution..

Thanks again for all you input.I'll be taking all your suggestion for the project,and hope you'll be around once it gets up and running.
one last thing,can I put some of the programs I'm running from window xp to 7 & how ?? Off a portable HD I would guess.
Thanks !

 

[mrossiter]

Best answer selected by mrossiter.

 

[mrossiter]

If you extended your budget just a little, you could build a brand new computer and still keep your old one for internet, office apps, and things like that.

At any rate, I would not get an ECS motherboard.

Thanks, I really appreciate your input.

 

[AsAnAtheist]

Thanks again for all you input.I'll be taking all your suggestion for the project,and hope you'll be around once it gets up and running.
one last thing,can I put some of the programs I'm running from window xp to 7 & how ?? Off a portable HD I would guess.
Thanks !

Putting programs into a portable HDD would most likely not work. Depending on the program's nature, it can be done but more probably not. This is because there are files that do not go into the program files folder, and may be put into:
Registry
System files
Sub folders in other locations besides program files folder (or perhaps in program files folder but in a different folder it self).

You will end up loosing your programs I am afraid if you do not have the installs for them.

There is no method to do a in-place install from XP to windows 7, so I am afraid they will be gone.

Another method could be to use Windows Vista ultimate disc to do a in-place install. Then from there do a in-place install to Windows 7. Of course that would require the purchase of vista ultimate, unless you pirate it. Which is illegal and I would not recommend such act even for only the few minutes you will need it for.. -hint-

 

[mrossiter]

Putting programs into a portable HDD would most likely not work. Depending on the program's nature, it can be done but more probably not. This is because there are files that do not go into the program files folder, and may be put into:
Registry
System files
Sub folders in other locations besides program files folder (or perhaps in program files folder but in a different folder it self).

You will end up loosing your programs I am afraid if you do not have the installs for them.

There is no method to do a in-place install from XP to windows 7, so I am afraid they will be gone.

Another method could be to use Windows Vista ultimate disc to do a in-place install. Then from there do a in-place install to Windows 7. Of course that would require the purchase of vista ultimate, unless you pirate it. Which is illegal and I would not recommend such act even for only the few minutes you will need it for.. -hint-

Aha,Once again I'm impressed.I'll look around.
Thanks,
Marty

 

[mrossiter]

Hello,

Ok so I think I might have increased my budget by $250 -$300. Is that enough to make a significant difference or should I just stick to the original selection of components ?

 

[AsAnAtheist]

Hello,

Ok so I think I might have increased my budget by $250 -$300. Is that enough to make a significant difference or should I just stick to the original selection of components ?

If you havent purchased the previous build mentioned here yes it can make a significant difference. Give me a few minutes and I will try to build you an i7-920 or i5-750 (more probably that it's going to be a i5-750. Your budget is 750-800~ I think ($500 before we discussed a build, so $250+$300 would equal to that).

 

[AsAnAtheist]

Okay here's the new build i7-920:

ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail: $169.99
x3 PCI-E in 16x/16x/4x configuration if you tri-sli
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157163

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail $149.99 with $20 Mail in rebate:
Triple Channel and 1.5v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ... - Retail $89.99 with $30 Mail in Rebate:
Modular cables. Good quality. Not exactly Seasonic or Corsair quality but more then enough for your build.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail $288.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202


Total Price+shipped: $698.96 After Mail in Rebates: $648.96


There is a problem with this build: NO ONBOARD VIDEO so buying a Graphics card is a MUST. Since we are still under budget somewhat I will recommend a set of cards you can buy depending on how much you want to pay. I will also put what their expectations are as far as gaming.

 

[AsAnAtheist]

1st GPU on the list:

Sapphire HD 5750 1GB DDR5 128 bit $139.99 (pushes you out of budget by $20-$30~ Can play most games are near high@1920x1080~ some with AA others without AA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859

The second on the list
Sapphire HD 4850 512mb DDR3: $99.99 All reference specs (not factory overclocked) but does come with a non reference cooler (3rd party cooler). Can play most games are near high@1920x1080~ some with AA others without AA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102824


Third on the list:
Sapphire HD 4650 1gb DDR2 128 bit: $59.99 Can play most games on medium settings or low settings at 1920x1080... Can play most games medium settings to high settings no AA at 1600x800~ or lower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131178

Power Color HD 4650 512mb DDR2: $49.99 Can play most games on medium settings or low settings at 1920x1080... Can play most games medium settings to high settings no AA at 1600x800~ or lower... Power color is much cheaper then Sapphire so there is a risk of getting a dead on arrival card. However they do serve their warranties if newegg wont replace the card.
or if you want Nvidia:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102843

Nvidia card at #3 as well:
Galaxy 9500 GT 512mb 128bit DDR2. $54.99 Will perform better then the 4650. So perhaps medium to medium-high settings at 1920x1080 no AA. Most games at medium to high with little to no AA at 1600x800. (Performs better then the HD 4650)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162019


I would personally recommend the HD 5750, or the HD 4850 for several reasons (order of preference from most to least):

HD 5750:
- DDR5 Memory, faster memory to make up for the low bit bus.
- Eyefinity Technology. Up to 3 displays. (or two if you want).
- DX 11 full support
- Performs slightly better then the HD 4850 (talking about 3%-5% if I remember correctly)
- Uses less power then HD 4850 or any card of it's class (performance/value) 80w~ peak.
-Newer technology to keep up with your i7 build.

HD 4850:
-sub $100 price line. Nvidia offers no comparison at this price point.
-Performs a little above a 9800 GTX
- Uses little power (around 100w-110w)
- 256 bit compared to 128 bit. This has to do with over clocking. Ignore it if you are not over clocking. (256 bits offer more over head then 128 bit) However the DDR5 on the 5750 somewhat makes up for it.

 

[mrossiter]

1st GPU on the list:

Sapphire HD 5750 1GB DDR5 128 bit $139.99 (pushes you out of budget by $20-$30~ Can play most games are near high@1920x1080~ some with AA others without AA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859

The second on the list
Sapphire HD 4850 512mb DDR3: $99.99 All reference specs (not factory overclocked) but does come with a non reference cooler (3rd party cooler). Can play most games are near high@1920x1080~ some with AA others without AA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102824


Third on the list:
Sapphire HD 4650 1gb DDR2 128 bit: $59.99 Can play most games on medium settings or low settings at 1920x1080... Can play most games medium settings to high settings no AA at 1600x800~ or lower.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131178

Power Color HD 4650 512mb DDR2: $49.99 Can play most games on medium settings or low settings at 1920x1080... Can play most games medium settings to high settings no AA at 1600x800~ or lower... Power color is much cheaper then Sapphire so there is a risk of getting a dead on arrival card. However they do serve their warranties if newegg wont replace the card.
or if you want Nvidia:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102843

Nvidia card at #3 as well:
Galaxy 9500 GT 512mb 128bit DDR2. $54.99 Will perform better then the 4650. So perhaps medium to medium-high settings at 1920x1080 no AA. Most games at medium to high with little to no AA at 1600x800. (Performs better then the HD 4650)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162019


I would personally recommend the HD 5750, or the HD 4850 for several reasons (order of preference from most to least):

HD 5750:
- DDR5 Memory, faster memory to make up for the low bit bus.
- Eyefinity Technology. Up to 3 displays. (or two if you want).
- DX 11 full support
- Performs slightly better then the HD 4850 (talking about 3%-5% if I remember correctly)
- Uses less power then HD 4850 or any card of it's class (performance/value) 80w~ peak.
-Newer technology to keep up with your i7 build.

HD 4850:
-sub $100 price line. Nvidia offers no comparison at this price point.
-Performs a little above a 9800 GTX
- Uses little power (around 100w-110w)
- 256 bit compared to 128 bit. This has to do with over clocking. Ignore it if you are not over clocking. (256 bits offer more over head then 128 bit) However the DDR5 on the 5750 somewhat makes up for it.

Awesome job, Thanks yet again for going above and beyond a simple yes or no answer . You are an asset to the forum.

 

[AsAnAtheist]

Awesome job, Thanks yet again for going above and beyond a simple yes or no answer . You are an asset to the forum.

Hope you have an awesome time fragging people on the machine 😛 once you build it

 

[mrossiter]

Okay here's the new build i7-920:

ASRock X58 Extreme LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail: $169.99
x3 PCI-E in 16x/16x/4x configuration if you tri-sli
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157163

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Retail $149.99 with $20 Mail in rebate:
Triple Channel and 1.5v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227365

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ... - Retail $89.99 with $30 Mail in Rebate:
Modular cables. Good quality. Not exactly Seasonic or Corsair quality but more then enough for your build.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail $288.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202


Total Price+shipped: $698.96 After Mail in Rebates: $648.96


There is a problem with this build: NO ONBOARD VIDEO so buying a Graphics card is a MUST. Since we are still under budget somewhat I will recommend a set of cards you can buy depending on how much you want to pay. I will also put what their expectations are as far as gaming.

Also I would still use the above mentioned tower & the Samsung spinpoint. Thanks