Upgrade ASUS motherboard in Sony VAIO Desktop comptuer to a 64-bit version, in same case

[omegaman2]

I am wondering about upgrading my Sony VAIO Desktop PVC-RX850 computer (of 2003) to a 64-bit motherboards version. It runs on Windows XP Service Pack 3, has an Intel Pentium 4 CPU, 1GB of main memory; can be further upgraded to 1.5GB of RAM (originally came with 512MB, a third memory module was defective, and so I removed it), upgraded Maxtor 200GB internal hard disk drive (upgraded from a Seagate 80GB HDD, now used as an external back-up drive), and an upgrade to an NVIDIA GeForce 5200 128MB video card installed (originally operated on the on-board video adapter). Therefore, I want to remove the memory modules as well, but keep the ATA internal hard disk drive by Maxtor of 200GB to use as storage, also keep and re-install the above NVIDIA video card of 128MB, and install a new Antec ATX 380 Earth Watts power supply of 80 plus bronze (bought in 2010, but never connected to any computer) into the same Sony module (case) as listed above. Also, I prefer to connect the old Sony Trinitron E240 CRT monitor to a new ASUS motherboard; is it going to have a VGA interface? Therefore, the old hard disk drive, and NVIDIA video card is to be connected to a new ASUS or other good brand of a motherboard with a 64-bit bus, and is going to operate by a new, medium-priced Intel Pentium processor. Hence, I'd like to connect a medium-priced but good quality solid state drive to the new 64-bit motherboard, and have it run on Windows 8 (as my Acer laptop does, Windows 8.1, wireless connection to home network), with a new first memory module of 2GB. Am I able to accomplish this task into the old Sony VAIO case? I like to work on visual art and photography, so that is another reason I would like to upgrade the motherboard, CPU, and main memory (RAM). Thank you for any wise, constructive advice, in particular on the choice for a new ASUS motherboard to fit inside the Sony VAIO mid-tower case. I appreciate any logical advice, thank you.

Sincerely,

omegaman2

 

[Darkbreeze]

It seems that the motherboard that comes in that build is an ATX motherboard, so you should be able to fit any standard ATX motherboard in there. Since you plan to replace the power supply anyhow and since that Antec PSU has a 20+4 connector and a 4+4 connector, it should be good for any board that only requires 380W total power depending on components.

I think you should seriously consider more than 2GB of RAM as Windows 8 and 8.1 require 2GB of RAM for operation which leaves nothing for other applications or processes. 4GB should be the minimum for modern systems running windows 8 and even probably windows 7, although it might run with only 2GB it will be limited and run poorly.

Also, that graphics card is an AGP card which will not work with a newer board. Newer boards require a PCIe 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 graphics card. You can however just get a board that has onboard graphics or a board that supports a cpu with onboard gpu, or graphics processor, if you don't plan to do any gaming or for light gaming. If you plan to do any extensive gaming you will need a separate graphics card.

I would be happy to outline a system based on your needs that will work for you in that case, but honestly, I would really recommend also replacing the case. The reason is, modern systems get much hotter than older systems and that case has no front, side or top fan locations and will most likely not have enough airflow to keep a modern processor and motherboard cool.