Upgrading my PC with nVidia GeForce 9600GT 512MB PCI-E card to Windows 8.1

[Steamy Wee]

I have no idea what a "Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver " is, but apparently I need it to run Win 8 or 8.1 ...the aim being to upgrade eventually to Win 10.
My MoBo is an Asus P5Q3 Deluxe-WIFI-AP iP45 Socket 775 board
CPU is Intel E8400 3Ghz. RAM is Corsair 2Gb PC3-10666 TwinX (2 x 1GB) will be upgrading to 2 x 4GB, of similar speed. (Board Max is1600 MHz)
I've already bought the Win 8.1 DVD which was in Tesco's clearance stock at £20.00.
Can some clever people help me understand if my machine will be suitable?
Thanks.

 

[DelroyMonjo]

You don't need any special graphics card with WIN 8 except to run certain games/programs. Read this:
https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn653369(v=vs.85).aspx

 

[Steamy Wee]

Thanks Delroy, I will have a read at that link, ..and the sub links but I'm quite sure it will go right over my head!
Why do they have to make it so difficult?
Does that mean I should be ok to progress with a clean install of Win 8.1 from my new DVD, and later to take advantage of the Win 10 Upgrade offer?

 

[DelroyMonjo]

Make sure you get the proper memory and that it is compatible with your current memory.
Install the 64bit version of WIN 8 from the disc if it is on there, it should be unless you have an Upgrade version which will not install unless you have a previous version of Windows and a user key code for it.
The CPU and video card are rather dated technology so don't expect to be playing the latest games with that setup.
Good luck

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5Q3/specifications/

Memory:
4 x DIMM, Max. 16 GB, DDR3 1800(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture
*DDR3 1600MHz or above DIMMs work only on the Orange slots for one DIMM per channel.
*When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL(Qualified Vendors Lists).
For new drivers or to see amanual if you don't have one:
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5Q3/HelpDesk/
https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5Q3/HelpDesk_Manual/

 

[Steamy Wee]

Wow! thanks Delroy, This machine was built for me by a friend back in 2007 so I do have all the CD's and manuals, ...somewhere! lol

I'm not a gamer, so speed is not that much of a concern, as long as it can handle Photoshop elements and a bit of Video transcoding it'll be fine.

The original RAM seems to be incompatible with modern sticks, I asked Corsair and they reconed I should not mix the old with new RAM so I'm prepared to just fit a pair of these:-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004CRSM4I/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3LOY2XXF9X55A&coliid=IKKW7UWUVVWO&psc=1
I'm a bit confused about memory speed, the MoBo says "Max Bus Speed is 1600MHz"
Current RAM is 1333MHz and the sticks I linked to are 1600MHz ...which corresponds to the max bus speed...am I on the right lines there?

My intent is to remove the HDD which is home to Vista and all my files and software, and fit a new 1Tb disc for the new OS.
I presume I could access my existing files from the Vista disk mounted externally and transfer them at my leisure.

What concerns me is: Will my new disk boot and work normally once loaded with Windows 8.1.

I witnessed my friend installing loads of "stuff" from the hardware CD's before installing Vista.
I'm scared it will be too complex, I'll miss some vital drivers and make a mess of it!

By the way, the W 8.1 box states "Full Version" and in cludes both 32 and 64bit dvd's

 

[DelroyMonjo]

I see no reason that the RAM you intend to use should not work. Normally RAM is installed in alternate slots, 1 and 3 or 2 and 4.
You will have to install all of your hardware and then start the computer which should open into the BIOS page, THIS IS NOT WINDOWS.
Set the drive parameters to BOOT using the CD drive and restart.
Then install the necessary motherboard drivers for the network to operate. Then you can go to the ASUS website to update motherboard drivers as needed.

Just READ the MANUAL.

 

[Steamy Wee]

Thanks Delroy, you have been amazingly helpful.
Once I have got a new HDD and the new RAM, I'll have a look again at your your posts and follow your advice!

 

[sora]

It should definitely work with more RAM!