Which motherboards can I upgrade to?

[xisaaccantu]

I would like to upgrade my motherboard because the intel website said that this model (along with a few others) doesnt support Windows 7.
I had originally planned to install windows XP because I like it so much, but I learned that windows XP has sort of an "expiration date" on it now, so I think Win7 is the best alternative.

I plan to do some light gaming (Sims 3, Skyrim), but not at ultra high resolution. I want a mid range computer.

I anticipate a complete rehaul of the hardware but I'd like to get a motherboard that at least uses the same Processor.

NOTE: I have windows7 install disk, and a windows xp .iso that I got from Microsoft's website, with legit product keys. I tried to install windows 7 and it came up during the installation that it needed a driver for my DVD/CD drive.

I've done so much searching, even found like 5 that I thought would work, but during the set up it wouldnt recognize them on my USB drive.Its an SM-Lite-On DVDRW LH-20A1S. I need some help finding this driver.

All I can seem to find are windows .exe files and I cant run those on linux. The drive is in working order as I installed The Sims on here but I cant play it due to graphic errors.


I am running Linux Mint 15 on an Antec PC.
Intel Pentium 4 @ 3.0 GHz
1 GB RAM
Motherboard is Intel D915GAG. (Im so new to linux this is all I can find out for now)

 

[cklaubur]

Most Socket LGA775 motherboards with an older chipset than P35 should work. However, that processor is about 10 years old, and any modern cheap processor could outperform it. Not only that, LGA775 motherboards aren't made new anymore, so you will be looking for used ones.

Personally, I'd save up and just build a more up to date system. You can use Windows XP for a few more months before Microsoft stops supporting it.

Casey

 

[xisaaccantu]

So you're saying to buy a new processor and motherboard, and everything else? Can I do that under 200$? What do you have in mind for building a decent, up to date system with new parts?

 

[cklaubur]

My thinking is that you can certainly find a replacement motherboard to upgrade, but that processor will be the part holding you back. The Pentium 4 wasn't exactly great as far as performance or efficiency.

What kind of budget do you have in mind?

There will probably be 5-10 people posting builds here in a few minutes, so I'll probably defer to them. I can put a computer together just fine, but coming up with a decent build on a budget isn't my strong suit.

Casey

 

[xisaaccantu]

Well I paid 50$ for this computer and it came with a monitor, lazer mouse, keyboard, and a printer. I'd say if I could take care of the rest for 250~300$, I'd be golden. It'd have to happen over a period of time however, as I live on a fixed income.

 

[Guest]

I could suggest you a 300$ upgrade able to run Sims 3 and Skyrim but we would have to neglect some very important aspects such as graphics.
Yes, you would probably be able to run the games but, it won't look good.

There's also the fact your computer is pretty old and some of the parts you already have may not be compatible with mines.
In my opinion, your system is just a bit too ancient to be upgradable.

I'm afraid you're gonna have to build a computer from scratch.
It sounds hard but it really isn't, building a computer is as hard as playing LEGO.
There are ton of video tutorials on how to build a computer from scratch on Youtube.

Of course, i could help you choose the parts but you would be looking at a 500$-600$ upgrade instead.

However, there's another possibility..
You could simply buy a used Xbox 360 for 100$ and play the Sims 3/Skyrim on console for under 200$.

 

[xisaaccantu]

Do you think I could just replace everything in my computer over a period of time? Ive been looking at guides to building computers and it doesnt seem too hard. Is there anyway to have it usable soon, if we go for the 500$ route?

 

[Guest]

Do you think I could just replace everything in my computer over a period of time?

No because the parts i suggest may not be compatible with yours so the computer wouldn't work at all.

Is there anyway to have it usable soon, if we go for the 500$ route?

If you have 500$ saved, i can help you build a PC ready to run modern games in under 5 minutes.
Obviously you would have to wait a week for the parts to be delivered before you can use it.

 

[xisaaccantu]

What I bought parts, stored them until I got all of them, and then put it all together? Could you help me in choosing parts?

 

[Guest]

What I bought parts, stored them until I got all of them, and then put it all together? Could you help me in choosing parts?

You could buy the parts one by one but you would be wasting a lot of money on shipping.
Buying them all at the same time is a much better choice.

Here are the parts i recommend you.
Link : http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2n2rO

This computer is capable of running the Sims 3 and Skyrim no problem.
If in the future you decided to buy a bigger monitor such as a 24" for 100$, you could play both games in high definition.

 

[xisaaccantu]

What about a lower costing build? Like 300$? What options do I have for that?

 

[Guest]

This is the best i can do, 318$ : http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2nsgq
It could play The Sims 3 and Skyrim but i don't know how well the game would run.

I strongly recommend buying this build for an extra 20$ instead : http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2ns89