CSU upgrade from old to new
By dranreb1986
@dranreb1986 (97)
Philippines
May 15, 2011 5:14am CST
I have been using a Pentium III CSU (computer system unit) for more than 10 years now. It can still run the necessary programs that needs to be run. But lately, most of the programs now have very heavy requirements and I cannot multitask anymore. I've tried changing some of the specs, bought a new battery, a 256 mb geforce fx 5500 video card for pentium IV which was miraculously compatible to my motherboard. But unfortunately when it came down to the memory card, the motherboard had a SDR slot and I am pretty sure they're already phased out.
The only solution I can think of is upgrading, but with the many products out now I am having a hard time choosing which. So it would really be a big help if anyone can recommend some parts that you know are good, practical, and also affordable (if possible). Any part of the CSU (from motherboard to processor even the case)would be much appreciated, I'll just then piece by piece your recommendations.
2 responses
@RamRes (1723)
• Argentina
16 May 11
The first question you must answer when thinking on a new computer is what will be the primary usage of the new PC. If it's for regular office working, audio, video and image viewing and web browsing, a lower end system will do, but if you're thinking on the latest games, video editing, server capabilities or heavy multitasking, you will need a computer a lot more powerful.
Pls tell us first what do you plan to do with it.
By the way, it's not called CSU, but CPU.
@dranreb1986 (97)
• Philippines
16 May 11
Good point... I forgot to specify that part..
The PC would most likely be used for office and programming purposes, but can also handle some games and image editors (not the latest ones).
I'll still call it CSU, because I'm referring to the whole unit from processor to case. CPU only means the processor.
@RamRes (1723)
• Argentina
18 May 11
Ok, let's see.
This requires an average hardware configuration, mostly for the games. About the processor, I would bet for a Core2Duo or i3, which are pretty common nowadays and not so expensive, and can handle most office tasks and some games too. And i5 might be good if you want to have it for a longer time before going obsolete again, but pocket has the last word. i7 seems an overkill for me for that task. Anything below may give you troubles with same games, and if you're multitasking addict.
For memory, today 2GB is the bare minimum. But it depends again on the operating system you're planning to install. For Windows XP it's enough for most things, but if you're thinking in Win7 you may also like 3 or 4 GB, specially for 64 bits systems. The games that will run may also require those amounts. More than that I guess will not be used and most likely a waste for the purpose.
The hard disk depends mostly on the things you want to download mostly. 250GB is a good starting point for most current operating systems and gives a nice space for games and other utility software. But if you think you'll be downloading movies and a lot of games, you may want a larger storage. 320 or 500 GB are options if you can afford it.
About graphic card, the biggest choice is onboard vs external. onboards are cheap but don't provide a good performance and also eat up some memory from the system. Dedicated card gives more main memory, and a lot of performance in comparison. The games and maybe image editing will help decide here. The good part is that you can start with an onboard, and the purchase a dedicated one afterwards if it begins to slow down.
For the old system, I doubt you can reuse any parts from them. Modern systems use others protocols than P3 and are unlikely to be compatible, and if it does, it will give you worse performance. The hard disk as a secondary backup drive is a nice option, also the case is useful if you're not thinking in keeping the old computer. Personally, I would keep both operational if possible even if one is outdated it may be useful. But once again, your pocket rules.
@smacksman (6053)
•
15 May 11
There comes a time in the computer world where you just have to say goodbye to an old friend. You know how they say a dog ages 7 years to our one? Well a PC ages 12 years to our one! Haha.
Where are you - oh yes the Philippines - your prices will be different but in proportion. I use a company called www.ebuyer.com to buy my components.
If your case accepts ATX motherboards then you may be able to retain the case and save $20. The critical factor is matching the opening in the back of your case to match the ports on the motherboard. Your old power supply unit will not have the SATA connectors but buy a new one about 400W with a floppy plug. If you are planning on a sexy graphics card then you are better with a 600W plus PSU with a built in graphics card power plug.
Pentium IV chips used a lot of power and ran hot but ok. Core2Duo CPU's were much better all round. The latest i3, i5 and i7 chips are good but still expensive. I would go for a Core2Duo CPU.
Having chosen your CPU then select a motherboard with a CPU socket that matches. Boards with integrated graphics are ok for general work. Get a board with two IDE sockets so you can reuse your old hard drive as a backup and your DVD/CD drives but it is getting difficult as IDE is being phased out by SATA. You may also find it hard to find a mobo with a socket for 1.4Mb floppy drive.
DDR2 and DDR3 RAM chips cost a lot less than PC100 chips even if you can source old RAM. I strip old computers just for the spare parts! Two by 2GB DDR2 chips or three by 2GB DDR3 chips are good for 32bit Windows even though it only recognises about 3.5GB. I would keep to 32bit Windows for now to be compatible with your old software.
Hard drives are really cheap now and a 1TB drive should keep you happy for years.
So bottom line is in my view - keep your old PC so that you can read floppies and as a backup and buy a year old second hand computer which will be modern enough to upgrade in the near future. This will be cheaper that buying individual components.
@dranreb1986 (97)
• Philippines
16 May 11
I'll definitely keep your advice in mind.. Thank you very much for the advice!!
