Looking for compatible parts for upgrade

[jason503]

Hello, this is my first visit to the forum, and I have minimal hardware experience with pcs.
To start off, I don't know if it's better to upgrade my system or build a new one from scratch.
My PC was a custom built, I made it in 2005, spending roughly a grand on it. The parts weren't top of the line then, so they certainly aren't up to par now. here are the specs:

Operating System
Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600)
Processor
2.20 gigahertz AMD Athlon 64
128 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Main Circuit Board
Board: K8/M1689D
Bus Clock: 201 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD
Drives
DVD_fcs DVD-ROM_fcs7040 SCSI CdRom Device [CD-ROM drive]
TSSTcorp CD/DVDW TS-H552U [CD-ROM drive]
Local Drive Volumes
C:200 gig capacity
USB external 1: 1 tb capacity
USB external 2:280 gig capacity
USB external 3: 80 gig capacity
Roughly 1.5 terabytes total disk space(gross)
Memory
1024 Megabytes Installed Memory
Display adapter
RADEON 7000 SERIES
Multimedia
Realtek AC'97 Audio
Standard Game Port
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
PS/2 Compatible Mouse
USB Mass Storage Device
USB Root

(this was from belarc advisor's profile of my pc)

the trouble I'm having is that I don't know what the brand names are for my components, such as RAM/Motherboard/video card. I was searching newegg for compatible parts, and they required the manufacturer/model number/brand name, which I didn't know. Is there a way to find out without taking it apart?

I plan on using it for gaming/multimedia/web all purpose. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Cricket]

Although you have a custom built computer (which is easier to upgrade and work on) it's a little old and if you upgrade it you're going to have to replace so many parts that it's going to look like a whole new computer anyway.

Just what were you thinking of doing?

How much were you looking to spend?

Do you really have SCSI optical drives in there?

My suggestion is to just build a whole new computer. There may be a few parts you can use from your old computer but I really wouldn't bother.

:) Cricket

[Doom]

I agree w/ Cricket, you're probably not going to incur too much more in costs to just replace the system.

If you want to find out about your system w/out opening it up, you can always try...

- Right click on "My Computer" and select "Properties"
- Select the "Hardware" Tab
- Open the "Device Manager"

You can then double click on all your components and get some info. This is how I found out what type of CD-ROM, Memory and GPU I had on my old Gateway (both name brands and some other information). Though... from the looks of your information here... you may already know this. Sorry if that's the case.

[jason503]

I was going to just upgrade the RAM and video card, but if it needs an overhaul greater than 500$, does anyone have a gaming rig build between 800-1500$ for the 2008/09 year?

any links or advice would be appreciated.

[Masaki 7-11]

You can do an overhaul of your current computer for $500, but will get a lot more out of a complete build, I have a build list for a good gaming computer below for around $1000 (if needed, you can go down to $800 without losing too much performance):

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106072
$32.99

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137
$84.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073
$89.99

EVGA 512-P3-N845-AR GeForce 8800GTS (G92) KO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130337
$249.99

COOLER MASTER eXtreme RP-500-PCAR ATX from factor 12V V2.01 500W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171018
$49.99

mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996527
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146118
$44.99

ASUS P5K-E LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131225
$139.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
$209.99

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116056
$89.99

Subtotal: $992.91

[Katreat]

You could probably speed things up a bit with ram, but to be honest, 1 GB with XP is usually enough for most applications. A second GB would help some with games. Vid card is likely AGP so you are limited on upgrades although it would probably make the most improvment for gaming. Would need to know what size and brand PSU you have in the sytem before any recomendations could be made. You can find that out pretty easy by just opening up the case and reading the info off its side. Same goes for ram, although a flashlight might be needed and usually vid card is also branded as well as MB.

However, those are minor speed increases and if the computer is just not performaing where you want it then a full re-build would be in order. If you dont plan on a re-build to later in the year then it is best to wait to determine what parts because things move so fast.

Kat