Not your average 1st build...

[AbeFrohman]

Actually, it is. Just wanted to be different. This is such a great site and I'm glad I found it.
I have a Dell Dimension 3000, Intel Celeron D Processor 320 (2.4 GHz) 256k cache, 512 MB DDR SDRAM at 400 MHz, Integrated graphics, 80 GB 7200 RPM Ultra ATA Hard Drive, 56K PCI Data Fax Modem, 48X Max CD-RW Drive, Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit ADVANCED HD Audio 100dB/Dolby Digital/96KHz/7.1, Windows XP Home. By the way, I don't know that much about computers and I just copied that from the spec sheet.

Money is pretty tight. What I want is a not necessarily the best gaming computer, but I want to play current games with no major problems; basically I want games to look decent. I want something that can be upgraded in the future so that then current games will look really nice without scraping too much and having to spend a lot of money - if that is possible.
I plan on using the existing hard drive. How does that work with the existing OS? Will I need to reinstall windows or what? Will I have to buy OS?
Also plan on using the existing CD-RW Drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, modem.

I definitely want a new video card. From what I understand, I am limited to PCI video cards with my current mobo. I'm looking at getting a GeForce 6600 GT 128 MB PCI Express for $120.
So I figure I will also need a new case, mobo, processor, power supply, right? I want 1GB RAM. Will I be able to use the existing 512 MB RAM that I have now? I'm not sure about the compability with that.
I will need a DVD-ROM drive. Don't need to burn DVDs right now.
As far as the new case, mobo, processor, PSU, I'm clueless. I don't even know what all those numbers and initials mean for the most part. From what little I do know, I guess I want an AMD processor.
I don't know if I can use the existing sound card or not. You tell me. I guess I can try the onboard sound for now if not.

I'd like to keep the cost at around $500 (including $120 for video) but may go a little more if I can't use any of that memory and have to get OS. Is that doable? Any help/info/advice is greatly appreciated. I apologize if anything I wrote made no sense but I'm pretty ignorant about this stuff.

[RazorDX]

You will need a new OS, which would cost about 80-120 dollars depending on what you get. You can use the same memory and hard drive no problem, but you'll need a new motherboard, processor, power supply, case, and video card. I made a similar upgrade, and the rig below is what I have now. I spent 200 on the video card, 220 on the motheboard/processor, and 55 on the power supply. That's right in your neighborhood, and prices have gone down. You'll also need a case. You can get a cheap Cooler Master for 45 bucks I think without the power supply. Make sure you get a good power supply.. the one in my sig is definitely one of the best contenders when it comes to best bang for your buck. I know it sounds stupid, but don't go for the 20 dollar power supplies no matter what power rating they have.

You can buy another 512MB of ram for about 35 dollars, but I don't think dual channel would work unless you find the exact same RAM. This can be hard with a system more than a year old, because the RAM could have been updated and now incompatible.

Right now, for about 140-150 dollars you can get an AMD Athlon 64 3200+.. which is what I payed for my 3000+. I'd recommend socket 939 for better upgradability. A DVD rom is about 20-25 dollars, and youcan use the existing CD burner.

[nicolaus corelius]

your burget will do it.

[jayb1234]

As far as reusing that ram, it depends on what motherboard you get. You would need a board that uses the same type --number of pins-- and not one with DDR2 (the newer Intel Boards). You can check for a list of compatable RAM at the motherboard makers website, or by using the configurator at the RAM makers site.

[fudtone]

Are you sure your mother board has a PCI Express Slot?

[nicolaus corelius]

http://www.lavalys.com/products/down...?pid=1&lang=en
download this and then tell us your stats about RAM and graphic port

[AbeFrohman]

I assumed I needed a new motherboard and according to RazorDX I do. If it comes down to sacrificing the ability to use the old RAM vs. getting a motherboard that has more upgrade-ability, or if you all think that RAM is outdated or not as good, etc., then I'll just buy new RAM.

I'll download that when I get home tonight - thanks all.

[fudtone]

I would guess your thinking to be correct... Also please be aware that many factory built machines to not use the standard form factor, and "Normal" ATX board may not fit.

[nicolaus corelius]

the ram shouldnt be a problem for amd biuld because amd's use 400MHZ ram anyway

[MaxRat]

Abe...

PCI and PCI-E are 2 different things...I'm betting your board has PCI and the E card will not work....

The card you listed will play most games but... you will have to build a system around that... you will need a AMD & NF4 settup or a Intel equivalant...

If your on a tight budget I would suggest looking into some combo deals...like board and vid card OR board and cpu.... these will save you some coin....

Here Is a board and vid card combo by Asus...It's a crossbreed 754+NF4 board with a 6600 PCI-E card....

This is a socket 754 cpu board which is alittle outdated but...cpus are still availble and Here is a list of 754 cpus to choose from....

[AbeFrohman]

--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------------

Version EVEREST v2.20.405
Homepage http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type Quick Report
Computer HOMEPC
Generator
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2005-11-21
Time 19:41


--------[ CPU ]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CPU Properties:
CPU Type Intel Celeron D 320, 2400 MHz (18 x 133)
CPU Alias Prescott-256
CPU Stepping E0
Instruction Set x86, MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3
Original Clock 2400 MHz
Min / Max CPU Multiplier 14x / 18x
Engineering Sample No
L1 Trace Cache 12K Instructions
L1 Data Cache 16 KB
L2 Cache 256 KB (On-Die, ECC, ATC, Full-Speed)

CPU Manufacturer:
Company Name Intel Corporation
Product Information http://www.intel.com/products/browse/processor.htm

CPU Utilization:
CPU #1 0 %


--------[ CPUID ]-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CPUID Properties:
CPUID Manufacturer GenuineIntel
CPUID CPU Name Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.40GHz
CPUID Revision 00000F41h
IA Brand ID 00h (Unknown)
Platform ID 0Fh (Socket 478)
IA CPU Serial Number Unknown
Microcode Update Revision 9
HTT / CMP Units 0 / 1

Instruction Set:
64-bit x86 Extension (AMD64, EM64T) Not Supported
Alternate Instruction Set Not Supported
AMD 3DNow! Not Supported
AMD 3DNow! Professional Not Supported
AMD Enhanced 3DNow! Not Supported
AMD Extended MMX Not Supported
Cyrix Extended MMX Not Supported
IA-64 Not Supported
IA MMX Supported
IA SSE Supported
IA SSE 2 Supported
IA SSE 3 Supported
CLFLUSH Instruction Supported
CMPXCHG8B Instruction Supported
CMPXCHG16B Instruction Not Supported
Conditional Move Instruction Supported
MONITOR / MWAIT Instruction Supported
RDTSCP Instruction Not Supported
SYSCALL / SYSRET Instruction Not Supported
SYSENTER / SYSEXIT Instruction Supported
VIA FEMMS Instruction Not Supported

Security Features:
Advanced Cryptography Engine (ACE) Not Supported
Data Execution Prevention (DEP, NX, EDB) Not Supported
Hardware Random Number Generator (RNG) Not Supported
Montgomery Multiplier & Hash Engine Not Supported
Processor Serial Number (PSN) Not Supported

Power Management Features:
Automatic Clock Control Supported
Enhanced Halt State (C1E) Not Supported
Enhanced SpeedStep Technology (EIST, ESS) Not Supported
Frequency ID Control Not Supported
LongRun Not Supported
LongRun Table Interface Not Supported
PowerSaver 1.0 Not Supported
PowerSaver 2.0 Not Supported
PowerSaver 3.0 Not Supported
Processor Duty Cycle Control Supported
Software Thermal Control Not Supported
Temperature Sensing Diode Not Supported
Thermal Monitor 1 Supported
Thermal Monitor 2 Not Supported
Thermal Monitoring Not Supported
Thermal Trip Not Supported
Voltage ID Control Not Supported

CPUID Features:
36-bit Page Size Extension Supported
Address Region Registers (ARR) Not Supported
CPL Qualified Debug Store Supported
Debug Trace Store Supported
Debugging Extension Supported
Fast Save & Restore Supported
Hyper-Threading Technology (HTT) Not Supported
L1 Context ID Supported
Local APIC On Chip Supported
Machine Check Architecture (MCA) Supported
Machine Check Exception (MCE) Supported
Memory Configuration Registers (MCR) Not Supported
Memory Type Range Registers (MTRR) Supported
Model Specific Registers (MSR) Supported
Page Attribute Table (PAT) Supported
Page Global Extension Supported
Page Size Extension (PSE) Supported
Pending Break Event Supported
Physical Address Extension (PAE) Supported
Secure Virtual Machine Extensions (Pacifica) Not Supported
Self-Snoop Supported
Time Stamp Counter (TSC) Supported
Virtual Machine Extensions (Vanderpool) Not Supported
Virtual Mode Extension Supported

CPUID Registers (CPU #1):
CPUID 00000000 00000005-756E6547-6C65746E-49656E69
CPUID 00000001 00000F41-00010800-0000441D-BFEBFBFF
CPUID 00000002 605B5101-00000000-00000000-003C7040
CPUID 00000003 00000000-00000000-00000000-00000000
CPUID 00000004 00000121-01C0003F-0000001F-00000000
CPUID 00000005 00000040-00000040-00000000-00000000
CPUID 80000000 80000008-00000000-00000000-00000000
CPUID 80000001 00000000-00000000-00000000-00000000
CPUID 80000002 20202020-20202020-20202020-20202020
CPUID 80000003 65746E49-2952286C-6C654320-6E6F7265
CPUID 80000004 20295228-20555043-30342E32-007A4847
CPUID 80000005 00000000-00000000-00000000-00000000
CPUID 80000006 00000000-00000000-01004040-00000000
CPUID 80000007 00000000-00000000-00000000-00000000
CPUID 80000008 00002024-00000000-00000000-00000000

MSR Registers:
MSR 00000017 000A-0000-0000-0000
MSR 0000002A 0000-0000-0000-0080
MSR 0000002C 0000-0000-1211-0412
MSR 0000008B 0000-0009-0000-0000
MSR 0000019A 0000-0000-0000-0000
MSR 0000019B 0000-0000-0000-0000
MSR 0000019C 0000-0000-0000-0000
MSR 000001A0 0000-0000-2084-0089


--------[ Motherboard ]-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Motherboard Properties:
Motherboard ID
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 3000

Front Side Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel NetBurst
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 133 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock 533 MHz
Bandwidth 4267 MB/s

Memory Bus Properties:
Bus Type DDR SDRAM
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 167 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock 333 MHz
Bandwidth 2667 MB/s

Chipset Bus Properties:
Bus Type Intel Hub Interface
Bus Width 8-bit
Real Clock 67 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock 267 MHz
Bandwidth 267 MB/s

Motherboard Manufacturer:
Company Name Dell Computer Corporation
Product Information http://www.dell.com
BIOS Download http://support.dell.com


--------[ Memory ]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Physical Memory:
Total 509 MB
Used 448 MB
Free 61 MB
Utilization 88 %

Swap Space:
Total 1247 MB
Used 438 MB
Free 809 MB
Utilization 35 %

Virtual Memory:
Total 1757 MB
Used 886 MB
Free 870 MB
Utilization 50 %

Physical Address Extension (PAE):
Supported by Operating System Yes
Supported by CPU Yes
Active No


--------[ SPD ]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ DIMM2: Mosel V826632K24SCTG-D3 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Mosel V826632K24SCTG-D3
Serial Number 769E1E66h
Manufacture Date Week 3 / 2005
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC3200 (200 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 166 MHz 2.5-3-3-7 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 133 MHz 2.0-2-2-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name Mosel Vitelic, Corp.
Product Information http://www.moselvitelic.com/frames/frame_DMM.html

[ DIMM4: Mosel V826632K24SCTG-D3 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name Mosel V826632K24SCTG-D3
Serial Number 6D9E1E66h
Manufacture Date Week 3 / 2005
Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4 banks)
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR SDRAM
Memory Speed PC3200 (200 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

Memory Timings:
@ 200 MHz 3.0-3-3-8 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 166 MHz 2.5-3-3-7 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
@ 133 MHz 2.0-2-2-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name Mosel Vitelic, Corp.
Product Information http://www.moselvitelic.com/frames/frame_DMM.html


--------[ Chipset ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ North Bridge: Intel Morgan Hill i865GV ]

North Bridge Properties:
North Bridge Intel Morgan Hill i865GV
Revision / Stepping 02 / A2
Package Type 932 Pin FC-BGA
Package Size 3.75 cm x 3.75 cm
Core Voltage 1.5 V
In-Order Queue Depth 12

Memory Controller:
Type Dual Channel (128-bit)
Active Mode Single Channel (64-bit)
PAT Enabled

Memory Timings:
CAS Latency (CL) 2.5T
RAS To CAS Delay (tRCD) 3T
RAS Precharge (tRP) 3T
RAS Active Time (tRAS) 7T

Error Correction:
ECC Not Supported
ChipKill ECC Not Supported
RAID Not Supported
ECC Scrubbing Not Supported

Memory Slots:
DRAM Slot #1 512 MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM)

Integrated Graphics Controller:
Graphics Controller Type Intel Extreme Graphics 2
Graphics Controller Status Enabled
Graphics Frame Buffer Size 1 MB

Chipset Manufacturer:
Company Name Intel Corporation
Product Information http://www.intel.com/products/browse/chipsets.htm
Driver Download http://support.intel.com/support/chipsets/index.htm

[ South Bridge: Intel 82801EB ICH5 ]

South Bridge Properties:
South Bridge Intel 82801EB ICH5
Revision / Stepping C2 / A2/A3
Package Type 460 Pin mBGA
Package Size 3.1 cm x 3.1 cm
Core Voltage 1.5 V

Chipset Manufacturer:
Company Name Intel Corporation
Product Information http://www.intel.com/products/browse/chipsets.htm
Driver Download http://support.intel.com/support/chipsets/index.htm

[nicolaus corelius]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...647575&CatId=0

this one is an exelent combo
get this ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145479
so how much money u still have left?
ill get a $40 thermaltake PSU, a cheapo case, and a 150-200 vid card

its gonna be a pretty damn good PC

[AbeFrohman]

A couple of questions. I notice the processor for that board says 1.80 GHz but my current one is 2.79. I'm guessing the AMD is better but what is the deal with those numbers? Makes it seem like a step down.
As for the OS, can I just get the Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade or do I have to get the full version?

So here's what I think I'm looking at:
Asus A8N-SLI NVIDIA Socket 939 ATX Motherboard and an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.80GHz Processor Combo ($260)

CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 400 (PC 3200) ($42.50) I guess I'll just stick with 512MB for now and maybe ask Santa for 512 more.

NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT 128 MB PCI Express ($120)

PSU - sounds like about $40

Case - someone suggested a Cooler Master $45

DVD-ROM - $20

OS - Windows XP Home $90???

Existing 80 GB hard drive, CD-RW, monitor, sound card, speakers, modem. So not including shipping looks like $617.50. It does sound pretty cool even though I'm not sure what it all means! The real question is can I put it together...

[nicolaus corelius]

yes u can!!!
to answer your question the amd cpu has the power of 3gig pentium hence the 3000+ in its name.

[AbeFrohman]

Would this http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=A64-32BPBX&src=Deal
AND this
http://www.actbuy.com/details.asp?item=AS04A8NSLI

be better than this
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...647575&CatId=0

[yeoamuca]

yes that would be better than the combo from tigerdirect
the 3000+ is one of the lower end athlon 64s
but dont get me wrong still a very powerful cpu

[nicolaus corelius]

actually newegg gives u a cheaper price

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131524
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103535

[AbeFrohman]

Yeah, just saw that. The motherboard says 1 day only. I think I'm going to go with this PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153023. Has a $10 mail in rebate, so $27.
Looking for a deal on a case now.

[nicolaus corelius]

wow they just reduced the price by three dolars more on the PSU.

[AbeFrohman]

I posted a question re which brand video card looks good. Any advice would be great thanks. http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.p...22#post1016622

[nicolaus corelius]

evga, bfg, sapphire, asus.

[AbeFrohman]

OK. Got everything now or it is on the way. Thanks to everybody for the input/advice. Here's what I have (or will have):

Cooler Master Centurion 5 case

eVGA Geforce 6600GT 128MB PCI Express

Thermaltake 430W PSU

ASUS A8N-SLI Socket 939 nvidia nForce4 SLI ATX AMD motherboard

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Socket 939

Windows XP Home OEM

Got all this with rebates and shipping included for $558.92. Still need a DVD drive. Just wanted to make sure that the RAM from my old system is going to work with the new??? And if so, say I get another 1GB later, will I be able to use the 512MB with that?

[blue60007]

If the old memory is what's listed above, it should work.

Just so you know, if you want to add another 6600GT, you'll need a SLI-certified power supply...however, when you've got the money to do that (and need to do that), you'll be better replacing it with a 6800 or 7800...

[AbeFrohman]

So do I need to do anything to my old hard drive to prep it? I guess I am going to reinstall windows so will I lose info on that drive?

[freakitchen]

It's generally recommended that you peform a format and reinstall when you re-use an old disc in a new build.

However, if you want to keep the data, you can perform a repair install of Windows XP. It's very unlikely that your existing installation will boot in a system full of different hardware, however, by booting from the Windows CD and choosing the 'repair' option, only the core components of Windows will be re-installed, preserving your data.

Freakitchen

[AbeFrohman]

How do I reformat the hard drive?

[Cricket]

During the WinXP installation process you'll be able to format the hard drive.

Cricket

[nicolaus corelius]

if the info is valuable u could connect it to another comp and save the data

[AbeFrohman]

Trying to get everything going. I got a cable coming from the case that says HD Audio on it with a 10 pin connector on it with one filled in and then another connector attached to it that says AC'97 also 10 pin and then a bunch of color coded single pin connectors. What do I do with all of this?

[MaxRat]

if it goes to the front audio connction (front of the case)...you don't have to do anything with them unless you would prefer front audio connections...