New Build/New Builder

[MiceElf]

I can be a little long winded sometimes so I apologize in advance.
I bought a cheap e-machine T2885 (No need to laugh I got it for $150) that quit working on me.
I thought it was the PSU so I bought a new one (400W ATX 12V Pentium 4), which didn't fix the problem. Searching around it seems that it's common for the PSU to go bad and to fry the mother board.
Either way, I've been wanting to build a computer and this will be a good opportunity to do so. (Sotra)
What I'd like to do is use as much of what I have in hand to build a cheaply as possible, while allowing for future upgrades.
So, I'd like some suggestions on a motherboard that will accept the Celeron chip from my old board and uses my DDR PC2700 ram. I'd like to be able to upgrade the CPU when the funds are available. I'd also prefer to have at least one APG of PCI-X slots.
Oh yeah, I also want to be able to use the PSU I just bought and my case.
Hopefully I've included enough information but if not I'd be happy to provide more.
Budget= $100-$150
Any suggestions would be appreciated, but in spirit only!
Thanks,
MiceElf
I've got

[newbuilder14]

No way on Earth can you build a computer for $150 - no matter how many parts you want to reuse. The operating system alone costs $100. If you did reuse the hard drive, processor, optical drives, case, power supply, etc. and just wanted a new motherboard I guess that's possible. What processor is it?

[MiceElf]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that I have a new install of XP home addition. The question I have about that is that I have this installed on another computer. The emachine came with XP Home Addition and I have a code for it on the case. So the real question is will I be able to use the code from OEM build for the new install cd I have.
If not then I guess I'll have to add that to the cost.
Thanks for the reply!
MiceElf

[newbuilder14]

Hmm... that's something I've always wondered myself. I think you'd have to deauthorize the eMachines somehow? Anyone else know?

[flanzig1]

Xp that came with the E-machine is probably tide to the BIOS so it may not be transferable to a new motherboard. There aren't too many P4/AGP motherboards left out there. Here's one that GLC found: http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=241316

[glc]

Get that D865GLC before they run out.

NOTE: NO onboard LAN, you will need to add a network card to your order.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=252458

You will not be able to use your eMachines XP code with it unless you can prove to M$ exactly where this eMachines was originally purchased - both date and store name and address. Been there, done that. If you bought it used, you are out of luck.

[MiceElf]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 Xp that came with the E-machine is probably tide to the BIOS so it may not be transferable to a new motherboard.

I don't know if it makes a difference or not but the emachine site states "genuine" windows XP home OS.
I'll just have to try it out and go from there. I'll post the results then.
Thanks,
MiceElf

[glc]

You are going to have to do a repair reinstall of XP because of the different motherboard - if you try to boot it up it will bluescreen. Your ONLY chance to get away with this is install with YOUR key, then BEFORE activating it, use Magical Jellybean to change the key to the eMachines key. You STILL might have to call and plead with M$ to get it activated. Unfortunately, that's the way it works. The license for the eMachine is not transferrable because it's OEM, and with a different motherboard, it's no longer an eMachine.

[MiceElf]

Alright, I decided on a motherboard:

MSI PM8M-V

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...7452&CatId=182

Does anyone have any comments, commplaints, or props about MSI or this board?

I'll update as I progress.

MiceElf

[glc]

VIA chipset. TOTAL garbage. As I said, grab that Intel board while it's still around.

[The_YongGrand]

Originally Posted by MiceElf Alright, I decided on a motherboard: MSI PM8M-V http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...7452&CatId=182 Does anyone have any comments, commplaints, or props about MSI or this board? I'll update as I progress. MiceElf

I'm sure there are better boards around - if I'm not mistaken there are some stores which still actually selling these 865 chipset motherboards - and they are getting cheaper. The VIA chipset, paired with a Celeron can give low performance.

[MiceElf]

Originally Posted by MiceElf I'll just have to try it out and go from there. I'll post the results then. Thanks,

I successfully installed the new mother board.

So, my OEM OS worked out fine. I was asked to verify the key. I entered the key from the sticker on the back of the machine and everything worked out great. I installed the new hardware and kept everything from my hard drive.

I'm very happy that for $100 +/- (new Mobo and PSU) and I've got the computer back (Better than ever and able to be further upgraded)

Thanks,

MiceElf