Seeking Wisdom: Upgradeable build w/ existing components

[Quickster]

Hey all. I am looking for some guidance. I haven't built a system in 2 1/2 yrs, and my current system just went kaput. I have it narrowed down to mobo or processor, but not sure which, so planning to replace both. Looking to use existing components in so far as possible, get a good mobo that is very upgradeable, and bang for buck processor as I am on a budget just now (negotiable budget, but trying to be cost effective). Here's what I have:

Mobo: Asus A7N8X Deluxe (Possibly fried)
Proc: Athlon 2700+ (Possibly fried)
Graphics: Radeon X1600 pro 512 mb AGP
Mem: 1 GB (2x512mb) PC2700 DDR
PS: 350 W (probably need to replace)
HD: Maxtor 80 GB (forget what speed right off hand, and away from my box)
Mini tower, opticals, monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc

I haven't payed one bit of attention to advances since last build and having tough time finding a good primer on what's what these days (other than all the thorough chatter about the latest and greatest). Looking for advice on new mobo/processor and or links to good primer's on same. Sorry for lengthy dissertation, and thanks in advance for any help.

[freakitchen]

As always with computers, things have moved on a fair bit in the time since you built. So much that little from your existing computer would work with a new build. Motherboards that support AGP aren't being produced for the newest sockets (PCI-E has taken over), and DDR2 has replaced DDR.

With this in mind, you'd need a new processor, motherboard, video card, RAM, and Power supply. You should be able to re-use your optical drive and hard drive if you wanted to, as well as your peripherls. By far the best option for a new build at the moment is an Intel Core 2 Duo system, but a lot depends on your budget, and what you want this new system to do.

FK

[Quickster]

I kind of figured that was going to be the case . I just bought the damned video card 6 months ago after waiting for Oblivion to come out for like two years and then having it bring my build to its knees, I went out and bought it retail without doing any research and with no motivation other than getting that game to run. So, a couple of follow ups would be:

1) Are my DDR sticks not backwards compatible at all with newer rigs (just for the purposes of getting the damned thing running again)?

2) Is AGP totally dead, in that I can't get a good, forward looking mobo with an AGP slot thrown in for a dinosaur like me?

3) And, in answer to your question, I want to be able to play all of the latest games, and games to be released within the next year or so (but I don't need peak performance). In other words, not too much room in the budget right now for a cutting edge build, but I need a rig that is both functional and upgradeable.

Thanks again for any advice. Much appreciated.

[flanzig1]

If you want to reuse the video card and ram about the only option is to use an Intel P4 478 socket. It would tide you over until budget allows a new build. Could do it for around $150.

[freakitchen]

Flanzig's suggestion, whilst perfectly valid - doesn't fulfill your 'requirement' for a 'forward looking motherboard'. Socket 478 is already two 'architectures' old - even the newer socket 775 Pentiums have been replaced with the new Core 2 Duo processors - and you wouldn't be able to use your video card or RAM at all with one of these.

Keeping in mind your requirements, what would you be prepared to spend? We really need a ballpark figure to advise you.

FK