Need help badly ..........

[ybbut99]

Im not going to lie but for the most part im pretty computer illiterate when it comes to building so im seeking anyones help here. Im in need of upgrading my comp and have no idea where to begin. Ive done my fair share of research but still dont really understand what im looking at. I came across this site and liked the way people seemed to help other noobs like myself with their problems. I just want something faster than what i currently have and im not into online gaming but jst want something that cruises swiftly between pages and looks good while watching movies.
Im currently running with this:
Intel Pentium 4 2.4 ghz 533 mhz 512k socket 478 cpu
asus p4p8x i865p socket 478 400/533fsb dual ch ddr333 agp 8x, serial ata atx motherboard
crucial technology 256mb pc2700 ddr333 cl2.5 184-pin memory
gigabyte gv-r92s128t ati radeon 9200se 128mb ddr 8x agp w/tv-out video card
maxtor diamondmax plus 9 80gb ultra ata/133 7200rpm hard drive
lite-on ltn-526s 52x int. ide/atapi cd-rom - oem
lite-on ltr-5327s 52x32x52x1 cdrw
future case 3130-zb front usb 400w power suplly atx mid-tower case
Windows xp
Now what im really looking for is the cpu, motherboard, and graphics card that will work well together. If anyone would be able to help me out it would be greatly appreciated. One last and very important thing, im looking to spend around $700.00 for everything when its all said and done but thats everying not just the cpu, mother and vid.

thanks again to anyone that can help.

[freakitchen]

The problem with the system you currently have is lack of RAM. 256MB is the absolute minimum for XP, and I believe your video card is also sharing system RAM. You're right to consider essentially a new build - what you have isn't especially upgradable - but I would suggest if at all possible you wait until April to do this. Intel are bringing about significant price cuts on their Core 2 Duo range, which are the processors of choice at the moment.

In the meantime, you might consider a small RAM upgrade for your system. Adding another stick of 256MB would show a good improvement for the money.

FK

[glc]

All that computer needs is more ram - a LOT more ram. That's not a shared memory video card - it's plenty good for anything but gaming. I'd upgrade the ram and run it some more, it's a well balanced system the way it is and will handle your needs for quite a while longer.

That is a dual channel capable motherboard. Your best bet is to buy a dual channel kit of PC3200 ram - either a 1gb or 2gb kit - and pull that 256mb module out.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145440
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145579

You could also upgrade the processor to a 800 FSB model and get a noticeable improvement. This is technically overclocking the chipset, but it can handle it no problem as long as you use PC3200 ram. Here's a suitable processor:

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=116
http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=119
http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=120

[ybbut99]

thanks for the tips on what i could do to upgrade my current comp so it runs more smothly. ive read in a couple different places that its not worth upgrading your processor if its not that big of a jump in the ghz. ex. 2.2ghz to 2.8 theyve said that if you upgrade it should at least be double what the old one was. if its not true is it gonna be a substantial improvement that im gonna be able to notice or is it gonna be more subtle? now i know you said i would if i overclocked ?? my stuff but i have no idea what or how to do that so i guess im asking if i dont do this would i still be able to tell?what about combing both the memory and the processor? thanks again for any help or advice you can give


I just thought of somthing else id like to ask. so as long as the processor is a socket 478 it should work with my m/b right or wrong ?.?...

[glc]

That is generally true - but going from a 533 FSB to a 800 FSB processor with the appropriate speed ram will make a noticeable difference.

Using a 800 FSB processor and PC3200 ram is technically overclocking that motherboard but Asus permits it, it works fine. 800 FSB Northwood processors are compatible with bios 1006 and 800 FSB Prescotts are compatible with bios 1017.

[moodyblues100]

The addional ram, as previously stated will make a world of difference. I don't know how MS can even put 256 mb ram down as a minimum requirement to run the OS. 1 gig a ram and while your at it throw in a 256 mb graphics card, and with all the money you saved by not buying a new system you can get yourself a nice widescreen LCD monitor ( if you don't have one already)

[glc]

The existing video card is fine for that use - you only need a stronger one for gaming. I have a customer using an old 32mb GF2 MX card for that kind of work and it handles it fine - it does have DVI and he's using it on a 22" widescreen. I have a CAD shop using 9200SE's with no issues.