Budget P4 upgrade

[ledlite]

I need to replace an XP Pro P4 home computer. The most demanding use for the new computer will be playing streaming videos from Netflix and Hulu (this is the only thing my old setup had problems with).

My budget is $250.

I have a relatively new internal HP 1140i CD/DVD burner which should be fine for an upgrade.

The monitor, keyboard, and mouse should also be fine, but I'm not sure if I can re-use the following:

Case: ATX tower, no manufacturer label, but the existing motherboard is an Abit IS7 so I am assuming that any ATX or mATX will fit?

PSU: Thermaltake PurePower 420W W009. Thermaltake no longer has info on this power supply, but here is a review:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coo...roundup_3.html

HDD: Maxtor IDE drive. Do I need to upgrade to a SATA drive?


I plan on buying:

AMD Phenom II X2 545 Callisto 3.0GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103694

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128394

Combo Price: $139.98

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166

$59.99


The total is just under $200, which leaves me $50 to buy: 1) a GPU, or 2) a new PSU, or 3) a new HDD, or 4) better components.

Sincere thanks for any help. I'm at the point where I'm confused about what I need to get.

[Khalil]

You wont need a GPU to watch Netflix and Hulu The thermaltake is not a bad power supply, what size is your hard drive?

[Tin]

I would get a new power supply. That Thermaltake is only 18a on the +12V rail...that was enough for a P4/Athlon XP system of days past., but with higher powered components now, it may not last you very long. It also doesnt have a 24-pin ATX plug, which your new motherboard will require. The Antec Earthwatts 380W should suit you fine. Ive seen people throw alot of stuff at it just fine. Its a dual +12V design, and both rails are 17a each.

[ledlite]

Khalil and Tim - thank you for the advice. Very helpful and much appreciated.

I think I'll hold off on upgrading the hard drive until after Oct. 22, and then look at HDD/Windows 7 bundles. That might be cheaper than a Windows 7 upgrade.

The hard drive is a 120GB Seagate Barracuda (thought it was a Maxtor), more than adequate for my needs. I just wanted to make sure that it would work with a new motherboard. I should have been clearer about that, sorry.

I know I'll need to replace the PSU sooner or later, so it's probably a good idea to do that now. I've just ordered the CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139008

That's only $29.99 after the rebate. What a deal.

BTW, the Gigabyte manual says that it will accept 20-pin/4-pin. I'll test it with my old PSU and post the result just in case that info would be useful to anyone. If it does work, I'll have a backup PSU.

[systempat]

I understand working from a budget. I just ordered very similar parts, except I needed to do a whole system as there was nothing to salvage from my older machine since it is getting passed down.
If your current PSU is working OK and has the necessary leads for the new hardware, then you probably don't even need to get a new one. One of the features of the newer AMD chips is they have gone to the smaller 45nm for the circuits which uses less power. That's why it's rated at 80 watts maximum. It may very well be using LESS power than your current P4. You didn't say what model of P4 you are running but if it's a Prescott chip they ran hot Like over 100 watts.

If you are not planning to get a graphics card or at most only a mid-range video card, then 400w should be fine. I am getting the same Gigabyte motherboard and am hoping that the on-board ATI4000-level graphics will be enough for my needs. I don't run the newer shooter video games. If it can handle Civilization 4 for me, and Sims 2 for my daughter then it should be OK.

[ledlite]

systempat- thanks, that's really helpful. I've already ordered the Corsair PSU, but I'm happy that I can keep the old Thermaltake as a backup. I'm a bit superstitious about having backups, and tend to think that having one ensures I won't ever need it. lol

My old P4 was a Northwood. I think. I built this system in 2003 (my first and last build until now) and IIRC that was before the Prescott.

No games for me because I find them too addictive. In fact I am trying to avoid buying a GPU because they usually come with a trial of something.

I did read your thread about the AMD 780 or 790. It was reassuring that someone else on this forum is buying a similar combo.

[systempat]

Oh --- Welcome to PC Mech forums. Any more questions, just give it a try. The frequent posters and moderators can be very helpful.

Pat