Philip Hamm
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 1999
- Messages
- 6,874
Recently I tried installing Windows XP on my system and it was a frustrating disaster. I am now back to a nice clean install of Windows Me (which I haven't had too many problems with).
Not surprisingly, I can't return my Windows XP operating system. I've decided that even though it may be throwing good money after bad, I'm going to try to upgrtade my computer myself. The advice of some friends is steering this descision.
Though I once decided that my next computer's going to be off-the-shelf, I've changed my mind. I've decided to consider replacing my motherboard, CPU, and RAM for the following reasons:
* It will be cost effective.
* I have the know-how to do it (have done it many times in the past).
* Unlike the last time I got a computer, where my "old" hardware was all VLB or ISA, my cards are all PCI or AGP (for video). Plus both my hard drives support DMA and are 7200 RPM. I can realistically move everything into the new motherboard without trouble.
* It's environmentally sound. There's no need to create as much waste as I would by simply throwing out my old computer. This way the waste is greatly reduced.
So now I need recommendations. I do not keep up with the latest developments in PC parts. I'd like to get something that will last me 3 years, my old motherboard is 3 and a half years old. I want to keep the spending low, under $250 for the MB, Chip, and at least 256M RAM. I am not a gamer so I don't need blinding speed or ultra-fast video. I do a lot of recording and editing of digital audio and with my new firewire card, speed for compressing and dealing with video would be nice.
I love cheap resellers of old junk, particularly www.ubid.com which is a site that I know a lot of people hate, but I love it. I'm looking for specific recommendations of places to buy and particular motherboards and chips.
I'll probably need a new case as my 3+ year old one does not have holes on the back for the serial port, mouse port, etc. that seems to be standard now.
Not surprisingly, I can't return my Windows XP operating system. I've decided that even though it may be throwing good money after bad, I'm going to try to upgrtade my computer myself. The advice of some friends is steering this descision.
Though I once decided that my next computer's going to be off-the-shelf, I've changed my mind. I've decided to consider replacing my motherboard, CPU, and RAM for the following reasons:
* It will be cost effective.
* I have the know-how to do it (have done it many times in the past).
* Unlike the last time I got a computer, where my "old" hardware was all VLB or ISA, my cards are all PCI or AGP (for video). Plus both my hard drives support DMA and are 7200 RPM. I can realistically move everything into the new motherboard without trouble.
* It's environmentally sound. There's no need to create as much waste as I would by simply throwing out my old computer. This way the waste is greatly reduced.
So now I need recommendations. I do not keep up with the latest developments in PC parts. I'd like to get something that will last me 3 years, my old motherboard is 3 and a half years old. I want to keep the spending low, under $250 for the MB, Chip, and at least 256M RAM. I am not a gamer so I don't need blinding speed or ultra-fast video. I do a lot of recording and editing of digital audio and with my new firewire card, speed for compressing and dealing with video would be nice.
I love cheap resellers of old junk, particularly www.ubid.com which is a site that I know a lot of people hate, but I love it. I'm looking for specific recommendations of places to buy and particular motherboards and chips.
I'll probably need a new case as my 3+ year old one does not have holes on the back for the serial port, mouse port, etc. that seems to be standard now.