Upgrading CPU and motherboard...halp

[Loki]

My desktop is kinda showing its age, and I've been dreaming of swapping in a new motherboard and CPU. I'm not that amazing with computers, but my logic says that this swap shouldn't be that difficult, since all my cards and HDD's should hook right in and work with some effort. Mainly I want to upgrade to 64 bit Windows 7, but my CPU doesn't support that, which is what started all this. Can anyone run by me the basics of this swap?

[RCA]

You're asking how to swap a mobo/cpu combo and install an OS?

or

Asking for choosing hardware questions?

Depending on your setup you might need a new power supply, ram and case to go along with your mobo/cpu.

This is your best bet outside of a video...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/bui ... ,2601.html

[Loki]

Kinda all of the above except for the OS. I installed 32 bit Windows 7 a little while back and I get 64 bit from my school for free, so I want to go for that.

[AppleBonker]

Well, a new mobo and processor will likely require new memory (you're likely running DDR on your current rig and that will no longer be supported). Also, there is a possibility (depending on how old your current computer is) that your video card will also not be compatible. Unfortunately, when replacing the mobo or CPU, it generally turns into a complete computer overhaul. The only parts I ever even attempt to save in this scenario are optical drives, the case, power supply and maybe hard drives. You will basically be looking at building a new computer from scratch...

[RCA]

Well if your mobo shopping you should look into DDR3 ram, gigabit ethernet and USB 3.0

Based on what CPU you want, you need to choose between AMD and Intel. Also whether or not you want triple channel memory or dual channel. Tripple channel means your ram configureation would have to be atleast 3 sticks of ram and if you want to add sticks or ram you would need 6 sticks. Dual channels mean 2 sticks or ram with an upgrade of 4 sticks max.

Many other factors there. It all depends on your PC skill level, needs and budget.
If your serious about it you should post up a budget and current specs of your machine.

[Amays U G37S]

Your hard drive will not work with the new mobo/cpu on its own, such as the comp trying to boot off it.

You need to just buy a whole new rig with windows 7 64 bit on it. This is the best case scenario.

Socket 775 mobo's are the new technology that will hold duel-core and quad-core procs.

About $500 your cost should be enough to get a system together, built, and loaded, if you are getting the OS from your school.

Don't try to update your old system. Like everyone is saying, your RAM won't be compatiable, nor will your video card.

There is a lot of details behind these two items, and their reasons, such as the mobo no longer supporting any AGP/VGA cards, or DDR/DDR2 memory.

Idealy, you want something to handle all the new stuff and if you OP for a mom and pop computer store to build it, you may be saving money, over a big business doing it.

But your best bet is to just buy something new, take your hard drive and put it in the new comp as a slave, and move all your data off it (except programs, unless you want to endure hours of placing files).

Goodluck!

[AppleBonker]

Your hard drive will not work with the new mobo/cpu on its own, such as the comp trying to boot off it.

What? Almost certainly the hard drive will still work. Unless it is a PATA drive (most likely) and the new mobo is only compatible with SATA (possible).

Socket 775 mobo's are the new technology that will hold duel-core and quad-core procs.

This is only if you're talking about intel cpus. And even then you're a couple of years behind...

There is a lot of details behind these two items, and their reasons, such as the mobo no longer supporting any AGP/VGA cards, or DDR/DDR2 memory.

I believe there are still some boards supporting DDR2 (which the OP may possibly be using, although I doubt it). Either way, it would be a bad decision to support old tech in that case.

Also, it is entirely possible that the OP has a PCI-E video card, so there may not be a compatibility issue there either. Now, if the OP is currently running DDR or DDR2 ram and anything other than a PCI-E video card, they should most certainly be replaced.

[marlin29311]

Easiest way to solve this is for Loki to tell us his computer and his computer's guts.

[asnorton44]

Whats your budget?

[Loki]

The quick and dirty:
My video card is aftermarket and should work with most mobo's. Looking around, I can see this will basically be a new computer build while reusing some older components, specifically HDD, optical drives, video card (for now) and some other generic parts. So big things I'm looking at are new case, mobo, processor, and I'd like to get a TB drive since they're not that expensive these days. All said and done I'm looking to spend $500-600 and I want me money's worth. I don't do much computer gaming except for Half-Life 2 and some other games. Not planning on anything hardcore like autodesk inventor or solidworks. Gotta be a strong system but it doesn't have to be a monster. Currently have 4 gigs of DDR2 RAM.


--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------------

Version EVEREST v2.20.405
Homepage http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type Quick Report
Computer LOKI
Generator Chris
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium Home Edition 6.1.7600
Date 2010-09-22
Time 15:10


--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer:
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium Home Edition
OS Service Pack -
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name LOKI
User Name Chris

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4, 2800 MHz
Motherboard Name Dell Dimension 4700
Motherboard Chipset Unknown
System Memory 3072 MB
BIOS Type Phoenix (11/23/04)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
Video Adapter ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
Monitor Dell E173FP [17" LCD] (641804927QZS)
Monitor Generic PnP Monitor [NoDB] (NIHUAL2102832)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter High Definition Audio Controller [NoDB]

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(R) 82801FB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 2651
IDE Controller Intel(R) 82801FB/FBM Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 266F
Disk Drive ST3320620AS ATA Device
Disk Drive Kingston DataTraveler 2.0 USB Device
Optical Drive HL-DT-ST CD-RW GCE-8483B ATA Device (48x/32x/48x CD-RW)
Optical Drive HL-DT-ST DVD-ROM GDR8163B ATA Device (16x/52x DVD-ROM)
SMART Hard Disks Status Unknown

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 305234 MB (115358 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Mouse HID-compliant mouse

Network:
Network Adapter ADMtek AN983 based ethernet adapter
Network Adapter Intel(R) PRO/100 VE Network Connection

[Loki]

Here's what I'm looking at I think...
Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811166054

Mobo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131647

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231277

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819103872

630W PS:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.492765

HDD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDeal ... mbo.492765

I've had to Western Digital drives brick on me, so I am hesitant to use them.

I'll be reusing my video card, HDD and optical drives. Not sure if I missed anything.

[RCA]

Very solid build.

The case is ok, but it is a budget build. A good case can go a long way; I spend a lot of time in mine though.
I think the mobo pick is great! Memory is fine but for the price I would maybe try this? It is a little expensive but with the promo code you can more bang for your buck, same speeds but 2x as much memory.
The PS is ok but remember it isn't modular so there will be a nest of wires coming off that thing and I don't think that case has great cable management.
HDD is also pretty good.

I would skip out on the 1tb HDD and go for a SSD. Of course all my suggestions only add to the cost so you have something pretty good going...

I will wait for the AMD specialists to comment on the CPU. IDK enough about AMD cpus.

[marlin29311]

If you go SSD, you lose a lot of storage space...a 120gb drive is like $200 bucks right now...so if you have a bunch of games or programs, you're stuck with picking and choosing, or dumping them on the regular HDD, which defeats the purpose. SSD's make great boot drives, but it's tough to use them as primary media right now due to the lack in storage space (or price per GB...)

I'm personally not an AMD person, but I know I could build a bumpin Intel Core i3 setup for around that cost too. But it's not my compy lol.

[AppleBonker]

Yeah, on this budget, I would avoid SSD. As said, they make excellent boot drives, but you're still then almost required to have a larger platter-based drive for storage.

I think the case should be acceptable. My first couple builds used some budget level cases and they worked fine. My current pc is in a much nicer case, but for the average person the top-end cases don't offer enough to justify their price tags.

And with everyone else so far, I haven't used AMD in a while, so I can't really speak to the CPU selection. However, my last 4-5 builds have all used Asus mobos, and I fully support your selection there. My next few builds will probably continue to use them as I have been quite happy with the layout and the BIOS offered by Asus.

[Amays U G37S]

@applebonker,

It seemed to me he wanted to use the hard drive and boot it right up with the new mobo/cpu. At which case he would not be able to do.

However, if he did want to erase the hard drive and reload it, thats ok.

Socket 775 is the new technology, is it compatible with all the new procs, of course AMD being different. However, AMD procs run at a higher temperature. If he does not properly cool the system, he could be faced with overheating issues.

I do this for a living brother, a 15 year old business. Trust me, I am not leading him into something he will regreat or misinforming him.

And yes, you can always use lower mhz memory. However, it will move a little slower, not to the naked eye, but if he is upgrading, typically from a lower end motherboard, the RAM will not be compatible to his liking.

The information I gave Loki was to steer him into the most affordable way to be able to build a new system, using the lower end of the new technology, but still reaping the benefits from updating a new system. $500 is a ball park build in which he could source the parts himself, and still come out with a nice system. His choice if he wanted to do something better, such as updating the cpu/mobo, and other peripherals.

Goodluck Loki

[Loki]

The reviews seem very solid for everything I've picked, and my Comp Sci roommate approves. The case is cheap as hell, but I think it is pretty decent. The case is like the graphics card, I can always ask for a better one for xmas The CPU/Mobo/Memory are the big parts. I would've loved to use a DDR2 board and keep the 4 GB I already have, but DDR2 is pretty dead it seems

Also, I'm not sure if I'd really NEED 8GB of RAM. I think the most intensive program I would run on my comp in the forseeable future would be Half-Life 2 on high settings, and Autodesk Inventor (kickass AutoCAD program that they gave me for free, mwuahaha). Not to mention that $30 off ended yesterday.

So I guess my plan of attack is to assemble all this and install a fresh copy of 64 bit Windows 7 on the TB drive, then use the Windows file transfer tool to move everything off my drive now. Or could I just slave the old drive and still access the files? Or even slave the TB drive and reinstall Windows on the old drive?

[Amays U G37S]

So I guess my plan of attack is to assemble all this and install a fresh copy of 64 bit Windows 7 on the TB drive, then use the Windows file transfer tool to move everything off my drive now. Or could I just slave the old drive and still access the files? Or even slave the TB drive and reinstall Windows on the old drive?

Your AMD board will run hotter, make sure your case fan is properly fitter together, and you have a fan running in the room. Also make sure the case is properly cooled.

You can hook up your old HD as a slave, and access your FILES. You cannot access programs. However, if you downloaded the programs, you can still have the setup files on the hard drive and can just transfer those over.

[AppleBonker]

Loki,

4 GB of ram should be fine. I run that on my laptop with a Win7 64 install. That is another item that can be upgraded later if you decide you need it. And how big is the old drive? If you don't think you'll actually need the extra capacity internally, you may want to consider buying an external enclosure and just tossing the old drive in there. It's probably a better idea for data redundancy and would make it easier to transfer files to computers in other physical locations. Just a thought.

Socket 775 is the new technology

How can you call 775 new? Didn't it come out in like '04-05? In fact, I would argue that LGA 775 is obsolete. It was replaced two years ago (roughly) by LGA 1366. Then there was also the LGA 1156 which runs along side 1366 until it is replaced (early next year I believe) by LGA 1155. Intel isn't producing ANY new processors using the LGA 775 socket. In my book, that means it's dead.

[Amays U G37S]

Socket 775 is the new technology

How can you call 775 new? Didn't it come out in like '04-05? In fact, I would argue that LGA 775 is obsolete. It was replaced two years ago (roughly) by LGA 1366. Then there was also the LGA 1156 which runs along side 1366 until it is replaced (early next year I believe) by LGA 1155. Intel isn't producing ANY new processors using the LGA 775 socket. In my book, that means it's dead.

Ya the 1156 and 1366 is the absolute new, but upgrading his system to play a game and use his autocad program he would want to search for something compatiable with the new and old technology.

The socket 775 is able to run multiple processors such as the 1156 and 1366. However, these 1156+'s are slightly more expensive, and are only compatible to certain processors such as the new icore's. He would be in a much better boat purchasing a low cost mobo that allows him to still use a new proc, but doesn't have a such a large out of pocket expense. It is up to him really. If he wants to go the extra mile and buy a higher socket board, then totally his game.

[Loki]

So I guess my plan of attack is to assemble all this and install a fresh copy of 64 bit Windows 7 on the TB drive, then use the Windows file transfer tool to move everything off my drive now. Or could I just slave the old drive and still access the files? Or even slave the TB drive and reinstall Windows on the old drive?

Your AMD board will run hotter, make sure your case fan is properly fitter together, and you have a fan running in the room. Also make sure the case is properly cooled.

You can hook up your old HD as a slave, and access your FILES. You cannot access programs. However, if you downloaded the programs, you can still have the setup files on the hard drive and can just transfer those over.

The case I picked has two top-mounted fans and a fan directly over the CPU in addition to the exhaust fan. I'd think it would run fairly well.

[Amays U G37S]

The case I picked has two top-mounted fans and a fan directly over the CPU in addition to the exhaust fan. I'd think it would run fairly well.

Ya that's great. You just want to know you are running a higher temperature cpu, which will require a little more cooling.

Your temps should be over 95F+, as opposed to an intel board that runs above 75F+. Not much of a difference, however, this is at a room temp of 65-70. In 90 degree weather, you could expect the AMD to reach temps up over 110F. Where as an intel proc will run a bit cooler.

It seems with that setup you want to make sure you are exhausting all heat towards to rear. Typical power supplies now come with fans on the bottom, which will blow air downwards, across the CPU, and out the rear through the chassic fan. If your setup like that with your AMD proc, and this method of cooling, you're golden brother.

Slap it all together and post up the specs!

Oh, and 8gb memory is a bit high now, but if you're looking for a lasting computer through the near and far future, you're best bet is to go with something over 6gb in memory.

You can also purchase a large Flash or Jump drive. There is a program called ReadyBoost for Flash Drives that allows you allocate this jump drive as additional memory. You should consider this as well.

[AppleBonker]

The case I picked has two top-mounted fans and a fan directly over the CPU in addition to the exhaust fan. I'd think it would run fairly well.

I'm sure you'll be fine. While AMD cpus do tend to run a bit warmer than a lot of the intel offerings, it's not like you'll be hitting absurd temps. My work PC has an AMD processor and has very minimal cooling. Runs all the time and hasn't choked yet. Just verify fan directions when you put things together. Generally, heatsink fans draw air and push it down onto the heat sink. This would mean the fan to the side of the CPU should be an intake, not exhaust fan. Again, this is how systems are generally configured, so check before putting the whole thing together. I think you will be very happy with your selection. At your price point, looks like your system will be hard to beat. And newegg is awesome when it comes to PC parts.

Loki, sorry to keep side-tracking, but this is lol-worthy.


First, let me put this back out here...

I do this for a living brother, a 15 year old business. Trust me, I am not leading him into something he will regreat or misinforming him.

Ya the 1156 and 1366 is the absolute new, but upgrading his system to play a game and use his autocad program he would want to search for something compatiable with the new and old technology.

Are you trying to say there are hardware conflicts with HL2 and Cad when it comes to newer products? Where would anything be incompatible?

The socket 775 is able to run multiple processors such as the 1156 and 1366.

This does not jive with being in the business. It's a complete lie. You CANNOT put an LGA 1156/1155/1366 processor into an LGA 775 mobo. Unless you completely redesign the board, there is no where to put those extra 300-500 pins. Plus, the size and shape are completely different. LGA 775 would be a terrible purchase right now. If you buy a 775 mobo now and your processor/mobo die in a year or two you'll have to completely upgrade. But if you buy an 1156/1155/1366 you should be able to swap out just the broken component.

[AppleBonker]

Typical power supplies now come with fans on the bottom, which will blow air downwards, across the CPU, and out the rear through the chassic fan. If your setup like that with your AMD proc, and this method of cooling, you're golden brother.

Another lie. There is no good reason to blow heated air from the PSU onto the CPU. No one should EVER do this. It's a terrible airflow design. If anything, you want the PSU to suck air from around the CPU and exhaust it out the case. What are you smoking? Dude, trolls are supposed to try to get in fights/verbal arguments. Not just spit misinformation everywhere...

[marlin29311]

Ya the 1156 and 1366 is the absolute new, but upgrading his system to play a game and use his autocad program he would want to search for something compatiable with the new and old technology.

The socket 775 is able to run multiple processors such as the 1156 and 1366. However, these 1156+'s are slightly more expensive, and are only compatible to certain processors such as the new icore's. He would be in a much better boat purchasing a low cost mobo that allows him to still use a new proc, but doesn't have a such a large out of pocket expense. It is up to him really. If he wants to go the extra mile and buy a higher socket board, then totally his game.

Umm...did you just say LGA 775 can run a 1156 or 1366 processor? Are you on glue?

Also...775 was created with the PENTIUM 4 Chip...you're calling this new??? WTF? Yea, sure, you can run Core2Duo's, but this ain't modern tech anymore. And considering Intel's Sandy Bridge is coming out at the end of this year, I don't even know if you can call the Clarkdale Core i3/5 new anymore.

LGA 1156 was designed to replace 775...it was designed around chip re-architecture that removed a bunch of stuff off the northbridge and placed it onto the processor (ie, PCIe 2.0, DMI, etc). So even if you thought you could drop a 1156 processor onto a 775 board, your tech's are extremely not compatible.

As for pricing...the Core2Duo E7500 (2.93ghz) goes for $90 at Microcenter...a new Core i3 530 (2.93) goes for the same price...and the core i3 is new, contains Intel HD GPU and a slew of other new technologies. A 775 mobo runs you about $60-70 nowadays, and you can get 1156 mobo for $70-80, but also remove the requirement of a video card to pretty much do anything.

In dealing with heat and power...a Core i3 system, at idle, has the ability to run sub 30W, and runs at load at around 74W...but rarely are you ever hitting load anymore.

I'd be scared to use you as my system builder.

If you want an awesome $500 build, you could do this:

Processor: $100
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0341728

Mobo: $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product

RAM: $80
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produ ... id=0317772

PSU: $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817139017

HDD: $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822152181

Case: $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811129086

I'm at $430...that's considering you're using your old Video card and Optical drives. That system should run cool and quiet, and be quite power efficent (the PSU is 80 PLUS cert, and the Core i3 is pretty good with power consumption).

[Amays U G37S]

@ applebonker

Ya man, all i tell is lies. Complete thread of lies, but yet I pulled down 6 figures in 6 months, and you are pulling down?

I never said the socket 1156's will work with socket 775s. I said he will have almost a same choice at processors going with either socket.

Ya and power supplies are desgined to pull most heat up, you will still see signs of the air flow going in a different direction.

I am trying to help Loki with many other options with a full build that will be perfect for what he needs to do.

Not tell lies on a f*** forum.

Ya bro, you're right, I have no clue what I am doing. Eat my fat f*** d!ck.

[AppleBonker]

Ya man, all i tell is lies. Complete thread of lies, but yet I pulled down 6 figures in 6 months, and you are pulling down?

People who brag about their pay are rarely telling the truth. What I make is none of your business to be completely honest. And I'm not too sure what it proves. What you are saying doesn't make any sense. You could be raking in billions every second, and that doesn't make your information any more accurate. It's still ridiculous.

I never said the socket 1156's will work with socket 775s. I said he will have almost a same choice at processors going with either socket.

You're still not making sense. So a core 2 duo is basically the same as a newer i3/i5/i7? That's an absurd comment. The amount of things that have improved from the C2D to the Nehalem and newer processors is mind-boggling. I used to be an AMD guy, but once Nehalem started to ship I quickly found myself coveting the best processor on the market. This argument was also destroyed by the post right above you.

Ya and power supplies are desgined to pull most heat up, you will still see signs of the air flow going in a different direction.

The only PSU airflow designs I've ever seen exhaust out the rear of the case or the top. Feel free to find one to prove me wrong. I'll be surprised.

I am trying to help Loki with many other options with a full build that will be perfect for what he needs to do. Not tell lies on a f**king forum.

Well, you may want to do a better job explaining. Because everything you've said so far has been absurd sounding.

Eat my fat f*** d!ck.

[marlin29311]

@ applebonker

Ya man, all i tell is lies. Complete thread of lies, but yet I pulled down 6 figures in 6 months, and you are pulling down?

Good for you. I'm glad your d!ck is now larger that you've told the internet how much you make.

@ applebonker

I never said the socket 1156's will work with socket 775s. I said he will have almost a same choice at processors going with either socket.

Yes you did:

The socket 775 is able to run multiple processors such as the 1156 and 1366.

Looks pretty straightforward to me that you said it.

A C2D and a Core i3 are not the same processor. They are not similar except they both are dual core and a couple other shared techs. It's like saying California and New Jersey are the same because they have a beach.

I'm curious how much of these "6 figures" you make are by raking in off uniformed consumers.

[marlin29311]

PS - just looked this up - your current motherboard is LGA 775 Loki. You're using PC2 4200 RAM most likely, or possibly lower (runs at 400/533 Mhz).

You will see a HUGE jump in performance if you switch to a new board/RAM, considering today's DDR3 RAM at standard clocking will run more than double your current rate.

Theoretically, you could drop a new Core2Duo into your computer right now and get better processing power, but the rest of your computer is going to lag behind. I highly recommend going a Core i3 route, or the AMD solution you were looking at as well.

[marlin29311]

Some more on your computer Loki.

You're current video card, the HD 2600 XT, gets a PassMark score of 375 for the GPU. You could spend an extra $70-80 and get a HD 5570 which would bump you up to a score of 741...and you're still in budget. Or spend $10 or so more and get the 5670, which nets you a cool score of 1162.

You may just want to scrap your old stuff and build a new rig...for $500 you can blow your old compy out of the water.

[marlin29311]

Some more on your computer Loki.

You're current video card, the HD 2600 XT, gets a PassMark score of 375 for the GPU. You could spend an extra $70-80 and get a HD 5570 which would bump you up to a score of 741...and you're still in budget. Or spend $10 or so more and get the 5670, which nets you a cool score of 1162.

You may just want to scrap your old stuff and build a new rig...for $500 you can blow your old compy out of the water.