On 1 Oct 2006 08:47:07 -0700, "Tony R" <tonyr1988@gmail.com> wrote:

>On my desktop, I want to get a new motherboard, CPU, and RAM (128 MB
>just isn't cutting it anymore). Problem: I've never bought / installed
>any of those. I was looking at these:
>
>Motherboard:
>http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131517
>CPU:
>http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ubCategory=343
>(not sure which one)
>RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820161679
>
>Here are few of my biggest questions:
>
>1) Will these last me a while? I'm not a gamer and I don't use any real
>high-powered applications. My laptop (with a dual-core 32-bit and 2GB
>of DDR2 RAM) fits my needs perfectly. I shouldn't need more than those
>in a while, right? (excluding more RAM)

That depends entirely on you and how you use the laptop. While I've
upgraded my desktop a few times, my laptop is still a pokey old
Pentium III with 256Megs of RAM, and a 6Gig hard drive. While the
hard drive size is a bit of an annoyance, it otherwise fits my needs
just fine.

>
>2) Will those work together fine? The CPUs are 939 socket, same as
>motherboard. Is there anything else I need to look for?

You can probably save a few bucks by going with the non-SLI version,
as you're not into gaming, and presumably don't plan on stuffing two
identical nVidia video cards in there.

Also, you'll probably need to add a new video card to your shopping
list. It's likely that your old system has an AGP video card
(assuming it's not older than that, or integrated). The motherboard
you've chosen doesn't have an AGP slot for video, it uses the newer
PCI-e standard, which requires a different size video card. Since the
motherboard doesn't have an integrated video chipset, you'll need a
separate video card.

>
>3) I've never used a 64-bit processor. What should I expect to be
>different? I run WinXP and Ubuntu on both my laptop and desktop. I know
>I'll have to get the AMD64 architecture, but am I going to have to
>worry about any of my applications not working?

Nope. The AMD64 architecture is designed as an extension to the old
x86-32, and even has a 32bit mode that behaves as the old x86-32 chips
when running 32bit x86 software. There are a few programs that do
have a problem with the AMD64/EMT64 (same thing, really), but they're
rare, and I don't think any are mainstream applications.

For 99.9% of the time, if you're sticking with your old 32bit
software, you won't notice much difference in how you do things.

>
>4) How easy is the installation? I've installed my power supply, HDDs,
>disk drives, ethernet, sound card, etc. Can I just unplug my current
>cords and plug them into the new motherboard? :)

Yeah, that's basically it. On some cases, you may need to remove the
power supply from the case first. It's just easier than trying to
work around it in tight conditions. I personally usually install the
CPU and heatsink to the motherboard first before installing the
motherboard. It gets a bit cramped once the board is screwed into the
case.

The most confusing part is probably going to be installing the
connectors for the case's LED indicators and power switches. The
motherboard manual usually labels exactly what's what, but the case
manufacturers tend to be sadistic sorts that don't always label their
wiring. Get some masking tape for when you disconnect your old stuff
(just in case).

Everything else is well labeled with fairly unique connectors that
only go in one way. Most of the big name motherboard manufacturers
even provide nice step by step diagrams and sometimes colour photos
telling you how to do the installation.

>
>5) Should I have to worry about any of my current parts not working
>with it?

Yes. As I mentioned, you'll probably need to add a new video card to
your shopping list. You're already looking at new RAM, so that's not
an issue. If you've got more than 3 PCI cards, you may have a problem
(sound, modem, tvcard, IDE controller expansion card, etc), as that
board only has 3 PCI slots.

If you've got more than 2 IDE drives, you may need to add an IDE
controller card too, as it looks like this board only has one PATA IDE
channel.

Even if you've got a standard ATX case and power supply, if it's less
than 400W, you may encounter a problem, as modern systems can be real
power hogs. You might be able to get by with a good 300W, but you may
run into weird, hard to diagnose problems if you're getting near the
PSU's limits. I'm not saying that you need to replace the power
supply, but put it in the 'maybe' column.

Can't really think of anything else that might come up.

>
>6) Newegg recommends Corsair RAM for that motherboard. Does it make a
>noticeable difference?

Not really. They have a nicer warranty, and they offer nice paired
sets for dual channel operation -- that takes some of the guesswork
out. Whether the price difference is really worth is largely open to
personal opinion.

>
>7) Are the extended warranties worth it for any of those parts?

Depends on whether you're into extended warranties or not. For the
most part, they tend to be pretty useless, but some people like the
warm fuzzy feeling it gives them. Just be sure to read what's covered
and what isn't if you plan to pay for one. I personally consider them
rather worthless, but some are more worthless than others.

>
>Thanks a ton in advance for your helpfulness. I'd hate to buy these and
>have them not work (or have me mess something up). Sorry there are so
>many questions - I don't expect answers for every one of them, but
>anything you guys can help is greatly appreciated.
>
>Thanks!
>-Tony R.
---------------------------------------------
Thanks.

MCheu