nVidia has a tutorial here: WWW Link">Link

ATI has a tutorial here: https://support.ati.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=894&task=knowledge&questionID=20870

Note - the ATI tutorial mentions the little locking tab on an AGP card in their tutorial (see the 'Hardware Installation' paragraph for a 'Click Here' link to see the hardware specifics with images on their page). This tab is on the end of the AGP slot - towards the front of the case, and it's function is to prevent the card from pulling out of the slot during normal use.

As for the processor, I would hold off on that until you see what improvement you have with a memory and video adapter upgrade. The processor support on that MoBo may not be what you want for future use, although it may help depending on what that board supports.

Fixed your links, Corky....

Thanks, Jafo.

Not sure why I have that issue, but it has been persistent for quite some time now.

Thanks Corky_o for the tutorial links and thanks Jafo for finxing the links for him.

flash drives have a limited number of read/write cycles in their functional lifetime

Now I just learned a very useful bit of relevant info there. Also thanks to everyone posting here for the tech briefing. This page alone is worth more than a subscription to three major PC periodicals for me.
Running Sony VAIO at the moment, VGN-FS780W, w/nVidea 6400 GO card, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, centrino 1.8 proc. and pre-installed WIN XP Home SP2., IE7. Runs well when it wants, but subject to unexpected sudden death syndrome/catatonia, and needing reformat four/five times since JAN 1,'06. Runs all available from Stardock Central when it's nice.
Homebuilt desktop runs all SDC programs very well, and is outdated by today's standards...I just count myself lucky that it performs as well as it does: 1.4 P4, 512 RAMBUS RAM(the supposedly hot item, briefly, at the time), ATI X700 PRO 128 memory, and 40GB + 20GB hard drives, both DriveWiped, re-DOSed, and WIN XP PRO SP2, IE6 installed.
I use flash drives for albums and filing, "tennis-shoe" LAN system a la floppies. A Maxtor 80GB ext. drive holds backups and many skins, fonts, photos and other bulky data I don't need at hand. It only gets plugged in to transfer data one way or the other, then unhooked from the main box.
Object Desktop has a great program to see just what's taking up all the room on my HD so I can move it to the external drive or delete it if I want. DriveScan.
Good luck and have fun if you decide to open the case and upgrade. It's actually fairly easy to do. I've reached the ceiling on mine and am going to have to plunk down some hefty $$ for Vista, IF I decide to run it...

As for the processor, I would hold off on that until you see what improvement you have with a memory and video adapter upgrade.

It's a bit of a yes and a no on that one, given that Intel & AMD have changed the sockets on all their recent CPU's....and the older ones have become as rare as rocking horse manure. Given its age, Bash's mobo probably has a 476 socket, meaning that he'd have replace it with a 775 socket mobo to accomodate the new Intels.... it would also mean having to replace his existing PC RAM with DDR1, possibly DDR2

I recently discovered all this when trying to build my wife's machine around my old 476 socket P4 2.8Ghz....multiple enquiries to get a corresponding mobo turned up nothing. In the end I had to go with a 775 socket mobo and a new CPU, but to save having to replace 1.5 gigs of DDR400 RAM and AGPx4 graphics card as well, I had to settle for an older Celeron 2.66Ghz because I was told the newer Intel's and AMD's operate only with DDR2 RAM, which is somewhat more expensive than DDR1.

Dunno what it's like in the U.S, but here in Oz support for (even slightly) older technology is rapidly becoming non-existent, as was discovered when I wanted to upgrade my 939 socket AMD 64 3200+ to an AMD 64x2 4600+. It took a over month and numerous enquiries before I finally found a supplier with stock....and then they only had two, with no plans to get any more. Although AMD still has an inventory of 939 socket CPU's, suppliers and stores here just aren't carrying them anymore, just the AM2 sockets....meaning the mobo and RAM have to be upgraded as well.

Anyway, the point here is that if Bash eventually has to upgrade his CPU, and thus mobo, the money spent on PC RAM and an AGP graphics card would be wasted, being these days new boards are PCIe and DDR1 or 2.

Sorry to have complicated matters further for you, Bash, but I learned the hard way that upgrading without looking at the bigger picture can become quite expensive and make previous upgrades redundant. Upgrading your RAM and graphics card may or may not result in improved performance, and if it doesn't, then you're looking at the bigger upgrade (CPU, mobo, RAM, Graphics) to get the desired performance.....durned puters

He would probably be stuck with this one: WWW Link

The processor will only run at 400 Mhz, due to the front side bus limitation, but it would probably be the best option without switching a lot of components.

HP probably used a 200 Watt PSU in that MicroATX box, so upgrading the MoBo, CPU, and memory will also call for a new PSU. All of a sudden it comes to a decision on whether or not to just purchase a box that comes installed with Vista later next year.

HP probably used a 200 Watt PSU in that MicroATX box, so upgrading the MoBo, CPU, and memory will also call for a new PSU. All of a sudden it comes to a decision on whether or not to just purchase a box that comes installed with Vista later next year.

I guess that's was the point I was trying to make...that trying to upgrade his current system would ulitimately be more expensive in the long run, and given the limitations of his system it would eventually become redundant anyhow....and sooner rather than later.

Thing is, MS recently announced a voucher offer for recently purchased Vista capable machines, so a more up to date, pre-built system is probably the better way for Bash to go. Dunno about PC prices in the States, but we can get a reasonable setup here in Oz for $700ish, which works out a lot cheaper than building something comparable and which probably wouldn't qualify for the Vista voucher offer.

He would probably be stuck with this one: WWW Link

so you're telling me that all i have to do is buy the (square shaped thing) and put it in place of my current one and then it will just suddenly become faster? I thought that you had to change the whole motherboard....correct?

Based on all the infomation i learned so far, i think that i would be better off with buying a 1GB, otherwise, i should just wait for windows vista. (unless what Corky_o said is true). If there is a better way, please tell me even if its from your own experiences.

so you're telling me that all i have to do is buy the (square shaped thing) and put it in place of my current one and then it will just suddenly become faster? I thought that you had to change the whole motherboard....correct?

Bash2cool: Study hall time.....read this throughly.... all of it and then come back for a pop quiz.



WWW Link

Bash,

Hopefully you will have gained some knowledge of hardware from the link provided by yraq.

As for my advice, I refer back to my comment in #23.

I had a Pavilion 754v, which had very similar specifications to your current 750v, except it had a P4 2.4 Ghz processor on the same 400 Mhz front side bus. I unfortunately did not have an AGP slot (big mistake buying a box with a motherboard that had onboard graphic abilities only, this was very common for workstations a few years back) - but I digress.

The upgradability of that box (again, similar to yours) was limited to (1) memory and/or a 'PCI' slot card (which is okay for audio devices, and some other peripheral devices - but not video).

With your motherboard including an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot, I suggested the memory and video card upgrades as realistic performance improvements that would not - IMHO - be 'false economy' for your machine.

As for the processor, you could theoretically use the processor I linked to in comment #32, based on the possibliliy that your current heat-sink (probably a big aluminium block with fins, and perhaps a fan) is rated for up to a P4 2.4 Ghz processor. The processor I linked to is an OEM (Official Equipment Manufacturer) product, and does not include a heat-sink in the box, due to the fact that OEM products are meant for either computer manufacturers or private system builders. Newegg provides many OEM products for 'do-it-yourself' type people so that they can pass on the lower prices to consumers.

If you read the article linked by yraq, you should have a better idea on what you are getting into if you decide to upgrade the processor.

If you are of a mind to purchase (or build) a machine that is capable of running Vista and all the applications you may use (53 processes tells me you have a lot running on your current box), then it would probably be better (as you mentioned above) to simply upgrade the memory (and perhaps the video card) to allow you the use of a decent XP box while you save money for a significantly better system.

Things that would create issues for you using the current box to upgrade to a machine equivelent to a current mainstream system (as mentioned in part by others, specifically 'Starkers'):

- Power Suppy

- Motherboard

- Processor

- Memory for the new motherboard

- Video card

- Probably a new case (due to the heat issues that would arise from placing the new components in a MicroATX case, which I must assume you currently have due to the MicroATX motherboard you have).

Final note - the processor I linked to was one of two processors that Newegg had that would possibly work, the other being a P4 2.8 Ghz - which your current heat-sink may not be able to cool efficiently. There were no P4 processors (socket 478)available at the 400 Mhz bus speed, indicating that these processors are now obsolescent (if not obsolete).

I thought that you had to change the whole motherboard....correct?

Not necessarily....Corky was able to find 478 socket P4's at Newegg to suit your current motherboard. However, they are no longer in production and now are VERY scarce, so you would need to act quickly if you want to upgrade your current CPU....here in Oz, NZ too, 478 socket Intel's are NOT available ANYWHERE.

Based on all the infomation i learned so far, i think that i would be better off with buying a 1GB, otherwise, i should just wait for windows vista.

Yes, you could upgrade your RAM to 1gb, and yes, it would moderately improve your PC's performance....but not enough to adequately run Vista, which is a much bigger OS than XP and far more resource intensive.....

Thing is, Bash, the upgadability of your machine is rather limited (as Corky pointed out), and if you're having issues with XP running slowly now, Vista would run at a snail's pace and frustrate you to no end. That's why you'd need to upgrade your mobo and CPU as well as RAM....to accomodate the newer hardware Vista requires to operate/function properly.....because if you look at it realistically, and you're having issues with running WindowBlinds in XP (?), Vista's more resource intensive Aero effects aren't going to run efficienty, either...if at all.

Also, as Corky so kindly pointed out, your MicroATX case may suffer overheating issues with the bigger, better, faster hardware and probably needs to be upgraded also....you could include additional fans but would the overall cost be warranted, as compared to the price of a pre-built machine that's Vista capable already.

Believe me, Bash, much trial and error (error being the operative word here) has led me to these conclusions, and you'd probably be financially better off to save your money and get an out of the box, Vista capable system....because upgrading older equipment can become a very costly exercise....and often its still not up to par with newer technology. Put it this way, since my first PC, an IBM which was upgraded to full its potential and still lagging well behind, I'd easily have spent the equivelant of 3 - 4 pre-built machines on upgrading my home-built rig to meet my requirements/to run Vista. Okay, so I'm an upgrade junkie, probably spend more on it than the average PC owner, but that's how I know just how expensive it can become.....

Yes, the prices on PC components have dropped dramatically in recent times, and replacing one here and there has become more affordable, but the kind of upgrade that would truly satisfy your immediate wants/needs could run into more than the price of an out of the box Dell, HP or Compaq.....so best you compare prices and weigh up the pros and cons before deciding on anything.....but above all be patient and refrain from jumping in boot's n' all with something you may find inadequate/regret later

because upgrading older equipment can become a very costly exercise....

And only of any real use/value if the person doing the work knows what he/she is trying to do.

Preferably someone who might refer to a CPU NOT as 'that square bit'....

Tell me if this is a good idea: for now....i'm going to by a 1GB memory for my computer so that it can at least be a bit faster. Then when Windows Vista comes out, i'll just buy a PC pre-installed with Vista.

is that good? i think that this is probably good because upgrading my CPU is very risky since i've never done it before and as for the graphics card, i'll just wait for windows vista and then upgrade it.

Please tell me what you think or what you think i should do better.

Tell me if this is a good idea: for now....i'm going to by a 1GB memory for my computer so that it can at least be a bit faster. Then when Windows Vista comes out, i'll just buy a PC pre-installed with Vista.

That's the better way for you to go, Bash....makes more sense cos then you're saving the money to get yourself a decent, Vista ready machine that'll do what you want and will come with a warranty....

To have kept handing over wads of money to upgrade your machine would ultimately have been a fruitless exercise and you'd still have been playing catch-up to be on a par with more recent builds.....and financially the purchase of a shiny new, Vista loaded PC would have been even further down the track.

Also, when you're ready to purchase a new PC, you'd be wise to shop around for one that meets your requirements and has room for expansion. For example, there's some pre-builts which are closed systems and can not be added to/upgraded....meaning if it has on-board graphics and sound, etc, that's what you're stuck with.....

A friend of my sister found that out the hard way....she's not tech savvy and ended up with a 'K-Mart' special that had no on-board LAN connection for her router, nor was there a PCI option to add one - also no mobo slots to install extra RAM sticks or an additional HD - no available PCI/AGP slots for a video or sound card, either.

I'd hate to see you end up buying PC that's not entirely to your satisfaction later on, so please be careful and thoroughly investigate your options prior to purchasing anything.....and if you're not too sure, take someone who's more informed with you to ensure you're not sold something that's below par for your needs/expectations.

Also, should you decide to purchase a new PC prior to 2007, look into the eligibily for the Vista Express Upgrade that MS announced for Vista capable PC's purchased after 26 October '06 ....WWW Link.....it may help with your decision.

Anyway, Bash, all the best with it and happy (PC) hunting.....

64mb of ram on XP struggled with Paint.. Especially when pasting a 1024x768 jpeg into it.

Bash.. if you build your own pc now, you know what exactly is in it.. so you can save lots of money and be ready for Vista.  This computer I built in May runs Vista great (I need a bit more RAM though... 1gb isn't enough).

Bash.. if you build your own pc now, you know what exactly is in it.. so you can save lots of money and be ready for Vista.

Yep, that's the better way to go, Bash....rather than mess around with your old box, start from scratch and get something that's up-to-date and Vista ready. However, I'm not too sure about 'home builds' qualifying for the Vista Upgrade Express offer which could save you some cash when it is finally released to home users....being that it'll retail for USD $400+. It could be there are MS preferred Manufacturers who could build a qualifying PC to your specifications......

I dunno about over there in the States, but Dell in Oz have been advertising more personalised builds on TV.....rather than get a pre-built off the shelf, customers can mix & match components to better meet their requirements and still be eligible for the Express Upgrade. If there's something like that available to you, Bash, it'd be worth your while looking into it to save yourself a few bucks later on.

This computer I built in May runs Vista great (I need a bit more RAM though... 1gb isn't enough).

I read somewhere that Vista will only run at its optimum with 4gb of Ram....seems like a lot, don't it....especially when 4 sticks of 1gb DDR400 in Oz are $600+, and 4 1gb DDR800's are WELL OVER a grand.

My home build has an AMD Athlon 64x2 4600+ (2.4Ghzx2) with 3gb of DDR400, and it runs Vista rather well indeed, so I dunno 4gb of RAM is necessary/essential. Having said that, however, my Vista Experience is (only) 4.6....and being the upgrade junkie that I am, I'm wondering what I gotta do next to push it all the way to 5.0.

BTW...my wife's home build has an Intel Celeron 2.66Ghz with 1.5gb of RAM and a Vista Experience score of 3.2. yet it runs Vista RC2 with response times not too dissimilar to those of XP Pro....so all that media (so-called expert) hype about Vista ONLY running on top-end PC's seems more likely to be bunk from MS/Vista detractors, rather than based on fact.

Obviously an old 486 isn't gonna run it very well, if at all, but most up-to-date machines 'should' be okay to run Vista....and this tool from Microsoft....WWW Link.....can help take out the guesswork for those who aren't too sure.

man my computer is so not up to date......

i think windows vista run the minmium of 512MB which (just like the 64MB of WIN XP) will hardly at least run.

I read somewhere that Vista will only run at its optimum with 4gb of Ram....seems like a lot, don't it....especially when 4 sticks of 1gb DDR400 in Oz are $600+, and 4 1gb DDR800's are WELL OVER a grand.

you're kidding......right?

okay, currently my computer has two slots for memory which is already fulled with two 256MB mem cards. I can upgrade my mem. to 1GB in two ways.

1. i can buy two 512MB mem. cards

or

2. i can buy 1 1GB mem. card and take the two others out...or at least leave one of them there.   

Which way is better?


I know it kinda seems like i'm lazy to find my own infomation (IM NOT) but im just asking you guys questions because you guys had have expriences upgrading your computers while i have only upgraded one thing to my computer since i first bought it........which was changing my DVD-Rom to a DVD/CD burner.

If it's an old mobo it may not handle 1gig per slot...so you'd better check the specs of the board....

you're kidding......right?

Nope....no joke, I just got two sticks of 1 gb DDR400 and paid AU$300. One place I went to was selling it for $199.95 per stick = $399.90 for two....and their Igb DDR800 was more than twice that at $360 per stick.

Anyway, back to your PC! Generally speaking, a 1gb stick will be slightly faster than two 512mb sticks. However, if it's the same there as here, and two 512mb sticks are cheaper than one 1gb, you'd economically be better off going with the two 512's....and given that PC RAM is dearer than the DDR stuff these days, that's the way you should go when a Vista capable machine is probably what you should be aiming for.


The thing is, Bash, bear in mind the age and limitations of your current PC....if it's struggling to run XP with just a few apps, it's certainly not gonna run Vista. Put bluntly, it's just not viable or worth sinking you money into, so if you must, get the RAM to tide you over but look towards a new machine that'll better suit your needs/run Vista when you eventually get it.

you guys had have expriences upgrading your computers

You said it so here's a reminder......

upgrading older equipment can become a very costly exercise....and often its still not up to par with newer technology.... an IBM which was upgraded to full its potential and still lagging well behind,

Trust me, was there, did that, so take it as gospel and save for something you'd really be happy with, rather than do piecemeal upgades on that dinosaur and bankrupt the piggybank.

Also, take no notice of those minimum specs to run XP or Vista...they do not reflect real usage requirements.....so even if you're able to boost your Ram up to two gigs, your machine still won't run Vista satisfactorily.

thank you guys for all your help. i really appreciate it.

I just downloaded windowblinds (even though i haven't upgraded my system yet)and my computer has been runnning normaly so far (surprisingly)

i'll download more skins to see how they work...

thank you guys for all your help. i really appreciate it.

You're most welcome, Bash....glad to be of service.

I just downloaded windowblinds (even though i haven't upgraded my system yet)and my computer has been runnning normaly so far (surprisingly)

That's good and I'm happy for you....a PC without WindowBlinds is like an art gallery without paintings....nekkid! Oh, and downloading skins to the WB directory isn't gonna slow things down any, okay....not unless you fill the HD chocka-block full.

As for not upgrading your system YET....think of it as a cash cow! You'd have to feed it a whole lotta processed wheat = bread = money - before you can milk its potential just a little bit more.

I've been meaning to research Vista ready machines that'd be eligible for the Express Upgrade for you.....trouble is I keep getting distracted and never seem to get around to it. I will eventually do it, but in the meantime maybe you could visit the major manufacturers websites (Dell,Compaq, HP, etc) to check out the options, what's best and most affordable for you.

Anyway....later, Dude.