Buying new motherboard

Well with the current game requirements going up every day I want to upgrade my pc. Unfortunately my pc has a Motherboard with no AGP slot. Just the old PCI slots. So I need a new motherboard.

These are my specs

Link

With 512MB DDR PC2100 ram and a BFG Geforce 5200 256MB PCI and a DVD-R burner.

What I'm looking for is a Motherboard that will work with my Processor and RAM.

I looked on TigerDirect and I think this would work Click here

I know that the Ram will work but I dont know about the processor.

Also if anyone can give me a detailed step-by-step guide on how to install a new motherboard it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

It will work, but that MB is overpriced. check out a local store for other possibilities from Asus or MSI, or Albatron, or Gigabyte or Abit. Checkout http://pricenet.ca for deals, and www.pcmechanics.com for a tutorial on installing a MB.

 

take a look at this motherboard from Newegg http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121183

keep in mind though, that you currently have a small case that might not fit this motherboard, and even if it does, you are going to have to reformat your hard drive in order to get this to work.

i do not mean to make this seem a daunting task, but it is a bit more complicated than just changing a motherboard.

 

Not to scare you off, but to warn you a bit. In addition to formatting the hard drive of the machine, you may also need a brand new copy of windows with that new motherboard. Any motherboard that has 865PE in the name of the board will work for you. Sometimes Windows XP is preinstalled on computers - which I'm sure yours is - and sometimes when you change the motherboard windows xp quits working. This is because Windows XP preinstalled copies sometimes ties itself to the original motherboard BIOS and will not work with a new BIOS. I'm using a Soyo P4i865PE that I bought a year ago for $80 minus a $30 mail in rebate and I've had no problem with it. Good luck. Be careful with transferring that processor!

 

its not actually a preinstalled copy, nor does it tie itself to the BIOS-- but you're on the right track.

its an OEM license designed with driver support specifically for that computer. You should still be able to use your XP license, you just might have to borrow a friend's retail Windows XP disc. (then on activation use your information)

 

I've decided to get that motherboard. And I know how to reformat a hard drive so dont worry about that . Thanks for all the help.

 

in case you havent bought yet, here is a CHEAP alternative

shuttle isnnt particularly known for awesome baords, but they're not on the 'bad' list either.. just an option for $25 + shipping

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=BA21207

and 2 reviews
http://www.itp.net/reviews/details.php?id=2127

http://www.extremeoverclocking.com/reviews/motherboards/Shuttle_AB60RS_1.html

 

I haven't bought the board yet. That one site is American though so I dont think I want to order from it. Looking around again I found another board much cheaper that meets my requirements and I think it's a little better than the Shuttle board InYearsToCome recommened.

Link:http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2104&sku=S451-2136

 

my apologies, i didnt realize you were in canada.

The board you found will work, but keep in mind it is running a VIA chipset, and not an Intel chipset. VIA usually makes good chipsets, but Intels own alwas seem to be a bit faster and more solid.

 

Hmmm well in that case I'm searching for Intel chipsets then.

I came across this one: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=180810&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

Your take?

 

not bad, DFI can make some quality boards, but for the sake of future upgradeability, i'd look for at least the intel 865 chipset, if not the 875...

i'm trying to look around for you, but i'm not aware of too many canadian stores... hmm

 

Well the store with the cheapest prices closest to my location is www.tigerdirect.ca.

Looking around again I found this: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1216661&Tab=2&NoMapp=0

 

i can tell you from experience that the Asus P4P800 is a solid and great board--whether or not you're will ing to spend that much is your decision

here it is at another canadian store found via pricegrabber.ca for a little bit cheaperhttp://www.hltechnology.com/one_prod.php?pid=05140

 

Hmmm.... That board is about $20 less so I guess I will get that one unless something better is found. Thank you.