Computer Upgrade Help

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-Freedom-

New Member
My computer is really old now (more than 4 years) and I'm thinking about upgrading it. I've never done this before so i may need a few tips.

First off, here are my computer specs:
Processor - Intel Pentium D 3.20GHz
Motherboard- MSI N1996
Graphics Card - Nvidia GeForce 7100 GS
Power Supply - 400W
RAM - 1 X 1GB
Hard Drives - Western Digital Raptors (WD740GD) 2 X 74GB

The computer has mainly been used for internet use, gaming and a bit of photoshop and animation. Recently, I realised the computer is really slow at alt+tab. There is quite a major delay while playing a full screen game (such as CS:Source).

Is it worth upgrading or should I just buy/build a new pc? I'm willing to spend $400-$600. I would prefer to spend less.
 
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-Freedom- said:
My computer is really old now (more than 4 years) and I'm thinking about upgrading it. I've never done this before so i may need a few tips.

First off, here are my computer specs:
Processor - Intel Pentium D 3.20GHz
Motherboard- MSI N1996
Graphics Card - Nvidia GeForce 7100 GS
Power Supply - 400W
RAM - 1 X 1GB
Hard Drives - Western Digital Raptors (WD740GD) 2 X 74GB

The computer has mainly been used for internet use, gaming and a bit of photoshop and animation. Recently, I realised the computer is really slow at alt+tab. There is quite a major delay while playing a full screen game (such as CS:Source).

Is it worth upgrading or should I just buy/build a new pc? I'm willing to spend $400-$600. I would prefer to spend less.
Click to expand...

MSI boards should have MS-xxxx V.xx type numbers as the identifier.

The number you provided is the C-Tick number:

A C-Tick mark may also appear on our MSI products that are required to comply with Australian electromagnetic compatibility requirements and radio-communications standards. It signifies that the product may be legally sold in Australia. Now it requires EMC compliance must be marked with the C-tick logo and ACA supplier code number. Our ACA supplier code is N1996. The supplier is responsible for holding a Compliance Folder that contains compliant test reports and a Declaration of Conf
Click to expand...

The only other ID this shows is an HP MB N1996(argon).

Run PC Wizard from CPUID and it should tell you the correct MB ID.
 
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Antec TWO HUNDRED + Antec NEO ECO 520C combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359313

XFX HD-477A-YDFC Radeon HD 4770 + AMD Athlon II X3 435 combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.345872

A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit OEM + ASUS M4A77TD combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.333259

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB (or re-use existing)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098

Sony Optiarc AD-7240S-0B - OEM (or re-use existing)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118030
 
justinmmm690 said:
So, let's see a budget!
Click to expand...

-Freedom- said:
I'm willing to spend $400-$600. .
Click to expand...

I think the Motherboard is a MSI 650 GM-L.

I'm looking at this build:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.346055
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359223

All up $500.

I could re-use my case, HD's and DVD Drive.
Don't need a OS for now.

Is my PSU enough 400W? (Brand?)
Where is a good place to sell my old parts?
 
-Freedom- said:
I think the Motherboard is a MSI 650 GM-L.

I'm looking at this build:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.346055
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359223

All up $500.

I could re-use my case, HD's and DVD Drive.
Don't need a OS for now.

Is my PSU enough 400W? (Brand?)
Where is a good place to sell my old parts?
Click to expand...

PSU - 400W not enough. I would recommend 550W.
case - your current mobo is mATX, you need to check if your case could use ATX mobo.
 
-Freedom- said:
My computer is really old now (more than 4 years) and I'm thinking about upgrading it. I've never done this before so i may need a few tips.

First off, here are my computer specs:
Processor - Intel Pentium D 3.20GHz
Motherboard- MSI N1996
Graphics Card - Nvidia GeForce 7100 GS
Power Supply - 400W
RAM - 1 X 1GB
Hard Drives - Western Digital Raptors (WD740GD) 2 X 74GB

The computer has mainly been used for internet use, gaming and a bit of photoshop and animation. Recently, I realised the computer is really slow at alt+tab. There is quite a major delay while playing a full screen game (such as CS:Source).

Is it worth upgrading or should I just buy/build a new pc? I'm willing to spend $400-$600. I would prefer to spend less.
Click to expand...

I would get a Bit better PSU ~500-600W(preferrably Corsair or Antec) a radeon HD 4770 and 4 gb of ram
 
Thanks for the feedback.

daisymtc said:
PSU - 400W not enough. I would recommend 550W.
Click to expand...

Is this PSU better?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

daisymtc said:
case - your current mobo is mATX, you need to check if your case could use ATX mobo.
Click to expand...

Completely forgotten about that, thanks for reminding me. I checked the case and the dimensions of mid-sized ATX case are the same. Also, the dimensions on the 'board thing' (don't know exact terms) of the case can fit an ATX motherboard.

I'm definitely get these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.346055
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.359223

Are these any good?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=sunbeam_contact-_-35-207-004-_-Product

This makes my total about $600 so far. I think thats as far as i am going unless I can sell off my old parts.

Where can i sell off my old parts?

What do you think of my upgrade?
 
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