New CPU, New Motherboard: new software?

M

Menace

New Member
I was wondering If I would need new software and power supply for a new processor I'm thinking of getting.
Right now I have a computer with a stock power supply (115watts), a Pentium 4 running at 2.8GHz, a stock motherboard that came with my Dell computer and an 8400GS that I installed on it. I have XP sp3 installed. It is running very stable and there are no problems, but I want to upgrade it since it runs pretty slow.

So, I was thinking of upgrading to a core2duo 3.0 GHz (65watt)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
and a new mother board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359

I was just wondering if this replacement would exceed the power because I do not know anything about the math of computer power requirements and I was also wondering if there was anything I needed to install or change prior to installation. If there are any other suggestions I would love to hear them.
 
115W? This must be the CPU's TDP not the actual PSU max output.

Are you looking at upgrading at pre-built system?

Also, you will need to install a fresh copy of Windows. You will have a hard time trying to migrate your existing install over to a new motherboard.
 
Ok so I checked the real PSU of the power supply, its 305DC max.
Yes it is a pre-built system, is there a limiting factor there because with this new addition the only thing that came with the computer would have been the power supply and the case.
If I reinstall windows does that mean I will lose all of my information on my hard Drives, like a reformat?
 
Yes, you should get a new PSU. And, yes, there may be issues upgrading the PSU and motherboard/CPU within your existing pre-built setup.

You can install Windows on a new hard drive, and then migrate your files over from the old install. Or, better yet, build a whole new computer and continue to use the existing one as a backup.
 
Intel P4 at 89W while your new C2D at 65W. It would be OK for you to use the old 300W PSU in theory.

However, I strongly recommend you upgrade it to a 400 - 500W, just in case.
 
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