Computer Parts

[PaulMacC]

A while ago I was supposed to update my PC but I never really got around to it. I'd like to upgrade a few parts to my PC as it is rather slow at the moment. The things I would like in order are processor, ram and hdd. I dont really care about graphics or my motherboard, I think the gfx is intergrated into it.
I have around £250 to spend on this and here is my computer specs, they are terrible but Scott gave me a link to a few things a while ago although I've completly forgotten, +rep for all help :)

Operating System System Mode
Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1 (build 6001) Packard Bell BV IMEDIA 2215 PB80135701
Enclosure Type: Desktop
Processor
1.60 gigahertz Intel Celeron
64 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Main Circuit Board
Board: Packard Bell BV MCP73VT-PM 1.0
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. PBDV10.P17
Drives Memory Modules c,d
147.15 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
49.26 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
768 Megabytes Installed Memory
Slot 'DIMM0' has 1024 MB
Slot 'DIMM1' is Empty
Local Drive Volumes
c: (NTFS on drive 0)147.15 GB49.26 GB free

[Stephen!]

I think the most effective upgrade you could do would be to get a new motherboard, CPU and RAM. I'll find you some choices.

[PaulMacC]

GFX is intergrated into Motherboard. If I get a new motherboard it means that I'll need a new GFX card too :S

[N!ck]

GFX is intergrated into Motherboard. If I get a new motherboard it means that I'll need a new GFX card too :S

Not necessarily as the new motherboard may also have an integrated graphics card. As Stephen said, your best option is new Mobo, CPU and RAM.

For £250 you could actually build a whole new PC.

[PaulMacC]

Okay, can someone find me a mboard, cpu and ram please.
The main reason is for video rendering with HD files which takes forever on my current pc.

[Stephen!]

Intel Dual Core E5400 £77.05

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?IL-E5400


Crucial Ballastix 2GB £25.29

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?CRU-B642GK


Gigabyte GA-P31-ES3G £48.29

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?GIG-P31ES3


ThermalTake TR2 Value 500W £45.99

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?TT-W0093


Novatech ATI Radeon HD4650 £52.89

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?NOV-46501

Total £249.51

[paul4wolves]

Jeese you have a bag of ****. You need a new everyhting except a case and hard drive mate.

[N!ck]

Intel Dual Core E5400 £77.05

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?IL-E5400


Crucial Ballastix 2GB £25.29

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?CRU-B642GK


Gigabyte GA-P31-ES3G £48.29

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?GIG-P31ES3


ThermalTake TR2 Value 500W £45.99

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?TT-W0093


Novatech ATI Radeon HD4650 £52.89

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?NOV-46501

Total £249.51

That appears to be a full ATX size board. OEM PCs usually use m-ATX boards and sometimes have the screw holes in different places to prevent you from changing them.

[PaulMacC]

Could you get a mobo with built in graphics and a quad core I dont really mind the other things. Scott gave me a link to a 2.5Ghz quad-core cpu and 4gb ram for like £170 off eBuyer. I forgot the link though.
I think he said it was compatable with my mobo.

[N!ck]

Could you get a mobo with built in graphics and a quad core I dont really mind the other things. Scott gave me a link to a 2.5Ghz quad-core cpu and 4gb ram for like £170 off eBuyer. I forgot the link though.
I think he said it was compatable with my mobo.

You could buy a processor that would fit in the socket, but whether it would work or not is a different story.

This RAM will work in it: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/146049

According to this the board is compatible with Core 2 Duo/Quads http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ECS-MCP73VT-PM-VER-1-SOCKET-775-ATX-MOTHERBOARD!!_W0QQitemZ190304446753QQcmdZViewItemQ QimsxZ20090501?IMSfp=TL090501123004r16246 but the trust in the source is limited, and Packard Bell might have installed a BIOS on it that only allows certain CPUs.

If it does allow any socket 775 CPU then there's a whole load to choose from. http://ebuyer.com/search?page=2&store=2&cat=22&subcat=1770&sort=pricelow&limit=10

[PaulMacC]

I would like the safest bet I dont want to have to return anything so recommendations xD

[N!ck]

I would like the safest bet I dont want to have to return anything so recommendations xD

Well the RAM I said and i don't know what processor will work.

[PaulMacC]

Has anyone got a processor they know that will work?

[Sam]

Riight

Processor = http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/CPUs+%2F+Processors/Intel/Core+2+Duo/Intel+Core+2+Quad+Q6600+2.4GHz+95W+G0+Stepping+(Re tail+775)+?productId=28356

- £156.00 inc. VAT (Though they currently have for around £149 on some deal thing)

90% sure it's fine with your motherboard. I've checked a few sources and its Socket 775, and can handle quad-core.. So why not? ;P

Though i'd reccomend getting a completely new motherboard.

If you're looking for on-board graphics, then http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Motherboards/Socket+775+(Intel)/Gigabyte+GA-EG41MF-S2H+Intel+G41+Socket+775+Motherboard+?productId=35 359 has it, and also a PCI-E (x16) slot if you wish to eventually purchase a gfx card.

- £65.84 inc. VAT

It's also Micro-ATX, because i re-call someone earlier in the thread saying it needed to be? o.O

Then also purchase the processor from above, and the RAM below

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Memory/DDR2/DDR2+1066+(PC8500)/OCZ+2GB+PC2-8500+DDR2+Intel+Optimized+Titanium+(2x1GB)+?produc tId=29108

- £34.44 inc. VAT

Total Cost: £249.28

I'd strongly suggest purchasing all 3 parts listed above. All 3 are 100% compatible (though it is late, so if i've made a silly mistake someone please point it out). You're also under your budget, and are gettting a newer motherboard, 2GB ram + a quad-core processor.

[Recursion]

Riight

Processor = http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/CPUs+%2F+Processors/Intel/Core+2+Duo/Intel+Core+2+Quad+Q6600+2.4GHz+95W+G0+Stepping+(Re tail+775)+?productId=28356 (http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/CPUs+%2F+Processors/Intel/Core+2+Duo/Intel+Core+2+Quad+Q6600+2.4GHz+95W+G0+Stepping+%28 Retail+775%29+?productId=28356)

- £156.00 inc. VAT (Though they currently have for around £149 on some deal thing)

90% sure it's fine with your motherboard. I've checked a few sources and its Socket 775, and can handle quad-core.. So why not? ;P

Though i'd reccomend getting a completely new motherboard.

If you're looking for on-board graphics, then http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Motherboards/Socket+775+(Intel)/Gigabyte+GA-EG41MF-S2H+Intel+G41+Socket+775+Motherboard+?productId=35 359 (http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Motherboards/Socket+775+%28Intel%29/Gigabyte+GA-EG41MF-S2H+Intel+G41+Socket+775+Motherboard+?productId=35 359) has it, and also a PCI-E (x16) slot if you wish to eventually purchase a gfx card.

- £65.84 inc. VAT

It's also Micro-ATX, because i re-call someone earlier in the thread saying it needed to be? o.O

Then also purchase the processor from above, and the RAM below

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Memory/DDR2/DDR2+1066+(PC8500)/OCZ+2GB+PC2-8500+DDR2+Intel+Optimized+Titanium+(2x1GB)+?produc tId=29108 (http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Memory/DDR2/DDR2+1066+%28PC8500%29/OCZ+2GB+PC2-8500+DDR2+Intel+Optimized+Titanium+%282x1GB%29+?pr oductId=29108)

- £34.44 inc. VAT

Total Cost: £249.28

I'd strongly suggest purchasing all 3 parts listed above. All 3 are 100% compatible (though it is late, so if i've made a silly mistake someone please point it out). You're also under your budget, and are gettting a newer motherboard, 2GB ram + a quad-core processor.

Check if the BIOS can handle Quads, they usually can for LGA775 but you never know.

[PaulMacC]

Hm, I'll go for the 3 Sam listed if someone can confirm that they all work, I dont wanna have to return things.

[N!ck]

http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/Intel+Core+2+Quad+Q6600+2.4GHz+95W+G0+Stepping+(Re tail+775)+?productId=28356
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/OCZ+4GB+PC2-8000+DDR2+Platinum+XTC++EPP+Nvidia+Approved+(2x2GB )+?productId=30158
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Motherboards/Socket+775+(Intel)/Asus+P5QL-CM+iG43+Socket+775+Motherboard+?productId=34970

You may as well get 4GB RAM, not much more.

I can't guarantee the screw holes on the motherboard will line up with the holes in your case as it's an OEM PC and they do it like that sometimes just to be awkward.

[N!ck]

Double post lag :S

[PaulMacC]

http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/Intel+Core+2+Quad+Q6600+2.4GHz+95W+G0+Stepping+(Re tail+775)+?productId=28356
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/OCZ+4GB+PC2-8000+DDR2+Platinum+XTC++EPP+Nvidia+Approved+(2x2GB )+?productId=30158
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Motherboards/Socket+775+(Intel)/Asus+P5QL-CM+iG43+Socket+775+Motherboard+?productId=34970

You may as well get 4GB RAM, not much more.

I can't guarantee the screw holes on the motherboard will line up with the holes in your case as it's an OEM PC and they do it like that sometimes just to be awkward.
Oh, hm does the motherboard have onboard gfx?
What do I do if the screw holes dont line up?

[N!ck]

Oh, hm does the motherboard have onboard gfx?

Yes :).

Send it back :(.

[PaulMacC]

Hopefully the motherboard will fit in place, Im ordering the parts around 15th of May so yeah!
How would I go about installing these, the only thing I've ever installed in a PC was RAM lol :(

[N!ck]

Hopefully the motherboard will fit in place, Im ordering the parts around 15th of May so yeah!
How would I go about installing these, the only thing I've ever installed in a PC was RAM lol :(

Open your PC and have a look at where the screw holes are on your current motherboard. Here's some examples of where the holes are on m-ATX motherboards (they're all the same on standard ones).

http://xtremegears.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/lpjr_x58-t3h6_3.jpg
https://www.pcczone.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/2/0/200804191142010006_A7GM-S_overhead2.jpg
https://www.pcczone.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_50_10.jpg

Also, make sure the back plate is removable. That's the bit with the red box around it in this image: http://uploadpicz.com/images/F9HDAYP.png It's just the metal bit that needs to come out, the ports themselves are part of the motherboard.

The best way to set it all up would involve formatting your hard drive and starting from fresh, but you probably don't want to do that. Here's how to do it without:

First, uninstall all divers from your computer relating to the motherboard. This includes things like the integrated graphics card drivers, sound drivers and chipset drivers.

Then turn the computer off and unplug it. Pull all cables out of the motherboard. Unscrew it and pull it out holding it by the heatsink. Pull the old backplate out (see above).

Put the new motherboard on top of the anti-static packaging it came in on a table. Whack the new processor in it - lift up the little lever and taking note of lining up the arrows so that you put it in the right way put the processor in making sure you don't bend the pins of skip a line of holes (I'd be pretty impressed if you managed to accidentally get it in the wrong way). Pull the little lever down to lock the processor in. Whack the heatsink & fan on top of it (it's pretty obvious how it goes on - put the metal bar of the heatsink on the relevant clips on the motherboard and pull the lever down to firmly attach it. I like to pick the whole thing up by the heatsink and give it a jiggle and shake to make sure it's on firmly. There should be no give in it as it should be a very tight fit. Make sure you plug the fan connector into the socket on the motherboard labled CPU_FAN or similar.

Then put the new RAM in like you have done previously - line it up the right way round and push it in until the plastic catches close on it and it makes a "click".

Now, from the old motherboard there should be standoffs already fitted inside the case where you screw the motherboard to - they look like this http://www.cybergooch.com/tutorials/images/buildsystem/IMG_6805.jpg if there isn't any then that probably means your case is one that doesn't need any (ask someone if you don't find any standoffs under the old board).
Put the new backplate in and carefully lower the new motherboard in holding it by the heatsink. Line it up with the standoffs and the backplate. Screw it in. Connect all of the relevant cables - power, fans, hard drives, disk drives, USBs and importantly the power switch related cables (refer to the motherboard manual as to which cables should go where).

Turn on and install the new motherboard drivers.

[N!ck]

I can't edit, but I just remembered you're getting an Intel CPU and heatsink which fit differently to the AMD one which I just described. The CPU fitting is the same, but there's no pins to line up you just drop it in the hole making sure it lines up with the arrows and you hold it by the edges. The heatsink fits by a stupid, annoying method (IMO) which is difficult to explain - refer to the instructions carefully. You basically push the four corner pins into the holes until the butterfly opens on the back. And there's some twistio thing that I can't remember as I've not fitted an Intel heatsink for a while. It's a very snug/firm fit. Make sure you plug the fan into the motherboard.

[PaulMacC]

How do I install the new motherboard drivers, do they give you a CD to boot fro.
Sorry if I sound like a complete arse here.

[Recursion]

You would install Windows and then get the drivers off the internet, usually the LAN will work, if not then use a laptop or something and put the drivers onto a USB stick. The ones on the CD will be very out of date.

[PaulMacC]

Gulp, where do I get windows, I dont think I have my CD from ages ago O_o

[N!ck]

Gulp, where do I get windows, I dont think I have my CD from ages ago O_o

The way I have describe will use your previous installation of Windows, so wiping your hard drive is not necessary. The motherboard comes with a CD with all the drivers on so you install them from that.

The best way of doing it would involve wiping your hard drive and you would need a disk containing Windows to reinstall it.

[PaulMacC]

Will you method work too and is it easy-ish?

[Jordy]

When you change your mobo, you could just reinstall Windows but if you wish to continue with your current install you're going to have to get a new serial which will cost around £60-70 unless you find a way to bypass this.

[N!ck]

When you change your mobo, you could just reinstall Windows but if you wish to continue with your current install you're going to have to get a new serial which will cost around £60-70 unless you find a way to bypass this.

That's a good point as the installation by Dell will be using an OEM key and a new motherboard means it thinks it's installed on a different computer, so not a "genuine" version of Windows.

You can get around it be phoning Microsoft and telling them and they give you a key to make it genuine again.

[PaulMacC]

Right, I'll ring Microsoft tomorrow and say I had motherboard failure and need to replace it, so I need a new key. What information will they ask for and anything else I can tell them or do?
Also what number do I ring and someone give me a brief outline what to say :P
Is there anyway of doing this beside phoning MS, for example doing it without a new mobo?
Ah someone help!111

[Jord]

the CPU you recommended looks good but I'd go with the 4gb ram instead of 2x1

Just my opinion

[omgDAN!]

Right, I'll ring Microsoft tomorrow and say I had motherboard failure and need to replace it, so I need a new key. What information will they ask for and anything else I can tell them or do?
Also what number do I ring and someone give me a brief outline what to say :P
Is there anyway of doing this beside phoning MS, for example doing it without a new mobo?
Ah someone help!111

It's usually a call centre in India anyway, so just say anything :D.

[PaulMacC]

Yeah probably is but I really dont want to go through the hassle of it. Im a bit nervous on phones, not that self-confident. Anyway is there anyway I could just get a good CPU and RAM that will work with my mobo as it is or will I have to get a new mobo?

[Recursion]

When my mobo failed I did an activate by phone and it asks how many computers its installed on, say one and it lets you activate it without speaking to someone LOL

[N!ck]

the CPU you recommended looks good but I'd go with the 4gb ram instead of 2x1

Just my opinion

The ones I recommended are 2 x 2GB.

[PaulMacC]

When my mobo failed I did an activate by phone and it asks how many computers its installed on, say one and it lets you activate it without speaking to someone LOL
Really, so I dont have to speak anyone?
When I install drivers etc and it asks me to enter mah code does it say activate via phone?
What do I do?
I rly dont wanna get a new mobo but if I have to I will, can someone clear this up if I can install these parts or dif parts without getting a new mobo because it seems way to much hassle for a mobo.

[N!ck]

Really, so I dont have to speak anyone?
When I install drivers etc and it asks me to enter mah code does it say activate via phone?
What do I do?
I rly dont wanna get a new mobo but if I have to I will, can someone clear this up if I can install these parts or dif parts without getting a new mobo because it seems way to much hassle for a mobo.

RAM will definately work. CPU is a bit hmmish. I say 60% chance it will work (maybe needing BIOS update or something), 40% it won't. It's up to you if you want to risk it.

[PaulMacC]

Hm, I need CPU that will definatly work, rly dont wanna risk it :(

[Jordy]

I can't see the phonecall to Microsoft working to be fair, they'll realise it's a Packard Bell Key. If you truly did have a motherboard problem it would be up to Packard Bell to contact MS presumably through their official routes rather than let the consumer fix it.

[PaulMacC]

Decided im just going to save for a new pc - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0623749419.124156151 9@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfkadehehllldkcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=786588&category_oid=

[N!ck]

Buy the CPU and RAM and if the CPU won't work in it sell it on eBay?

[PaulMacC]

Nah, thanks for the help anyway.
I'll buy a premade PC because the one listed looks good for price.

[N!ck]

Nah, thanks for the help anyway.
I'll buy a premade PC because the one listed looks good for price.

You could custom build something with better specs for £300-350. (not including an operating system - buy an OEM licence or pirate it for free)

[PaulMacC]

I dont wanna go through the hassle, Im a rookie at PC building. But if you can find me stuff for better price I'll take it xD

[Recursion]

I can't see the phonecall to Microsoft working to be fair, they'll realise it's a Packard Bell Key. If you truly did have a motherboard problem it would be up to Packard Bell to contact MS presumably through their official routes rather than let the consumer fix it.


Really, so I dont have to speak anyone?
When I install drivers etc and it asks me to enter mah code does it say activate via phone?
What do I do?
I rly dont wanna get a new mobo but if I have to I will, can someone clear this up if I can install these parts or dif parts without getting a new mobo because it seems way to much hassle for a mobo.

I've done it twice, once with an OEM copy of Vista Home Premium when my motherboard failed, rang up using the phone number in the activation wizard, pressed 1 for the amount of computers the bot asks you for and it successfully activates, same goes for a copy of an HP OEM XP Pro license I wanted to transfer to my non-HP Machine xD

[PaulMacC]

Nah, Im just gonna buy the PC I listed.
Im getting a £260 loan out from bank which I pay £10 a week back, and I have £200 here so Im going to buy it when the money from bank comes through which is like 2 weeks.