Noob Q - Motherboard dead, what are my options?

[Crispy]

Hi, it's been a loooonngg time since I last posted on here, but was hoping someone could help with some advice.

I've got an old HP PC (this one) and the mobo has died after my lad flicked the PC on / off at the wall. I've isolated all components one by one to check the PSU is working and that it is definitely the mobo that is dead.

I'm getting a new PC anyway as this one was getting very long in the tooth, but I'd like to rescue this one if possible for use as a 2nd PC (as the current 2nd PC is about 7-8 years old and can just about run linux & firefox without falling over).

What I'm wondering is:

• Can I replace the mobo with a more current model?
• If so what one(s) would you recommend? (nothing fancy, just needed for general PC duties)
• Would I need to replace the memory (as I remember that the memory on the existing mobo was quite difficult to find upgrades for when I looked)?
• If I can't go for a more up to date mobo, would I be able to just get a direct replacement (looks like there are some of the correct model no on ebay)
• What is involved in replacing the mobo (never done it before but happy to get my hands dirty and have a play about)?
  

Specs of the PC are as follows:

Base processor
Pentium4 550 (P) HT 3.4 GHz:
* 800 MHz front side bus
* Socket 775
Chipset
Intel 915P
Motherboard
* Manufacturer: Asus
* Motherboard Name: PTGD-LA
* HP/Compaq motherboard name: Puffer2-UL8E
Memory
Component Attributes
Memory Installed 1 GB (2 x 512)
Maximum allowed 4 GB* (4 x 1GB) requires the replacement of the installed 512 MB DIMMs

*Actual available memory may be less
Speed supported PC2-3200 MB/sec
Type 240 pin, DDR2 SDRAM
DIMM slots Four
Open DIMM slots Two

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Crispy

 

[N00bie]

New motherboard

 

[daz.rathbone]

New motherboard should be fine, providing the case doesn't have any strange fittings. Any el-cheapo socket 775 motherboard should run the parts you have, so have a dig around on OCuk for spec/price/features.

Alternatively, if you don't want to spend much and it's for basic PC duties, spend £30 on the bay and grab an old P4 Dell Optiplex, or something similar. They're going for £30, maybe £40, and are a similar spec to what you currently have. I've just bought one to use as a cheap NAS/media server (as they're small too).

Good luck.