Should I upgrade or not?

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20 Jan 2005
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Crewe, Cheshire
Last night my mobo decided to go on my comp, only problem is it's a socket 478 machine, running a P4 2.66GHz 533FSB not HT or anything.

So should I try and find a replacement mobo, or bite the bullet and upgrade seeing as there are less and less socket 478 boards available?

If it is the upgrade option what would your suggestions be. I already have some Geil Value 2GB memory and an IDE 160GB HDD, which I would prefer to use still rather than letting it go to waste.

The main upgrades would be cpu, mobo and a new case. I currently have a coolermaster centurion 2 case, which is rubbish imho for keeping the components cool.

So what are your suggestions?
 
i recently replaced a mobo on a socket 478 machine very similar specs to your p4 2.5ghz 256mb....

just replace the mobo it will cost yer £30 inc p+p....

re: cooling do you have any spaces where u can add a few cooling fans?

what psu do u have? is it a 250w psu? cuz the system I fixed had one....just saying if you do get a few fans then u may need a better psu....

if you really wanna upgrade....do you wanna stick with intel or go AMD? as you wanna use your RAM a conroe and AM2 is out of the question tbh....unless you sell your RAM on MM and then put it towards some DDR2 so you can go conroe....

So its spend £30 and be happy or spend £400 - £500 upgrading.....
 
I agree. If you are happy with your system then just get the new board. No fuss, no hassle.

However, if you really do want to upgrade then nows your chance. However you need to work out what you need and what you can salvage from your current machine then go on to set a budget.

From there you have two options:

1: Wait a short while and get a nice cheap [but capable] 939 system from AMD
2: Wait a short while and get a nice Conroe system from Intel. This is going to be the more expensive option, but you will have a great rig and much better upgrade path open to you.

SiriusB
 
xirokx said:
re: cooling do you have any spaces where u can add a few cooling fans?

what psu do u have? is it a 250w psu? cuz the system I fixed had one....just saying if you do get a few fans then u may need a better psu....

The case has a fan at the front and one at the back, no other place to put another.

And as for the psu it is a 460Watt X-Pro, which I bought a while ago.

Thanks for the suggestions, I might shop around for a new mobo then.

Might also get a new case as well see if I can bring the temp down a bit.

Anyone have any suggestions for a good case that has good air flow?
 
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