Completly upgrade old computer

[68_State]

I have just received a second hand computer and I want to upgrade it; processor, RAM, BIOS, motherboard if possible. But I don't know where to start.

I already have a newer computer but I want to give this one to a friend so please do not recommend that I buy a new computer

I dont even know how to tell what motherboard my computer is, so a step-by-step guide on how to do it would be good.

Any help gratefully received.

 

[Tedster]

If you're going to spend more than $300 - it isn't worth upgrading.

 

[68_State]

Okay, well I have a BrillianX IS motherboard. Is it possible to replace this and keep the tower? Or is that impossible?

 

[68_State]

Okay, this is the Everest report. Irrespective of financial cost, could you tell me please how this system could be upgraded, if at all?

--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003-2005 Lavalys, Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------------

Version EVEREST v2.20.405
Report Type Report Wizard
Computer COMPUTER
Generator fred
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2007-11-02
Time 21:37


--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack -
DirectX 4.08.01.0810 (DirectX 8.1)
Computer Name COMPUTER
User Name fred

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium II, 400 MHz (4 x 100)
Motherboard Name QDI BrillianX IS (3 ISA, 4 PCI, 1 AGP, 3 DIMM)
Motherboard Chipset Intel 82440BX
System Memory 384 MB (SDRAM)
BIOS Type Award Modular (02/06/99)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM2)
Communication Port Printer Port (LPT1)
Communication Port Printer Port (LPT2)

Display:
Video Adapter ATI Technologies Inc. RAGE 128 GL AGP (16 MB)
3D Accelerator ATI Rage128 GL
Monitor Philips 107E (107E2) [17" CRT] (HD 003383)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter Creative SB Live! 5.1 Sound Card

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(r) 82371AB/EB PCI Bus Master IDE Controller
Floppy Drive Floppy disk drive
Disk Drive IBM-DTTA-351350 (13 GB, 5400 RPM, Ultra-ATA/33)
Optical Drive CREATIVE DVD5240E-1 (5x/32x DVD-ROM)
Optical Drive HP CD-Writer+ 9300 (10x/4x/24x CD-RW)
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 12888 MB (10412 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard HID Keyboard Device
Keyboard PC/AT PS/2 Keyboard (84-Key)
Mouse Microsoft PS/2 Mouse

Network:
Network Adapter Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC (149.170.35.43)
Modem Best Data Data Fax Modem

Peripherals:
USB1 Controller Intel 82371AB/EB PIIX4 - USB Host Controller
USB1 Controller OPTi 82C861 FireLink USB Open Host Controller
USB Device USB Audio Device
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Composite Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device
USB Device USB Human Interface Device

 

[GameJunkie72792]

Eh, looks like a typical low budget 1999 computer.

I think i see a few upgrades like the sound card perhaps. I hate to see how that thing runs with that low amount of RAM and a 400MhZ PII.

I'd strip the NIC, Soundcard, Hard disk(maybe not but you never know), RAM, and all optical drives.

As for the case it may be ATX, i'm not sure when they introduced ATX

Um, This system isn't even worth looking at other than the stripped parts, the old Intel chipset kind of made me laugh a little.

When it comes to the single core Pentium, Intel is on the Pentium 4 now which comes into speeds up to 3.6Ghz i believe. So compared to a Pentium II 400MhZ, well you do the math

If you would like i would gladly configure a cheap system from newegg or tigerdirect.

 

[68_State]

Thank you buddy.

It would be great if you did configure a cheap PC for me. I am, however, in the UK if that is a problem.

I don't need anything except a tower with a good motherboard and processor, I can build the rest up separately.

 

[GameJunkie72792]

Ok, im doing it now i couldnt get on for a while. sorrry for such a late reply

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

How much can you afford to spend? Give me a budget and I'm sure I can get you a good system that makes the most of it.

 

[RedFox911]

That thing is gunna need alot of upgrades, if you like it or not. Just do what Gamejunkie said