[Deelish]

Hello to all, this is my first post so be gentle with me!

As an owner of a lcd tv thats capable of 720p output, i decided that it was about time to upgrade my comp to utilise this. I currently have an old(ish) dell dimension 3100, which due to lack of AGP and PCI 16 slots is not really upgradeable. So I've come to the conclusion that I require a new motherboard, CPU (to replace a Celeron D) and possibly a graphics card. I've noticed that some motherboards have hdmi outputs now, would this mean i wouldn't need a graphics card? I don't play games on it as i use a PS3 for gaming. In total I wouldn't want to spend more than £120, does anyone know of any decent bundles out there? I've looked but everyone i find doesn't have a dvi output meaning I'd have to buy a seperate Graphics card.

Ideally I'd like-
-4 or more usb 2.0's
-Dvi or Hdmi output
-A relatively fast CPU (AMD or Intel)

If anyone can help me i'd be most appreciative.
Thanking You!

[Deelish]

I've just seen this-
http://www.arbico.co.uk/64-BIT-AMD-A...1-p-18094.html

could this go with something like this-
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/131419

[mcbee]

I think you will find that most motherboards will not fit your Dell case. You would need a new case and PSU as well.

[Deelish]

Thanks for the quick response, I had just discovered that myself. How much would a cheap(ish) case cost and would that include a PSU? How do I know what the motherboard etc requires in terms of a case and PSU?

[Gamerz2006]

Whenever i purchase a case and PSU for a new build, i always buy seperatly which most cases come without PSU's (although you can get them with one already, but if you do purchase one with a PSU included, make sure it has a decent power output (500w or above i'd say)).

with regard to a case as long as it accepts the size of the motherboard you purchase (i.e ATX, Micro ATX) and also the correct motherboard Power connector (24-pin etc) its really down to what you want and how much you want to spend on a case......cheapest online is about £10 but its basic for that price.

Also with reference to HDMI (Onboard MOBO) i wouldn't expect the graphics to be anywhere near the capability of a dedicated GPU, PCI-Express is the latest card slot so if you want one of these new cards make sure your MOBO has a PCI-e x16 slot.

Hope this helps, its only my personal opinion so please wait for more experienced members to come and correct me before you take my advice please.

[Gamerz2006]

Ps. £10 is Case only without vat and P&P.
PSU's cheapest i seen is about £20 (without vat and P&P) for a 500w.

both purchaseable online.

[Deelish]

Thanks Gamerz, I'm starting to piece together all the bits i need now. I'll probably post back soon with details of what i'm going to buy, just to make sure they're all compatible etc and worth buying. cheers

[Deelish]

One other issue I've encountered is the need for a 64bit processor when i shall only be running a 32bit OS. In other words is it still worth getting something like this

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(16094)...00-Retail.aspx

when i shall only be running xp 32bit?

Would it cause any issues? and finally will i nedd to reinstall by OS on to my HD?

Thanking you.

[mcbee]

Your OS will run ok. Once you change the motherboard you will have to reactivate windows. This might require a phone call to explain what you have done.

[samjohnson]

Ok well I don't think that you want to buy a case and a PSU together, unless it is a name brand PSU. Usually the PSUs that come with cases are really cheap and could die all of the sudden and take your motherboard, graphics card, and other things with it. You probably won't be able to keep at your 120 (your currency) price. Take a look at this thread http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...ankings-14076/ it has the best and worse PSUs listed. I strongly advise you not to cheap out on your PSU, that is one component that you don't want to get a cheap one of.