Hi,
I wonder if you can help - I'm a bit of a tech virgin but I need to upgrade my PC at some point.

Basically a lot of my games won't work, mainly due to the graphics not being supported. Unfortunately I have a Tiny computer which has a (outdated) built-in Intel graphics chip so I can't just stick a card in. Also the processor is a bit low (it's a Pentium III 600MHz). I have a nasty feeling that to upgrade will mean a new processor, memory, motherboard, graphics card, sound card (plus a printer as mine keeps breaking).

Is it worth it or should I just get a new base unit? The monitor works ok. I'm not madly keen to buy a new PC as I recently had the hard drive, memory and OS upgraded but obviously there's not much point spending more on a load of components than the cost of a new PC.

I've been advised to upgrade to a Pentium 4 min 2GHz, 512 MB RAM with Nvidia 9600 graphics card (or equivalent) and new sound card. What components would I need to be able to do this? Preferably I'd like to spend as little as possible (but get something with room for upgrades and expansion) and under £500 if poss though will stretch to £750 if I have to.

Thanks.

We would need to know the exact Tiny model to try to trace the specs. Tiny itself is no longer in business. The processor depends on the slot/socket type. I would guess your P3 is a slot 1 which wouldn't be upgradable to a P4. The graphics depends on what expansion slots you have. Probably only PCI. Cards like you mention would be AGP if not PCI-Express (the latest).

To awnser your basic question: buy or build a new computer.

All you need is the tower. Use your old monitor. You can use your old hard drive as well as the main or additional storage. The memory too, if compatible, could be moved over for additional RAM. Same for the OS. If XP you may need to talk to Microsoft informing them that you moved your XP. Tha basic rule being one license/product key to one computer. You are allowed to move XP but not duplicate it.

Thanks for the advice. As far as the model number goes, I'm not sure as I can't find anything with the number on it. All I can say is that it was described as the "Entertainment Video" package, the "part number" on the original packaging is 46O21E358959AH and the serial number is ST822576 - is this any help - it was bought in April 2000.

The memory is SDRAM - is this compatible with Pentium 4 processors?

Also if I get 8 channel sound or whatever, should I get new speakers? I currently have Altec Lansing model ACS33 2 speakers with sub-woofer.

This scan will ID: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

What is listed under System Model as well as Main Circuit Board?

The RAM would depend on speed mostly. Modern RAM is most likely much faster than what you have. RAM is relatively inexpensive.

I do not know much about audio systems but I know a couple regulars here that do.
Hopefully they will chime in here

Originally Posted by jephree

This scan will ID: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

What is listed under System Model as well as Main Circuit Board?

The RAM would depend on speed mostly. Modern RAM is most likely much faster than what you have. RAM is relatively inexpensive.

I do not know much about audio systems but I know a couple regulars here that do.
Hopefully they will chime in here

I ran the scan - the System Model is:
Micro-Star Inc. MS-6183 1.0
Asset Tag: 0123ABC
Enclosure Type: Desktop

Main Circuit Board:

Board: Micro-Star Inc. MS-6183 1.0
Bus Clock: 100 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 62710 05/20/99

Is this right?

Yes. Here is the manual for your board:

http://www.fujitsu-siemens.co.uk/rl/...3/MS6183UK.PDF

As I thought it is a Slot 1 CPU with no AGP graphics slot.

This board is basically obsolete. It would be a fine fail-safe for basic computing options but not for modern games or video apps.

You want a new system to fufill your stated desires.

That being said there are many options. Buying a new computer ready to go or buying a "barebones" system requiring some finishing touches from you or starting from scratch putting together piece by piece.

Any idea what you want to do?

That's not a bad idea Jephree. Buying a "bare bones" system (one where the case is pre-fitted with a motherboard, processor and memory) will allow Snoozysue to fit her recently-purchased hard drive and transfer her Windows licence, saving her a bit of money, as well as allowing her the choice of purchasing whatever specific graphics card and sound card she wants

The Altec Lansing 2.1 speaker system (2 speakers and 1 sub) can be fitted into any sound card but you obviously won't get the surround sound benefits of having a 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system. Having said that, of course, if you're happy enough with 2 front speakers and a subwoofer, then there's probably no need to purchase a separate sound card at all - just use the one that's built onto the motherboard