Hi There.

I just ran CNETS window Vista adviser and it really got me thinking about upgrading my PC.

First off, I Have 1GB ram. I know, when this computer was made, this was a good large amount of ram. Now it just seems pedy. .
Ok, So i want to upgrade it.
Currently i have 4 Slots, 2 are in USE with 512MB each (unsure if DDR2..)
Will my computer run smoothly if i add another 2x1024MB DDR2 RAM chips?
Totalling to 3GB.

I have a Gigabyte GA-8I945GMF motherboard, I really want to get the new Nvidia motherboards. Are the recommended?

Secondly. I really want a Duo Processor. Im a beginner with upgrading my hardware...so i need help with this one.
How do i take out my P4 3.2 that is currently in? Do i simply lift that leaver thing on the side and take it out heatsink and all?
Once i do that, i just slot the DUO into the chip place and glue the heat sink on right? If anyone knows of a tutorial with pictures it would be most helpful.

Finally, MY PSU is really, really, really, really, loud. Its...300W and i want to take it out and replace it.
However im really scared that i wont reconnect all cables.
Again if anyone has a tutorial, please post it.

Oh, and if i plan on buying a 8800GTx (or GTs) should i get a 600W silent PSU?
Thanks in advance!

You guys Rock!

My first thoughts would be to leave your computer as it is and start afresh. To go C2D you will need a new motherboard and PSU. What are the other specs. of your computer? To compliment the 8800GTx you will need some decent hardware. As for Vista I would wait until the second half of this year before considering it. Mcbee.

Thanks for the response.

I think that would be a great idea, however my bank balance isnt the strongest (but i am working on it )

I really want to make the current PC silent. It sounds like a helicopter pad, its really loud. Could you recommend any PSUs that are quite? I'll need about 400W to run a:

P4 3.2Ghz, 1GB ram, 6600GT, Gigabyte motherboard, LG DvDR. 3 1/2' FDD.

And when you say build from scratch, can you give me some hardware that you recommended.

Thanks.

The reason I suggested leaving your computer as it is, is that it still is a decent computer for general use. With 1Gig more ram it will run Vista quite well. I don't know enough about PSUs to recommend any but PSUs with larger fans run quieter than those with smaller fans (120mm vs 80mm). Check the following link to read about PSUs www.techimo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=124252
To upgrade from your current specs you would be considering
CPU Core2duo E6300/6400/6600.
Motherboard 965 or 975 chipset from Abit, Asus, Gigabyte etc.
Memory 2Gb DDR800 or DDR667
PSU 600W
Graphics many options.
Hard drive again many options but will be SATA.
The computer you build will be governed by what you require it to do. As I mentioned before I wouldn't just rush to get Vista for a while yet. Mcbee.

Hi,
The link you provided didnt work...?
Isnt the Core Duos 775 Chipset? If not. Darn! I need a new motherboard then. So best if i build another PC.
I've got some hardware in mind and i can build it myself for aprox. 1250$
I've just been browsing over Vista enabled computers at my local shops. Its like eye candy, very pretty. :P.
I will wait! Hopefully they can release service pack 1 soon! (and a whole lot more working drivers)

LGA775 is the CPU fitting. Try this www.techimo.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124252 Mcbee

So when you refer to 965 or 975 chipset you mean the Intel Series correct? Its still 775 Cpu fitting right?

I'm really into the new Nvida 580i SLI/680 chipsets, They'd run great because i'm a Nvida GPU fan, im in love with my 6600GT its awesome. And it still can run some of the latest games .

Ok, Well right now im off upgrading my system. Not until they release a new vista service pack.

However My computer is not very noise efficiant. And when i say that i mean it sounds like a helicopter landing pad.
The problem is im unsure weather its the PSU making the noise or the CPU fan thats making the noise.
How is an effictive way to tell?
Should i pull out the 3pin CPU fan input connected to my motherboard and startup my PC?
If it is my CPU fan, how to i take it off and put a bigger fan? Its a P4 3.2Ghz? Got any pictured tutorials to help me out?

I disasembled my old PC to teach myslf to replace PSUs, I got the jist of things pretty quickly and im finding it easy now.
My CPU fan looks pretty complecated. Its got these 4 black latches on each corner of the cpu fan. Each one has rounded arrows on them...

Hope this can help you help me.

Oh and btw. Mcbee, your awesome. Thanks for your help and links!

You can disconnect the CPU fan and boot up but you would need to shut down again immediately. CPU temperatures rise quickly if not cooled. Chances are that your PSU is making most of the noise. Have you any case fans? if so check those as well. If you need to change your CPU fan it's not difficult but leave that until if and when. Mcbee.

I do have one case fan. How can i check if it is making the noise? Thanks!!

Your case fan should be connected in one of two ways. Either connected to a molex add in from the PSU or by a plug on the motherboard similar to the CPU fan. It will be labelled sys or aux fan. Just check the cable from the fan.
I have just assembled a computer from redundant components and it is loud. The main noise, in it, is from the CPU fan as it is rotating at 5800 rpm. As I had this unit on the bench it was easy to just listen closely to each fan to find the loudest. Mcbee.