Hard Drive, CPU, and Multi-Boot

trekkie00 · Lt-Jg

Although I am running a very slow computer (by today's standards), I am looking at upgrading it. The specs can be found http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?dlc=en&lc=en&product=61776&lang=en&cc=us&docname=bph06462#N10021

Not too long ago, we had a hard drive failure. The computer would not boot to Windows. I am not sure but I believe the boot drive failed on it. If I hooked it up into my computer, could I be able to use it? Also, if it could work, would you recommend setting it up as a master or slave drive?

My computer, as I mentioned above, is very slow compared to new computers. It is running a Penium 3 866 mhz. processor. I am not sure what kind of motherboard it uses. I am very interested in upgrading the processer to be at least 2ghz. What brand and/or model would you reccomend?

Finally, my computer runs Windows ME. However, it comes on a "startup disc" set. I have Win95 and 98 also. I am planning on installing Debian Linux, and was wondering which version of Windows to install. Also, is there another program I need to boot between the two OSes?

Thanks for your help!
here

Victor1st · Site Admin

You going to build your own one or are ya going to buy one thats already ben built?

trekkie00 · Lt-Jg

I was going to upgrade the one I already have.

Victor1st · Site Admin

Ah, that makes things easier.

First of all youll need to find out how big a processor your board can already take, then decide on what kind processor you want.

Since your comps fairly old you'll probably need to upgrade the motherboard, however this is where you'll run into a problem, you might need to upgrade everything.

If you dont already have DDR memory installed then it means your using SDRAM. Most new motherboards have ditched the SDRAM slots, so youll need to get new memory. If the board you have has built in graphics youll need a new graphics card same thing goes for the soundcard.

WHen choseing a new motherboard try and NOT buy one with a built in graphics card, you wont be able to update it.

As for what you want to get, AMD processors are cheaper, you can pick up AMD 2800 or 3200 chips for next to nothing thesedays. As for the motherboard, anything with the NForce chipset in it will do, Chaintech, Asus, Asrock, Soyo etc etc etc.

You'll also ned a new heatsink with that chip, good heatsinks come anywhere betwen $10 to $35.

So...what you will definately need...

New Motherboard - $50 to $120

New Processor - AMD 3200 to 2800 (non 64 bit) - $80 to $190

New Memory - DDR 400 (PC 3200) - 512mb - $30 to 80

Now, if your motherboard has onboard sound and graphics, thats even more money... you can pick up cheap dual channel PCI soundcards for a little over $20. Graphics cards however is a different story, the more up to date the more it costs.

trekkie00 · Lt-Jg

Well, i guess it could be slightly cheaper than buying a new computer. I guess I should save up for the motherboard/processer and upgrade the rest of my computer first.

Victor1st · Site Admin

If i was your treky i would find out just how big a prcessor that comp can take. If the motherboard has an AGP slot then buy a new graphics card and get new memory if the board can take DDR.

That way all ya need to do once its obvious your board can no longer take it is buy a new processor and motherboard.

S31-Riptide · Guest

for your dual booting... all you have to do is install your linux first as it has a better boot agent then windows... I prefer SUSE linuxs over Debian, but they are both good flavors... as to windows, I prefer 2000pro but XP is also good... lose the ME (it rots!!!)

Age · Site Admin

To put it bluntly it would be better if you bought a whole new system just the tower as P3s and being and HP owner myself your motherboard is probriety as you would have to get one that fits into you box and screws and outlets out in the back match up.I don't think there is one and you might have to contact HP to see if there is is but they will tell you no as I said just go and shop around for a new Tower.Hp make grat entertianment and businees computer but when does come to gaming it is best to get custom built machine unless you are going for labtop.They make great laptops.

trekkie00 · Lt-Jg

I have been looking around, and think I will get a barebones system - it'll be easier than upgrading what I have. I can also use parts from my current system (hard drive, CD-ROMs, floppy).

I have copies of Windows 95, Windows 98 (SE?) upgrade, and ME on a HP recovery disk. Would any of these systems work well on a P4 ~2.5+ ghz computer? I can't afford XP, but I might be able to get 2000.

[RK]Starbuck · Commander

I wouldnt use ME it blows lol not sure about 2000 but 98se which is windows 98 second edition I like.

Juran · Lt-Com

2000 is a good running OS near as I can tell. It's what I have on my laptop. No problems other than ones I cause myself.

trekkie00 · Lt-Jg

Just wondering, have any of you had any experience with eMachines? They have a computer on sale at Circut City.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/eMachines-Desktop-PC-T3882-/sem/rpsm/oid/118812/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Do you think it would be best to get this, or wait a little and buy a Dell?

Age · Site Admin

Don't buy from E machines get your self a custom built one from a computer store in your area.

S31-Jonas · Guest

Yeah I would go with Age's suggestion or buy the parts and build it yourself.

IKS-TranceEmotion · Lt-Jg

Yay a question up my ally!

Dont go with e-machines or dell or hp! They make nice computers but cusomize there stuff so they can only be upgraded so far and with their parts, most of the computer compnays out there are the same company under a diffrent name smile

I suggest building your own computer.

http://www.newegg.com

http://www.tigerdirect.com

Couple of good online sites, and the next thing is "but i dont have a credit card" Common myth, u dont need one, if u have a bank account your good to go, http://www.paypal.com I use paypal and order my parts off Tigerdirect.ca. Your old system will most likely not go much further than the 1 GHz range to upgrade, if it can even be upgraded.

U can salvage stuff from your old computer IE: Harddrive, CDRom and use it in your new like you were planning but even if your ram is compatible i would invest in some new ram, a 512 stick of pc 3200 (even 2700) will do) as your old ram will really bog a new system down. Hope this helps if you have any other questions ask away!