Do I need an A8N ?

[bad guy]

My system is 5 years old running at 500 mhz. Most of my computing
uses are not-cutting-edge games, Internet, a little word processing.

It's time to update so I'm considering using my existing 500w case,
monitor, kb, mouse, cd drive and floppy and putting in something like
this:

Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard

What does Deluxe mean?
Is it worth the extra $40?
It doesn't have an AGP slot so my old video card won't work.
Would I be better off getting a MB that will take my AGP card or buy a
cheap??? PCI Express video card?

CPU Athlon 4 939 at 2.0 GHZ
I think Venice comes recommended but what is X2? Cores?

Memory : ( 2 ) 512K chips for total of 1 Gig. Later I could add
two more in the other 2 slots.

Kingston seems to have a bad reputation. Corsair is more expensive
but is it worth it?

Video Card: Asus GEforce 6200 128 mg at $46 or something else?
I recognized the Asus name but not Saphire, Powercolor or MSI.

Thank you for the advice I've already received form this newsgroup.

 

[Andrew]

My system is 5 years old running at 500 mhz. Most of my computing
uses are not-cutting-edge games, Internet, a little word processing.

It's time to update so I'm considering using my existing 500w case,
monitor, kb, mouse, cd drive and floppy and putting in something like
this:

Your existing power supply may not be compatible. The A8N requires a 24 pin
ATX connector (c.f. 20 pin used in older PSUs) and an additional 4 pin CPU
power connector.

For you end use you cannot go wrong withthe GeForce 6200 but don't expect to
be able to play graphically demanding games on it further down the line; it
won' handle them and the results will be dissappointing. For internet and
word processing though it will be fine. The brands you quoted are all well
known in the graphics card industry. If you can get a BFG branded card that
is preferred (IMO) since they have a lifetime warranty.

If you don't know what extra you are getting with the A8N-Deluxe chances are
you won't need them; save the money and consider a new PSU instead (if
needed).

I ran Elixir memory in my A8N-E. This isn't a top branded memory but is
extremely stable and runs in dual channel. In my experience memory
compatability isn't so much of an issue nowadays; get branded by all means
but the most expensive brands isn't necassarily best!

Andy

 

[Clas Mehus]

Your existing power supply may not be compatible. The A8N requires a 24 pin
ATX connector (c.f. 20 pin used in older PSUs) and an additional 4 pin CPU
power connector.

The 24-pin is recommended, not required. As for the ATX12V
4-pin-connector, that is required, but have also been around now for
like 4-5 years, so since this is a 500W PSU, it seems new emough I
guess.

For you end use you cannot go wrong withthe GeForce 6200 but don't expect to
be able to play graphically demanding games on it further down the line; it
won' handle them and the results will be dissappointing.

At least not go for a 6200TC if games are going to be used. Using the
system for gaming, at least a 6600 will be recommended.