Help with upgrading my computer

[Iren]

Hello,

I have an old computer I would like to upgrade.
I had ot for over 4 years. Works fine, but it is getting slow.
It is eMachine T1600: here is the link
http://www.e4me.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=T-Series&model=T1600#
Specifications
CPU: AMD Athlonâ„¢ XP Processor 1600+
(1.4GHz) with QuantiSpeedâ„¢ architectur, , )
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Chipset: VIA KM 266
Memory: 256MB DDR (PC 2100)
Hard Drive: 40GB HDD
Optical Drives: 24 × 10x40x Max. CD-RW Drive
3.5" 1.44MB FDD
Video: S3 ProSavage8 (integrated)
(1 AGP slot available for upgrade)
Sound: AC '97 Audio
Network: 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet
Modem: 56K ITU v.92-ready Fax/Modem
Peripherals: Keyboard, Wheel Mouse, Amplified Speakers
Ports/Other: 4 USB ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2,
Audio In & Out, MIDI/Game port, Mic-In & Head Phone jack on front, 3
PCI slots (2 available)
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 14.125"H x 16"D

My quetion is: Can I just upgrade the mother board/CPU/RAM. I was
thinking about getting today this one: ($74 for everything) here is the
link:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2297614&CatId=0
Biostar Geforce 6100-M9 NVIDIA Socket 939 MicroATX Motherboard with an
AMD Sempron 3000 1.80GHz OEM CPU & 512MB DDR PC3200
Would it work with it if that is the only thing I change.
Anything special I need to know? I think know how to change the
motheboard. But anything else beside that?
I would like to keep the cost minimal. Also I can always later upgrade
just the CPU to AMD X2 or AMD FX.

Thanks,

Iren

 

[Paul]

Hello,

I have an old computer I would like to upgrade.
I had ot for over 4 years. Works fine, but it is getting slow.
It is eMachine T1600: here is the link
http://www.e4me.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=T-Series&model=T1600#
Specifications
CPU: AMD Athlonâ„¢ XP Processor 1600+
(1.4GHz) with QuantiSpeedâ„¢ architectur, , )
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Chipset: VIA KM 266
Memory: 256MB DDR (PC 2100)
Hard Drive: 40GB HDD
Optical Drives: 24 × 10x40x Max. CD-RW Drive
3.5" 1.44MB FDD
Video: S3 ProSavage8 (integrated)
(1 AGP slot available for upgrade)
Sound: AC '97 Audio
Network: 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet
Modem: 56K ITU v.92-ready Fax/Modem
Peripherals: Keyboard, Wheel Mouse, Amplified Speakers
Ports/Other: 4 USB ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2,
Audio In & Out, MIDI/Game port, Mic-In & Head Phone jack on front, 3
PCI slots (2 available)
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 14.125"H x 16"D

My quetion is: Can I just upgrade the mother board/CPU/RAM. I was
thinking about getting today this one: ($74 for everything) here is the
link:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2297614&CatId=0
Biostar Geforce 6100-M9 NVIDIA Socket 939 MicroATX Motherboard with an
AMD Sempron 3000 1.80GHz OEM CPU & 512MB DDR PC3200
Would it work with it if that is the only thing I change.
Anything special I need to know? I think know how to change the
motheboard. But anything else beside that?
I would like to keep the cost minimal. Also I can always later upgrade
just the CPU to AMD X2 or AMD FX.

Thanks,

Iren

Is there room for an ATX power supply, in your computer case ?

A lot of new motherboards, use a 2x2 (square shaped) ATX12V power
connector. The connector is used to power the Vcore converter for
the processor. If your old power supply does not have that connector,
then the new motherboard will not be able to start. The CPU cannot
run unless it has a supply of 12V.

Some prebuilt computers have pretty small power supplies in them.
It is hard to find a substitute which has the necessary connector,
and has the dimensions to fit within the case.

The most practical alternative, is to find a new computer case,
many of which come with an ATX power supply in them. That supply
will be compatible with your new motherboard/CPU/memory.

The Sempron 3000+ S939 - history. It is a 62W processor.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/sempron-3000.html
http://www.xbitlabs.com/images/cpu/sempron-3000/opn.gif

You could move your computer components from the old case,
into a new computer case. This is a rough estimate of the
power, in terms of 12V consumption. (12V consumption is used
for the estimate, because +3.3V and +5V is not known in
detail, and can only be guessed as being less than 100W.
More likely 50W or so for the motherboard chips and RAM.)

Processor - (62W/12V)*(1/0.90) = 5.74 amps (90% Vcore eff. assumed)

Hard drive - 12V @ 0.5A idle, draws 2.0A for 10 seconds at startup
CD/DVD - 12V @ 1.5A (likely only draws this when media spinning)
Fans - 12V @ 0.5A (estimated for three fans, check the labels)
Video card - The above board uses built-in video, no extra power needed.

The total is about 8.24A total, 5.74 on 12V1, 2.5A on 12V2, if a dual
rail supply is used.

Seeing as this is Tigerdirect, let's buy a cheap case.

Here is an empty computer case for $19.99 . No power supply is included.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=186331&Tab=2&NoMapp=0

Here is a 120mm fan for the rear of the case $4.99
(If it isn't right for the job, it is only $5)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1089094&CatId=0

Now, I don't like a lot of power supplies on Tigerdirect, so I selected
this one as best I could. 12V1 is for motherboard and disk drives.
12V2 is for processor. (On a single rail supply, the one output
rail powers everything.)

+3.3V @ 22A, +5V @ 21A, +12V1 @ 10A, +12V2 @ 15A,
-12V @ 0.3A, [email protected] SILVERSTONE SST-ST365 $39.99
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1600954&CatId=0

Reviews - SILVERSTONE SST-ST365 ATX 360W Power Supply (115VAC)/(230VAC)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16817163110

Now, if that is too much, we can switch back to Newegg, and see what is
available there.

Here is a Sparkle power supply. Single rail 12V output of 13A, meets our
minimum 8.24A total load calculated above. This one is $22.99. (I don't like
cheap power supplies, but this is your purchase, and your choice to make.)
+3.3V @ 20A, +5V @ 30A, -5V @ 0.3A, +12V @ 13A, -12V @ 0.8A, +5VSB @ 2A

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103428
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16817103428 (reviews)

If you check www.amdcompare.com desktop section, an X2 dual core can draw
up to 110W. That is a 12V2 of (110W/12V)/(1/0.90) = 10.2A . The Silverstone
can handle that, via its 12V2 of 15A. The Sparkle would be using its 13A to
power 10.2A processor plus the 2.5A of other loads, which is too close for
comfort.

So, you can cheap out on the supply, and then get dinged if you ever upgrade
some of the hardware in the box at some future date.

If you ever upgrade the video card, that too would take power. And is a topic
for another day.

Paul

 

[Mike T.]

Hello,

I have an old computer I would like to upgrade.
I had ot for over 4 years. Works fine, but it is getting slow.
It is eMachine T1600: here is the link
http://www.e4me.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=T-Series&model=T1600#
Specifications
CPU: AMD AthlonT XP Processor 1600+
(1.4GHz) with QuantiSpeedT architectur, , )
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Chipset: VIA KM 266
Memory: 256MB DDR (PC 2100)
Hard Drive: 40GB HDD
Optical Drives: 24 × 10x40x Max. CD-RW Drive
3.5" 1.44MB FDD
Video: S3 ProSavage8 (integrated)
(1 AGP slot available for upgrade)
Sound: AC '97 Audio
Network: 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet
Modem: 56K ITU v.92-ready Fax/Modem
Peripherals: Keyboard, Wheel Mouse, Amplified Speakers
Ports/Other: 4 USB ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2,
Audio In & Out, MIDI/Game port, Mic-In & Head Phone jack on front, 3
PCI slots (2 available)
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 14.125"H x 16"D

My quetion is: Can I just upgrade the mother board/CPU/RAM. I was
thinking about getting today this one: ($74 for everything) here is the
link:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2297614&CatId=0
Biostar Geforce 6100-M9 NVIDIA Socket 939 MicroATX Motherboard with an
AMD Sempron 3000 1.80GHz OEM CPU & 512MB DDR PC3200
Would it work with it if that is the only thing I change.
Anything special I need to know? I think know how to change the
motheboard. But anything else beside that?
I would like to keep the cost minimal. Also I can always later upgrade
just the CPU to AMD X2 or AMD FX.

Thanks,

Iren


(my reply):

Someone else already gave a good reply. But to simplify a bit:

The only components you could recycle from your current system would be the
40GB hard drive (for extra storage space) and possibly the modem, IF your
new mainboard supports it.

In other words, it's time to start fresh. Keep your current system totally
intact, save up money until you can afford to replace everything but the
monitor. But you might want to upgrade the monitor, also. -Dave

 

[chufchuf]

+512 ram will do the job

 

[Iren]

Thank you for the reply Paul.
I would like to explain little better why I would like to upgrade.
I had this emachine for over 4 years. It did cost about $450 (about
$100/yr).
First I wanted to buy new machine - may be Dell E521 or HP.
I like AMD X2 3800+/4200+, 1 GB RAM, 160GB HD, DVD RW/DL/LS, etc.
And I know it will cost me $450-$650 (or even more).
But instead of doing that I thought I can try to keep my old machine
for another year
or so and just upgrade it really cheap with mobo/CPU/RAM kit that will
speed it twice(I guess).
I never looked at the details. I do not know yet what kind of power
supply I do have in my case. I will check. I will check the sizes too.
I just wanted to know if the chances are pretty good for it to work
with the new mobo/CPU/RAM and if there anything else I need to do or
know.

Thanks again,

Iren

 

[visions of effty]

Thank you for the reply Paul.
I would like to explain little better why I would like to upgrade.
I had this emachine for over 4 years. It did cost about $450 (about
$100/yr).
First I wanted to buy new machine - may be Dell E521 or HP.
I like AMD X2 3800+/4200+, 1 GB RAM, 160GB HD, DVD RW/DL/LS, etc.
And I know it will cost me $450-$650 (or even more).
But instead of doing that I thought I can try to keep my old machine
for another year
or so and just upgrade it really cheap with mobo/CPU/RAM kit that will
speed it twice(I guess).
I never looked at the details. I do not know yet what kind of power
supply I do have in my case. I will check. I will check the sizes too.
I just wanted to know if the chances are pretty good for it to work
with the new mobo/CPU/RAM and if there anything else I need to do or
know.

Thanks again,

Iren

I think the things that have been metioned here are correct. I doubt your
old power supply has the additional four-pin plug that most motherboards
need these days, but the MB you linked to appears to just need the one
24-pin plug. In other words, that's a match on that front.

Your current motherboard (an ECS L7VMM) is also a microATX, so it should be
roughly (if not exactly) the same size as the one you are considering.
Another match.

Two things. Windows can get cranky when you switch the motherboard. Read
up on the topic so you know what to expect and what you can do to avoid some
common pitfalls.

http://tinyurl.com/y3o7x5

Also, get a grounding strap if you don't have one already!!!

http://www.outletpc.com/c0181.html

Radio Shack carries them.

Otherwise, it seems like a reasonable upgrade for the price.

~e.

 

[Tomcat (Tom)]

I just wanted to know if the chances are pretty good for it to work
with the new mobo/CPU/RAM and if there anything else I need to do or
know.

One other cost you may have is that you may have to go purchase windows
XP. Your eMachine may only have a Windows restore CD and would not
work with your new system configuration.

Once you start adding up the cost of a new copy of XP, plus probably
close to $100 for hardware, you have to wonder if it's going to be
worth it if this is supposed to be a temporary system you use for a
year before buying a new computer.

 

[Chris Hill]

Hello,

I have an old computer I would like to upgrade.
I had ot for over 4 years. Works fine, but it is getting slow.
It is eMachine T1600: here is the link
http://www.e4me.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=T-Series&model=T1600#
Specifications
CPU: AMD Athlon™ XP Processor 1600+
(1.4GHz) with QuantiSpeed™ architectur, , )
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Chipset: VIA KM 266
Memory: 256MB DDR (PC 2100)
Hard Drive: 40GB HDD
Optical Drives: 24 × 10x40x Max. CD-RW Drive
3.5" 1.44MB FDD
Video: S3 ProSavage8 (integrated)
(1 AGP slot available for upgrade)
Sound: AC '97 Audio
Network: 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet
Modem: 56K ITU v.92-ready Fax/Modem
Peripherals: Keyboard, Wheel Mouse, Amplified Speakers
Ports/Other: 4 USB ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2,
Audio In & Out, MIDI/Game port, Mic-In & Head Phone jack on front, 3
PCI slots (2 available)
Dimensions: 7.25"W x 14.125"H x 16"D

My quetion is: Can I just upgrade the mother board/CPU/RAM. I was
thinking about getting today this one: ($74 for everything) here is the
link:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2297614&CatId=0
Biostar Geforce 6100-M9 NVIDIA Socket 939 MicroATX Motherboard with an
AMD Sempron 3000 1.80GHz OEM CPU & 512MB DDR PC3200
Would it work with it if that is the only thing I change.
Anything special I need to know? I think know how to change the
motheboard. But anything else beside that?
I would like to keep the cost minimal. Also I can always later upgrade
just the CPU to AMD X2 or AMD FX.

Power suply will need to be upgraded. Also, those small cases suck
for cooling, I'd buy a new one while I was at it. If the drive is
original the sweltering environment in that case has probably taken
its toll.


Circuit city had an acer with a 3800x2 and a gig of ram for $479 with
a monitor after rebate.

 

[Gert Elstermann]

+512 ram will do the job

Yes, that is my opinion, too. XP loves RAM - though not as much as
Vista;-)

May be a new HDD with 7200 rpm will add to speeding up the machine -
if Ian has a Windows XP CD (probably the recovery version).


Gert

 

[OSbandito]

another 256 mgs of ram would speed it up, any other upgrade (to
me ) makes no sense. In the future I would stay away from emachines
and try to build your own system rather than buy dell , hp etc, you
will then have more upgrade options if you use standard parts.

A simple, cheap way to speed up your machine: don't buy any new
hardware. Buy a 'Windows ME' OS CD, format your drive (zero-out) and
install ME. This machine will run MUCH faster with ME than with XP.

 

[BuffaloBillBrunson]

another 256 mgs of ram would speed it up, any other upgrade (to
me ) makes no sense. In the future I would stay away from emachines
and try to build your own system rather than buy dell , hp etc, you
will then have more upgrade options if you use standard parts.