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General discussion

P4 chipset compatible w/ my exist motherboard?

Aug 17, 2004 3:31AM PDT

I have a P3-866 and was wondering how i can find out if i can upgrade to a P4 chipset using my existing motherboard? and if i can what do i look for? if they (my existing & a new) have the same # of pins is that good enough? I also have (2)stick of 256 RAM and (1) stick of 128 RAM and my system tells me that it has 384 mb of RAM....Y? what am i doing wrong? (the (2) sticks are PNY and the 128 came w/ the sys.)

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Re: P4 chipset compatible w/ my exist motherboard?
Aug 17, 2004 6:07AM PDT

Probably no physical fit for a P4. You did not mention the MB but it will likely be a Slot 1, socket 370 or such (probably the later). P4s will be socket 478 meaning more pins. There are other reasons. Your chipset won't be right. Sorry it's not what you were hoping for.

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Re: P4 chipset compatible w/ my exist motherboard?
Aug 17, 2004 12:06PM PDT

Thanks for the insight. I've been using computers since comadore 64 came out but never really got acquainted with computer architecture. where would you say the best deals are on the net for motherboards w/ P4's in them are? ...is ebay a fair place to start? thanks again for the helpful reply!

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Re: P4 chipset compatible w/ my exist motherboard?
Aug 18, 2004 1:09AM PDT
where would you say the best deals are on the net for motherboards w/ P4's in them are?

You are looking for MB/processor bundles. This is something I have not done. Also, the "best deal", if you mean the quoted price of the item, is never a sure thing to be the best choice. As for web purchases, my own experience has been that http://www.newegg.com/ seems to offer a good combination of price, shipping speed, and customer service. Personally, I would do my homework by deciding what I wanted to do, how much I wanted to spend, and take some time to gather up advice (good and bad) before jumping for a MB and processor. There is much more to consider than these two components to make a system work well. Feel free to post back any specific questions and you'll find lots of good advice and opinions here.
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Re: P4 chipset compatible w/ my exist CASE and POWER?
Aug 18, 2004 1:14AM PDT

Since you are now asking about CPU+MB combos you may not know that P3 systems usually don't have the ATX12X power connector and may not have the WATTS needed to power your new system. To power a typical system with enough to keep most out of trouble I suggest the ubiquitous 450 Watt PSU.

Next the case comes under fire since older cases rarely have the airflow needed to keep the new parts cool.

Bob

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Re: P4 chipset compatible w/ my exist CASE and POWER?
Aug 18, 2004 9:34AM PDT

I am aware of the cooling aspect of the cpu, but did not know about the power supply issues. i am by no means rushing into putting together a computer, but i definitely think that i'm leaning towards it. i want to get as much info as possible b4 doing so. i think i'm going to go to barnes and noble and look for books on computer building. thank you for the warning. i appreciate your insight!

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Before the trip to B & N
Aug 20, 2004 12:09PM PDT

Lots of free stuff to get you primed up right on the web. Just do a relevant Google search such as

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&q=build+your+own+computer&btnG=Search

My advice is don't expect bargain priced components to produce problem free rigs. Take your time in assy. Get everything to fit just right. Learn a little about ESD (electro-static discharge) which can zap some components. Most of all, have fun.