How do I buy a new motherboard??

mello

Hi ya'll.

I need a faster computer and I don't know how to do it. I have 128MB, am running Windows ME (I want to upgrade to XP, need speed first) and I need dual monitors. I have 2 requests for this motherboard need...

1. How the heck to I find out what will work??
2. The computer is doggish with a 2nd VGA...is this a memory problem or should I upgrade my MB??).

All I do on the computer is use it for internet, and a few non-animated graphs & charts online so gaming is not my thing...I do not need fantastic graphic capabilites...Also, I am probably going to sell it in the next year, so it doesn't need to be top-of-the-line.

Here are the specs for my computer. It is 3-5 years old and is completely original except for the VGA port I added (and incidently can't get to work with my OS)

Model number
P1443A

Base processor and speed

Intel Pentium(R) III 800 MHz (socket 370, 133 MHz)

Maximum HP supported replacement: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz

Chipset
Intel 810E

Memory Component Attributes

RAM (standard) 128 megabytes (MB) PC 100

Maximum 512 MB (2 x 256 MB DIMM)

Speed 100 MHz synchronous

Sockets Two 168-pin DIMMs

Size 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 MB DIMMs

Pairs required No

Type supported SDRAM, 100 or 133 MHz,

Intel PC SDRAM unbuffered DIMM specification,

revision 1.0 compliant

Cache
Level Amount

Primary 32 KB (on processor)

Secondary 128 KB (on processor)

Upgrade sockets None

Thanks all
-mello

primesuspect

You came to the right place.

First of all, if you're looking to upgrade your motherboard, that's not going to make anything any faster. You are talking about upgrading your whole system. Because once you get a motherboard, you'll need new memory that will work with it, a new processor, and a new enclosure because it won't fit in that HP case you have.

At that point, it's bascially a whole new computer.

But that's a good thing People here will help you from A to Z - there are many, many hardware experts on board who love to help with this kind of thing.

Two things we'll need to know:

1) What is your budget. That is very important.

2) Have you read this? It is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to building and upgrading a PC.

Welcome to short-media

mello

Well, like I said, I'll probably be selling the comp when I leave the country. My budget is limited to as little as possible (no job, new baby, you know).

The problem that makes me believe I need a new motherboard or memory is that I can't get both monitors to work together. I hear that Win ME is notorious for problems with non-dual ports (one is integrated, the other is a PCI add-on). So, as a result, I want to upgrade to XP. For that, I hear I need speed. I hear too much. I also hear that HPs are tricky in accepting memory. Again, I don't know if I need memory or a new motherboard.

If I were to get a new motherboard, I am looking at big bucks all in all. My frustration is that I don't know what motherboard will work with my HP.

But that's OK since I may only need memory. If I were to get memory, that should resolve my speed problem, I can run XP and (cross my fingers) get that 2nd VGA to work.

Will read 'this' next

-mello

primesuspect

Do you have an AGP slot on that board? Because I would recommend switching to a Matrox G450 for your dual head monitor needs.

What you need to upgrade to XP is 256mb of RAM. That will run you under $100.

Check these out. They are for your system. You'll need two.

If your computer has an AGP slot, that Matrox card + that memory + Windows XP will pretty much take care of you, it sounds like.

Cyclonite

I agree with prime. Sounds like you don't really want to do anything spectacular. Which is perfectly fine. The minimum necessary RAM for XP is 256MB. So, get that, and that Matrox card will be it.

Creep

At least he posted in the right forum.

muddocktor

Hello mellow, your HP is using the i810 chipset, which doesn't have any support for AGP video cards, so you are pretty much limited in what you can run for a video card to a PCI solution like you've added. I don't know if the i810 automatically disables the onboard video when adding a secondary video card, but that is a real possibility. You might have to find another PCI video card that has dual video outs for dual monitor support.

For upgrading this machine, your best bet if you don't want to spend a whole bunch of money is to just buy more memory. I looked your machine up and it's a HP Pavilion 8755C and it can use memory modules up to 256 MB in size and it supports a maximum of 512 MB ram. I checked on Crucial.com's website and they have a 256 MB stick of PC133 Cas 3 ram for $83.99 and is guarranteed to work in your computer. If you add this, then you will have plenty enough ram to upgrade to Windows XP and maybe solve your video problem, since XP and Win2K Pro drivers might work better for you. By adding a 256 MB stick, you will end up with a total of 384 MB of installed memory.

Be aware though that if your motherboard automatically disables the onboard video when an add-in PCI video card is installed, that the only way to use dual monitors would be to add another PCI video card or add a video card with dual outputs. What does the onboard video do with the PCI video card added into the system?

primesuspect

If you don't have an AGP slot, you're still in luck: The Matrox G450 comes in a PCI card

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-106-164&depa=0

pseudonym

Mello,

I know that computer you have very well, because I also own it!! Mine currently is at 512 ram and running Windows 2000. As the previous guys said, 256 is min for XP, and you can actually put in some PC133 I believe to speed it up a bit more, (Least that is what is in mine currently, I think....). I'd say put in 512 but it wouldn't be required.

If you are going to run dual monitors, it would probably be easier to get the Matrox as prime said. If you already have two cards though, then you may want to try that with XP before going with a new card since you are budgeted. Also, is your original video card built into the motherboard as mine is? If I might ask though, why do you want to run dual monitors?

edit//sheesh I need to read better and not rush to the end. What muddocktor said

/me hangs his head in shame