Windows Vista mother board compatibility

[Erik Sjordal]

I have rebuilding my windows vista to make it run more like an actual computer and realized that my processor is now the weakest link in my graphics chain.

I have not had any experience with how the processor/motherboard system works and was wondering if someone could give me the rundown as well as some suggestions as to what processor/motherboard I should get.

 

[Tradesman1]

What are you running now, may simply be a weaker CPU, also may have a CPU than can be OCed.....Just a general rundown of CPU and freq, mobo model, GPU, PSU, etc

 

[dark_lord69]

I have rebuilding my windows vista to make it run more like an actual computer and realized that my processor is now the weakest link in my graphics chain.

I have not had any experience with how the processor/motherboard system works and was wondering if someone could give me the rundown as well as some suggestions as to what processor/motherboard I should get.

You may be able to upgrade just the cpu but it depends on the socket type on your motherboard. (It might be too old to upgrade.)
It depends on how much you want to spend but I would suggest you go with an Intel Core i5 CPU. For a typical Core i5 CPU you will need a motherboard with the correct socket.

The most common and what I recommend is socket: LGA 1155
Next if you want more ports and flexability get an ATX style motherboard.
If you just want a lower price then get a mATX (aka micro ATX) motherboard.
(I would go with an ATX board unless you are on a very tight budget.)

Here is an ATX board with the proper socket type. (Micro ATX boards would be slightly cheaper)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130651

Here is a Core i5 without video capability (need a video card to display video which if you are gaming you will have anyway):
Tom's Hardware awards: May 2013 - Best midrange CPU for around $180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116782

 

[Tradesman1]

Never know till we find out what the hardware is, being a Vista build prob 775 or one of the older AMDs. I just sort of like to see if there's any possibilities of using whats there and see what they do

 

[Erik Sjordal]

I am pretty sure it is more of a CPU power question than an actual motherboard problem. While upgrading only the CPU will probably be useful I don't know how much real usefulness I could get out of the highest upgrade my current mother board would allow.

Not to mention getting a new motherboard will help me a lot considering that my current motherboard only supports DDR2 RAM chips.

Correct me if I am wrong, but from what you are saying the motherboard has slots that contain the actual CPU of the computer. And upgrading the CPU helps but only to the extent that your motherboard will allow. (Older motherboard does not have the ability to run a CPU with enough computing power to run current games.)

Excuse me for being hesitant, I just want to get all the facts before I make a purchase.

 

[Tradesman1]

Well, if your on a 775 Intel mobo, my son has one, and it plays all the latest games, he has a Q9650 in it at 4 GHz, 8GB of DDR2 1066, and the only thing it lacks on that one is the GPU is an older 880 GTS, which doesn't allow for maxing out on many games, it's sort of a secondary rig that he keeps around for the nieces and nephews to play games, even still he may upgrade the GPU...He's running a 3570 at 4.8 w/ a 670 that plays anything