UPGRADING A DELL?

[Tomislav]

Hello!
Im am a newb at upgrading computers so im asking if this is a good idea.
I currently have a Dell 8200 (2002) with 2GHZ, 512 MB and a Geforce 420MX.
I was looking for new components cause this above is getting a little old, but I don't have a large budget. (470-540€)

maybe buying:

ASUS M2NPV-MX AM2 micro ATX : 77,89
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 2,4GHZ AM2 : 123,13
XFX GeForce 7600GT XXX Edition : 206,80
DIMM DDR2 1024MB PC4200 533Mhz : 86,85

TOTAL :484,67


This in combination with one DVD drive, Cd drive and 200 GB of total memory on hardisk. (IDE)
Will this fit altogheter?
And will the MOBO fit in the case of my old Dell 8200? If it doesnt, do I only have to buy a new case and just instal the whole thing in there? I also think I need a better power supply. (although I don't know what I have now)

I am playing AOE3 and some older games but im hoping that with this system i can play future games on medium-high settings without lag.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Guest]

The dell computer comes with a case and a PSU that is not ATX compliant, ie, you can't use either with the mobo you have selected. Not a huge loss, considering you can get a decent case + PSU for less then $100. Check out the ANTEC PSU's on Newegg, and virtually any case will be an upgrade from your old dell one

Your HD's, DVD, and CD drive will come over fine. IDE is still supported on your new mobo.

 

[joefriday]

If you really want to use the Dell case, you'd need to get a motherboard tray from a Dimension 4500/4550, and then follow the directions on this thread:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=190487&highlight=

For the hassle, it's easier to get a new case.

 

[Tomislav]

Thanks for the replys
I think I just buy a case with it then.
Cause I don't live in US, Newegg isnt an option...

And what is a "decent" PSU? the requirements of the videocard and processor are both 350WATT. So is 350 enough or do I at least need something like 400 or 450 Watt?

 

[The_Prophecy]

I would go with a minimum of a 400W supply. Try to get a 450 or higher to be safe.