Is it a good idea to replace CPU?

[Steve132]

Hi there!

I am a student, and therefore VERY low on cash. I am looking around for an upgrade to My PC. I have an eMachines T4170, with P4 1.6 ghz, 256 mb RAM (I know, I need more ), and a GeForce4 MX440. I am planning on upgrading Ram/Graphics first, but I want to know if it is feasable to buy new processor for it? My motherboard is a socket 478 SIS L4S5MG, with a 400 mhz fsb. I am not that much of a newb that I dont know what kind of processor to buy tho! I was looking into P4 2.8 533 mhz fsb. Is it the right decision? I figured that it would probably be cheaper (and easier!) than buying a new motherboard/computer. However, someone told me not to do it because emachines Power Supplies are [-peep-], and it will fail. Is this rumor true? Will a new Power Supply help? Should I go with new motherboard? any ideas?

 

[endyen]

The 533 fsb 2.8 will not work on your mobo.
For about the same amount of money, you could pick up an Abit NF7-S mobo and an xp 2500+ chip. There are cheeper deals, but this is a great performer.

 

[blackphoenix77]

Or you could just buy a new compatible motherboard.... If you do that, make sure it fits in your case.

My Rig:
AthlonXP 2000+ 1.677ghz
GeForce Verto FX5200 128mb DDR
Maxtor 7200RPM 80GB, Stock 40gb
Kingston 384MB DDR
Cendyne 52x24x52 CD-RW
Lite-On 4x DVD-RW
Go EMachines...

 

[jammydodger]

I agree with endyen if your low on cash. The athlon option is much cheaper than P4 and will be close to the same performance. How much money do you have to work with? What do you use your computer for?

[Insert witty comment here]