Unused Parts
650w 80plus bronze PSU
SPECS
CPU - Intel Q6600 with stock cooler
Mobo - MSI MS7379 v2.0
PSU - Corsair CX430
GPU - Radeon HD 2400 Pro/XT
RAM - 2 sticks of 2GB PC6400 800MHz (Geil GX24GB6400DC)
HD - WD Blue 1TB
2 Optical drives =1 DVD ROM + 1 DVD Multi-Recorder
Unidentifiable Hardware
PCI slot has some kind of network card with 3 outputs that I am not sure what kind of cable plugs into the ports on this card
DETAILS
My brother had some guy build a system for video editing back in '08 or '09. When the HDD failed he bought something else and gave me this hunk of steel. In addition to new HDD, I also put in a new PSU because the old one was the original 430w foxcomm garbage. Geil replaced the original sticks with GX24GB 6400DC RAM sticks no questions asked (it was awesome to have that kind of warranty). Now it posts BIOS and runs linux on optical until I buy a new OS b/c my bro had windows vista 32 bit.
When I finally got all the specs for this machine, I was shocked. I knew it had always run a 32 bit version of windows. However Intel's page on the Q6600 says the CPU is capable of using 64bit technology.
On the other hand, I think the mobo only supports 32 bit?(MSI's webpage for the G31M) I also ran across an old system builder marathon which listed the Q6600 CPU as an Overclockable beast. Then I saw a build for a Q6600 on tweaktown and I got a bit overwhelmed with information. I need you to help me sort this out.
Question #1a - Do I need to upgrade the current MSI G31M to a different motherboard to use the 64 bit architecture?
Question #1b - ...If replacing mobo to use 64bit arch..., Will I need more GB's of RAM to run 64 bit operating system?
Question 2 - What are my options to get this old build maxed out for gaming?
Question 3 - Can I just install a modern GPU with some power (like a gtx 760 or a HD 7950 boost)?
650w 80plus bronze PSU
SPECS
CPU - Intel Q6600 with stock cooler
Mobo - MSI MS7379 v2.0
PSU - Corsair CX430
GPU - Radeon HD 2400 Pro/XT
RAM - 2 sticks of 2GB PC6400 800MHz (Geil GX24GB6400DC)
HD - WD Blue 1TB
2 Optical drives =1 DVD ROM + 1 DVD Multi-Recorder
Unidentifiable Hardware
PCI slot has some kind of network card with 3 outputs that I am not sure what kind of cable plugs into the ports on this card
DETAILS
My brother had some guy build a system for video editing back in '08 or '09. When the HDD failed he bought something else and gave me this hunk of steel. In addition to new HDD, I also put in a new PSU because the old one was the original 430w foxcomm garbage. Geil replaced the original sticks with GX24GB 6400DC RAM sticks no questions asked (it was awesome to have that kind of warranty). Now it posts BIOS and runs linux on optical until I buy a new OS b/c my bro had windows vista 32 bit.
When I finally got all the specs for this machine, I was shocked. I knew it had always run a 32 bit version of windows. However Intel's page on the Q6600 says the CPU is capable of using 64bit technology.
On the other hand, I think the mobo only supports 32 bit?(MSI's webpage for the G31M) I also ran across an old system builder marathon which listed the Q6600 CPU as an Overclockable beast. Then I saw a build for a Q6600 on tweaktown and I got a bit overwhelmed with information. I need you to help me sort this out.
Question #1a - Do I need to upgrade the current MSI G31M to a different motherboard to use the 64 bit architecture?
Question #1b - ...If replacing mobo to use 64bit arch..., Will I need more GB's of RAM to run 64 bit operating system?
Question 2 - What are my options to get this old build maxed out for gaming?
Question 3 - Can I just install a modern GPU with some power (like a gtx 760 or a HD 7950 boost)?