Ok, you have onboard graphics. AT best you can get a low end pci card...if you can even find one. We still have no idea of your motherboard specs, but seeing as your processor is most likely a 478 socket, you won't be able to drop a newer processor into it.
This leaves you at most likely buying a new motherboard, processor and video card. You can use the RAM you already have.
However, you have larger issues at hand. You very well may not be able to activate that copy of windows on a new motherboard and processor. I don't care what these other people say...I use to do it every day at work, and when You start swapping motherboards out, you tend to make microsoft tell you to buy a new OS.
If you only swapped a hard drive or something its no big deal. Motherboards are a different story.
Now, lets say you have an OS that works, and you have motherboard, processor and video card...you're going to need a new power supply, because the one you have is crap. Seriously.
About the only thing you could use from that VAIO is the cd drive and the case...maybe the hard drive.
And no offense...you don't sound knowledgable enough to do this on your own.
The best you are really going to do is upgrade your video with a low end pci card and the RAM you already bought. Personally, I wouldn't spend any money on that system other than that. Start saving for a new one. You can get a solid newer system that will be upgradable for $700-$900. You'd be better off saving and getting that than dumping a bunch of money into that computer.
If you do find a pci card, remember to go into your bios and deactivate the onboard video.
Ok, you have onboard graphics. AT best you can get a low end pci card...if you can even find one. We still have no idea of your motherboard specs, but seeing as your processor is most likely a 478 socket, you won't be able to drop a newer processor into it. This leaves you at most likely buying a new motherboard, processor and video card. You can use the RAM you already have. However, you have larger issues at hand. You very well may not be able to activate that copy of windows on a new motherboard and processor. I don't care what these other people say...I use to do it every day at work, and when You start swapping motherboards out, you tend to make microsoft tell you to buy a new OS. If you only swapped a hard drive or something its no big deal. Motherboards are a different story. Now, lets say you have an OS that works, and you have motherboard, processor and video card...you're going to need a new power supply, because the one you have is crap. Seriously. About the only thing you could use from that VAIO is the cd drive and the case...maybe the hard drive. And no offense...you don't sound knowledgable enough to do this on your own. The best you are really going to do is upgrade your video with a low end pci card and the RAM you already bought. Personally, I wouldn't spend any money on that system other than that. Start saving for a new one. You can get a solid newer system that will be upgradable for $700-$900. You'd be better off saving and getting that than dumping a bunch of money into that computer. If you do find a pci card, remember to go into your bios and deactivate the onboard video. This is about the best video card I could find that will fit a pci slot
Well my power supply isnt the same one that was in the vaio, when i bought a new case I got a new 500w psu with it so im not sure that is a problem, and I wont say im a computer genius or anything because im far from it, but knowledgeable enough to do what? switch the equiptment into a new computer? because I did that ahah.
You should maybe call Microsoft and just ask them about the license on your OS, since so many people say switching doesn't work. But I have switched my copy of Windows XP between 3 diffirent computers during the last 4 years, and have been able to use the same activation key.
I don't have an OEM copy of Windows XP (a copy that you can only get while buying a new computer), if you have one its activation may work diffirently and prevent you from transferring it to another computer. I don't really know.
You should maybe call Microsoft and just ask them about the license on your OS, since so many people say switching doesn't work. But I have switched my copy of Windows XP between 3 diffirent computers during the last 4 years, and have been able to use the same activation key.
I don't have an OEM copy of Windows XP (a copy that you can only get while buying a new computer), if you have one its activation may work diffirently and prevent you from transferring it to another computer. I don't really know.
That's right. If you have an OEM copy of XP it may not work on other hardware, depending on the license. That's always a good thing to check for when you buy OEM machines. If you have an actual Windows disk (full or upgrade) you can use it forever. I was assuming that was the case.
their all 478 pin, so I could use my processor still, Id have a good enough PSU, all I would need is a V-card, and id need to dig up my old OS to see if I can use that. right?
If you are looking to get a board that you can put a pci express video card into, then yes, you can get another 478 socket board. The RAM you have will work in it, the processor will fit and you'll be able to get a much better video card.
The only issue you will have is that at best you are looking at 800mb FSB. Even if you put an 8800gt in your pc, you'd still choke on frontside bus...between your memory processor and vid card you wouldn't get full usage.
Although, I have to say, it would be a drastic improvement over what you have now.
So yes, you could get the new mobo and buy a pcie card. IF YOU SPEND MONEY ON A MOTHERBOARD, MAKE SURE IT TAKES PCI EXPRESS CARDS. Otherwise you're just wasting money basically.
Sorry I didn't consider the possibility of that type of upgrade before...I jumped all the way to getting a brand new processor...I'd be blushing if I was the type to do that sort of thing.
Also, unless you bought your OS separately, it's an OEM, and you'll need a new one.
There is a 478 socket board that takes pcie card. You would have to buy different ddr2 667mhz ram for it though, but you could use your current processor.
I really would not advise you to spend money on a board with an AGP slot, because its a very poor stopgap. AGP is going the way of the dodo and you'll have difficulties finding upgrades soon. This board at least, or one like it lets you use more current memory and up to date video cards.
Dunno about the brand too much, but it's the only one newegg has listed. You could always check other sites/stores for something similar.
well I dont know what Im going to do, of course theres no 478 sockets with a pcie slot AND ddr ram, that would be too easy, so i either have to decide on whethere to buy new ram and keep the same processor, or buy a new processor and keep the same ram. either way its going to cost me
I really didn't wanna suggest cheaping out on the motherboard. With an older socket both a processor and ram are relatively cheap. Something like $25 for 2 GB Ram, or $40 for a new processor. Even the motherboard will be in the sub-$50. However, if you go this cheap, I recommend getting an HD3850. Its probably the best sub $200 you can get.
I really didn't wanna suggest cheaping out on the motherboard. With an older socket both a processor and ram are relatively cheap. Something like $25 for 2 GB Ram, or $40 for a new processor. Even the motherboard will be in the sub-$50. However, if you go this cheap, I recommend getting an HD3850. Its probably the best sub $200 you can get.
ok thank you, I do appreciate all the help youve given me, but I think ill just end up buying the PCI card, because as of now anyway Ive looked up a few of the games ive wanted to try and it should work for those. I didnt have a huge intrest in any of the really new ones anyway. The card should still be able to play wow and gw, I think EQ2 and perfect world too if im not mistaken.
I'm currently using ATI Radeon™ 9250 PCI which runs okay on low settings for Guild Wars, but expect some texture glitches with Guild Wars Eye of the North. I haven't tried this card with WoW or EQ2, but it looks like it should work based on the system requirements
I would never invest my money in a PCI video card. Its just obsolete, dont waste your money, change your motherboard to a newer one with PCI-Express, its the best thing to do. Than u will have a huge diversity of options of video cards for all budgets.
Comments
Ok, you have onboard graphics. AT best you can get a low end pci card...if you can even find one. We still have no idea of your motherboard specs, but seeing as your processor is most likely a 478 socket, you won't be able to drop a newer processor into it.
This leaves you at most likely buying a new motherboard, processor and video card. You can use the RAM you already have.
However, you have larger issues at hand. You very well may not be able to activate that copy of windows on a new motherboard and processor. I don't care what these other people say...I use to do it every day at work, and when You start swapping motherboards out, you tend to make microsoft tell you to buy a new OS.
If you only swapped a hard drive or something its no big deal. Motherboards are a different story.
Now, lets say you have an OS that works, and you have motherboard, processor and video card...you're going to need a new power supply, because the one you have is crap. Seriously.
About the only thing you could use from that VAIO is the cd drive and the case...maybe the hard drive.
And no offense...you don't sound knowledgable enough to do this on your own.
The best you are really going to do is upgrade your video with a low end pci card and the RAM you already bought. Personally, I wouldn't spend any money on that system other than that. Start saving for a new one. You can get a solid newer system that will be upgradable for $700-$900. You'd be better off saving and getting that than dumping a bunch of money into that computer.
If you do find a pci card, remember to go into your bios and deactivate the onboard video.
This is about the best video card I could find that will fit a pci slot
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143110
Good luck.
D.
Well my power supply isnt the same one that was in the vaio, when i bought a new case I got a new 500w psu with it so im not sure that is a problem, and I wont say im a computer genius or anything because im far from it, but knowledgeable enough to do what? switch the equiptment into a new computer? because I did that ahah.
I don't have an OEM copy of Windows XP (a copy that you can only get while buying a new computer), if you have one its activation may work diffirently and prevent you from transferring it to another computer. I don't really know.
That's right. If you have an OEM copy of XP it may not work on other hardware, depending on the license. That's always a good thing to check for when you buy OEM machines. If you have an actual Windows disk (full or upgrade) you can use it forever. I was assuming that was the case.
daelnor, if I did decide to go the motherboard route, couldnt I use one of these motherboards?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200280+1070509907&Configurator=&Subcategory=280&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=
their all 478 pin, so I could use my processor still, Id have a good enough PSU, all I would need is a V-card, and id need to dig up my old OS to see if I can use that. right?
If you are looking to get a board that you can put a pci express video card into, then yes, you can get another 478 socket board. The RAM you have will work in it, the processor will fit and you'll be able to get a much better video card.
The only issue you will have is that at best you are looking at 800mb FSB. Even if you put an 8800gt in your pc, you'd still choke on frontside bus...between your memory processor and vid card you wouldn't get full usage.
Although, I have to say, it would be a drastic improvement over what you have now.
So yes, you could get the new mobo and buy a pcie card. IF YOU SPEND MONEY ON A MOTHERBOARD, MAKE SURE IT TAKES PCI EXPRESS CARDS. Otherwise you're just wasting money basically.
Sorry I didn't consider the possibility of that type of upgrade before...I jumped all the way to getting a brand new processor...I'd be blushing if I was the type to do that sort of thing.
Also, unless you bought your OS separately, it's an OEM, and you'll need a new one.
Good luck.
D.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138079
There is a 478 socket board that takes pcie card. You would have to buy different ddr2 667mhz ram for it though, but you could use your current processor.
I really would not advise you to spend money on a board with an AGP slot, because its a very poor stopgap. AGP is going the way of the dodo and you'll have difficulties finding upgrades soon. This board at least, or one like it lets you use more current memory and up to date video cards.
Dunno about the brand too much, but it's the only one newegg has listed. You could always check other sites/stores for something similar.
D.
well I dont know what Im going to do, of course theres no 478 sockets with a pcie slot AND ddr ram, that would be too easy, so i either have to decide on whethere to buy new ram and keep the same processor, or buy a new processor and keep the same ram. either way its going to cost me
I really didn't wanna suggest cheaping out on the motherboard. With an older socket both a processor and ram are relatively cheap. Something like $25 for 2 GB Ram, or $40 for a new processor. Even the motherboard will be in the sub-$50. However, if you go this cheap, I recommend getting an HD3850. Its probably the best sub $200 you can get.
ok thank you, I do appreciate all the help youve given me, but I think ill just end up buying the PCI card, because as of now anyway Ive looked up a few of the games ive wanted to try and it should work for those. I didnt have a huge intrest in any of the really new ones anyway. The card should still be able to play wow and gw, I think EQ2 and perfect world too if im not mistaken.
I have no personal experience with this card but it looks like a good PCI card:
Diamond Stealth X1550 PRO PCI 256MB GDDR2- ATI Radeon™ X1550 ($129.99)
You might find it cheaper other than the manufacturer web page
http://www.diamondmm.com/X1550PRO256P.php
I'm currently using ATI Radeon™ 9250 PCI which runs okay on low settings for Guild Wars, but expect some texture glitches with Guild Wars Eye of the North. I haven't tried this card with WoW or EQ2, but it looks like it should work based on the system requirements
shopus.amd.com/pl/707-1032917/AMD-Graphics-Card/ATI-Radeon-9250-256MB-PCI-Compare-Prices
I would never invest my money in a PCI video card. Its just obsolete, dont waste your money, change your motherboard to a newer one with PCI-Express, its the best thing to do. Than u will have a huge diversity of options of video cards for all budgets.