Tweet
Question about my Upgrade
I'm trying to do a interim upgrade and would like to solicitate your opinion on what to put in my system.
I'm looking for an economic solution since I plan to upgrage one computer first and then rebuild another next year from the ground up and pass this one to my sister. So, I am not looking forward to spend too much on components that can't be tranferred to my next PC but I also don't want to get stuck with fixing any potential problems.
All prices in US$.
My old system:
ATX tower case with P3-333
I'm pretty sure the case has at least 300W power (maybe 350W). However, is there any concern it won't be compatible with the Athlon XP MBs? After all, it's quite old but it's spacious inside.
My Fry's shopping list:
You don't need to tell my Fry's is not the best place to shop but it's very hard to beat a 5 min ride for convenience.
ECS K7S5A + Athlon XP1800+ = $130 + hs/f (~$20)
Box Athlon XP1800+ + motherboard = $115 + ?
The ECS combo is cheap. Any other good alternative?
DDR PC2100 512MB $90
PC2400 is at least 20-30% more expensive. Is it really justified? How about the even higher ones?
WD Special Edition 80G = $100 (after rebate)
Sound Card:
I'm using a ISA Soundblaster + Yamaha daughterboard and I'm pretty sure most new MB won't support ISA anymore. The ECS K7S5A does come with onboard audio. Probably as crappy as my Laptop's built-in one. Which also fits in with my crappy speaker anyway.
That being said, I'd also entertain the idea of upgrading to some good sound card and speakers. Any recommendation? Note that top end options would likely lost on my ears if you haven't already figured that out.
Mouse:
Logitech Dual Optical = $50
Network:
Between one laptop and two desktops (plus another new desktop next year).
This is a rented apartment so I'm eyeing the wireless solutions. One desktop will be directly connected to the router and the other two would go wireless.
Wireless DSL/Cable Router with built-in firewall:
Which brand is good? The Netgear on is on sale for $130, I think.
Wireless card:
I'm leaning toward the USB version of wireless card since I can switch it between the desktop/laptop as they don't need to be on at the same time. If need be, it's easy to move the laptop around and connect with cable. So the question is, does it work as well as the PCI version?
Access Point, VPN router:
I must admit I don't know the difference between these and the DSL/Cable Router.
Do I need to concern myself? I'd like to use a VPN client on my laptop but I don't think you need a VPN router for that, right?
Security:
What should I pay attention to? Some pro-version Router advertises stronger security measure. I don't need security for my home machine but my work laptop might. I can always fall back to long ugly wires.
Thanks in advance.
I'm looking for an economic solution since I plan to upgrage one computer first and then rebuild another next year from the ground up and pass this one to my sister. So, I am not looking forward to spend too much on components that can't be tranferred to my next PC but I also don't want to get stuck with fixing any potential problems.
All prices in US$.My old system:
ATX tower case with P3-333
I'm pretty sure the case has at least 300W power (maybe 350W). However, is there any concern it won't be compatible with the Athlon XP MBs? After all, it's quite old but it's spacious inside.
My Fry's shopping list:
You don't need to tell my Fry's is not the best place to shop but it's very hard to beat a 5 min ride for convenience.
ECS K7S5A + Athlon XP1800+ = $130 + hs/f (~$20)
Box Athlon XP1800+ + motherboard = $115 + ?
The ECS combo is cheap. Any other good alternative?
DDR PC2100 512MB $90
PC2400 is at least 20-30% more expensive. Is it really justified? How about the even higher ones?
WD Special Edition 80G = $100 (after rebate)
Sound Card:
I'm using a ISA Soundblaster + Yamaha daughterboard and I'm pretty sure most new MB won't support ISA anymore. The ECS K7S5A does come with onboard audio. Probably as crappy as my Laptop's built-in one. Which also fits in with my crappy speaker anyway.
That being said, I'd also entertain the idea of upgrading to some good sound card and speakers. Any recommendation? Note that top end options would likely lost on my ears if you haven't already figured that out.
Mouse:
Logitech Dual Optical = $50
Network:
Between one laptop and two desktops (plus another new desktop next year).
This is a rented apartment so I'm eyeing the wireless solutions. One desktop will be directly connected to the router and the other two would go wireless.
Wireless DSL/Cable Router with built-in firewall:
Which brand is good? The Netgear on is on sale for $130, I think.
Wireless card:
I'm leaning toward the USB version of wireless card since I can switch it between the desktop/laptop as they don't need to be on at the same time. If need be, it's easy to move the laptop around and connect with cable. So the question is, does it work as well as the PCI version?
Access Point, VPN router:
I must admit I don't know the difference between these and the DSL/Cable Router.
Do I need to concern myself? I'd like to use a VPN client on my laptop but I don't think you need a VPN router for that, right?Security:
What should I pay attention to? Some pro-version Router advertises stronger security measure. I don't need security for my home machine but my work laptop might. I can always fall back to long ugly wires.
Thanks in advance.
Comment