Is it time to upgrade?

[Fishpart]

At home have a Gateway with a Pentium 2 166mhz. Forget all the particulars, but I am starting to run into hardware and software I can't run.

How far do I need to upgrade, is it time for a new box? Is it possible to just replace the motherboard? I don't even have the foggiest idea what's out there.

[Slipknot]

Ed. we have a 166 also, atleast that's what it was once. we upgraded it 2 times already so it works for us but I have noticed the price of stuff is down and 5-600 bucks can get you into a 2.5 ghz machine with tons of hard drive. Not that I know what I'm talking about. I bet you can get parts online for a good price and make a decent puter, maybe John would be best to ask.

If it were me, I'd just buy a new one to keep up with the current stuff.
I guess I wasn't much help

[JohnR]

You would need to upgrade ram/MB/CPU/ + probably video card and case (the 166 came out at the end of the AT beginning of ATX case area so you'd probaly need a case.

Case w 300W P/S = $45
ECS MB = 55 (built in sound & LAN)
AMD XP1700 = 65
256MB DDR 2100 = 50
32 MB TNT2 Video = 50

That's using you'r old drive (probably very slow & low capacity)

40MB 7200RPM ATA100/133 = 80
CDRW = 50

That's an OK rig with OK but barebone parts.
Add $85 for the OS...

*** All those prices were off the top of my head, likely a little cheaper ***

Computer show @ CCRI this weekend


http://www.gateway.com/home/prod/hm_...oddetail.shtml

Processor Intel® Celeron® Processor 2.1GHz with 128K Cache compare
Memory 128MB DDR SDRAM
Storage40GB UATA100 5400RPM Hard Drive
Media Drives3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive
48x/24x/48x CDRW (Limited Time Promotion)
Graphics Integrated Intel® Extreme Graphics with up to 64MB Dynamic Video Memory
Audio & Speakers Integrated Enhanced Audio GCS300™ Speakers

$533 after rebates - not any faster than the above parts...

No OS - but I could get you a decent mid range PC for $200