quote:
Originally posted by icd*
1. i might get a new cpu, could this mean id need to get a new mobo depending on what cpu i was to get? number of pins etc.
Yes. If you have a Athlon XP 1600+ now you can almost only fit other Athlon XP CPUs in there, how much faster you can go depends on your specific motherboard model. Anything else means you need to get a new mobo, which probably means new memory and GFX too (guess the current videocard is still AGP?).
quote:
Originally posted by icd*
2. i have an AMD Athlon XP, 1400 MHz (10.5 x 133) 1600+ processor and am looking at maybe getting a new heatsink/fan, how specific are they to the CPU and how the hell do i tell if its compatible with my cpu or cpu slot thingymajig?
Not every cooler will fit on just any PC. Identify your CPU (Athlon XP 1600+) and the socket (Socket A i believe, but check your mobo information). Look at the manufacturer's site if the if the cooler you want will fit. With the Athlon XPs being relatively old it may be a bit more work to find a nice one these days.
quote:
Originally posted by icd*
what is the white stuff on the botom on the heatsink? contact grease or something?
Cooling paste. But you shouldn't be able to see that without taking the heatsink off the CPU. If you did take the heatsink off the CPU you should clean all the cooling paste off, apply new paste, and put it back together again.
quote:
Originally posted by icd*
4. im also thinking of getting a new gfx card. are different makes/models different sizes? can they be specific on the connector slot size? if so, how would i know if it'll fit on my pc?
Yes there are. Your current mobo is probably AGP while all the new cards are PCI-e. Check your mobo's manual for the exact specifications on which boards are supported.
quote:
Originally posted by icd*
5. if i was to get a new cpu/gfx card, would i need to make any changes to the computer settings eg, BIOS etc
Probably not, but you do have to update the graphics drivers in Windows.
quote:
Originally posted by icd*
my current cpu is 32bit. am i able to get a 64bit one without having to buy other things eg. new mobo?
If you're planning on getting a new graphics card i would recommend you upgrade your mobo, cpu, memory and gpu all together.
I highly recommend you upgrade your mobo, cpu, memory and gpu all together anyway, you won't really improve your system spending money on a few components in systems like this. CPU, memory and GPU highly depend on eachother, if one of these is slow the others wont preform well either. New CPU/RAM/GPU wont work without a new mobo, and newer components like this might need a more powerful power supply too. While you're at it, get a new case to improve cooling for the extra heat the new components generate....
... You get the picture, once you get a new mobo you might as well be looking for an entire new system
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