I have an old Gateway computer with a 500 mhz Intel Pentium 3 processor and I want to upgrade it to a better processor. Either a Pentium 4 or an AMD Athlon 64. I know that in order to do this I will need to swap out my motherboard. Is it possible to swap out my motherboard and would this cause any problems with my computer?
2006-12-02 13:15:28 · 11 answers · asked by mcmatrix12000 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
it shouldnt be a problem .. you may need a new power supply with the new connector pin count ... and probably new memory unless you have 3200 .. if u get a ddr2 board you will need ddr2 mem .. and most likely you will want to reformat and install windows again with a fresh board ..
2006-12-02 13:19:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Swapping out a motherboard is always possible and a great way to upgrade a system. the only issue you may have is that Gateway, HP, Dell, and other computer companies have their own form factor. What this means is that you will need to buy a motherboard from Gateway to fit into their computer case. The power supply could be different size, voltage, Etc. Research your possibilities first before buying a new motherboard and CPU.
If you do decide to upgrade your motherboard and CPU you can always buy a new computer case for about $35-$200 and install a new motherboard and CPU into and then take all you peripheral devices and swap them into the new case, Ie: your CD/DVD Burner, Floppy drive, hard drive, Etc. This would most likely be the best way to go, it is pretty easy to do if you have ever had your hands inside of a computer. Hope this helps..
2006-12-02 13:24:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you change your motherboad you are basically changing your whole computer.
What Operating System are you using? If it is windows 98 maybe ME you can just plug into a newer comptuer then upgrade or keep everything the same without any issues,
If you have 2000 or XP when you replace your motherboard with the same hard drive you will get the blue screen of death. The newer OS is not happy with sudden changes in hardware, whereas 98 Will give a genetic driver and just detect and modify it automatically.
What gateway model do you have? Maybe you can buy a faster CPU and more RAM for your computer? The CPU might not be a pentium 4. It might be either a Celeron or a Pentium II/III I can not tell without a computer model.
Pentium III goes to 850mhz that I have seen. I have not seen any Pentium III I use mostly Celeron.
Im using a celeron 500mhz =D
2006-12-02 13:21:09 · answer #3 · answered by Explorer.exe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A small case is one clue that your computer might house proprietary parts. Brands such as Dell, Gateway, and HP have all been linked to proprietary hardware at one time or another.
You’ll probably need to upgrade your motherboard to fit your new processor. As you attempt to install the new motherboard, it won’t slide into place. After comparing it with the old one, you notice your new motherboard is a completely different size. Your case was manufactured specifically to the design of your old motherboard, so it will not support your new motherboard.
2006-12-02 13:42:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as dze said above those things will need to be replaced in addition to the motherboard and processor, by the time you do all that you might as well replace the video card, hard drive, and install a fresh operating system to go with your new setup. can get some pretty good deals currently with the revived rev up between intel and amd as new boards come out to support these dual core and quad core processors the current board prices will continue to fall basicly you would be reusing your cases by the time your done, and no matter what a computer is always going to give you problems, they are made by man
2006-12-02 13:31:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The motherboard is the heart of the computer.
Putting a new MB in would require that you remove EVERYTHING in yor computer, swap & put everything back.
The power supply to the P3 may not be sufficient, so you would need a higher capacity PS.
The RAM may not work with the new board. You would need the newer, faster RAM.
Windows XP doesn't like hardware changes, you would have to do a repair install of Windows, and it will require that you reactivate XP.
As cheap as new computers are, a new one might be just as cost effective and would come with XP installed.
2006-12-02 13:22:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a very old system. I don't think it would be worth the trouble to upgrade your motherboard and cpu. You won't be saving money. Have you consider buying a new system? With the amount of money you would be spending on parts, just add a few more bucks, you could buy an entirely new system with a brand new Windows XP operating system. During the holiday season, you can find several systems under $500.
2006-12-02 14:00:06 · answer #7 · answered by What the...?!? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in short this will possible cause you problems with your licence to use your existing operating system.
you will need to buy a processor and board specific to that processor.
i'd recommend an amd-sempron if you can this is a 64 bit capable processor. however when you upgrade you are best advised to buy pretty much everything new. you need ram compatible with your new motherboard.
see www.dabs.com for your component needs as they are i find the cheapest with the best selection available.
good luck.
2006-12-02 13:26:51 · answer #8 · answered by thebestnamesarealreadytaken0909 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that you might have trouble finding proper mounting holes as gateway makes their own cases, it could be cluged I suppose but I would suggest a new case anyway for the prices they run!
2006-12-02 13:20:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is possible and it shouldnt cause any problems but if you go to doing it, back up your files. You may also need to install new drivers for everything.
2006-12-02 13:49:44 · answer #10 · answered by ronzo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋