Topic: A Hell Of A Lot Of Help Needed (Question Wise)

[Ghosthunter]

   'allo folks. Nice to see some of you guys around here.
   Need a few questions answered:

1) I'm getting a new computer (30 bucks from my friend): first P4 (1.4ghz), 600 ram, 100gb hd, ATi 9800. My question is could I overclock this system (it's a customized rig), and if so how/how far? Associated with that is cooling, I know. Problem is, I know nothing whatsoever about cooling. What're heatsyncs (sp?), how're fans measured, and any general information with that I would appreciate.

2) Okay, so I know about system beauties like msconfig, disk clean up, Microsoft AntiSpyware, defragging (which I used Perfect Disk 7.0 for), but are there any other helpful programs/things to do to increase system performance?

3) What's recent with tech news? Last update I knew about is the dual NVIDIA's. What about the new AMD processors (if there'll be any) in response to the P5? When're both coming out? And are there any new tech concepts that're revolutionary (PCi Express)?

4) And is there anything else I'm behind on, or anything that I could be refreshed/told up on? Plus, are there any simple (from the concept of what you're actually doing) ways to learn how to build a PC? I know how to replace cards, install RAM, etc, but what else am I missing? Also, how do you un-install a processor from a mobo and put a new one in it?

   Thanks for all the help in advance. Think I got the right board, if not move it where appriopiate.

[gryphon]

1) I'm getting a new computer (30 bucks from my friend): first P4 (1.4ghz), 600 ram, 100gb hd, ATi 9800. My question is could I overclock this system (it's a customized rig), and if so how/how far? Associated with that is cooling, I know. Problem is, I know nothing whatsoever about cooling. What're heatsyncs (sp?), how're fans measured, and any general information with that I would appreciate.

A first short reply. If that is a really first edition P4 it probably uses SDRAM. Your bothleneck is not the CPU. But the memory speed here if you are going to overclock it.

[Doc Nyar]

1) If you do not know what comes with overclocking, I'd suggest you don't do it at all. You could be wasting your newly bought hardware within minutes if you're doingt he wrong thing. But to answer your questions:
a) No one is able to tell you how far you can overclock. It's system depended (IE different on every system).
b) Fans are meassured by Rotation Per Minute (RPM). What you should use depends on what you can house in your system. Various cases have varous possibilities (that doesn't stop with the number of fans, but also their sizes).

2) I use jv16 power tools to keep my system clean.

3) I'd suggest you read up on Toms Hardware.

4) You seem to have the concept of how to build a pc. There isn't much more to it then just adding hardware on the mobo (or cables). To replace a processor, just un-secure it from it's "pad" and put the new one in place (don't forget the cooler). I would make sure you have a mobo manual at hand just in case.

[Ghosthunter]

1) Everyone doesn't know at some point, Doc  . How do you do it? And would it be wise to do it with this system?
4) What cables connect to what? I know how everything connects beyond the hard drive, and fan - do these use some special method? Also, I heard that processor replacement is one of the harder things to do (in consideration of hardware), and that generally to steer away. How hard is it?

[Doc Nyar]

1) In my BIOS I have an option to set the % I want my system to be overclocked. If it's to much, the system won't go beyond the BIOS (hence save my hardware).

2) The cables only can be connected one way as far as I have experienced in my computer building history. I've never done a processor replacement to be honest, but shouldn't be to hard if you'd ask me.

[gryphon]

1) Everyone doesn't know at some point, Doc  . How do you do it? And would it be wise to do it with this system?

Some motherboads can do it in the BIOS. Others have jumpers on the main board itself allowing you to overclock it. I would check your motherboard type. Look at your CPU busspeed, your FSB and your memory bus speed. Again if you have the first P4 you should have SDRAM. Your SDRAM speed will be your first bottleneck in overclocking. AS your CPU will run on about 400mhz, and your memory at about 133.

Would it be wise. . depends.. do you need this system ? And why do you wan'na overclock it.

[Ghosthunter]

Yeah I need it; plan to put 1gb of RAM in (new or adding on, depending on if it's actually SDRAM). I plan to use it for gaming (Generals, Splinter Cell, etc.).

[gryphon]

check for that first. . if it's really SD I woulnd't bother .. .

[Ghosthunter]

Upgrading or overclocking?

[Doc Nyar]

overclocking...