Pentium 4 2.4 or 3.0 GHz ???? : Need Urgent Help Guys !!!

[~:Dhruv:~]

Hey Guys !
So i am gonna upgrade this 6 year old PC i have to use as an HTPC. Its only got a PCI slot and support for DDR1 RAM. It is running a 1.8GHz P4 (socket 478) processor.

My Plans for upgrades include :

1. Add 1GB Ram for total of 1.5GB
2. Add 9400GT PCI Card for Video Acceleration

3. I'm also lookin to upgrade the processor and am getting a phenomenal deal on a 2.4 GHz proc. But on spending a bit more i can get a 3.0 GHz P4

My problem is that i have just a 190Watts PSU so i dont think thats enough power for the 3.0 GHz proc, also already my proc idles around 70deg C due to the Hot weather conditions in India so i dont want the proc to heat up extremely high.

Keep in mind that i'll basically be using this for HD Video playback , ie files downloaded off the net. Using CoreAVC , i can offload the video processing to the 9400 and there should not be much of a problem due to the processor, but i will be greatful for any advice.

Please reply ASAP !
Thanks !
Dhruv

PS: There will basically be almost no gaming on this PC....

[PspKicks316]

The GeForce 9 series is Pci-e 2.0. You can't use them.
The GeForce 8 series is Pci-e, also.

[~:Dhruv:~]

Nope there is a 9400GT PCI Based card available

Here's the link : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130498

Anyways , any suggestions regarding the above ?

[PspKicks316]

If you look it up on nvidia's site, the 9400 is pci-e 2.0


A 9400 requires at least a 300watt PSU, though. So you'll definitely need to upgrade that.

[tmandt]

i got the p4 3.00ghz. although when ever i go to tiger direct to look for a mobo. i see 4 diff types of p4. like p4 5x or somin and idk what to choose. so i dont even look at it anymore :\

[~:Dhruv:~]

@ Kicks : I know , i looked up the nvidia site but i also looked around loads of forums and they are all using PCI not PCIe 2.0 ....

I guess i'll go with the 2.4GHz coz it would be stretching it to use the 3.0GHz on this PSU....

[aquatsr]

Save your money. You're not going to see any noticeable difference between the 2.4 and 3.0.

Do you have any other options besides using a P4? Everyone I know who has a P4 has heat-related problems.

Also, if you don't mind my asking, where in India do you live?

[~:Dhruv:~]

i'm in New-Delhi , the capital of India

[R4p1d]

I used to have a 2.4ghz p4, then my father broke 3 of the pins installing it incorrectly.

Good thing I had my 1.7ghz p4 in my older pc...

I love it when old computer-illiterate-people say "How many pentiums you got?" LOL

[~:Dhruv:~]

yeah , i'm running a 1.8GHz P4 in mine currently.......

Saving up for a major upgrade now...

[R4p1d]

Yeah, I made the move to a 3ghz quad and 8gigs of ram in january. 

[~:Dhruv:~]

wow .... thats amazing........ but isnt it a bit of overkill ??? i mean unless ur a pro or something ... 8 gb ram is not something u are gonna really use/need ...

[Tec_]

may i suggest a different path. build a media extender instead of a HTPC.

check out this mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500022

very small, you can drop a nice cheep dual core in it its relitivly low power and heat (ive seen people get away with only one 80mm fan running to vent the case) it has a HDMI out and good on board graphics.

[~:Dhruv:~]

interesting.. will look into it...
Thanks Tec_