need recommendations for mobo/cpu/ram upgrade...

[welfareloser]

i've got a 4+ year old dell 4600 - 1.4 GHz P4, 256 MB ram. it's now slow enough that it pisses me off daily. the hdd, video card, network card, dvd burner, usb hub are all new, so there's no sense in replacing the whole system. i definitely want to replace the ram and cpu; i'm not sure if i need to replace the mobo along with them or not.

now, i've never done this before and can't seem to find a decent tutorial on the subject. so...

1) how hard is it to rip out the guts and replace them? should a semi-idiot attempt it or not? will it require reformatting the hdd?

2) any good tutorials you know of?

3) hardware recommendations? i'm thinking a budget of $400, maybe $500.

i guess knowing what type of mobo and ram i have now would be helpful... where do i find that info? :P

[DarkFury]

If you are willing to spend $400 - $500, just buy a new Dell that would be 2x as fast with more bang for your buck...

By the specs you gave, the ONLY upgrade I can recommend is more RAM... which you probably have PC2100, PC2700, or maybe PC3200 depending on your setup. The first generation P4s really weren't the best... and they changed the pin layout on the CPU to later versions.

I personally wouldn't drop $400 to $500 into such and old system... it's just not worth it.

[welfareloser]

If you are willing to spend $400 - $500, just buy a new Dell that would be 2x as fast with more bang for your buck...

By the specs you gave, the ONLY upgrade I can recommend is more RAM... which you probably have PC2100, PC2700, or maybe PC3200 depending on your setup. The first generation P4s really weren't the best... and they changed the pin layout on the CPU to later versions.

I personally wouldn't drop $400 to $500 into such and old system... it's just not worth it.

i just assumed an upgrade would be cheaper... but looking into it, you're right; the $500 dells are about what i need. much easier to throw my new peripherals into the new computer and ebay the leftovers. thanks, dude!

[DarkFury]

i just assumed an upgrade would be cheaper... but looking into it, you're right; the $500 dells are about what i need. much easier to throw my new peripherals into the new computer and ebay the leftovers. thanks, dude!
Anytime... 'cause there no reason to throw good money after bad... especially with old computers and obsolete computer parts.