Wishful thinking: computer upgrades

[illusionofjoy]

Once the Geeks give me back my computer, and once I am satisfied that they didn't actually make things worse in the process of removing the virus and furthermore, once I have more money to spend, I plan on upgrading my machine. I have a wishlist at newegg.com with a list of parts I'd like to buy. After I buy an upgraded anti-virus suite, my first plan of attack is to upgrade the data storage and retrieval capabilities of my machine. That is, I intend to get a 1TB hard drive to store my music (my session files and the MP3s ripped from my CD collection) and upgrade my RAM to 2GB, to speed up the processes (technically, my motherboard can handle 4GB of RAM, but it seems that they don't make compatible chipsets anymore which would allow such a configuration).

After I deal with that, in the slightly further future, I'd like to boost the graphical capabilities of the computer. My current monitor doesn't seem to have much time left, so I'd like to get a nice LCD flatscreen display. Of course, I think it pointless to get a new monitor when the graphics are being rendered by the on board chipset, so because I want things to look as pretty as possible (and prevent lot lag in The Sims 2), this means getting an accelerated graphics card.

It has come to my attention, however, that I can't seem to find a card that would be compatible with my motherboard. I'm running an Asus P4R800-V Deluxe motherboard; the specs state that the board can support an AGP 8X/4X (+1.5V) card. I'd like to get one manufactured by ATI, as they is the company that made the oneboard graphics chipset, leading me to believe that would reduce, if not nullify compatibiliy issues. The problem arises in that I can not seem to find cards rated 8X/4X - everything I've found is 16X. Something tells me that installing a card with a rating double that of what is recommended in the specs for my motherboard would be a Very Bad Thing, yes?

Comments

[absurdkarma.livejournal.com]

After I buy an upgraded anti-virus suite

Not necessary at all. Try Avast...it's reliable, easy to use and it's FREE. Also, I insist that you get Spybot S&D and learn how to use all of its features, then do so. These 2 powerful tools will keep you running smooth and cost $0.

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

I recommend the T1 drive, hell they are only a little over $100 now. Amazing.

Something tells me that installing a card with a rating double that of what is recommended in the specs for my motherboard would be a Very Bad Thing, yes?

Yes. You will surely have troubles. It may be worth buying a brand new bare-bones CPU and building it up from there (over time, to save money if you need to space out the purchases). That way, you'll have a machine that will be able to handle all the components you want.