gbesq1
asked on
upgrading ASUS socket 478 (P4C800-E Deluxe) motherboard to permit PCI-E
I have a computer that is all but one respects (I believe) is able to handle the most graphics-intensive games. The one exception is the motherboard (ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe), which is socket 478 and has the Intel 875p chipset and thus cannot support PCI-E, which I need for an adequate video card (I currently use the ATI x800XT Platinum, which is only adequate). I have an Intel P4 EE 3.2 GHz, 2 gb DDR-SDRAM, and Windows XP Home. Is there a way to upgrade the motherboard without having to replace the CPU? ASUS has a motherboard (P4GD1) on its website which is socket 478 and has the 915 chipset, but I cannot find it for sale anywhere. Is there a solution. If I cannot keep my current CPU, what is the most economical way to get PCI-E capability. thanks
I was not clear in my question. My ultimate goal was to upgrade to a better video card, and I thought I needed PCI-E for that. I will check out the 7800GS but am still interested in how to upgrade to a PCI-E chipset, if that is possible
gbesq
gbesq
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
There are some motherboards out there that are using the socket 478 with PCI express
http://www.asrock.com.tw/product/P4Dual-880Pro.htm
http://www.albatron.com.tw/english/it/mb/specification.asp?pro_id=160
and the asus board you mentioned
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=12&l3=27&model=167&modelmenu=1
http://www.asrock.com.tw/product/P4Dual-880Pro.htm
http://www.albatron.com.tw/english/it/mb/specification.asp?pro_id=160
and the asus board you mentioned
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=12&l3=27&model=167&modelmenu=1
... as I noted, however, finding someone who HAS one of the various 478/PCI-e boards is a challenge :-)
Since the only area the author needs to improve here for his needs is video, I think a video upgrade is a much "safer" approach unless he elects to buy a complete motherboard/CPU/memory/vid eo card upgrade.
Since the only area the author needs to improve here for his needs is video, I think a video upgrade is a much "safer" approach unless he elects to buy a complete motherboard/CPU/memory/vid
Yes, they seem to be very hard to come by.
Now if you're thinking about the future of video cards, yes, PCI-e is the way to go, but remember that you will have to replace cpu, motherboard, and video card to significantly better the performance of your current setup.