New motherboard and case

[Jedi Mike]

I don't want to make any major upgrades other than a new motherboard, videocard and case. Below is my current computer setup:

Manufacturer Dell
Model Name Dimension 8300 3.0GHz
CPU, motherboard, memory & storage
CPU Intel Pentium 4 HT 3GHz
Motherboard manufacturer & model Dell
Chipset manufacturer & model Intel 875P
System memory (quantity & type) 2.5 MB DDR 400MHz
Memory slots (occupied/free) 4 0
Max memory in current configuration/supported 512MB
Hard disk manufacturere & model Seagate
Hard disk size/cache/interface & speed 120GB 8MB cache 7,200rpm
Primary optical drive (make & model) NEC DVD+RW
Graphics and sound
Graphics card manufacturer & model GeForce FX5200
Graphics processor GeForce FX5200
Memory & type 128MB DDR SDRAM
Ports DVI, D-SUB, S-Video
Audio controller (manufacturer & model) SoundBlaster Audigy 2

What I want to do is just put those parts into a current motherboard that fits the P4 and Ram, allowing me access to PCI-E slots for a better video card (possibly the 8800GTS).

It's been a while since I've been into computers (2003 was the last) and it seems I'm a child when it comes to upgrading. What cheap motherboard and case will help my setup so I can have a better video card.

I also have te 24" Soyo from OM deal, I want to use it with the best video as possible and will be getting either an lcd/plasma 42 inch tv soon.

Help me out, I really want to do this before Christmas.

 

[o1die]

You need to list a budget. What power supply do you have? The reason I ask is that the 8800gt requires about 22 amps on each 12v rail (about 600 watts heavy duty) and special connectors from the ps. Here are my recommended cases: first choice is a nice antec 900 which is on sale for $75 at Fry's electronics through Tuesday. Another is a coolermaster centurion 541 for $50 shipped at newegg and has a $10 rebate. Newegg also carries rosewill cases, which can sometimes be had for $25 including shipping. For the board, the abit ip35-e is around $70 after rebate at newegg or mwave. It will run any 775 cpu, and may work with the new penryns due out any day. If you can get to Fry's on black friday, they should have at least one case or ps nearly free after rebate.

 

[Jedi Mike]

I'm looking to spend $200-300, but would like to just swap the p4 onto a new mobo that has pci-e.

 

[tomt4535]

If that P4 is a socket 478, you have very few options for boards. If it is a LGA 775 processor, then there are tons of boards out there today for it.

EDIT: It looks to me like the 8300 has a 478 processor. looking on newegg, there is only one board from Biostar with s478 and pci-e. It takes DDR2 RAM which is not compatible with the RAM in your Dell. Save up a few more bucks and upgrade your whole system.

 

[vanvock]

Beware also that the Dell psu may not be compatabile. They like to do things a little different just so they can call it their own.