Motherboard and CPU

[TheDan]

Hi, I'm not very knowledgeable with much hardware (I follow graphics cards mostly), but I want to get a new CPU. I'm with Intel at the moment, but I want to go with AMD this time, so consequently I need a new motherboard too. I've narrowed it down to these items I think I need.

CPU: http://www.novatech.co.uk:80/novatech/specpage.html?AMD-X242
Mobo: http://www.novatech.co.uk:80/novatech/specpage.html?ASU-A8VD
Fan: http://www.novatech.co.uk:80/novatech/specpage.html?AKA-ALK-85

What I really would like to know, is will these 3 parts work together, and will I need anything else?

Oh, also, I currently have a Dell PC. Will a Dell case accommodate a new motherboard? Or would I need to buy a new case for the new mobo?

Thanks!

 

[AtomicSpark]

I gotta run to class but you don't need to buy a fan since its a retail box AMD processor. It comes with one. And since you aren't "knowledgeable" you'll probably not try to overclock or anything so it would be a safer bet to just use the original fan b/c of warranty issues. I would get a new case unless you're sure because most manufacturers use their own case and have odd-shaped motherboards and connectors. You could ask someone knowledgeable about it tho. All I would have to do was look and I could tell you.

 

[TheDan]

Ah alright!

I've looked in a few threads here, and would I need to reformat or do anything once I've put in the new Mobo & CPU? I use Windows XP Home Edition with SP2.

 

[furiousV]

Dell are probably the worst for that. They customize their motherboards, along with most components so you HAVE to buy from them to upgrade.
Youl have to get a new case. You *might* be able to salvage your PSU if Dell don't also customize those, I'll leave that for someone else to answer.

You'll probably get away without formatting, but you will have to re-active Windows, thus using up your precious limited number of activations.

 

[SpArKs]

CPU: http://www.novatech.co.uk:80/novatech/specpage.html?AMD-X242

Is that a good price for a dual core AMD chip? I was looking to upgrade mine.

 

[SAJ]

Is the memory from your dell compatable with the mb you want(assuming youre going to re-use your dell mem).
The motherboard you want is agp,is that because you want to re-use your old graphics card? Even if you intend to use your old agp card, I would advise against it, its a short-term saving at best, agp is dead, there will be no new cards for it, ever.
If its a budget decision , I would go for a less expensive cpu and spend the savings on a pci-express card instead.

It would help to have an idea of what you want to do with your computer, then others can give advice more easily.

 

[giant384]

i would buy a new case because i heard from someone that they use custom psus and most of them are matx cases so i would check on that before buying