RAM limits, finding out motherboard, new processor

[dark_guy1000]

Is the RAM limit [in MB] dependant on the OS?

I currently have ME and am planning on switching to XP [professional version], and will also upgrade to about 1Ghz RAM. Just deciding what type of ram to get (NetVista A40i 2284-xxx = my current IBM Desktop), and found out that my setup supports memory up to 768 MB RAM. How can I increase this limit?

Will I be able to update to XP, install some further ram [I do have enough slots] and have that running without problems?

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Currently have the following setup:

AMD Athlon 1GHz (256KB), 128MB, 45GB IDE HDD, Microtower (4x4), GeForce 4 Ti 4200 8x AGP, CD-RW, 16X DVD-ROM, 56K, Windows Me.

I want to add some more RAM [currently at 6xx MB after adding on some more to the original value shown above] to get it to around or just over 1ghz, as well as change my CPU to something at around 2.0+ GHz [AMD prefered].

How do I find out what motherboard I have, to see whether it will support the new CPU or not?

Also, is it easy to remove and install a CPU?

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If I do need to buy a new motherboard, what should I look for in one to support my CPU [or should I specify which one first?]

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EDIT: Had a look, this seem like a fine setup?

Gigabyte GA-K8NS Pro (nForce3 Pro 250) Socket 754

LN5255 AMD *Retail* Athlon XP 3200+ *400 FSB* Barton (2.20GHz) with AMD Heat Sink Fan 3Yr

512MB DDR PC3200 • CL=3 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • DDR400 • 2.6V • 64Meg x 64 [2 of these?]

Adding those to my pc.. I won't need to make any further investments.. will I?

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Any help is appreciated, thanks.

[Geekgirl]

[liljim]

[dark_guy1000]

Okies, I understand. About the motherboard/cpu combo though.. could you show me an example site? I haven't seen any combos for sale, can only find separate components :/

Also, it worthwhile updating my gfx card to something better? Or it fine for the moment as it is? [GeForce 4 Ti 4200 8x AGP]

Thanks both btw.

[liljim]

For combo's check out www.pricewatch.com

Your vid card will probably be fine,just be sure any motherboard you look at supports 8x agp.

how much memory does your card have?

[dark_guy1000]

[liljim]

128 should be fine for gaming,im using an nvidia 128 card myself for the same purpose.Recently started playing far cry without and lag so far

Athlon XP series cpu's have nothing to do with winXP although they are excelent chips for gaming (in my opinion,also an amdxp user).The 64 bit are suppose to be awesome for any type of multimedia applications,including gaming and if your budget allows would probably be a better way to go.This might save you from upgrading later when 64 bit software starts developing.

When im motherboard shopping,i try to compare features for the money but you definatly want to be sure it supports 8X AGP and plenty of ram.I have several pci cards in mine so pci slots are a valuable thing to me.I also happen to preffer SiS chipsets over VIA,for me SiS has been more stable.I dont have any experience with Nforce or any other chipsets.

Pentium 4's...I'll try to be nice because i know there are pentium fans here but.. Compare prices,ratings,then actual benchmark test and make your own conclusion.

Does that help any?

[dark_guy1000]

Yeah, that helps, ty.

Might be changing be gfx card to a 9800 Radeon Pro [256MB] anyway (about £150'ish), so I guess gameplay will improve a bit.

Have my eyes on AMD 64-bit 3200 right now.. that, with a motherboard with around 5 slots and space for about 2GB ram, it's about all I need atm.

Then, I just have to buy 2 * 512MB RAM for the motherboard, and get a broadband provider.. and online gaming should be fine, as well as offline. All in all, about.. 400-450 quid including the graphics card.