I have a Gateway 2000 G6-200 (200 M Pentium pro) Does anyone know if it is possible to upgrade the motherboard / processor / Memory to something a bit more modern? Are there any websites that explain the different types of Motherboards and What they will fit into. Or can any one suggest a possible solution or Company (UK) that may be able to help.. .. .Thanks.. .. .VTB

If your not that versed in stripping down PC's I would suggest buying a complete new ready-built PC. If you are talking about a new Motherboard, processor and memory (your hard drive is probably too small and too slow as well, also graphics card probably too old) you may as well but a complete system as the cost of the individual components would be more than a complete PC.. .. .If you want to keep your monitor and mose/keyboard you can just get a complete box with all the components fitted and running. See <a href="http://www.insight.co.uk" target="_blank">www.insight.com</a>. . . . <small>[ 27 March 2002, 18:30: Message edited by: Jet II ]</small>

Todays motherboards are ATX-form factor, I am not sure but somehow guessing that you have an AT-form factor. This means that you also have a different PSU (power supply unit).. .First step is to identify the CPU you want, than going from there to find a motherboard with the right socket and your required specs.. .Once you know the motherboard you can also decide about the RAM as there are also different versions on the market..... .If you really have not much experience, have a look as Jet II said, also search for ASUS-bare machines, they are just cabinets with motherboards and CPUs... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="cool.gif" />

Don't do it.
Look around at the cost of a new machine even a home built, compared to the cost of all the components required to upgrade. And at the end of it you will still have available the old machine for use.

Evergreen Technologies http://www.evertech.com/ will very likely have an upgrade CPU that will fit your mobo and be compatible.

But you'll still have an outdated BIOS, a slow bus speed and an old PC.

Keep it as a spare (install Linux!) and get a new Win98SE PC.

Usually the cheapest way to get a performance boost is to stick in some extra RAM. However, this is not always that cost effective with older systems where the memory modules needed (72 pin SIMMs) are often quite expensive. As for processor upgrades - you can't generally do this without changing the motherboard too since older boards can't cope with newer faster processors. I think you may have a Intel VS440FX (Venus) motherboard - and this can only cope with processors up to 200 MHz. Change the motherboard and you need new 168 pin DIMM RAM modules. Also you'll need a new hard drive to take advantage of the Ultra DMA support on a new board's chipset.

My parents have a 200 MHz Dell system that would be around the same vintage as your Gateway machine. I'm quite well versed in stripping down desktop systems (and putting them back together) and have considered upgrading it for them. However, after careful consideration I've decided it really isn't worth it. For the money I'd need to replace the mainboard, processor, ram, hard drive - well it adds up to the cost of new system! These days you can get a good 1.3 GHz system for 500 quid (plus VAT).

The easiest way to upgrade a Gateway (and cheapest) is to start from scratchwith a plain brand box from your local retailer. It makes future upgrades easier as well.