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Step-By-Step: Upgrade Your System With a Motherboard Swap

Insert a new motherboard to revitalize your PC.

Stan Miastkowski

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Power Supplies and Cases

If your current power supply is rated at 200 watts or less (check the rear panel or look for a sticker on the supply), you'll want a new one to go with your new motherboard. We suggest a power supply of 275 watts minimum. Expect to pay $50 to $100. If your new motherboard uses a Pentium 4, you need a ATX12V power supply, which has an additional four-pin connector for P4 boards.

If you're changing your power supply, you should also consider upgrading your PC case. Cases start at about $40; large cases or custom "designer" cases can go up to several hundred dollars. Most have power supplies included, so the extra cost is minimal, and a new case can give you more room for expansion and allow better air circulation (very important for today's high-speed processors).

Power supplies and cases are both available from Antec, PC Power and Cooling, and Sparkle Power.

Stan Miastkowski is a contributing editor for PC World. Send questions and comments to him at stan_miastkowski@pcworld.com.

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