this post was submitted on 15 Jun 2025
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Advice Requested: 2006 pc upgrade (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/pcgaming
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My first PC ever built is sort of unusable in its current state, and there are a few things I could do:

  • Update necessary parts and keep it as a retro-media-compatible PC/nas/server. I love how it has a floppy drive!
  • Get rid of it and save money

If I wanted to replace it, I would need to get at minimum:

  • motherboard
  • ram
  • CPU

I'm hoping I can keep using the following parts, some of which have been updated over the years:

  • pcie 2.0 graphics card
  • 500 W power supply
  • monitor / peripherals
  • optical / floppy drives
  • SSD / HDD
  • ATX case (the original case and motherboard PCI slots never lined up quite correctly...) Cooler Master centurion (?)

I've never done anything like this, and last time I built a PC was in 2006. I lack a lot of knowledge...

  1. Is my case likely to be compatible with a modern motherboard?
  2. Can I buy a modern motherboard/CPU that will be compatible with this other stuff?
  3. Would it be less expensive to buy another used PC and use its motherboard/CPU ?
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[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)
  1. Likely, yes. The mounting holes and rear connectors on any ATX motherboard should line up with the standoffs and slots on any ATX case. Just make sure the new board isn't too large for the case. Plan ahead for the size of your new CPU cooler, too.
  2. For the most part, yes. Pay attention to the new motherboard's power connector and that of your old power supply. If they don't match, you might want to get a more modern power supply (even if it's a used one).
  3. It depends on the prices you find. Bear in mind that if you go for a new motherboard, it doesn't have to be the latest generation. A socket AM4 motherboard might make sense, since new CPUs are still being made for them, and they're likely to be cheaper than latest-generation stuff.