QUESTION

Here's my system:

• Intel Pentium 83 MHz (OverDrive) Tower
• 64 MB RAM
• 1.6 GB + 340 MB hard drive
• External (SCSI) NEC 7-disk CD-ROM Changer
• SoundBlaster 16 soundcard
• 56 Kbps modem
• Cirrus videocard
• 15" monitor
• Windows 3.X

I would like to upgrade my motherboard and CPU rather than buy a whole new system. What (Intel) chip is a good combination of price and performance? Should I go with a 100 MHz motherboard to allow for future processor upgrades?

--Gene Contardi

ANSWER

If you want low cost, go with a Celeron 300A or 333A. The performance isn’t bad. Alternately, go for a 300 or 333 MHz Pentium II. Either way, the prices are decent.

Definitely go with the 100 MHz motherboard with the Intel 440BX chipset. That way, you should be able to pop a 450 MHz Pentium II into the motherboard down the line and boost your speed up a bit.