complete overhaul...

[Tuff]

Okay. As cheaply as possible, I'd like to basically overhaul my pc/get a new one. I'd rather buy the bits and pieces and build it meself though.

HOWEVER - I may not be able to afford it for a month or two.

This is my pc at the moment...

Riva TNT2 m64 32mb graphics card
Celeron 466mhz processer
64mb RAM
40xCD/6xDVD ROM drive
17" monitor

now if I wanted to start buying now, and just swap the stuff over to my new poot, what would you recommend buying first?

And also, I want a new motherboard. One that allows easy upgrades and will also take a decent processer (don't care if it's AMD or Intel, so long as it runs :)).

Remember, money is a consideration, so with an eye to the future, what do you think would be my best bets to salvage from this pc and what I'd need for my new poot?

Has to be cost effective, upgradable, and slightly better than average for gaming.

I know it's asking a lot, but I'm hopeless with stuff like this :). Ta for you help :).

[NumbNutz]

Do not discount the need for a good case and PSU. You obviously wanna go faster and the faster you go the more power you need, the more power you need the more heat you generate etc.

Personally, I swear by GlobalWin cases, particularly the 802 (http://www.thetechzone.com/reviews/case/globalwin802/) which is available from OcUK (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/) for £74. Now, I know that £74 sounds like a lot to spend on a case but once you have one of these babies you are set for life - or at least as long as motherboards come in ATX format! Believe me, it's well worth it.

Next, I'd get hold of a new motherboard and CPU. IMO, the best bet at the moment would be to get a motherboard that can take an AMD socket CPU in the shape of a Duron or a Thunderbird. If you look at the OcUK Bundles (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_OcUK_Mobo_CPU_cooler_Bundles_29.html) you can get a Duron 800 (which can be clocked to 1ghz), motherboard and cooler for £205. Have a look at what they have to offer.

You could then mount the new mobo, cpu and cooler into the case along with your current RAM (PC100 will be fine), hard disk(s), video card, sound card and CD/DVD Rom drive.
Doing this would give you a 1ghz PC for under £300. Sound tempting ?

You could then think about the future. Upgrading the RAM to PC133, the video card to a GF2(?) and the hard disk to ATA100 would all give the PC speed boosts later on. The best thing is, this time next year the price of Thunderbird CPU's will have dropped so that you'll be able to get a great CPU for a cheap price and the ABIT KT7 board should accept faster speeds.

It's not really worth buying bits now and waiting as the price will (probably) go down and you'll feel gutted. I'd save the cash and then go for it when you can afford it. Whatever you decide to do, I cannot stress how much I think a good case is worth.

Good luck.