upgrading a computer

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i have a sort of old computer running xp thats never in use, but now if i can i want to try to upgrade its pc parts but im not sure where to begin and i dont know if i can upgrade my computer in the first place

i saw some items that id like to upgrade to, but since im a n00b at pc parts and upgrading i want to ask before i buy

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135074&Tpk=ecs%2bgeforce6100pmm2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103214
how much would 1 gb of ram for the motherboard cost?
what would be the minimum pwrsupply for these?
windows xp is preinstalled and comes with a restore disc

[[Jett-R]-Giant]

1GB (2x512) can be had for about $25 @ the egg

a single 1gb stix is <$20

Assuming you not going to put in a high power GPU any 300W-400W psu will be more then enough. But I would recommend at lest 500W just to you can still use it for the next upgrade(probably). People that put in 1000W PSU's are getting sooo much overkill it isnt even funny. I want to see the system that pulls 700-800W from the wall!!!! And I want proof with a AMP METER!! hehe.

My system, 8800GT, 965P-DS3, E4300@3.0Ghz, 2GB ballistix, 2 opticals, 3 HD's, basic sound pulls less then 300W under load. :eek: Probably only about 250-275W MAX!! In general, most people could get by just fine with a PSU about half the wattage they are currently using. And, wattage calculators almost without exception overestimate total power needed by huge margins.

look here for a breakdown of consumption when the only component changing is the GPU on a fairly high end X38 + quadcore system: http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/04/01/nvidia_geforce_9800gtx_review/page12.html

Thats power form the wall baby!!!!

If your changing the Mobo I would recommend you do a fresh install of XP.

[[Jett]-CRX]

I wouldn't. I'd recommend a fresh install of Linux. :) Who in their right mind would RECOMMEND an install of XP???

hehehehe

[[Jett-R]-Giant]

hehe yea.. You got that right.