Upgrading an old P3

[ellalan]

Hi everyone
I am trying to upgrade my system to boost the performance but I am not sure how to go about.
My system specifications are :
My Processor: 500MHz Intel Pentium III
32 Kbytes primary memory cache
256 Kbytes secondary memory cache

Main Circuit Board: Gigabyte i810 1.3A
Bus Clock:100 MHz
BIOS:American Megatrends Inc 2.0C 11/17/99
Memory Modules: Slot '0' has 256 MB
Slot'1' has 256 MB
Bus Adapters: Intel82801 USB Universal Host Controller

Display: Intel(R)82810 Graphics Controller{Display Adapter}
Packard Bell PBN PNP A520 (Monitor)
HD 10GB.
I would like to replace the motherboard,Hard disc,I would like a cheap dedicated graphics card and would like to increase the memory to 1GB.
The things I would like to know are, do I have to replace the power supply as well, can I use the existing case,do I need to change the fan,can I use the existing cables.
I am aware of Mobo,CPU and RAM have to compatible,what else has to be compatible.
I am sure many of you have done it before and I would very much appreciate your help and advice.
I will do more reading about these things and when I am ready I will commit myself. By the way I am operating Gutsy in this machine,I would like to give this machine to a museum one day until then I have to look after it.
Thank you in advance.

[shifty_powers]

would it not be easier to build a new pc? if yopu are building the tower only, this can be done for less than £200 easily...

[ellalan]

Thank you Shifty_Powers, I like this machine very much,in terms of cars its like A40 or Somerset. That is why I would like to modify it for performance and want to keep atleast some part of it. I understand your point of view and not rejecting it outright.
I will do some research and decide which way to go as this is my spare machine I am not in a rush. Thanks again.

[petsno123]

I don't know where you live but if in the U.K.it might be better to use the tower case.Then start again with a new rig.For about a £100 you can now get yourself an amazingly good setup.The reason I ask if you live in England is because there is a very good supplier in Hertfordshire I used to use before I moved to the South of France.The e'mail address is www.rlsupplies.co.uk.Give them a click,see what they offer at fantastic prices.You could still use your old hardware,just build something you really want.A quick click gives you a choice.Ask back here for details you'd like.Best of luck,Peter.

[ellalan]

Hi Peter
I am in Birmingham and I will go to the link you have given me and see whats available,Thanks for the link and let you how it goes.

[ellalan]

Hi Guys
This is just an update to my previous post,I am glad to inform you that I have rebuilt my new PC and operating Hardy very nicely.
I bought these from CCLonline(with very good service and the price is very reasonable): AMD Athlon 64 LE-1620 2.4GHz,Biostar MCP6P-M2,Hitachi 160GB SATA2,450w winpower PSU, Cooler master elite340 case. 2x1GB RAM from crucial.
I wouldn't have done it without the help of this forum members and I would like to thank you all.