Can anyone help with rebuilding/restoring broken computers?

erik Asked: Can anyone help with rebuilding/restoring broken computers?

I have 3 computers at the house that do not work or are near-death: two laptops and a desktop. I plan on rebuilding them. The desktop, a Gateway MFATXNIN NMZ 300S CEL, is near-death and was built in 2002. It runs Windows XP and is laden with viruses and malware; BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) comes up often. I want to replace the motherboard, the CPU with either Duo-core or Quad-core processors, increase the RAM to 4 GB, and either have an external HDD or add a 1TB internal to it. I basically want to beef it up. I record and write my own music and I need a computer that can handle music editing, rendering, playback, and recording. I know that I am going to have to gut the machine but I have several questions about this process. First and foremost, you should know that I plan on putting Linux on all of these computers — either Ubuntu or something similar, as I already have that on one laptop and I love it.

Now, the questions: I am very computer savvy, as I do networking with the military; I have the skills and patience to undertake this challenge. Money is not a problem, either, but I do not need what is on the bleeding edge.

1) The Gateway desktop: is there a particular motherboard and CPU that is recommended for rendering and editing music? I know that involves a sound card but I can get to that later. Would a Duo-core be enough or will I end up needing a Quad-core? I am not doing MIDI, synthesizing, or other processor intensive work but I will be using effects, envelopes, auto-fades, and multi-channel playback on my Digital Audio Workstation on the desktop (Reaper).

2) Is there a preferred sound card or is there minimal recommendations for my intended use? I don't know much about sound cards. I will be using an external mixer that will serve as a USB interface for the computer, so I won't need analog RCA inputs.

3) Will I need a certain sized heat sync? Can I just recycle the one out of the original?

4) Same with a sound card, I don't know much about video cards. I don't really plan on using it for video editing but even if I do, I won't need anything special. Any recommendations?

5) If I have RAM from another computer, say 512 MB, could I use that on a new build? I know that it wouldn't be the same as a brand new one but what would my consequences for putting in a used RAM card be?

6) When I put it all together, what will I need to do after I turn it on? Is there a program installed on all new motherboard/CPUs that run on initial boot-up and do a run through, like BIOS, and learns what all is attached to it and how it will be running? Will I need a separate computer and program? I haven't the slightest clue on those steps, so it would be greatly appreciated.

Ok, that was lengthy. I hate to say it, but I have a few more questions. These involve the other computers that I have. I have a Gateway 7422 laptop. Got it from a family member and it won't turn on. I don't know if anything is wrong with it but I bought a new charger for it (didn't have one when I got it) and the one that works with it won't plug in to it. The rod isn't visibly bent or anything and nothing is obstructing the port. I can take it to a friend on Geek Squad at the local Best Buy and see what he has to say about it. But first, does anyone have any ideas? Does anyone have this laptop and had similar issues?

I also have an HP Pavilion dv6000 that quit working very suddenly. It won't turn on at all. I don't really remember any symptoms that it had, if any. I read that the motherboards on those are faulty. Is there any way that I can see if that is the case with mine? I don't want to buy a new motherboard and find out that it isn't the case. Also, if it is the m/b, and if I replace it, will I have all the information and everything that I had on it previously? I don't see why it shouldn't because the HDD wouldn't be effected, I think.

I know that the easy answer would be to send it to a computer repair shop or the Geek Squad but I want to do this myself. It seems like a challenge. If there is any useful information that anyone can provide me with, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, in advance.