Computer Junkies - Socket 423 or 478 ? Explain?

[KatDiesel]

Ok I have been out of the computer market for some time but have an oppurtunity to replace my current system with a few upgrades. I intend to go P4 at the very least 1. 5 Ghz, however in looking stuff up I keep seeing Socket 423 and Socket 478. Whats the difference? Is one better then the other??



When you goto a P4 I know you need, new motherboard, new memory, and sometimes a new case, is there anything else I am over looking? Currently have a PIII 550Mhz machine (I built it about 2 years ago when they were "new").



Thanks

 

[johnrv4]

My current machine that I built a few months ago is a P4 1. 5Ghz. I believe that the socket 423 is older than the 478(which replaces it). I haven't been staying up on the hardware for the last few months, so I may be incorrect. The P4 also uses a power supply that has another plug different than a standard ATX power supply. Depending on which motherboard you use, you may have to use a different case. I used a ABIT motherboard and was able to use a standard case(the difference is where the chipset and heatsink fasten). Memory is also different (Rambus). A good website to check-out is either www.anandtech or www.tomshardware.com.