Suggestions for my pre-built pc upgrades

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Suggestions for my pre-built pc upgrades

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#131088 8-Oct-2013 16:33

Hey guys, so currently I have a Compaq Presario SR5085AN desktop. I'm looking at upgrading the cpu and ram (to 4gb on 32bit windows 7), can you tell meproducts I canlook into for my pc upgrade (on a budget so best if the parts are cheap). This is the specs for my desktophttp://h10025.www1.hp.co...docname=c00913812#N283. I've upgraded my gfx card to a NVIDIA GeForce GT 430 and also I've replaced the psu with a 350W psu (Naxn 350W). I know that my motherboard is extremely old and can only support AM2 socket cpu so I would be possibly looking at replacing the motherboard too.
Can you guys suggests a motherboard that can support/fir all the components I already have so that will allow me to upgrade my cpu and ram too.

Thanks

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597 posts

Ultimate Geek

#910011 8-Oct-2013 18:16

Well for starters as soon as you replace the motherboard all your current component restrictions can be thrown out the Window. The motherboard is everything in a computer when it comes to restricting components. Since you are replacing the CPU and RAM anyway just choose the brand of processor you like (Intel or AMD, note AMD can be cheaper since you're on a tight budget) and then we'll help you out with component recommendations.

Regards
Stefan Andres Charsley

michaelmurfy

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#910012 8-Oct-2013 18:20

Get a SSD. It'll feel like a massive upgrade to you.

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nakedmolerat

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#910023 8-Oct-2013 18:28

dont bother replacing the motherboard at this stage...

GET SSD AND YOU WILL BE THE HAPPIEST MAN IN THE WORLD!

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#910026 8-Oct-2013 18:43

Um why a ssd? want to upgrade ram/cpu/mobo for better gaming and everyday use

charsleysa

597 posts

Ultimate Geek

#910030 8-Oct-2013 18:50

They seem to think an SDD will fix all your problems which it won't. A motherboard replacement along with CPU and RAM will be the most beneficial upgrade. Also if you want I can see if I have any Win7 64bit keys left laying around.

Regards
Stefan Andres Charsley

CYaBro

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#910033 8-Oct-2013 19:03

My suggestion would be to leave the Compaq as is and sell it and use the money towards a whole new build.
Often those proprietary cases aren't fully compatible with a generic ATX/mATX board.
Usually the front panel connectors (power button, HDD LED etc) are the biggest problem but you can make it work with a bit of "tweaking".

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hio77

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Lizard Networks

#910037 8-Oct-2013 19:14

i recently did a full rebuild for a friend in a HP case..

from the screws used down to the connectors inside, down to even the motherboard risers built into the case.. it was all down hill.

do note, if your case does also have built in risers, your not gonna be replacing the board, very good chance you will need to work around it if your admit on it due to the fact that the board will short.

in the end, i said to them, heres your computer(in a new case), case is at no cost to you, but simply saved me another days worth of modifications to the case to even possibly jerry-rig it to work.. (encase your wondering, the replacement case was a 25$ matx case.)

when replacing that PSU, i properly would have gone with something slightly beefier, your clearly getting into tinkering, something decent is gonna last you quite sometime longer.. properly with a slightly better 80Plus rating atlest too..

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panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#910039 8-Oct-2013 19:20

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. If i were to see my current system (with the upgraded gpu and new psu) how much you guys this i can get out of it?

kiwijunglist

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#910167 8-Oct-2013 22:28

I agree with above and would recommend not upgrading your motherboard or cpu. If you want to replace those components I would recommend selling and building a new pc.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#910168 8-Oct-2013 22:31

If I were to sell my current system, how much do you guys think I can get for it?

kiwijunglist

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#910188 8-Oct-2013 23:37

If you want to replace Mobo, you would need to replace cpu + ram +/- PSU as well. So might as well build a new system, you could use your existing video card, and put your old one back in.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#911279 9-Oct-2013 11:31

Would it work if I brought a new mATX or ATX case and move all the current components and the new ones into it instead of using the old compaq case that I have?

Thinking of getting :
http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=18583 cpu

http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=19858 mobo

and a 1x4gb Ram

Would this mobo also work with my current Geforce GT 430 gfx card and would this setup work if I got a new case, and would my current 350W psu be enough?

charsleysa

597 posts

Ultimate Geek

#911282 9-Oct-2013 11:38

Yes this setup would work if you got an ATX case as the mobo is ATX, might be pushing it with the PSU though. Also if you're going to get mobo+cpu+ram from computer lounge get the combo deal as they save you a few bucks.

Regards
Stefan Andres Charsley

panda123

172 posts

Master Geek

#911350 9-Oct-2013 13:21

Would the components fit if I got this case (comes with 500w psu) http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/ThermalTake-Versa-II-Mid-Tower-Case-with-500W-PSU/21557409/ . Would the 500w psu be enough?

charsleysa

597 posts

Ultimate Geek

#911429 9-Oct-2013 15:35

Yea that looks fine with the components you specified. 500 watts is more than enough since you don't have a graphics card with high power consumption. My gaming rig with a GTX760 and core i7k only runs on a 650 watt psu.

Regards
Stefan Andres Charsley

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