Any ideas if it is possible to upgrade my pc?

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jacktheodd

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Aug 21, 2013
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I bought this pc a couple of month ago under the impression I could upgrade it, PCworld...the staff have no idea what they are actually selling...it's so annoying.

Any way I then bought a graphics card to upgrade it and then stuff happened so I only just been able to realize the error of my ways. Not a single upgrade port...well...a part from ram (yaaaaay -.- )

The pc is a compaq CQ2930EA. What I'd like to know is if it is even possible to do anything with this pc and if it is what costs would you estimate me looking at?

Any help would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance

**Btw I do a lot of gaming so I was trying to improve it to a good quality for that role in mind. **
 
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Roland Of Gilead


unfortunately your out of luck. Your PC cannot...
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Roland Of Gilead

Roland Of Gilead

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Aug 8, 2008
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unfortunately your out of luck. Your PC cannot really be upgraded apart from adding more ram.
You can't upgrade the CPU as it's soldered to the motherboard, meaning you need to replace both of those, as well as a new PSU. Your graphics are integrated, and you have no expansion PCIE to add in a discrete card.

Your only real option is a new system, but you may be able to take some parts from your existing PC and use them, like HD, memory modules.
 
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quilciri

quilciri

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Mar 16, 2012
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At the very least, you'll need to replace you platform and PSU. (this will void your warranty, of course, but so will removing parts for another build.)

If Your case can fit micro-ATX motherboards, then you can replace the platform for ~$140. The APU in this build represents a large upgrade to your processor and a moderate upgrade to your graphics (equivalent of radeon HD 7540). You'll be able to add in a discrete graphics card if you wish as well as upgrading the processor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A6-5400K 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A55M-E33 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($47.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W ATX12V Power Supply ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)

Total: $137.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

The "K" in the processor model indicates an unlocked multiplier, which means the chip is designed for overclocking (you don't have to overclock it, though). I included it here because it also happens to be the cheapest quad core in the A-series right now.

You could also go with the ~$20 cheaper A4 4000, which is a dual-core chip. It would still be a small upgrade over what you have.

good luck!
 
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The_Doctor

The_Doctor

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May 19, 2013
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Only Ram like others have said if you so desire you proably could try and get a refund as the product was misold to you.However your chances might be quite slim as its your word against theirs (although companies like PC world want to protect their image so its worth a try)

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_common_problems_with_products_e/consumer_goods_are_not_as_described_e/goods_dont_match_description.htm
For more info.
The Doctor
 
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quilciri

quilciri

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Mar 16, 2012
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Sorry, just realized you already bought a discrete card. In that case, this build may be better for you. It has a much longer available upgrade path for the processor and the PSU can handle nearly any single GPU video card you can throw at it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G550 2.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($44.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($52.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $147.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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A new case may also be needed. This Compaq thing has an external power supply, and a DC input directly on the motherboard (as in a laptop motherboard). Unknown if the case has space, mounts, and required holes for a standard ATX PSU.

#1 on this image:
c03355349.jpg
 
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quilciri

quilciri

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Mar 16, 2012
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Good catch, thanks. I should have figured that out from the 65w output rating.

So, with case then (added full ATX case for room to work - it's only $3 more than micro ATX version)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G550 2.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($44.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS R2.0 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($52.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill FB-04 ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $172.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Additionally, a new copy of Windows may be needed. Almost certainly this is an OEM version. And as such, will balk at the new hardware, particularly the motherboard.

So...looks like the only things to keep from the original is the DVD drive, HDD, RAM, keyboard and mouse.
And it looks like that RAM is a single 4gb stick. Might want to get another one for dual channel.
 
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