System Upgrade Question(s)

Terri Merri · Sep 16, 2013

I have read thread upon thread upon thread, but none of them really answer questions, so I decided to ask directly (if you find a thread that answers my questions, please point me to it and delete this thread).

I am not a gamer, I am not video editing (I watch a lot of videos though; online and downloaded), but I need to upgrade my system.

Below is my current setup:
Dell Inspiron 546 MT
Motherboard: Dell branded 0F896N
Processor: AMD Sempron LE-1300 Processor (2.3Hz, 800MHz, 512KB)
Memory: 2x1GB DDR2
HDD: 320GB
Onboard Graphics: ATI Radeon HD3200
PSU: 300W

I would like to upgrade to:
Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 965
Video Card: SAPPHIRE HD7750
Memory: 2x2GB

Please help me confirm if I can add those upgrades using the same 300W PSU? If a bigger PSU, kindly point to me a quality PSU.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

ACTechy · Sep 17, 2013

AMD recommends 400W psu for that card. Here's a couple decent ones for low cost:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

same PSU, modular version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139049

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151074

bob hays · Sep 17, 2013

Terri Merri :

If you are not a gamer or editor, what are you using this computer for? Are you doing basic office tasks, web browsing, movie watching, and homework? or do you have other programs that you use often?

If it is the first option, I suggest you just get a brand new pentium. It will do all the tasks you need. All you need to do is change the motherboard and get the pentium.

EDIT: You will also need to get some DDR3, sorry didn't see and didn't think about it when I wrote the post.

Deemo13 · Sep 17, 2013

I am pretty sure that motherboard is AM2 socket, whereas the Phenom II is a AM3 socket.

I also recommend this power supply as well: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371045&Tpk=antec%20vp

ACTechy · Sep 17, 2013

Deemo13 :

+1 good call

Terri Merri · Sep 17, 2013

Thank you for the responses guys. Much appreciated.

@ACTechy - Thank you for the recommendations. I had my eyes on those two as well should a PSU upgrade be required. I understand the video card chosen recommends 400W; does that mean 300W can't handle it? Or are you recommending 430W due to the listed upgrades I mentioned?

@bob hays - Pretty much the first option. I have a laptop which is strictly for work and let no one touch. However, I have nieces and nephews that sometimes visit who play games on it. They are also another reason I'm considering this upgrade.

@Deemo13 - From my readings (and correct me if I'm wrong); I thought the AM3 processors fit AM2 sockets, but not vice versa?

Deemo13 · Sep 17, 2013

Technically, AM3 processors physically fit in the socket, but they are not compatible. Only if you have an AM2+ socket do AM2 and AM3 both work.

300W would be able to handle the 7750, but its always a good buy to get a new power supply.

ACTechy · Sep 17, 2013

Terri Merri :

400W minimum includes other standard components, and assumes you will, at one point or another, hit max load on your machine, thus giving a recommendation of 400W. The last thing you want to do is not have enough power and have your machine crash or worse. I personally wouldn't try to run your machine with that card on your current 300W; would compromise your investment.

ACTechy · Sep 17, 2013

I don't know if this page would be helpful, but Dell says this machine will work with:

AMD Sempron
AMD Athlon X2 Dual Core
AMD Phenom X3
AMD Phenom X4

(http://euro.dell.com/eu/en/corp/Desktops/desktop-inspiron-546/pd.aspx?refid=desktop-inspiron-546&s=corp)

The Phenom X4 (non II) is an AM2+ which would work for sure on your board, and be a huge, quad-core boost to your rig...but I don't know about the AM3 on that motherboard. Looked around and seen conflicting stuff, as you mentioned.

Terri Merri · Sep 17, 2013

Alright. So I am settled on the PSU and Video Card then. Thanks.

I missed the DDR3 mention by bob hays. From the Dell link posted by ACTechy, only DDR2 is listed as supported. Does that mean I can't upgrade memory to DDR3 either?

About the processor - Phenom X4 is only available used and does not include HSF. I can't seem to find it new. Honestly, I would rather purchase this brand new and know I have a year or more warranty on it (not a month - if that much). You guys are making me sad lol. I know this PC is old, but I was really hoping that AMD Phenom II X4 965 would work.

Let's say IF I went ahead with this Phenom II, what's the worst that could go wrong? So any other compatible processor recommendations I can purchase new?

Deemo13 · Sep 17, 2013

He was referring to if you were to get a new motherboard about the DDR3. You cannot use DDR3 on that motherboard.

Honestly your platform for upgrade is very very old. There's nothing you can really purchase new. The Phenom II X4 965 is also more commonly a 125W processor, which your board probably wouldnt support. It would most likely support only up to 95W.

The worst case scenario about the Phenom II is that it wouldnt work, and probably wont work. There is a chance that is might actually work, but I cant recommend it.

What I would recommend is saving up a bit more and just doing a whole platform upgrade with a new board, RAM, etc. Or you could get a Phenom I. What you can do is buy an old computer (like a Gateway or whatever) that already has it in it for cheap and swap the processor.

Terri Merri · Sep 17, 2013

Thanks for the clarification Deemo13.

Possibly my last question - if I do not upgrade the CPU, but proceed with the video card, memory (make it 6GB), and PSU upgrades, will I notice any significant differences? For example; will there be any improvements with video games?

ACTechy · Sep 17, 2013

Terri Merri :

Absolutely. You will have marked improvement in video watching/gaming. I'd go for some value RAM like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313128
http://www.amazon.com/PNY-Optima-PC2-6400-Desktop-Channel/dp/B001ISJ964

Just run them in the correct dual channels slots, and you'll be golden.

Deemo13 · Sep 17, 2013

Well, you have a single core, and that would be the bottleneck, but it would depend on what games you are playing and at what resolution.

Terri Merri · Sep 17, 2013

*sighs* Alright. I will see what I can do about the processor later.

I already purchased 2x 2GB Kingston memory. Hope they will be alright.

Much appreciated on the answers guys. Have a good one!

EDIT: Do I have to pick a solution? I mean all answers I received were good but from different users.

ACTechy · Sep 17, 2013

Terri Merri :

Kingston is good stuff, you'll be fine.

Terri Merri · Sep 21, 2013

Apologies guys, but I'm back again.

I have upgraded the PSU (Corsair CX430 as recommended), video card, and memory (TeamElite as recommended), but I have an issue or maybe a question.

Everything currently runs way quicker

. However I did run into a BSOD when I tried to refresh the Windows Experience Index.. I couldn't even get into my Window as It would BSOD on me as it loaded. After rebooting multiple times, uninstalled and re-installing video card driver, restored to a previous date, and still no luck, I finally took out the memory (Team Elite) leaving my original 2x1GB installed. I haven't had a BSOD since. I also tried using just the 2x2GB TeamElit, but system would boot loop.

Does that mean Team Elite is incompatible? Or these were DOA memory sticks? Do I replace with the same make/model or try something else? Would this G-Skill work? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231207

ACTechy · Sep 21, 2013

Terri Merri :

Bummer! Yeah, it may just be a bad stick or some random OS issue. You could run a memory test like Memtest86 (http://www.memtest86.com/) if you really wanted, to see if it's a problem with the sticks. Otherwise I would RMA it, and that G.SKILL should work just fine.

EDIT: if you check out the newegg reviews on the TeamElite there are a couple that sound like your issue. G.SKILL is top of the line stuff, so you should be better with that anyway.

Terri Merri · Sep 21, 2013

I read the reviews before I purchased the memory and saw some say DOA or they just did not work, but I thought I might be alright. I guess not.

I have done a memory test using memtest86, but I did not test one stick a time. The test completed its 1st Pass without any errors, however on the 2nd Pass, errors showed up. I ended the test thinking it would save the logs somewhere, but it did not.

As I don't know which stick is the problematic one, I will return both and get G.Skill. Once again, thank you ACTechy

ACTechy · Sep 21, 2013

Terri Merri :

No problem. Yeah, every once and a while you end up being the 5% who get DOA/problem components. Never fun.

Terri Merri · Sep 25, 2013

Thank you so much all who answered my questions; assisting me with the upgrade. I believe I'm all done now. G.Skill's working fine. I refreshed Windows Index and no BSOD. If I need any other upgrade it would be my HDD but that can wait.

Oh by the way, I took a chance and purchased the AMD Phenom II X4 965 (AM3) and it is working. No issues. *knocks on wood*

You guys can close this thread. I'm all set now.

Deemo13 · Sep 25, 2013

Glad its working!

ACTechy · Sep 25, 2013

Terri Merri :

Glad to hear, Terri. Good luck!

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