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Upgrade my unupgradbale HP Slimline

Tags:
  • Hard Drives
  • Phenom
  • Systems
  • Geforce
  • Nvidia
  • Windows 7
  • Hewlett Packard
Last response: in Systems
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May 13, 2014 10:24:34 AM

I know my PC isn't made to be upgraded, but help me anyway, OK? :) 

What I use it for:
I use this thing for running Adobe Creative Suite. Multiple large file editing simultaneously.

Limitations:
Case size/form factor, overheating/ability to cool, tiny 220w power
(Memory is squashed behind hardrive, GPU must be compact)

What I would do if heat and power weren't an issue:
Maxout memory with 2x8gb RAM
Upgrade Graphics Card to the best thing that will fit
Upgrade to AMDs best Phenom II CPU
Put in a SSD (it's not worth the money to put as large of a SDD in this thing as I would need, so this isn't a really an option)

Most compatible stuff is pretty outdated, so It wouldn't cost me much. As it stands this heap isn't a total slouch, but it lags when I'm opening and using a lot of Adobe programs.

The Question:
What is a good combination of upgrades to maximize performance but minimize heat/power consumption?

Windows Experience

Picture of the guts

Here's what I'm working with.

HP Slimline S5260F
Phenom II X4 925 (2.8GHz)
6GB DDR3
750GB HDD
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
NVIDIA GeForce G210 with 512MB DDR2
nVidia GeForce 9100 Chipset
MOB Violet6-GL8E - Form factor micro-ATX, (Pegatron/Asus?)
220-Watt, power supply

More about : upgrade unupgradbale slimline

a b Î Nvidia
a b $ Windows 7
May 13, 2014 10:35:32 AM

Hello... Put every thing you have except PS, in a STD atx/uatx case with a PS... to remove your limitations... free up your future choices and mind. Then you can get a decent video card to free up your Video Lag.
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May 13, 2014 11:45:31 AM

Ironsounds said:
Hello... Put every thing you have except PS, in a STD atx/uatx case with a PS... to remove your limitations... free up your future choices and mind. Then you can get a decent video card to free up your Video Lag.


I'd rather not get that deep into things. I am sort of inspired by the limitations to find a cost effective combination that works.
It might not be logical, but I'll buy a new computer before I change cases.

(Also: Thanks for the advice!)
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May 13, 2014 4:09:49 PM

This just in:
I could remove the stock TV tuner seen under the GPU to accommodate a two slot low profile GPU.


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Best solution

a b Î Nvidia
May 15, 2014 11:09:37 AM

I would go with this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Memory: PNY XLR8 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($124.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7750 1GB Video Card ($102.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $227.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-15 14:09 EDT-0400)

HD 7750 is a much better card than the 610.
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May 15, 2014 11:48:04 AM

RazerZ said:
I would go with this:


Thanks friend! Seconds, literally seconds too late though.

I hope my mediocre gpu upgrade will make SOME difference.

I ended up skimping on this computer and buying additional spendy ram for my imac too.

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May 15, 2014 11:09:39 AM

So I just ordered from Tiger Direct
2x4GB of RAM (I will have a total of 12 now)
and
Radeon HD 6450 1gb ddr3 ( know its not great [I don't game], but its cheap, efficient, and a big step up from what I have now)
($100.00 total)

I should have about the same power use, hopefully some added speed, and plenty of beer money leftover.

If I don't replace this machine in the next few years, I might get 2x4gb more of ram to max out at 16, and replace the CPU with AMD Phenom II X6 1065T (2.9) (95watt same as my x4 2.8ghz) By then hopefully all this will be even cheaper?




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a b Î Nvidia
a b $ Windows 7
May 15, 2014 10:58:37 AM

Hello... here is the performance chart of current Video card options... http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html

Here is the GT210 http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu.php?gpu=GeForce+G......

As you can see that would be $$ not well spent, and could be used towards a Cheap case with a 400 watt PS.

I have been in your shoes many years ago and I upgraded my case/PS $50... that case has seen a many upgrades and is still in use to this day... Un-like the the MB's, memory, video cards installed into it over those years... " build your house ( Computer ) on a good foundation"
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June 3, 2014 11:47:28 PM

The MSI 6450 broke my computer so I exchanged for a Zotec GT 640 (ddr5 2gb). This is working great. I removed my TV tuner so the 640 has room for its fan.
My windows Experience numbers are way up on graphics, and Adobe programs are running much smoother.

Most notably. Adobe Illustrator is able to save big files much faster. Thanks to the memory I assume.

I may max out to 16GB or RAM and upgrade to a solid state HD if all goes well.

Games might not use all the RAM but Adobe programs will use everything you give them.




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