Upgrading a Dell Desktop.....?

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higuys23

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Jun 22, 2014
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Hey guys. I have a Dell Desktop from 2006 (not sure what model but i can probably find out if you need that) that I think I might upgrade. The specs on this machine are: Intel Core 2 Duo at 2.8 ghz, 4GB of DDR3, and an AMD Radeon 7570HD Integrated Graphics Chip. This machine just cant handle very much anymore. I was thinking of switching out the mother board to an AMD to add an A-10 7850k APU to improve performance. Im not a computer wizz, so I just wanted to make sure that everything I am planning to do would work without any issues.

Thanks!
Mark
 
Solution
moozilbee
Well if you're looking at running games better, you really need to have a graphics card, integrated graphics will just perform overall terribly, so first thing you do should be looking into getting a decent GPU (what's your budget?), something like an r7 250 might be good for you.
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moozilbee

moozilbee

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Jul 19, 2013
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Not sure how well Dells work for upgrading, but AMD don't make motherboards, so not sure what your idea is there.
Tell us what your having performance problems with specifically, then we can give you better help.
An ssd would be a solid upgrade, as it would massively increase boot time, and make all programs you install onto it start up a lot faster, and load things faster.
 
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higuys23

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Jun 22, 2014
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yes, im sorry for the lack of details. I mean a motherboard with an AMD socket. Specifically an msi fm2-a75ma-e35. As for the performance problems, boot time isn't bad, but i should have cleared it up that i am referring to gaming. Normal programs such as word and web browsers work fine. I know, anything that i mentioned that i am planning to put in won't make it a high end gaming pc, but I don't have anywhere close to the money right now to buy/build a gaming pc. That's why i decided for now to put in a new motherboard and processor or APU. I mainly run Flight Simulator X, but the Core 2 Duo and integrated graphics don't have the power to run it well, or for extended periods of time. But i also would be playing other games such as DayZ/ Skyrim if I upgraded the thing.

Mark
 
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junkeymonkey

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Nov 11, 2013
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you may want to find your motherboard that's in the dell and see if the stand off holes are the same as the new board your looking at I cant remember but it seemed this guy was wanting to do this change and he had me look at this and it did seem funny and did not know what to tell him on that -- but most times any m-atx should fit right in if your dell case is drilled for extra or changing the standoffs around then it still may be good ..
 
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higuys23

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Jun 22, 2014
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Ok thanks. So would you recommend that I go ahead and buy the processor and motherboard and then when i get the mobo, open up the dell and check the standoffs? if they aren't right what should i do then?

Thanks for your help,
Mark
 
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moozilbee

moozilbee

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Jul 19, 2013
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Well if you're looking at running games better, you really need to have a graphics card, integrated graphics will just perform overall terribly, so first thing you do should be looking into getting a decent GPU (what's your budget?), something like an r7 250 might be good for you.
 
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higuys23

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Jun 22, 2014
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I'm actually changing my mind to upping my budget to about 300 and getting an AMD Athlon x4 760k, along with a Radeon R7 250 HD 1GB GPU from Gigabyte and 8 gigs of ballistix sport ddr3. Would this at least improve performance?
 
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moozilbee

moozilbee

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4gb of ram should be fine for most games, so don't bother spending money on that, but you should check to make sure your motherboard is compatible, as well as checking that your psu will give enough power.
 
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higuys23

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Jun 22, 2014
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Ok. So should I keep the 4 gigs I have, or grab a new 4 gigs? And I believe the Power Supply is 350 Watt, so is that enough to handle the upgrades?

Mark
 
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moozilbee

moozilbee

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Keep the 4 gigs you have, they're ddr3 which is the latest, and I don't know the speed but ram speed affects very little. As for power supply, enter in the parts you plan on getting here http://www.coolermaster.outervision.com/ and then it will give you a recommended psu wattage. Keep in mind however that a PSU is most efficient when at around 60% load, so you don't want to be pushing the limit, and if your psu doesn't provide enough wattage it can cause a bluescreen of death and the like.
 
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junkeymonkey

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if he is going to do any upgrades he will more than likely need to change out the motherboard cause it may not allow you to add in a new card over what dell has in it now .... thers a lot of threads here at toms for you to look over on these upgraded dell failures just look before you leap..

some models of store bought computers [dell.hp,acer,ect..] may come with a ''locked'' bios and may not allow you to change certain hardware as a video card.. this is done to protect them from undue warranty claims and refunds .this is not done to hurt you but to protect them. you really need to see if that upgrade has been proven to work in your model first before you invest money in it .. there are a lot of these threads here at toms to look at some models will allow upgrades and some dont.. and a lot of guys here say ya ya ya when is really no no no...it would be sad you spent $200 on a card that wount post after you installed it as most find out. then get told its your psu and you spend more and end up right back where you are now, but its up to you good luck..


you got to know the the boards in these computers are not like the ones we use to do custom builds witch are open to upgrading with in the boards compatibly . the bios is custom made for there design and just for the parts they authorize to be used on there computers
 
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higuys23

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Jun 22, 2014
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Ok thanks for your help. Here is the link to the list i have on pc parts picker. i would appreciate it if you would let me know if it looks good to go.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wTvFK8

Mark
 
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junkeymonkey

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whats sad is when you go to dell to look this stuff up theres nothing I mean nothing but a sales pitch.. all I want to do was go to parts find a motherboard with a picture to link to you with what I need to cross check yours circled so you know what to look for and theres nothing ... I guess you can look at windows system info or cpu-z to see if that info in there..

this is another reason why when folks want to ''upgrade'' these things I inform them don't do it unless you change out the board .. and with out knowing if its a standard board or a dell custom made board that only fits a dell case and a real mother board will not its hard to make a move on it
 
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higuys23

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Jun 22, 2014
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Yeah I'm just not sure. I guess i should open her up and check out the situation before buying....
 
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