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Upgrade advice needed

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  • LAN
  • Intel
  • AMD
  • Motherboards
  • CPUs
Last response: in CPUs
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July 28, 2014 2:34:41 PM

I currently have a pre-built HP with a i5 2400 (Sandy Bridge) CPU.
I went out and bought a Visiontek Radeon R9 270X and apparently my stock mobo bios is not compatible.

So my question is should I just buy a new Mobo with the LGA 1155 socket for like $80 and keep my current cpu or is it worth upgrading at this point? I was looking at a AMD FX 8350 with a MSI 970A-G43 mobo for like $250? Any suggestions are welcome.

Also can I keep my windows if I upgrade in either case?

Keep in mind I learned all of this in the past week, before that I barely opened my computer before, so keep you answers dumbed down if possible...

More about : upgrade advice needed

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July 28, 2014 2:46:15 PM

The HP might only not be compatible due to a lack of proper power supply & associated GPU wiring.
What leads you to believe that its not?

Even if you replace the motherbd, you would still need a new PSU for the GPU. If you're lucky you have a 330w in the HP LoL

Which HP do you have?
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July 28, 2014 2:47:41 PM

Sorry should have mentioned I do have a 650w PSU I got w/ the GPU. The comp is an HP H8-1114 model.
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July 28, 2014 3:01:36 PM

Since you already have an i5-2400, I'd purchase another LGA 1155 motherboard. The i5 will provide you better performance in gaming over the AMD FX-8350; which in my opinion the AMD is a downgrade clock-for-clock (Intel's single-core performance is superior than AMD's offering). The i5-2400 is still a viable processor and should be able to process demanding games efficiently.

I'd save costs and just purchase another 1155 motherboard; not only do you save costs but you'll actually be better off performance wise with the i5 rather than AMD.

Whether you will be able to keep your Windows copy, I'm not certain of. Usually we recommend users to reinstall Windows when replacing the motherboard, but in your scenario I'd urge you to try using your existing setup and if you run into problems first, then consider a reinstallation (since your other components will remain intact). The COA of Windows maybe on your existing motherboard, hence you may not be able to keep your copy. Regardless if you have the original installation/backup disc of Windows provided with your desktop, you should be able to install Windows on your new motherboard.

Also you may not need to spend 80 USD on a 1155 motherboard, I'm sure you can pick one up cheaper as it is a elder socket (succeeded by LGA 1150).

All the best. :) 
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July 28, 2014 3:14:44 PM

Makes sense - is there anything I should be aware of when picking a new 1155 motherboard?
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July 28, 2014 3:20:03 PM

Actually can you suggest a mobo that would work?
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July 28, 2014 3:30:44 PM

I'm looking into your current HP desktop and your current motherboard's form factor (it's size) is micro-ATX; which as the name implies is a smaller version of ATX sized motherboards. Hence when purchasing a new motherboard, ensure you purchase a micro-ATX (also known as mATX or uATX) sized motherboard so you can simply replace your existing one; purchasing larger boards may not fit into your existing case.

In addition your existing motherboard supports WiFi, am I correct? Please correct me if I'm wrong. With a new motherboard you won't get built in WiFi unless you purchase a separate PCI/PCI-Express card or even a USB adapter. It's not an issue however, if you require WiFi I will suggest you a decent board you could upgrade to with the necessary WiFi adapter, that is if you require WiFi.

In addition please may I ask which country are you from? Are you from the United States? If so not an issue. I'm only stating as I will suggest a motherboard in your country/currency.

All the best. :) 
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July 28, 2014 3:34:40 PM

Yes, USA and yes it supports WiFi, I would think I would like to keep that option. If there is anything else I would need to make the swap (like thermal paste?) please let me know. Thanks for your help I will pick your solution.
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July 28, 2014 3:55:41 PM

Thank you very much for your follow up responses! :) 

I've managed to find a few quality parts and I apologise but the total is $85.71 (USD); if you desire cheaper parts I can reduce the cost down slightly. The motherboard I've selected should be a solid one, which includes 4 RAM slots (so you have the freedom to upgrade) and also supports Ivy Bridge without a BIOS update, as it's chipset is B75. It also supports USB 3.0 and has one SATA 6GB/s port, where the rest are 5 x SATA 3GB/s.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Thermal Compound: Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Silver 3.5g Thermal Paste ($6.74 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus P8B75-M/CSM Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N150PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($10.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $85.71
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-28 18:46 EDT-0400

I've included a motherboard, WiFi adapter and thermal paste. The WiFi adapter will fit into the motherboard's PCI-Express x4 slot (which is the utmost bottom slot on the board; although the slot is a little larger the adapter will still be compatible without issues). With the WiFi adapter however, you will unfortunately have an antenna sticking out at the back of your case; which on the bright side should increase signal. :D 

I hope the above components are satisfactory. All the best! :) 
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