Wanting to upgrade PC but not sure which route would be best.

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
I

illLeviathan

Reputable
Jan 27, 2015
1
0
4,510
So I've been wanting to make some slight upgrades to my PC. Just can't determine what would be best to do. First, I'm wanting a new processor, but can't decide if it would be best to replace the processor itself or just get a new motherboard/processor combo. Second, video card, if I don't replace the motherboard, I can't seem to find out what video cards I could upgrade to that would fit(Inept in regards to PC hardware sorry). With my current budget, I'm hoping to keep costs to around $300 but if absolutely necessary, may be able to afford close to $400. But would like to avoid that if possible.

Again I apologize if my questions come across as me being lazy/ignorant. I appreciate any advice/help given. Thank you in advance.


OS: Win7 Ult
Processor: AMD Athlon II X2 270, 3400Mhz
Vid Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 465
Memory: 4GB
System Manufacturer: HP
System Model: p6500z
Bios Version/Date: American Megatrends Inc. 6.08, 4/28/2010
SMBIOS Version: 2.5
I currently have a 650 watt ANTEC Earthwatt power supply that I'm waiting to put in.
 
Solution
game junky
Factory builds from mainstream vendors like Dell & HP usually have space limitations and power supplies which may not work with other motherboards. Additionally, the licensing of Windows is tied to the motherboard so if you replace it you will have to purchase a license of Windows. All that being said, here are the components you'll need:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B38VHx
Sort by date Sort by votes
tripledouce

tripledouce

Honorable
Oct 1, 2012
465
0
10,860
you should start with a custom build. using a factory HP system locks away so much potential from your hardware, as well as limiting you to some factory proprietary issues in the case. but if a new build is out of the question i would start with a new video card that you can upgrade around later.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
O

Oshkoshjohn

Honorable
Jan 27, 2014
5
0
10,510
Determine the difference between an upgrade and a replacement. If you build it yourself, there is only a warranty on the individual components, not the entire box. I usually buy entire laptops from someplace like Best Buy or Tiger Direct. I may have already bought my last desktop; but if you get one, have the dealer customize it for you, so it will be covered by the warranty. My desktop had an Invidia GTX760, and additional 2TB WD hard drive, and a second DVD burner added.

I have used the burners exactly six times, and now use USB thumbdrives for everything excerpt sharing files with associates, in which case I use a 10-cent cd-rw. My new el-cheapo replacement car stereo has both a CD slot and a USB port. I can get over fifty albums on a single flash drive. I carry 6 16-GB thumb drives with me.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
game junky

game junky

Distinguished
Feb 2, 2012
1,125
0
19,660
Factory builds from mainstream vendors like Dell & HP usually have space limitations and power supplies which may not work with other motherboards. Additionally, the licensing of Windows is tied to the motherboard so if you replace it you will have to purchase a license of Windows. All that being said, here are the components you'll need:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/B38VHx
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,295
4,145
174,240
Your Antec psu is excellent and will run any graphics card you might want.
If your usage is for gaming, the first component to upgrade would normally be the graphics card.
A GTX465 is really a low end card. A GTX750ti would be a modest upgrade at $130, but consider spending $200 for a newly announced GTX960.

Your cpu is weak, and If you upgrade the cpu, you will need both a cpu and a motherboard.

Which upgrade should come first is not clear.

To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

 
Upvote 1 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom