Possible Computer Components Upgrade Help

zack1986 · Feb 23, 2015

Hi

Apologize if Ive posted this in the wrong section as i cant find the Newbie section
I have a aging Desktop PC that's about 7 years old here are a few photos
of the Specs.
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I was wondering if there is a way i could breathe new life into this PC by upgrading it components
(CPU.GPU) or anything else that would help its performance.

I have mostly used this PC it the past to edit SD footage (DivX) and to Transfer VHS DV to DVDs and play a few games (Crysis 1, Bio Shock 1 and 2. Dead Space 1,2,3).
I use a 21" CRT Monitor (1024 x768) to play these games and do my work

I have now moved to using HD footage (Canon Camcorder)and UHD footage (Samsung Note 3) mostly editing and converting using Handbrake where it has started to struggle with HD, mostly the lenghtly time of conversion, i haven't tried UHD yet.
I would also like play a few games after upgrade (if possible) Crysis 2,3 and Metro 2033, Lastlight

Thanks

zack (UK)
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quilciri · Feb 23, 2015

images are not shown. Could you list you specs?

Bossyfins · Feb 23, 2015

He has an Athlon X2 Dualcore and a 4830

quilciri · Feb 23, 2015

Ok, thanks. What's the model number of the Athlon, and how much system RAM does he have?

zack1986 · Feb 23, 2015

It seems people cant see the posted pictures, so heres the specs

OS.................................Win XP PRO 5.1 build 2600
SYSTEM MODEL...........GA-MA78G-DS3H
BIOS...............................Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
PROCESSOR...................AMD Athlon64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+ (3.1 GHz)
MEMORY..........................3326 MB Ram
PAGE FILE..........................223 MB used, 4986 MB available
DIRECTX VERSION..............DirextX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)

ATI RADEON 4830
INTERNAL DAC (400 MHz)
TOTAL MEMORY 512 MB
DISPLAY 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60 Hz)

quilciri · Feb 23, 2015

If you have a budget of $300 or more, I recommend replacing the platform entirely. If that's not an option, here's one at about $150

That board will support many AM3 processors if you update the BIOS to version F9

http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=2800

You could up a Athlon II X4 955 (with a little patience, you can get one off Ebay for $60)
Then replace the video card with R7 250X for $90 (MSI Radeon R7 250X 1GB Video Card ($87.99 @ SuperBiiz).

You'll need a new OS to take advantage of the full 4GB you have installed. You can get Windows 10 technical preview now and use it for free until October.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-iso

Cheers!

zack1986 · Feb 24, 2015

Hi

Will the following CPU work ok

Brand AMD
Processor Model Phenom II X4 955
MPN HDX955FBGMBOX
EAN 730143267205
Processor Manufacturer AMD
Processor Type Phenom II
Clock Speed 3.2 GHz
CPU Socket TypeSocket A
Multi-Core Technology Quad-Core
TDP 125 W

quilciri · Feb 24, 2015

Yes. Sorry, that is the CPU I meant. Phenom II X4 955.

ThanatosFX · Feb 24, 2015

a CPU and GPU upgrade will add an important increase of performance, What's your budget for both GPU and CPU ?
For instance the CPU suggested by "quilciri" is a good one I suggest it too, for GPU you might want to go with a GTX 750 ti I believe your power supply should handle it.
Good luck!!

zack1986 · Feb 25, 2015

Hi

Many thanks to you all for the help, put a bid on the CPU, so hope to win,

I am off work tommorow and will open up the PC and take a few photos, so that you can see what it looks like
what kind of Power Supply i have, i would prefer the 750 card, if its possible to fit into my desktop

My budget is about £200 for both Cpu and Gpu

<update>

Just won the Cpu for £52, so that leaves me £150 for card, but i might need new Power supply, and new heatsink and gel, but will let you see photos of inside of pc before than if i do need them

ThanatosFX · Feb 25, 2015

zack1986 :

There are two versions of the 750 GPU the 750 and the 750 ti that "t i" means it consumes less power and slightly better than the normal 750.
Some manufacturer sell it with 6 pin connector requirements it's on the power supply, and some do not require 6 pin connector anyway let's wait and see what kind of PSU you have and if possible the name of your computer if available.

quilciri · Feb 25, 2015

ThanatosFX :

Slight correction. The Ti editions are faster, but they consume more power than the non-Ti versions.

ThanatosFX · Feb 25, 2015

quilciri :

ThanatosFX :

Slight correction. The Ti editions are faster, but they consume more power than the non-Ti versions.

That's true sorry for my mistake, thanks for the correction.

zack1986 · Feb 26, 2015

Hi

The CPU arrived today is a Black Edition
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Here are some photos of my Desktop opened up, This was bought in 2008 from a person who custom made this. What i like about this PC is is so Silent, when doing editing or playing games and hardly makes any noise under load

Would Like to keep it that way

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Would my current CPU cooler be a better choice to use as i think its a silent type, rather than the one i got with the new CPU

Will my Power Supply be powerful enough for this Phenom and a 750ti its by cooler master

The current GPU is covered in a black casing so cant see the name

Any links and guide for a BIOS Flash and which one. Should that be done immediately after CPU installation.

Will i need Arctic Silver Cool Gel to put on CPU, that's something else i will need to order first

Will tackle upgrade on Sunday, or if/when Arctic gel arrives

I never done this CPU upgrade before, Is there a guide, as it looks a bit daunting, but will I'll it a go

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ThanatosFX · Feb 26, 2015

That power supply is a 460W and it's more than enough for the GPU as well as the CPU it also has 6 pin connector for your GPU so you're totally fine here, for the CPU cooler as long as you don't overclock it you really don't need any cooler upgrade, however you can download RealTemp and monitor you CPU temperature, according to AMD that CPU should not go higher than 62C so just put your CPU under load and see how far you temp goes.

Download link: https://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/SysInfo/Real_Temp/

If you want to read more about your PS follow this link: http://www.coolermaster.com/product/Detail_print/powersupply/office-home-extreme/extreme-power-plus-460w-120mm-fan.html

So yeah just go ahead and get your 750 ti and enjoy it.

zack1986 · Mar 1, 2015

Hi

I had a attempt today of installing the CPU, while i was in there i decided to install a Pioneer BDR-209 DBK Blu-ray writer. I also use some Arctic Silver on the new Phenom.

(a) Took out the CPU Cooler and old CPU with Success.
(b) Removed old Silver from Cooler and old CPU with Success
(c) Put on some New Silver on Phenom CPU and installed with Success
(d) Installed New BDR with success

OK from here things went Bad :-(

I tried to put the Cooler/Fan back on, but because of limited space i fumbled about and when i took the Fan/cooler back out the new phenom CPU was stuck to the cooler (even when the CPU socket leaver was down) one of the pins was bent, which i straightened with my finger.

Need some help with the BIOS upgrade

I pressed F12 and chose USB HDD as i dont see a option for a PenDrive, all i get is 'verifying DMI pool data' and nothing.

The CPU Fan seems to have a mind of its own, in Bios it starts up, then it stops, if i restart the pc the fan restarts and stays on

Some photos

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zack1986 · Mar 2, 2015

Hi

Anyone Help with a Update how to flash BIOS and If the CPU is ok

thanks

quilciri · Mar 2, 2015

You need to update the BIOS before inserting the new CPU.

Make sure to back up your existing BIOS first.
Make sure you machine is plugged in to a reliable source of electricity (i.e. Battery backup)

You'll need to have the new BIOS on a flash drive or CD/DVD. In your BIOS there will be a tool called "Instant Flash" or "EZ flash" or something along those lies. It varies by manufacturer. Point it to the new BIOS location.

Cheers!

zack1986 · Mar 2, 2015

ok ive just taken the New CPU out and tryed to restart the PC (without any CPU) but all im getting is a blank screen, do i need to put the old cpu in and do a BIOs flash

quilciri · Mar 2, 2015

yes. use your old CPU. Sorry that wasn't clear.

Possible Computer Components Upgrade Help

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