Question about upgrading Compaq Presario CQ5300Y

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live2fly

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Feb 13, 2016
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Greetings all,

As the title says I want to know what my options are for upgrading my Compaq Presario CQ5300Y. I'd like to be able to run games such as GTA V without trouble while at the same time not breaking the bank. I am pretty much a noob when it comes to these things and am open to learning all I can. I just have no clue where to start, so that is why I am hear asking you fellows.
Current Specs
Compaq Presario CQ5300Y
Windows 7 64 bit
AMD Sempron LE-1300
2GB System Memory
320 GB Hard Drive
NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
 
Solution
voltoid27
Personally, I'd go for better RAM, something like DDR3-1866 CL10 or lower, but that's just me. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820156035 This actually costs $2 less than what you have listed :D I'd get a better motherboard too, since the A68HM-E was chosen just to get you in the door. Something like this would be awesome http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157571 That's actually the cheapest board based on AMD's top end APU chipset, the A88X, and it's a lot better feature-wise than the A68HM-E. This GPU appears to be exactly the same as the one you listed, just cheaper: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487091 That case seems overkill to me, I still recommend the Xion I...
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voltoid27

voltoid27

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To play GTA V, you'd have to upgrade almost everything in your system: CPU, CPU cooler (maybe), RAM, GPU, and PSU. You'd need:

Phenom X4 9850 (you need the 95W version, HD9850WCJ4BGH, HD985BWCJ4BGH works too; good luck finding either of those)
An AM2+ CPU cooler if your existing one ends up being inadequate
Some random 2x2GB DDR2-800 kit
A Geforce GTX 750/Radeon HD 7770 or similar GPU
New PSU, preferably 430+W

You might as well build a new PC, honestly, even if you use used parts to do it. It'd be a much better use of your money IMO. Here's a part list with a mix of new parts and parts you already have to get you started: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nfZ9f7
 
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live2fly

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Thanks for the reply and the parts list, that is a HUGE help for a noob like me. So everything in that parts list is compatible with my current pc if I choose to replace and upgrade instead of build an entirely new pc?
 
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voltoid27

voltoid27

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Yes, almost everything on the list is compatible, but I'm not 100% confident on the case. Your Presario might have a proprietary pinout for the front panel connector (ie power/reset button, power/HDD LED, etc.) and it might use a weird power supply form factor. I couldn't find any images of your system to verify that it'd work, so ultimately I can't help you there. To be safe, you can get a case like this one for <$30 that I can guarantee will work: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208059 I've built in a Xion case before and they're a really good value for what you're paying. If you can spare the cash, I'd definitely leave your old case in the dust. Heck, I'd get a new hard drive too so you can use your Compaq as a backup system in case of emergency: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840
 
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live2fly

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Outstanding. Thanks for all the help. However I think it'd be best if I just build an entirely new pc. I was on pcpartpicker.com yesterday putting together a build this is what I have so far.


AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor
$72.89

Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
$24.88

Asus A68HM-E Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard
$40.98

Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
$37.99

EVGA GeForce GTX 960 4GB SuperSC ACX 2.0+ Video Card
$204.99

Phanteks Enthoo Pro ATX Full Tower Case
$99.99

EVGA 500W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply

Any suggestions or tips?
 
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voltoid27

voltoid27

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Personally, I'd go for better RAM, something like DDR3-1866 CL10 or lower, but that's just me. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820156035 This actually costs $2 less than what you have listed :D I'd get a better motherboard too, since the A68HM-E was chosen just to get you in the door. Something like this would be awesome http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157571 That's actually the cheapest board based on AMD's top end APU chipset, the A88X, and it's a lot better feature-wise than the A68HM-E. This GPU appears to be exactly the same as the one you listed, just cheaper: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487091 That case seems overkill to me, I still recommend the Xion I posted previously but you're welcome to do what you want :) I don't know the price on the PSU, but it'll be fine.
 
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live2fly

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Great, thanks for the improvements. I am even saving some cash thanks to you! :)

I've noticed its saying this, Compatibility Notes: "Some AMD A88X chipset motherboards may need a BIOS update prior to using Kaveri CPUs."

Is this anything to really worry about?
 
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voltoid27

voltoid27

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Awesome, I love saving people money :D Nah, don't sweat it. It said the same thing for my A10-7870K + FM2A78M-ITX+ combo, and when the parts actually shipped I put it all together and found the BIOS version was lower than it supposedly needed to be, but I installed Windows just fine. I updated the BIOS anyway, but don't consider it an issue.
 
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live2fly

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Good to know, that had me worried for a second. I'd say I am all set. Thank you ever so much for the help. You have taken so much potential head ache out of this, I had no clue where to start but now I have an idea of what I am getting into/doing. If I have any questions I will be sure to ask here! Thanks again Voltoid27.

:pt1cable:
 
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