Upgrade paths for older HP Pavilion a1630n PC

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bcardenasz

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Hello:

I recently inherited a stock older HP Pavilion a1630n PC. Here's the rundown on specs:

http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=c00753784

A quick search tells me this is a dual-core AMD machine. I know next to nothing about AMD processors, which is why I consult the experts. I would appreciate any feedback about possible upgrades for this machine. What would be the best CPU upgrade?

Also, what would be the best graphics card for this machine? The specs indicate it has a PCI Express x16 slot. I haven't physically opened the computer up to see what's going on in there, but I'd like to know the best bang for the buck card I can pop in for some decent performance. HDMI out would be a definite plus.

I realize this is an old dinosaur computer. My plan is to max out the RAM, and install this machine in my garage for media consumption, maybe a few game emulators, and some retro PC gaming. Please don't hate. This is just a simple project. My newer computer runs all the modern stuff.

Thanks for the feedback.

-B
 
Solution
spdragoo
Wow... a dual-core Athlon 64 system that has a modem installed.

Depending on what proprietary PSU is in that (probably an SFX form-factor, depending on the case size), you're looking at having to get a GT 730 or GTX 750Ti -- almost certainly something without PCIe power connectors (as I doubt your PSU has them). I suppose the newer, low-power GTX 950s might work when they come out, but you don't need a lot of GPU horsepower because your CPU horsepower isn't going to be able to do a whole lot.

CPU-wise, you're about as high as you can get (http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00714578). You can go up to the 5000+ (2.6GHz/core), but you already have the 4600+ (2.4GHz/core), so it won't help you a whole lot. RAM-wise, definitely...
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Wisecracker

Wisecracker

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All you need is something like a Radeon R7 240 or nVidia equivalent. Roughly $50.

The UVD ("Universal Video Decoder") on the Radeon will off-load modern video processing from the CPU, essentially reducing the CPU utilization to idle speeds.

An SSD (with Vista OS and above) would boot the rig in a 'snappy' manner.

 
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bcardenasz

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Thanks for the replies.

I have a spare SSD lying around. So, I'm really looking for a GPU. Any particular recommended models? I don't need the Rolls-Royce of graphics cards, just something that would give this computer a boost. Any improvement is better than the integrated graphics.

Oh, and I have a license key for Windows 7, that is eligible for the Windows 10 upgrade too.
 
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bcardenasz

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I totally understand where you are coming from, but I would still like to try to squeeze some more juice of of this machine, since it didn't cost me a dime. I've got an SSD and extra RAM that will help boost the CPU some.

Wisecracker suggested an R7 240 or Nvidia equivalent. Can either of you confirm whether these will work?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121799
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125444

Please help with specific model numbers, if possible. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
 
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spdragoo

spdragoo

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Wow... a dual-core Athlon 64 system that has a modem installed.

Depending on what proprietary PSU is in that (probably an SFX form-factor, depending on the case size), you're looking at having to get a GT 730 or GTX 750Ti -- almost certainly something without PCIe power connectors (as I doubt your PSU has them). I suppose the newer, low-power GTX 950s might work when they come out, but you don't need a lot of GPU horsepower because your CPU horsepower isn't going to be able to do a whole lot.

CPU-wise, you're about as high as you can get (http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00714578). You can go up to the 5000+ (2.6GHz/core), but you already have the 4600+ (2.4GHz/core), so it won't help you a whole lot. RAM-wise, definitely go up to the max, & see about getting the faster speed: you have 2GB of DDR2/PC2-4200 RAM, but your system can take 4GB/PC2-5300 RAM.

However, the biggest problem is that a) that PC has Windows XP installed on it, when Windows 7 itself has been replaced by Windows 8 & Windows 10; & b) I'm not 100% sure that your CPU will be able to handle Windows 7 (let alone Windows 10). If it can't run Windows 7 or Windows 10...then it's probably time to put it out to pasture.
 
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bcardenasz

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Dec 9, 2014
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I've got a POS Gateway LT2106u netbook that runs Windows 10 just fine, and it's a single core 1.6ghz Atom and 2gb RAM (my everyday carry Twitter feed machine). What makes it usable is the SSD I have installed. So, this older fossil should be able to run 10 with no problems, since it's a dual-core and has a higher clock rate.

Thanks for the feedback. I will look into one of your suggested GPUs. Would you be so kind as to provide a couple of links to something that you think would work? I really appreciate the help.
 
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Wisecracker

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The R7 240 (your link) will work just dandy. At max it is a 30w GPU.

Nearly any MCP430 *GeForce 6150* AM2/AM2+ motherboard will work just dandy, and you can easily find new ones on the cheap. They support most any 95w AM3 PhenomII X4 or AthlonII X4 'Propus' CPUs --- in fact, some models support nearly 250 different AM2/AM3 CPUs . . .



 
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