Help! Need upgrading advice for my 8-10 yr old pre-built pc

Apr 2, 2018
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I'm new here and i need some advice on upgrading my cheap pre-built pc(still a student can't afford beast pcs). I looked it up and I have a compaq pc with a ms 7525 motherboard with a 775 socket. My gpu just died and i need some help in upgrading my ram, cpu and gpu. I read about cpu bottlenecking and compatibility as well. I have an old pentium cpu i forgot the model but i want to replace with a intel core 2 quad q9500, is this compatible?

Also about my gpu, i want to buy a gtx 660. I read from a website that my motherboard doesn't support gtx 700 series and up

About my ram: it already has a 2gb ddr2 ram and one remaining slot, do i have to buy a ddr2 ram or can i place it with something like a ddr3 or 4 raam?

Lastly, what other things do i need to consider when upgrading. Do i have to consider about the power system thingy. Still a baby when it comes to pcs.
I want to play gta v, wd2 and other games. For a low budget. I highly appreciate help.
 

Is this your computer? (Compaq Presario CQ3074L) If it is, bookmark this page.
It give you upgrade information about your motherboard. It does not list Core 2 Quad as a supported upgrade.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/compaq-presario-cq3000-desktop-pc-series/3942826/model/3980439/product-info
https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/compaq-presario-cq3000-desktop-pc-series/3942826/model/3980439/document/c01701251
 
Exactly how much is your budget, and where do you live?

What will you be doing with the system?

If you intend to do a full core rebuild CPU/MB/RAM you will not be able to use the Compaq supplied Windows install or install disc, that will be locked to the current system and will not transfer over, adding <> $100 to the cost.
 

neiler0847

Reputable
Mar 25, 2015
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It is time to let the old system retire. It's just not compatible with enough modern components to run recent titles.

If you are on a budget and want to run mainstream titles, then my suggestion is to get a gaming console. Dollar for dollar, at the entry level, you can't beat it.

If you want to run titles that are not available for XBOX or PS4 (e.g. titles from Steam), or you just otherwise need a PC, then consider a newer name-brand pre-built.

Next step up is a custom build, requiring that you start at ~$700 and work upwards. What is your budget? and what country are you in?