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Upgrading for first time - Please help me

Forum CPU & Components : Other Components - Upgrading for first time - Please help me

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mobo360   07-21-2009 at 09:27:36 PM

This is first time I'm going to upgrade my computer, so I need some help with what parts to choose and I have a few questions.


My CPU is an Intel Pentium E2140 (1.6Ghz), and my motherboard is a Micro ATX IPILP-LC. Here a link to the specs as well as pictures. http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc [...] ct=3644734
And what my case looks like http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc [...] ct=3644734




Now for CPU, on the website above, it gives me a list of compatible CPUs. They are only old version of CPUs, and I'm wondering what other newer Intel Pentium dual core processors would be compatible with it.

PSU now... The fan on most PSUs is on the top, which makes no sense, considering theres no opening at the top (at least for me) and I'm wondering if maybe the fan blows in the opposite direction, and sucks air or something, so the hot air can escape through the back. Basically I'm confused as to why there is a fan on the top. Second qestion regarding PSU, a 2.5Ghz dual core 65nm processor plus a 9series from Nvidia will require what power?

RAM: My mobo specs say it only supports 2GB DDR2 RAM, and I have a hard time believing why it wont support anything higher, enlighten me.

I'm hoping to upgrade this with a 9 series from NVidia, or any other graphics card that performs well for at or under $100. Regarding the graphics card, the questions I have are: Will DDR3 Memory work on my PCI slot, even though it says the general RAM of the computer is only DDR2 compatible? I would assume it can, because the graphics card has all the connectors inside of it that makes DDR3 RAM workable, and then it just outputs it. I still don't know though. By second question is whether or not it will fit on the board, I did the dimensions, and it looks like it would, and I've heard of slim versions of graphics card but I'm not completely sure about compatibly on a Micro APX. Last question regarding GPU, is the placement of the fan which is facing up. Where the fan blows in my case, it just blows air right up on the power supply, and doesn't really look it will work well, and I'm wondering if the fan position is that important. or if this is normal.


Please read it all, I really need this help to make my first upgrades seamless, thanks. One more if you have time, a 1.6Ghz Dual Core is equal to about a what in Pentium 4? THANK YOU !!!!!!

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o1die   07-21-2009 at 11:51:47 PM
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I upgraded my compaq presario. I used an ecs g33 board to get 4 memory slots. The board has been discontinued, but Fry's electronics may still have a few left. All my compaq case connections fit perfectly, including the case led's. The led case lights for power and hardrive both worked fine. No guessing necessary about which way to install the case wiring. When you go with a non hp motherboard, your old hp windows installation won't work. You'll have to backup your files or format the hardrive and use a regular windows dvd to reinstall windows. I used a dell oem vista dvd which you can purchase at some software venders for $20 or less shipped. Then after installing windows, you use your old coa sticker number on the case to reactivate it online. For the power supply, I suggest an antec or ocz of about 450-600 watts, depending on your video card. The 9800gt will need at least 400 watts. Corsair is even better with higher 12v rail amps than most other brands. Look for 35-60 amps total on all the rails. If you want to use 2x2gb ddr2 memory, then any g31 chipset board will also fit your case. Your case will only work with micro atx boards. I would go with an e5400 or e7400 if your budget permits.

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mobo360   07-22-2009 at 12:59:55 AM
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Thanks for the response. I think I will first upgrade my GPU, RAM, and PSU, and then after a while upgrade my mobo so I can get a better processor and maybe add a bit more RAM.

Reply to mobo360
neon neophyte   07-22-2009 at 01:31:14 AM
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oh mobo! where to start! =]

ok, first thing that jumped out at me was the statement that most psu have the fan on the TOP. this is incorrect. the fan for most psu is on the bottom, directly above the cpu. a psu can be mounted either way, but why would you put the fan flush with the top of your case?! maybe i misunderstood. you do say at the bottom that your videocard fan faces up. thats the opposite of normal too. maybe your case is just backwards. (your link doesnt work =[)

next, the question regarding ddr3 ram is referring to the video cards ram, correct? if so, its a non-issue and is seperate from the motherboard. video card ram is controlled by the video card. they could release ram that doesnt exist yet, put it on a video card and stick it in your pci-e slot. and it would work. hope thats clear.

100 dollar price point? might want to investigate ati for their offerings.

oh, and any pci card will fit that motherboard. cards do get pretty long tho, how much space do you have insides your case?


Message edited by neon neophyte on 07-22-2009 at 01:34:58 AM
Reply to neon neophyte
mobo360   07-22-2009 at 02:31:36 AM
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So the PSU, blows air or sucks it out the bottom? It would make sense to suck it and blow it out the back that way it wouldn't flush my case with hot air.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicat [...] CatId=3670 if you put that in my computer the top of it would face up.. Is that normal?

Reply to mobo360
neon neophyte   07-22-2009 at 02:38:35 AM
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that is irregular.

not so much so tho. my friend has a old dell p4 with the reverse style. it actually stops him from putting in a dual slot videocard. (theres a GIANT heatsink on the p4... its disgusting how big it is. it has a brace. p4s are funny.)


Message edited by neon neophyte on 07-22-2009 at 02:39:31 AM
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mobo360   07-22-2009 at 03:02:22 AM
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Yeah I'm confirming it now that it would face up. Please tell me the PSU sucks air out from the bottom.. If it blows hot air on my GPU it would overheat.

Reply to mobo360
mobo360   07-22-2009 at 04:11:54 AM
- 0 +

The PSU sucks? That's great! lol

Reply to mobo360
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