Download the Tom's Hardware App from the App Store
The reference for current tech news
Yes No
Ads
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Motherboards & Memory > Motherboards > [Solved] Upgrading pre-built pc

[Solved] Upgrading pre-built pc

Forum Motherboards & Memory : Motherboards [Solved] Upgrading pre-built pc

Best answer from Rage33.

Word :    Username :           
 

Hello I bought my pre-built HP pc about two years ago, and I am looking into upgrading my motherboard in order to be able to do some overclocking. I was wondering if it was necessary to purchase a new operating system or if I could just use the current OS that I am using now? I am a noob when it comes to computers

Reply to ziggy_09
Register or log in to remove.

yes, you will need to purchase a new os

------------------------------ khuda ko dikh raha hoga,
na dil tujhse judaa hoga
teri taqdir mein mujhko,
woh ab to likh raha hoga
Reply to truegenius

Neat. I'm doing this with my old Acer.

Problem was I didn't really realize it's an HTPC... I mean I knew it was small, but I didn't realize it was THAT small. The motherboard it uses is a DTX... which is an odd-ball kind of micro ATX. Along with a super freaky PSU. Basically no motherboard that's sold currently will fit in that thing, so the first thing I had to get was a new (more conventional case).

But yeah... I feel for you. The whole OS thing is an unexpected extra 130$ dropped on the build-budget. I had thought of trying for Linux or something... but... I don't think it can do games.

Reply to PTNLemay

That's usually the problem with buying a pre-built computer store PC. keeps you incredibly limited on upgrades. I would save your cash and build one for yourself or have someone else build one for you. The initial cost can seem expensive but you can always recycle parts from your old build to a new one saving your plenty in the future.

Reply to Rage33

I mean I have decent processor that I plan on overclocking (amd athlon ii x4 630) and a 1 TB HDD, a gtx 460, and 6 GB of DDR3, but my mobo is locked so I can not mess with the BIOS at all. Basically I am looking for a motherboard that will support my current processor but will allow me to upgrade when the time comes. Any suggestions?

Reply to ziggy_09
Best answer

Any ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, or Asrock motherboard that supports AM3 socket will allow you to overclock. you may need to buy a new case as well however, and look into getting a power supply. And yes you will need to pick up a copy of Windows 7 unfortunately, OEM version go for about $100 for Win7 basic. The only problem is that the OS is basically married to your motherboard so if you upgrade your motherboard again its very difficult to use the same product key. good luck

Reply to Rage33

This topic has been closed by Nikorr

------------------------------ Where there's smoke, there's fire...

 

Reply to Nikorr

Register or log in to remove.
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Motherboards & Memory > Motherboards > [Solved] Upgrading pre-built pc
Go to:

There are 1840 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Ads
Latest best answer
Difference in installed RAM, computer properties
By smorizio, 1 hour ago:

windows 32 bit has a 4 gig limit and with parts on the bios shadowing some of the ram...

Best offers
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
Top experts