Need help finding compatible motherboards

[hbkidjb1]

I have a HP P6000 desktop that the motherboard has gone bad on and I'm looking for a replacement. I don't want to buy the same kind it came with because they're too expensive and from what I've read seem to go bad after 12-18 months anyways. This is a link to the current motherboard specifications:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01635734&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=4005966#N462
The system I have it in is model p6115y.
I currently have 4 x 2GB DDR2 memory and would like to be able to keep them all. I'm not sure what other info would be needed, but if anyone can help me find a replacement, please do. Thanks for any and all help.

 

[NerdRampage]

I gotta say, looking at the prices of that board, it would probably be cheaper to buy an entirely new board. You can find boards better then that for $120-$140 if you use places like newegg or amazon.

 

[RA1NMAN6]

http://www.amazon.com/ASRock-N68C-S-UCC-NVIDIA%C2%AE-ChipsetMotherboard/dp/B003KWU4HO/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1336099399&sr=1-8

This is the best AM2 I could find. Not too bad, either, for $65.

 

[phensen]

Unfortunately the board Ra1nman6 recommends is a full ATX Mobo, and your current Mobo is mATX. I don't think a full ATX board will fit in your case... The N68C-S UCC also uses DDR3 memory, and you currently have DDR2 memory, so you would need to get new RAM, which is only around $30-50. The only AM2+ board I saw on Newegg that seems compatible is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157274

This board only has two RAM slots, as opposed to the four on your current Mobo. I don't know how many RAM slots are populated on the p6115y. If it's 2x4GB sticks you're good. If it's 4x2GB sticks, then you'd only be able to use half your RAM. This board also only has one PCIe slot, and three of the older PCI slots. If you do go with a new Mobo, don't forget thermal paste for reseating your CPU...

The question is if you want to invest just enough to get you by, or if you can afford to think about a new computer? Tom's Hardware regularly has some pretty good daily deals on mainstream computers. Tom's didn't post deals today, but here is yesterdays:

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/ssd-solid-state-drive-deal-sale-upgrade,15522.html

this would be a nice upgrade from where you're currently at for home(non-gaming) computing and would last you for years to come:

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/dell-vostro-260/32022.aspx

Hope some of this helps....

 

[RA1NMAN6]

It's actually a MicroATX.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=N68C-S%20UCC&cat=Specifications
Scroll to the bottom of the page.

But I did notice while doublec hecking the specs that this board has 2xDDR2 slots and 2xDDR3 slots, not 4xDDR2. So you'd only be able to use half of your memory, which makes phensons board more practical.

 

[phensen]

It's actually a MicroATX.
http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=N68C-S%20UCC&cat=Specifications
Scroll to the bottom of the page.

My bad Ra1nman6. I saw 11.8 x 8.7 inches on Amazon and ASSumed it was full ATX. Apologies sir!

 

[RA1NMAN6]

No apology necessary.

 

[hbkidjb1]

Thank you guys for your replies. Both boards look to be very good. If I buy the one that is DDR2/DDR3 dual channel, would I be able to use 2 DDR2s and 2 DDR3s and it use the full capability of each at the same time? I may want to do that if possible and buy some DDR3 ram.

I'm mainly planning to use this as a media center to run XBMC, PS3 Media Server, and PlayOn off of. Do you guys think this will be a good enough computer or should I just buy a new one?

 

[phensen]

The ASRock N68C-S UCC supports DDR3 only, so you would need to pick up some DDR3. I doubt the Athlon X2 7550 processor can decode HD video on its own, so you'd probably want to pick up a video card as well. Nothing fancy, something along the lines of: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/341753-33-good-nvidia-card-htpc . Make sure any video card you decide on doesn't pull more than 75 watts (in other words can power off the PCIEx16 slot without additional power) Whether or not its best to upgrade what you have or buy a new system all together is something you'll ultimately have to decide. New mobo, ram, and a video card will probably run $100-$150... Best of luck with your project!