Upgrade my Gateway GT5056

[novasmack]

Hello,
I'm looking to upgrage my old Gateway GT5056. It's got the old DDR memory so I know I'm limited in what I can do. I'm not looking to replace the motherboard, but would like to know what I CAN do...especially in regards to graphics cards and processors. Even if what I upgrade to is still a few years old itself, I'd still love to do it...the parts will be cheaper! Thanks! ...Here's my specs.

CPU: AMD Athalon 64 X2 3800+
Memory: DDR (size 2048 MBytes)
Motherboard: C51MCP51
PCI-Express x16
Graphic card: Nvidia 8600 GT

 

[o1die]

I would take out the hardrive and video card and sell the rest on craigslist. Whenever you upgrade, you should replace the power supply. Oem systems by gateway and dell really aren't designed to upgrade. It's not cost effective by the time you figure you'll have to replace everything, even the windows coa number.

 

[admir00]

Actually, DDR memory is is more expensive than DDR3 memory now.
You have an AM2 motherboard, 300Watt PSU.

You could upgrade your CPU to a AMD X2 5000+ (if you can find it)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103979

Personally, performance wise, it would be just a waste of money. I would just save up for a new system, if I were you.

 

[o1die]

This upgrade package might work for you: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.756293&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=3640155&SID=skim115X178X18c325dfdf18cbf2492acbdb8335af24. You will still need a new windows coa, which you can find on craigslist. Someone was selling an unopened copy of windows 7 professional for only $60 on craigslist recently. You may find a similar deal.

 

[novasmack]

Thanks for the help! I hadn't realized I could just replace a lot of that stuff so cheap! I actually have a rocketfish 700 watt power supply...so one less thing to upgrade.