HELP!

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 21:55

I am looking at upgrading my HP dc5750.

First thing is the graphics card - I currently only have an intergrated one.

I am lookin to upgrade to the ASUS 1GB HD 4890. I understand that I will need a new PSU as my current one is only 300 Watts. I'm not sure what is compatible, so any advice/hot tips/recommendations are welcome.

Also I am looking to upgrade my CPU. I currently have a 2.2Ghz AMD Athlon Dual Core.

I am also looking to install new faster RAM.

siumatfung · 22 May 2009 at 21:57

why dont you just build a new one????

cmndr_andi · 22 May 2009 at 22:03

Lol - I agree with siumatfung - what you just outlined is a new build (likely your current case/motherboard) is out of date/terrible.

What kind of budget do you have to spend on the "upgrade"? I'd be happy to spec you up a new system.

If you plan to just add a PSU and 4890 you will be very CPU limited, so it would make more sense to either spend less on a new GFX card or get a new system.

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 22:06

What other graphics card would you recommend with a PSU?

siumatfung · 22 May 2009 at 22:07

do you have a budget?

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 22:10

£200 - £250

cmndr_andi · 22 May 2009 at 22:11

stormbreaker said:
What other graphics card would you recommend with a PSU?

This card with this psu would be more balanced with your cpu. It will still be CPU limited heavily - but atleast you are not wasting a super powerful card on it.

That PSU is modular so cable management should be a bit easier in your case.

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 22:13

OK.

What could I upgrade my CPU to?

siumatfung · 22 May 2009 at 22:17

could u post what cpu u have please

cmndr_andi · 22 May 2009 at 22:17

Have a look at this - should turn your computer into a decent gaming machine:

This is obviously over your stated budget, but it will be a massive step up over simply upgrading the PSU and GFX.

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 22:21

My current CPU is an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4200+ 2.19Ghz.

nutsnut · 22 May 2009 at 22:27

If he were to build a new one, your going to have to cost a case and OS at some point.

Though its still the best route to take.

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 22:32

Sorry guys, but I have no interest in building my own system.

cmndr_andi · 22 May 2009 at 22:32

You could reuse your current case (as long as it is the micro tower dc5750 not the small form factor one). As for OS - can you not use the OS that is in your current setup - i'm guessing the Windows product key will be on the case. If not - Windows 7 release candidate is free until March 2010 (admittedly after that date it won't work properly without buying it).

Edit:

Sorry guys, but I have no interest in building my own system.

I know it can seem daunting at first, but it is a rather straight forward affair these days. Also, if you want the CPU, RAM, Graphics, PSU upgrade you discuss in your first post - you are effectivly building your own full system (just keep hard drives and dvd drives as they are). Ofcouse that is unless you pay an individual or company to do it for you, which is expensive, and in my opinion as waste of money.

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 22:34

Having to buy windows agian is one reason for not building a pc.

siumatfung · 22 May 2009 at 22:35

save up a few more bop and we'll spec you something AWESOME for about 500£

geowal19 · 22 May 2009 at 22:37

Y don't u just download an OS and crack it!!!

cmndr_andi · 22 May 2009 at 22:38

You CAN use your current OS in the upgrade (XP i'm guessing) - its in the same case, so its the same computer. (Thats my argument and i'm sticking to it

)

stormbreaker · 22 May 2009 at 22:45

OK. All I want to know is what I can upgrade my CPU to?

cmndr_andi · 22 May 2009 at 22:49

Literally nothing. It uses socket 939 and DDR RAM. This is very old tech and prices are pretty high for little performance gain. If you want a meaningful performance increase - upgrade to a Core 2 Duo based e5200 (2.5Ghz) like I put in the spec. That will need the new RAM and motherboard I listed - but both are significantly faster than your current one.