upgrading my vid-card

[revan-guy]

I need to upgrade the video card of my hp model 764n pc. What are my options? Can I remove the older video card from its agp slot? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[saphalline]

Ok, so you've got an AGP 4X slot (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?cc=us&docname=bph08039&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN). That limits your options a bit. Right now, you've got a GF4 MX 440 128MB card.

Are you upgrading for gaming? What's your budget?

[revan-guy]

Gaming. I don't want to have to spend more than $200.

[saphalline]

BFG GeForce 7600 GS AGP 2.0 compliant retail box (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143069).

[revan-guy]

thanks for your help. sorry for the slow reply. If you could answer one more question plz. If I wanted to replace my motherboard to a pci-express supported one, what would be the specs that mobo?

[saphalline]

Ummm... I would just suggest a new computer.

You won't find a standard mobo with PCIe that can fit into that HP without some major headaches. That's one of the issues with OEM systems. They're really only meant to be slightly upgraded (like some more RAM) - otherwise they're sort of throw-away computers. Buy it, use it 'till it breaks, then buy a new one. That's all they're good for.

[revan-guy]

That sux. Alright. If I make my own computer is there any parts of this pc that I can salvage?

[mjc]

I'd say you can use everything except the motherboard and case...but that CPU/socket combination is a bit long in tooth...rather old. Along with the RAM...

So practically, just the drives.

Of course, keyboard, mosue and monitor are all swapable.

And, yes, you will need to buy a new copy of Windows, since the installed copy is tied directly to the HP. It is only able to be used on that machine, legally at least.

[revan-guy]

What will happen to the info stored on my hard drive? Will windows xp still be on it or will I have to buy a new installation disc?

[TopChip7]

Highly unlikely that your system will boot at all. As MJC said, better to buy yourself a copy of WinXP - oem version around £55 sterling in the UK. Only way I can think of to salvage ANY of the data on your HDD is to buy another hard drive and install o/s on that. Installing XP will format your drive and wipe the lot clear, then there's the matter of your mobo drivers etc. Buying another hard drive is probably your best option if you have lots of data you want to keep - if you only have a few gig of data then burn it to CD or DVD.

[revan-guy]

I guess those are my options then. You all been a great help. Thx.