Upgrading HP 8175

[Marion Kid]

I am a newbie and really appreciate the wit & wisdom on this BB. I will be getting my Dad's HP Pavilion #8175. It has never been upgraded and I would like to use it for word processing and web surfing. Here are the high points from the specs:

Model #D5293A; 233 MHz Pentium II; Standard RAM 48MB EDO, expandable to 128MB (sized 4,8,16 or 32 MB SIMMS, paired; Cache memory - primary 32 KB, SL (MAX) 512 KB; hard drive - enhanced IDE 6G; CD-ROM Drive - 24X; and operates on a Win95.

I am going for an econonical upgrade. Would these steps make sense to the readers of this BB: 1. Bump up the memory to the max by putting in 4 sticks of 32MB EDO SIMMS? If so, will I need to replace the existing SIMM chips? Many hardware sites sell used chips - are these O.K.?

2. When upgrading from Win95 to 98 SE, what is the best way to do this? Price for an upgrade CD is approx $99 vs full upgrade of $175.

3. The current HD is 6GB - Would this be a good time to add another hd or perhaps yank the existing HD and replace it with a new one? If so, any recommendations for brands and what is the max capacity that my system will support?

4. The only problem with this pc has been the sound locking up occasionally. Any suggestions about upgrading the sound card?

5. HP web site indicates a Pavilion PC BIOS Upgrade, version 1.00.03 DTOL (BIOS FLASH) dated April 22, 1998. What is this and do I need it? I suspect that it is related to the Y2K issue. Is there a web site that I can download a Y2K check on the bios? Sorry, but I do not have any specs on the MOBO, but can get that if it would help with this dialog. Thanks for any suggestions. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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"One asks ...many listen ... all learn" Socrates

[Ghost_Hacker]

I surprised noone answered this question. So let me offer some tips and give this post a "bump" at the same time, so other members can share their thoughts http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

I am going for an econonical upgrade. Would these steps make sense to the readers of this BB: 1. Bump up the memory to the max by putting in 4 sticks of 32MB EDO SIMMS? If so, will I need to replace the existing SIMM chips? Many hardware sites sell used chips - are these O.K.?


Yes, I would do this as well. I wouldn't buy "used" chips. but there are some places that still sell old inventory. I used onsale/egghead for this type of purchase in the past, but their gone now. Try here: http://www.provantage.com/FP_28240.HTM instead.

When upgrading from Win95 to 98 SE, what is the best way to do this? Price for an upgrade CD is approx $99 vs full upgrade of $175.

I stay away from upgrade CDs. If you can, spend the extra money on the full version. You'll proably save yourself some grief later on.

HP web site indicates a Pavilion PC BIOS Upgrade, version 1.00.03 DTOL (BIOS FLASH) dated April 22, 1998. What is this and do I need it? I suspect that it is related to the Y2K issue. Is there a web site that I can download a Y2K check on the bios? Sorry, but I do not have any specs on the MOBO, but can get that if it would help with this dialog. Thanks for any suggestions.


Yes, you can get that upgrade. However I don't belive it will help with your "hard drive" update. See below for details.

The current HD is 6GB - Would this be a good time to add another hd or perhaps yank the existing HD and replace it with a new one? If so, any recommendations for brands and what is the max capacity that my system will support?


The HP model you have only supports hard drives up to 8.4 GB in size. So you'll want to add a second drive of up to 8 gb in size to your computer. Anything bigger and you'll need "overlay" software. Some hard drives come with "overlays" so make sure any >8GB drive you buy has it. (but be careful "overlays" can sometimes be more trouble then their worth. Frankly I would never use one.)


The only problem with this pc has been the sound locking up occasionally. Any suggestions about upgrading the sound card?

This might just be old drivers. Check for driver updates for your card. If that doesn't work I would suggest Creative labs Sound blaster Live series. They have very good driver support and good price ranges.

Have fun http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by Ghost_Hacker (edited 02-02-2002).]

[Ghost_Hacker]

EDIT on the "upgrade memory" issue. Since your only using the computer for web surfing and word processing. You might be able to get away with 48MB to 64MB of Ram. My old 200Mhz Pentium chip ran Windows 98SE just fine on 64MB of ram. (and with a decent video card it played games very well too) You could use the money saved to buy the full version 98 CD or that bigger hard drive. (Which is proably a better upgrade than the memory anyway.)

[ranchdog]

G_H does such an excellent post I don't have much
to add.

SIMMS memory sticks will have to be used in pairs.

Shop around. Win98SE (Full) can be purchased much cheaper
than $175. In the range of $70-$75.


RD out.

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....How long is a minute... depends on which side of the Bathroom door you're on. ......
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[This message has been edited by ranchdog (edited 02-02-2002).]

[Marion Kid]

Thanks, Ghost_Hacker and others that replied. In regards to the memory upgrade link to Provantage http://www.provantage.com/FP_28240.HTM, I only found Viking components for the Pavillion 8175 series offering a 64Mb kit. Correct me if I am wrong, but from what the HP Pavillion PCs Memory Simms Spec sheet indicates: "...the system memory is exapnable to 128 MB. This is obtained by putting a 32 MB SIMM into each of the four sockets (4 x 32MB = 128 MB). SIMMS must be ordered and installed in pairs." I therefore assume that I would remove all of the existing SIMM chips and replace them with four 32MB SIMMs. Meaning, that I would not use the original chips. Am I correct? I am enjoying the "research" phase of my knowledge journey and realize than readers of this BB would say get on with it, Man. One other question. Now that I see the size of the case (almost like a small refrigerator) I am beginning to wonder if I should actually upgrade the motherboard and go for a higher upgrade. Anyone out there that has had luck with upgrading the max with a HP Pavillion 8175? Do I need to identify the MOBO and if so how is this done? Again, thanks. Appreciate the support.

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"One asks ...many listen ... all learn" Socrates

[mjc]

Any time you start messing with upgrading a motherboard on a proprietary system you strt into the realm of what next....

Hp uses custom built boards, ties the restore disk (which is how they package your OS) ot what they call a "tattoo", and several other things...essentially it is easier to start from scratch instead of piecemeal and grab a new OS in the process.

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[Marion Kid]

Thanks for the advice, MJC ~ I have also heard that the Gateway PCs are proprietary systems also. O.K., it seems to me to stick with the RAM memory upgrade and perhaps add a hard drive. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif Marion Kid

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"One asks ...many listen ... all learn" Socrates