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View Full Version : Upgrading suggestions...

aloha
09-28-2007, 02:39 PM
The computer that I have is basically an HP Pavilion a1410n with an additional HD and 1 GB RAM. I am considering replacing/upgrading the following:
1. Motherboard - Nagami GL8E
2. Processor - AMD Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4GHz
3. Chipset - GeForce 6150LE

What would be a decent combination for the motherboard and CPU? And a decent video card? The computer is used for some gaming, such as Flight sim programs, etc, as well as general web-browsing, etc.

Thanks
saphalline
09-30-2007, 01:10 AM
You do realize it's not quite as easy as that?

OEM systems do not use standard parts. Replacing the mobo alone would likely require a new case and PSU, not to mention a new copy of Windows. And you want to replace the CPU and vid card, as well? At that point, you may as well build a completely separate system and leave your HP desktop alone.

If you do merely want to upgrade, however, it's possible to stick a 939 X2 in that mobo, as well as a PCIe vid card, for a fantastic gaming performance boost! Then all you'd need is a new PSU (which may not fit into that tiny HP case - hang out the back or something) and perhaps some more RAM and you'd be back in business! :cool:
aloha
10-01-2007, 01:30 AM
Yeah, I kind of figured that was the case with the mobo, but I had to ask. Thanks for the advice, though I'm not sure that this board will support a PCIe video card. Is there a big difference (performance) in the 939 X2 from what I have?
Thanks again
saphalline
10-01-2007, 06:41 PM
According to the specs on HP's site (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00607954&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=1841799&lang=en), there's a free PCIe x16 slot. Those are all standard, so it can definitely handle a new vid card. You just need to make sure the PSU is up to the task. ;) Which it probably isn't for a high-end vid card, thus I suggested a PSU upgrade.

Is there a big difference (performance) in the 939 X2 from what I have?Hahahahahaaa! For flight sims and other gaming!? YES!! Dual-core is where it's at for gaming these days. In fact, there are quite a few current and upcoming games that require a dual-core CPU! If you don't have one, the game won't run. At all.