Compaq SR1710NX changing cpu question

[raymel1]

I have a Desktop that I would like to get more out of, as I really don't want to have to buy a new pc right now. I have 1.68GB RAM to be exact., other than that, the PC is stock.

Compaq Presario SR1710NX Desktop PC

Base processor
Sempron (P) 3400+ 2.0 GHz
1600 MT/s (mega transfers/second)
Socket 939

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&objectID=c00572527

I have no experience at all in changing a cpu, but I have read that the

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual-Core 2.0GHz Socket 939

has been used by other people to upgrade their PC to a dual core cpu.

I would like the expertise of you here to let me know if it would be alright for me to purchase a AMD 64 X2 3800+ Socket 939 and swap it with the cpu I have now.

If it were switched, how much of a benefit would I get, or would i just be better off to get another pc.

I dont play alot of video games on my pc, but I would like to play Left 4 Dead and maybe Left 4 Dead 2 when that comes out, but that isnt the biggest reasons for me to make this pc faster. If i cant bring this pc up enough to play Left 4 Dead maybe Left 4 Dead 2, ill just use a xbox 360 for them.

I would like your opinions, and helpful links if possible, in what I can do to make this pc last longer.

thank you

[123456]

Better off getting a new computer. They demand a much better processor than what you specified, more RAM, a better PSU, and a powerful video card.

[mjc]

Yes, you can probably replace the processor...but the 3800 in the 939 config was never a common processor and now that it is several generations old, it is harder to find and at about $70 (found one online) it isn't worth the cost.

You would more than likely need to replace the stock cooler (another $20-$30) and possibly the power supply (HP/Compaq are notorious for their barely adequate power supplies....add another $50). To get any kind of decent gaming performance, you'll need a video card...something other than the onboard graphics the machine comes with (another $60 or more for adequate up to over $100 for 'good'...the case probably wouldn't fit/handle a 'great' card...and neither would the power supply). So you'd be up to about $250 for 'upgrades'...on a 4 year old machine that's at least 2 generations behind the curve.

A new machine, in the long run, will be a better deal...