JJMc 0 Report post Posted November 1, 2003 I have a 5 yr old HP Pavilion that is slow as hell. It's got a 300 mHz AMD processor, 2 HDs (4 GB & 40 GB) and 256 MB of RAM. I think the RAM is reasonably good. Anyway, if I just bought a new motherboard and say a 2 gHz processor, and throw XP on there (also maybe up it to 512 MB of RAM), would that make it at least somewhat speedy? I don't need it to be lightning fast, just good for web browsing, etc. I'm looking to spend about $250 (we're talking used stuff here). I have no idea what this stuff would cost. Would this be in my price range? Any help is appreciated. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lando Griffin 0 Report post Posted November 1, 2003 Is it one of those little proprietary cases? If so, you'll probably need to just get another machine. If it is a standard case, though, it should probably work. HP computers are notoriously proprietary, making upgrading an unattractive option. I would probably just get a new computer, though. You can find a perfectly good computer for not much more than the $250 you mentioned, and you can sell yours on eBay to make up the differnece, or you can keep it and experiment with Linux, which I always recommend. But again, if the computer is a standard case and motherboard size (which would shock me) upgrading the motherboard and processor would be a fun activity. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJMc 0 Report post Posted November 2, 2003 Actually, it is in a standard size case. I had to have this done after blowing the original power supply. The new power supply I bought wouldn't fit into the original case. And when you say "fun activity", do you mean "colossal pain in the ass", or "fun activity?" Thanks man. -Jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted November 2, 2003 Well lets start with what you most likely will need: New motherboard - $100 for a good one that will last a bit CPU - 70-120 - you can go low and boost up when you get some more cash and that would be for a 2 GHZ Celeron probably. RAM 512 - 80-$100 Total so far on the low end : Let's say $350 Now if you don't get a card with onboard NIC/Sound or Video you are looking at possibly 3 other cards as well. You will probably spend around $400 or so at least since your RAM is too old and onboard video is ok but it will share your system ram. If the MB has no soundcard then you are looking at around 40 for a decent SoundBlaster Live.. don't even go anywhere near those Phillips cards. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JJMc 0 Report post Posted November 2, 2003 Thanks bro. So you'd go for a Celeron over say a Pentium III/IV? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted November 2, 2003 No I wouldn't but it's good enough for just about anything other than high end gaming. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted November 2, 2003 ^^^ What he said. If you are using this comp for playing games then you definitely want a P3/P4 as opposed to Celeron. Rant I have a question for you... I am also looking to upgrade, and I also have a stupid HP Pavillion with the proprietary case. I have been shopping around online for a good MB Combo for a while now just seeing what kinds of packages I can get a great deal on. If I buy a standard case, and throw the new Motherboard I buy into that case, I should be able to usemy current Hard Drive, CD-RW, Floppy Drive, etc. with the new Motherboard right? Would there be any other things I need to buy? If you need more info on what i'm trying to do just let me know and i'll answer whatever questions. I'm basically looking for a P4 around 2Ghtz or higher (800FSB) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrRant 0 Report post Posted November 2, 2003 You should be able to harvest everything except for the RAM. Buy the case AFTER you get the Motherboard so you have the correct power supply. And for the love of god make sure you buy a case with good air flow so you may want to spend a bit more for a case say in the $60 range. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cartman 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2003 Ahhh thank you. I was also wondering about the RAM. Looks as if I should make sure to get RAM included with my MB Combo order Good idea for the case after the MB too, I saw a few nice Cases at Comp USA the other day around 70-100 bucks. Also, I have a 400W Power supply already since my original one blew up...it didnt fit in this case but it should fit in a standard size case I assume? (right now it's just hooked up like shit hanging out the back of my case lol) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
