EPTComputer Build Resource Thread - Page 234
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
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Malikari
Canada45 Posts
My bro's b-day is coming up, and I think that a nice gift would be to upgrade his awful, awful computer  It can't even play SCII at the lowest settings, which he would like to do. So, is there a cheap (<$200 Canadian) way to upgrade the parts of his computer w/o completely buying a new one, or is it a lost cause? He likely wouldn't be able to upgrade for another 2-3 years.His specs according to Speccy: CPU: AMD Athelon 64 X2 4200+ RAM: 5.0 GB DDR2 @ 244MHz Mobo: ASUSTek Computer INC. NODUSM2 (Socket AM2) Graphics: 128MB GeForce 6150 LE, his resolution is 1440x900 Not sure what else is pertinent, I'll update as required. Thanks in advance! | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
You'll first have to find out if his motherboard supports the newer AM3 processors such as the Athlon II X2 250 and if there is a PCI-E x16 slot for a graphics card. The motherboard must be capable of supporting the newer processors and have a PCI-E x16 slot for an upgrade to be worthwhile or else you would be better off by building an entirely new computer for ~$500. An Athlon II X2 250 and a Radeon 5670 would cost you around ~$110 and would be able to play SC2 pretty decently on low settings at a low resolution. | ||
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Malikari
Canada45 Posts
Do I need to open it up and check? What should I be looking for? | ||
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Myrmidon
United States9452 Posts
The main problem is the really ancient and terrible integrated graphics. Aside from that, the CPU is not very good (but not terrible) and will cause fps problems in lategame scenarios. But it would be playable with just a GPU upgrade. This GT 240 could easily handle medium settings at that resolution, possibly high depending on the desired fps. It would just be the CPU holding the system back then. The price is a very good $60, before 30 USD mail-in rebate. http://ncix.com/products/?sku=48629&promoid=1320 Look up the motherboard's exact model on the Asus website and see which CPUs are supported. If you're lucky, AM3 CPUs will be supported, perhaps after a BIOS update. In that case, you could add a Phenom II X2 (~$90). | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
On April 25 2011 13:12 Malikari wrote: Alright, how would I go about finding out this information? Sorry, I'm rather new at building computers =[ =[ =[ Do I need to open it up and check? What should I be looking for? Download CPU-Z ( http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html ) and look under Mainboard tab for the model number of your motherboard. From there, we can just look up the specs online. | ||
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Malikari
Canada45 Posts
 Gotta turn on his computer now, it's in the other room. Reporting back soon! | ||
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Malikari
Canada45 Posts
So far as I can tell, this corresponds to this? http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00714578&dlc=en&lc=en&cc=us Is this accurate? The website says it supports: AMD Athlon 64 Athlon 64 X2 up to 5000+ AMD Sempron | ||
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Myrmidon
United States9452 Posts
To confirm, you can open up the computer and look for the model number on the motherboard itself. While you're at it, determine if the computer case is a slimline model that takes half-height expansion cards, or if it takes normal full-size expansion cards. That would determine what new graphics card you could put in. edit: and while you're poking around inside the case, you might as well look at the power supply and see what it says about how much power it can handle: total wattage and anything about a 12V, 5V, and 3.3V. | ||
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Malikari
Canada45 Posts
Anyways, you're spot on. HP Computer, prebuilt (Dad's insane insistence, lucky I've moved out by now) :3 Power supply, I'm not sure how to read. It says Max 300W, then +12V +5V +3.3V There are other, lower wattage ratings, for different voltage combinations of the above three XP I'm *pretty* sure they're half-height expansion cards, dunno how to compare to know for sure though :3 Model number.. is in a hilariously placed location. I've found people on other forums complaining about how it is difficult to access on ASUS mobos. Unless I'm looking in the completely wrong place, I would have to remove the motherboard to get at it =[ edit: I'm guessing it's half-height since I measured a card attached already and it was ~2 inches. | ||
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Myrmidon
United States9452 Posts
This is low-profile (half-height): http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102829 This is normal size (full-height): http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131360 Some come with both brackets: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102874 I wouldn't get anything more than a HD 4650 on that computer though, especially for low settings. You could get an Athlon II or Phenom II X2 and a low-end compatible AM2+/AM3 motherboard that can use the existing DDR2 RAM, for under the rest of the budget. But I don't think that's worth the cost. Maybe you could also get something else like a new peripheral, monitor, speakers/headphones, or something like that, if you want to get more than just a HD 4650. | ||
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Malikari
Canada45 Posts
Sorry for the slow response times, I'm poking around the computer/Google, trying to educate myself. Just so I don't make any deadly assumptions... 1) A picture! + Show Spoiler + ![[image loading]](http://imgur.com/t8ot3.jpg) The graphics card goes in the dark brown slot, the leftmost one in this picture, yes? I don't know for sure, but judging by the size of the tower, would both a full or half-height card fit? 2) When you recommend a HD 4650, is this based on keeping the current mobo? It would run SCII on at least low, correct? Thank you for your patience | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
Yes, a 4650 would be a massive upgrade over your current integrated graphics card. | ||
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Malikari
Canada45 Posts
My brother will be pleased to no end, thanks again! The power supply will handle the upgrade, yes? ** Ty ^_^ | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
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Leeto
United States1320 Posts
Build: + Show Spoiler + Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131705 Intel core i5 2500k Antec 550W PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016 MSI Twin Frozr II | ||
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skyR
Canada13817 Posts
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Womwomwom
5930 Posts
1) Updating BIOS 2) Go into BIOS -> Advanced -> APM -> Enable PCIe (I think this is fine if you're not overclocking the GPU) Its a common problem with Asus P67 motherboards, no one really knows why it happens but it seems to be related to PCIe devices. | ||
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Leeto
United States1320 Posts
On April 25 2011 15:20 skyR wrote: Leeto, it's a common problem with the ASUS P8P67 series of boards. Your problem is explained here and various users have posted solutions as well: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1578675 I was actually on that site earlier, and tried the things he said. Updated the BIOS and enabled the power on by pcie option. It still has that problem. I guess I'll try some of the things the posters below suggested. Thanks! | ||
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RegenaRocket
15 Posts
What I'm looking to use it for: Gaming (Mainly SC2, Maybe WoW again.) I'd like to be able to stream if possible. I'd also be using it for my studies. Budget - I'm looking to stay around 700-900 total and I'd also like to grab windows 7 if i can along the way (: Thanks in advanced (: | ||
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