I would like to upgrade my computer. I don't have any clue on how to do this or if I would need to. I think it would be cool to upgrade the fan and the PSU because I can find them both with lights. I would also like to upgrade the processor. please send your comments my way.
Thanks,
Robert Sadler

I do not see much room for upgrades. You could add an AGP graphics card & the power supply is rather on the low end @ 250 watts. Your RAM is already maxed @ 512MB. As to the processor we would need to know the motherboard ID which Compaq does not provide. You can run this scan & post back the info under Main Circuit Board

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Another issue that arises with a CPU upgrade is the possible need to re-install XP which I am unsure if your OEM will allow.

If I were you I'd be looking at new systems. This is my latest favorite dream site:

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv

__________________________________________
your specs:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c00009508

System Memory
512MB 133 MHz SyncDRAM, 2 Total DIMM Slots - Maximum of 512MB (SyncDRAM DIMM required)

Graphics
Integrated Savage4 AGP Graphics with 8 MB Dynamically allocated as video memory

Processor
AMD Athlon™ XP Processor Model 1700 (1.47 GHz)

System Bus
266 MHz System Bus

Power Supply
Steady-state 250 watts


Expansion Slots
• One (1) PCI slot with modem installed

• One (1) PCI slot with network card installed

• One (1) AGP slot open for expansion

• One (1) PCI slots open for expansion

Here is my mainboard info

Main Circuit Board
Board: Compaq 073Ch
Bus Clock: 133 megahertz
BIOS: Compaq 786K5 12/05/2001

I still see no substantial upgrades for that machine with the exception of a graphics card.
That board wouldn't handle much more of a processor.
As to a fan & PSU just make sure that what you are looking at is compatible with the case & board.

There is a guide in the following link on how to open the case under Installing etc. ...
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...=93315&dlc=en&

I'd agree about considering a whole new PC. Any new Intel-based system with 512Mb RAM would be much faster than this Compaq unit, particularly if you use it for graphics-intensive tasks (e.g. games, multimedia, etc) and you could get one with a decent dedicated graphics card. You can also get a nice TFT monitor in the package if you don't already have one - these give you a much clearer picture.

Dell are doing some amazing deals in the UK at the moment (http://www.dell.co.uk or http://www.dell.com for outside of the UK).