I have a Compaq 5000US and im looking to do some upgrades (Mainly Processor) to make it a PVR Machine.

I found the specs at http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...dlc=en&lang=en

If someone would help me figure out what kind of specs i can get out of this motherboard, I would be very grateful. Thanks!

The RAM & Video Card are upgradable bearing in mind the relatively small Power Supply (250W).

I don't think there is much you can do with the processor. I see some that claim they've gone from 750 to 900 at a considerable cost (including a new PSU).

I think that you are in a position where a new machine would be much more beneficial on all accounts.
Upgrading old machines is quite often more expensive & less satisfactory than buying the newest less expensive & better quality hardware.

& it's always nice to have the old backup!

Anyway just my 2¢

512Mb PC133 RAM that's guaranteed for compatibility with your Compaq model will cost you £93.98 from www.crucial.com/uk:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/MPar...&WSPN=CT283515

If you wanted to upgrade your OS to Windows XP, all drivers are available from Compaq:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...&dlc=en&os=228

I agree with Jephree - you should be able to fit a better graphics card but, particularly if you want a separate TV tuner card and a bigger (or second) hard disk, you should probably be looking for a bigger PSU.

Personally, for PVR use, I would want something faster than what your system's motherboard is likely to support although, to be honest, I couldn't easily find a technical spec for the motherboard on the Compaq site.

At the end of the day, I'm inclined to agree with Jephree on the idea of a whole new system. A decent PVR PC is likely to require some fairly extensive upgrading and, for about the same price, Dell would give you a brand new PC that's faster. http://www.dell.com.