I have about $400 and would like to upgrade processor and video card.

Here is my spec's
Btw, I have a INviada 7900 GTS

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...245028&lang=en


I need to know things like, do I need a new MB, if so, what kind? Can my BIOS be updated to support a new processor? I would like to get quad core.

Or do I just start buy piece by piece for a totally new one?

Thanks

This is your board:

http://www.tradeindia.com/selloffer/...therboard.html

Supports the following processors:
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E4x00 with Dual Core Technology
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6x00 with Dual Core Technology

You can up the 6300 stock to 6600 but only duo core.

That would be an upgrade. From 1.86GHz to 2.4GHz

You can go to at least an 8600 GPU if not 8800 depending on your PSU Wattage.

If you want more than that start from scratch.

I have 500 Watt PS. Going from 1.8 to 2.4 is that much of an improvement or so I just start over from strach?

What are you wanting to use the computer for?

With that CPU upgrade and a 8600 or 8800 GPU you can probably make a noticeable difference but that is all you can do.

Using a 32 bit OS more than 2GB RAM is wasted.

My personal opinion is not to upgrade pre-built computers. That is a decent HP product. If you want more than start your own build.

I use my computer for gaming like COD4 and Madden football.

If I start over can you post me some good MB/processors ..et?

What about the color slots from memory I have? I see one is blue and one is black. Are those dual paging slots? If so, will using dual paging better then running single sticks of memory?

I think cases/dvd drives/Harddrives/sound cards shouldn't be a big cost via MB/Video/CPU's.

I have $400 right now and possiblity of getting $300 more. Where should the first $400 go?

Btw thanks for all the help man.

You could run dual channel RAM.

You would need to get a pair of 1GB for a total 2GB.

Most manufacturers sell packaged pairs for this purpose.

Unfortunately trying to mix brands and or speeds is very troublesome.


As to a new build I'll look around for some ideas when I have more time.

Here is what I looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131013


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103191

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156091

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150261

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835887002

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136062

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227195

My questions are; Would be more advange for me to buy 2 8600 series Video Cards vs one 8800? Is that MB Raid available? If so, buying two HD for better performance?

It all looks nice.

I personally only use Intel but that is my personality.

Anyway the case has a "combo deal" on a PSU: did you see that?

Nice case by the way.

I would say one 8800 is better than 2 8600.

2 hard drives are nice. There is RAID if you want one for backup but I'd run two in a normal configuration.

One for Windows and Program Files and the other for documents; pictures; videos; etc.

Also 4gb RAM will be "wasted" unless you have XP or Vista 64 bit.

2GB is all you need on a 32 bit.

Thanks,

I have Intel now in my HP and I am very happy with it. I was only using AMD until now. The biggest thing I find with AMD is that, AMD is much cheaper and like so many say, "AMD is for gaming."

Is that case a full case or mid?

So, I will get one 8800 then and I use 2 HD like you stated. Btw, when you use new HD do you have to partiton and format each new HD you install?