Advice on adding a SSD to an older computer

L

lapcat

New Member


Hi everyone, my name is Jim and this is my first post.
I think the forum looks fantastic and I can't wait to get some reading done. I've used forums before and I know that you should try and help yourself by searching first, which i did - but I am not getting any results so I will post my questions here in the hope one of you can either answer my questions or point me to the right direction.

I know a little about computers, more than the average Joe, but not a guru like many here. I want to upgrade the power of my desktop by installing a SSD, a new processor and max the RAM out. The desktop is getting pretty old in the tooth now - it's a single core Compaq that came out in 2007.

The Model is a Compaq Presario SR5120AN
The specs are here...

From reading what HP/Compaq have to say about upgrading I have to choose from these processors with these specs -

Socket type: AM2
TDP: 89 watt
Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:
Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology up to 5600+ (up to 89 watt)
Athlon 64 less than 4000+
Sempron less than 3800+

I'm running Windows 7 32bit atm, but can easily upgrade to a 64bit version if needed, then I could run the full 8Gb of RAM instead of the 3.5Gb with the 32bit system.

I understand how to configure the RAM for peak performance (I think) so the only other thing i want to upgrade is the HD. currently it's running a MHD straight from the factory -
Size: 80 GB
Interface: SATA
Transfer rating: 3.0 Gb/sec
Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM

Motherboard is stock too, here's a link to its details.

I would like to keep that MHD for temporary storage ect, and add a SSD (the biggest I can afford). now is that possible with my motherboard/processor.ram setup?
Or am I delusional, and should just buy a new PC.

Hope that was explained clearly enough -

Thanks in advance,

Jim :cool:
 
Get any SATA II or SATA III SSD and then install Windows x64 so you can use all 8GB of RAM.

What's your budget?
 
Well, I'm willing to spend what it will cost to get what I want. In other words - I might have to buy piece by piece until I can assemble it all.

I figured my RAM will be around the AUS$100 mark for 4x2Gb
The processor, well - I'm not quite positive what I'm looking at but I think about AUS$100-150???
I must admit that I am pretty confused about what I'm looking for - atm it's a little bit Chinese to me...
http://www.megabuy.com.au/amd-athlon-cpus-c71_72.htmlhere's a link to the page I was looking at for processors...

The SSD would rock in between AUS$250 - 500 dpending o whether I choose a 256 or a 512.

So all up - about AUS$500 - 750 + incidentals.

Will I have to increase cooling to run a bigger processor?

Thnaks for your help btw, :)
 
Ah just seen your board only supports older processors, AM2. You would probably be better off just building an entirely new system and keeping that Compaq as it is.

As for cooling, depends if you want to overclock or not. You won't be able to overclock on that Compaq (board and BIOS limitations), but if you build the PC yourself you could. If you don't want to overclock then no, just use the stock cooling.
 
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