Can I Upgrade My HP Compaq Microtower CPU?

A

ajw06

New Member
Can I Upgrade My HP Compaq Microtower CPU? The current installed CPU is a
Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 would i be able to install a Intel Core 2 Quad
Q6600. Would the installed motherboard accept this CPU.
 
ajw06 said:
Can I Upgrade My HP Compaq Microtower CPU? The current installed CPU is a
Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 would i be able to install a Intel Core 2 Quad
Q6600. Would the installed motherboard accept this CPU.
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I doubt it. Computer manufacturers like HP do not install "open" motherboards in their PC's. Yeah, it's Socket 775, but it's proprietary. The BIOS, I think, is programmed to recognize only the E2160. It's an interesting question, but I don't think it's likely. Go to the HP support site and chat with a customer service person, or call them.
 
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It's possible that the mobo will not support a 1066 MHz front side bus. The processor currently installed is 800 MHz.
 
Instead of upgrading your cpu, you need to upgrade your GPU. That onboard video really sucks! Since your motherboard has 1 pci-e 16 slot, you can upgrade your video card and get much better performance.

As for upgrading your cpu, I can not tell if your motherboard supports quad cores. I can not find anything saying it can or can't.
 
paratwa said:
Instead of upgrading your cpu, you need to upgrade your GPU. That onboard video really sucks! Since your motherboard has 1 pci-e 16 slot, you can upgrade your video card and get much better performance.

As for upgrading your cpu, I can not tell if your motherboard supports quad cores. I can not find anything saying it can or can't.
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I agree. With regard to the CPU, I would strongly recommend contacting HP by phone or through "Live Chat" at their support site. It's really hard to find info on OEM motherboards.

I've tried various upgrades on my Sony Vaio. In the past, the only way I could find out if my upgrade would be compatible was by contacting Sony. :)
 
ajw06 said:
Have contacted HP. What GPU do you suggest, i want dual screens. DVI connection would be better.
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That depends on your power supply. We need to know the total watts produced, and the amount of amps pushing the +12V rail(s). This information can be found on your PSU inside the case.
 
OUCH! Your system only has a 250 watt PSU, There is not much you can do to upgrade to run todays games. I would be afraid to even try installing a Q6600 in it.
 
paratwa said:
OUCH! Your system only has a 250 watt PSU, There is not much you can do to upgrade to run todays games. I would be afraid to even try installing a Q6600 in it.
Click to expand...

Did you find that PSU info off the support site?
 
mep916 said:
Did you find that PSU info off the support site?
Click to expand...

Yes.


Power features
Passive Power Factor Correction (PFC) - with line switch set to 230V - No PFC in 115V line switch position; 90 to 140VAC, or 180 to 264VAC operating voltage range; 100 to 127 VAC, or 200 to 240VAC rated voltage range; 50-60 Hz rated line frequency; 47-63 Hz operating line frequency range; 80-mm power supply fan - variable speed for optimum acoustics; Power Consumption in ES Mode - Suspend to RAM (S3) (Instantly Available PC)
Power consumption
250 watts maximum
Power requirements
Input voltage 90 – 264 / 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 47 – 63 Hz, passive PFC
 
paratwa said:
Yes.


Power features
Passive Power Factor Correction (PFC) - with line switch set to 230V - No PFC in 115V line switch position; 90 to 140VAC, or 180 to 264VAC operating voltage range; 100 to 127 VAC, or 200 to 240VAC rated voltage range; 50-60 Hz rated line frequency; 47-63 Hz operating line frequency range; 80-mm power supply fan - variable speed for optimum acoustics; Power Consumption in ES Mode - Suspend to RAM (S3) (Instantly Available PC)
Power consumption
250 watts maximum
Power requirements
Input voltage 90 – 264 / 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 47 – 63 Hz, passive PFC
Click to expand...

Yep. Getting a new card really isn't an option. :(
 
Option 1: Upgrade CPU to E4500. but I doubt if there is huge improvment
Option 2: Upgrade PSU (>$50??), Upgrade GPU (>$200??), should preform lots better.
 
It's a microtower... if you want to upgrade I would suggest moving everything into a new case. Your current case only supports certain PSUs and GPUs made for smaller cases.
 
ajw06 said:
Is that right that it ill only support certain types of PSU and GPU. how do i know hat will fit.
Click to expand...

You will not find a PSU suitable for that case. The case is not standard ATX. "Modifying" the case to fit a standard ATX PSU will not work and would be a waste of time, IMO.
 
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