Confused on CPU

G

glp103

Member
I have an HP a1640n desktop computer

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?product=3245028&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us

and I am looking to upgrade the cpu. I am confused as to what my options are. It currently has a intel e6300 1.86ghz. What are my best upgrade options?
According to the spec. sheet from HP I have to stay within the e6x00 series. Is my best bet the e6850?

Motherboard specifications table
Part / Feature Specification / Support
Motherboard description Motherboard manufacturer's name: ASUS P5BW-LA
HP/Compaq name: Buckeye-GL8E

CPU/Processor Socket: 775
Supports the following processors:
Intel Core Duo E6x00 with Dual Core technology (Conroe core)
Pentium D 9x0 series Dual Core (Presler)
Pentium D 8xx series (Smithfield)
Pentium 4 6x1 series (Cedar Mill core)
Pentium 4 6xx series (Prescott core)
Pentium 4 5xx series (Prescott core)
Pentium 4 LGA-775 HT (Prescott core)
 
In my opinion it isn't worth upgrading the current processor you have. The increase in processing you will see is minimal. If you want to upgrade look at upgrading your video card or the entire motherboard and processor.
 
Is there a combo. worth getting under $200.00. Also, if I replace the motherboard will I have a problem with the pre-installed OS working, because it might think I tried to install it on another computer?
 
You will need to reinstall the operating system if you change the motherboard and processor. The case you have may also not fit an ATX size motherboard. For $200 you are limiting your upgrade options as your system isn't too outdated.

The AMD Phenom II 710 Tri-Core processor would be a decent upgrade from your current processor. It is currently $124 at NewEgg.com.

This motherboard will work with the Phenom II 710 processor:

GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P - $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128378

You will also need to buy DDR3 RAM as that is the only memory that will work with this board.

Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) - $25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148148

You will likely also have to buy a another computer case and a Windows Operating System. An upgrade will not be cheap. Likely at least $465. I would start saving your money.

Edit: Also if you don't have a video card you will need to purchase one as the motherboard I recommended has no onboard video.
 
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I think I would take 2048's original advice. CPU upgrades of the same type for a higher clock speed are usually a disappointment when everything else is the same. It is not worth doing, regardless of the price. Put the $200 into your retirement account. HP cases are proprietary. I haven't seen one yet that will accept a vanilla ATX board without modification. Use the computer until it doesn't work for you any more and, when you replace it, get a generic or white box computer so you don't run into these issues again.
 
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