What To Do with My Slimline Computer?

J

JohnPetrucci00

New Member
Hello all,

I recently purchased a Compaq s5710f slimline desktop for normal home use as well as some occasional work, which includes CAD. For the most part I am happy with the performance, but I would like to upgrade the graphics card, which is impossible with this desktop. Here is a link to the specifications for the computer:

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavilion-slimline-s5710f/4507-3118_7-34451757.html

I have come up with a few options but have some questions...

Option #1: The motherboard has a "slot" for PCI Express x16, but the connector was not installed by the manufacturer. Is it possible to install this connector and then a graphics card? I would also have to upgrade the power supply since the current supply is 200W. Is there any issue with increasing to 300W? Am I going to fry anything?

Option #2: Transplant everything into a normal-size case and get a new motherboard. Any issues with doing this? As in option #1, the power supply would have to be upgraded.

Option #3: Install a graphics card in an available slot, i.e. PCI Express x1. Is it even worth using this slot since it's not x16?

Any other options/ideas?

Thanks.

-John
 
Thats the whole problem with buying OEM computers, not much upgradeability and plus the slim line cases much it that much harder.

If I were you, and if you have the money, get a new motherboard, case, power supply, and operating system(since the one that came with the system can't be used on the motherboard)

Let us know what type of games you want to play so we can recommend good card and a decent enough power supply that will push it.
 
Thanks for the reply. I (obviously) want to spend as little as possible. I'm currently using linux (openSuSe 11.3), and I don't play games. The graphics card would be used for CAD applications, visualizing simulation results (CFD), occasionally generating animations, and some photo/video editing.

My desktop at work seems to perform well, and has an NVidia Quadro FX 3500. I'm pretty sure NVidia doesn't manufacture that card anymore, but any idea what a current equivalent would be?

Thanks again.

-John
 
well if you're on linux then you should be fine with a new mobo as there will be no liscencing issues as far as i know, otherwise you can make a copy of the os usin an app om linux so it installs the same again.

but how much do you actually want to spend on it, and what country are you in so we know what site to look at.
 
The computer cost about $360 total with an upgrade to the RAM, so it would be nice to spend $100 or less (if possible). I'm in the U.S. by the way.

Does anyone know if it's possible to keep the current motherboard and install a PCI Express x16 connector? That would definitely keep the cost lower.
 
can you open it and see if the longer skinnier one is in there, just to make sure, otherwise i don't know of a way to add one and doubt there is one.

utx58_pcie_assignment.png
 
JohnPetrucci00 said:
The computer cost about $360 total with an upgrade to the RAM, so it would be nice to spend $100 or less (if possible). I'm in the U.S. by the way.

Does anyone know if it's possible to keep the current motherboard and install a PCI Express x16 connector? That would definitely keep the cost lower.
Click to expand...

For a normal user, no, you can't install a pci express connector without ruining the motherboard. You are looking at replacing the motherboard.

Here is his motherboard layout.

c02552642.jpg
 
Yeah that motherboard really has to go. Those sorts of OEM boards are engineered to the bare minimum to keep costs down. It looks like the kind of mobo I had in one of my Packard Bell PC's circa 1998. The RAM is also slow.

If you want to game, then in order to recommend a GPU, we will need to know what resolution you intend to play at and what you budget is. Remember you're also going to need a new psu and a new copy of Windows.

It'd almost work out better to just sell the whole pc and start from scratch. You say that you bought this PC recently. Can I just ask why that is, seeing as you want to start upgrading it already?
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. It seems like the general consensus is what I already suspected - I'm better off starting from scratch.

I bought the computer recently and hadn't gotten into working on computers at all. In the last few months I've gained some experience and realize it's pretty easy to upgrade computers, but I'm stuck with this non-upgradeable PC.

Oh well, I've learned my lesson. My next purchase will be smarter.
 
not all bad, the ram cpu and hdd and stuff like that are fine, only real problem is the case, mobo, and the psu.
 
Do you guys think it's a waste of money to get a PCI Express x1 card? Are the x16 cards that much faster where it would warrant transplanting everything to a new case and getting a new power supply and motherboard?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top