Noob question: HP Pavillon A6245N - how upgradable/viable?

[runn]

Base processor
Core 2 Quad Q6600 (K) 2.4 GHz (95W)
1066 MHz front side bus
Socket 775
Chipset
Intel G33 Express
Motherboard
Manufacturer: Asus
Motherboard Name: IPIBL-LA
HP/Compaq motherboard name: Berkeley-GL8E
2G RAM, 320G Hard drive

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc [...] 57&lang=en

How's this prebuilt system?

I'm a noob so I don't feel comfortable with overcloking to improve the cpu speed. I use the computer to do a lot graphics editing/photoshoping, but I'm thinking of getting a new console, so the gaming part probly won't be very heavy. Other than that it's be mostly for office/net/email etc... I don't think I have much use for a quad core as of now, but I want my PC to last as long as it can. How much time can I last on it before this system becomes obsolete? Any possibility of upgrading the CPU once more quads are out and the price drops? Or will I be better off with a lower end dual core now and upgrade to quads in 1-2 years?

Thanks!

 

[Rottie]

If it is prebuilt then you can't upgrade CPU or Grahpic card in the future but of course you can upgrade hard drive and memory that is it.

 

[JustaGeek]

Originally posted by: Rottie
If it is prebuilt then you can't upgrade CPU or Grahpic card in the future but of course you can upgrade hard drive and memory that is it.

You might not be able to upgrade the CPU, but you certainly can add a Video Card.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfr...3577457&dlc=en&lang=en

This MB has a PCIe x16 slot, so as long as you PSU allows, you can install a powerful Video Card for a pretty good gaming system.

That's what I have done with my Pavilion a250n before I built my current computers over 1 year ago. It came with nVidia Geforce4 MX 440 AGP 8x - upgraded the 250W stock PSU to Antec TP 480 (still use it), VC to BFG 6800NU, then BFG 7800GS.

Great machine - go for it!

 

[runn]

I forgot to mention that the system came with an LG L222wt monitor for 1000$, is it a good deal?

As for the graphic card, nVidia Geforce 8800 GT seems to be popular, what kind of power supply should I use with this?

 

[JustaGeek]

The monitor by itself is about $300. If you are not planning to build your own computer, a $1,000 for the Quad with the 22" LCD is agreat deal, IMO.

8800GT requires a minimum ~425-450W PSU. Even if the others might not agree with me, I would recommend 500W+.

CompUSA has my Antec TruePower Trio 650W for $69.99 AR - a great PSU, IMO.

Or get the same Antec Trio in 550W version from Newegg for $59.99 AR.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371002

Plenty of power for future upgrades.

Good luck!

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek

Originally posted by: Rottie
If it is prebuilt then you can't upgrade CPU or Grahpic card in the future but of course you can upgrade hard drive and memory that is it.

You might not be able to upgrade the CPU, but you certainly can add a Video Card.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfr...3577457&dlc=en&lang=en

This MB has a PCIe x16 slot, so as long as you PSU allows, you can install a powerful Video Card for a pretty good gaming system.

That's what I have done with my Pavilion a250n before I built my current computers over 1 year ago. It came with nVidia Geforce4 MX 440 AGP 8x - upgraded the 250W stock PSU to Antec TP 480 (still use it), VC to BFG 6800NU, then BFG 7800GS.

Great machine - go for it!

I am sorry is this a laptop or PC?

 

[runn]

desktop.