Old HP a705w upgrades?

[YoungGun21]

Ok well I was gonna just build a whole new computer had everything picked out but then decided I want a Wii. So, I am just going to upgrade memory and video card. This is a PCI only comp (yes this thing is like 4+ years old) so I picked out the best PCI card I could find http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814103016 and wanted to know if there was anything better and to make sure it is compatible.

For the memory I heard it only uses certain types of memory and I need to buy from a place that sells RAM guaranteed to work. Right now I have 2 256MB sticks in and I was wondering if everything would work right if I threw in a 1GB stick and took one 256mb out? http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Pavilion+a705w

I will probably just build a new rig like this time next year maybe a little later... so this stuff should hold me over until then.

 

[DaveSimmons]

That's a lot of money to sink into the PC.

What will you use the video card for?

What do you need the extra memory for?

Depending on what you want to do, this might make more sense for $100 less:
1. nvidia fx5500 $55 ( Item #: N82E16814130255 link )
2. a 512 MB stick from Crucial instead of 1GB (check your manual or find a PDF of it at hp.com to see if you can mix sizes)

This gives you faster video, +256 MB memory (256+512), +16-32 MB memory once you disable the onboard graphics (which steal from main RAM).

 

[YoungGun21]

Sorry should have said I already put in an FX5200 a while back but it just doesn't cut it anymore.

I game a little bit... BF2, DOD:S, R6, couple other games too...

So you think just the 512MB would be better? 768mb vs 1.2gb? Not worth the money?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Gah, $240 for 1 GB and an x1300.

But it will give you a better BF2 etc. experience than 768 and fx5500.

The question is, will you be happy with just "a little better" for another year? If not, maybe you should put that money towards a full upgrade instead, and try to do it sooner.

 

[YoungGun21]

Now that you say it $240 is kind of alot for a temp upgrade... I think I'll just go with the 512MB stick and the X1300.

Thanks for your help!

Wish I had more free cash ATM... but I think the Wii is just too good to pass up!

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: YoungGun21
Now that you say it $240 is kind of alot for a temp upgrade... I think I'll just go with the 512MB stick and the X1300.

Thanks for your help!

Wish I had more free cash ATM... but I think the Wii is just too good to pass up!

gah..a Celeron I'd leave that alone and save towards a new build in Mar thru May sometime ..aim for about $600 or so ..quite a few people grab a new HP/Compaq/Gateway/Emachine(some can be had for around $250-300 after mirs) and add memory/graphics card

The HP Pavilion a705w desktop PC (part number PJ562AA) is a component of the HP Pavilion a705w-b desktop PC holiday bundle (part number PJ563AA) and is available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores. The holiday bundle includes:
HP Pavilion a705w desktop PC
HP vx74c 17-inch CRT monitor monitor specifications
HP FLC 2.0 speakers
Hardware
Base processor
Intel Celeron(P) 340 2.93 GHz
533 MHz Front side bus
Socket mPGA478
Chipset
845GV
Motherboard
MSI name: MS-6577 v.3x ATX
HP/Compaq name: Giovani2-GL6
Motherboard specifications
Memory
Component Attributes
Memory Installed 256 MB
Maximum allowed 1 GB (2 x 512 MB)
Speed supported PC2700 MB/sec (messages at PC2100)
Type 184 pin, DDR1-333 SDRAM
DIMM slots Two

Hard drive
40 GB Ultra DMA
5400 rpm
CD-RW/DVD combo drive
48x32x48x16x Feature Maximum Speed
CD write 48x
CD rewrite 32x
CD read 48x
DVD read 16x

Modem
PCI K56flex data/fax modem
Video graphics
Integrated graphics with up to 64 MB shared video memory
Sound/audio
Integrated AC97 audio
Six speaker configurable
Shipping default is 2-channel mode
Driver selectable modes are 2/4/6 channels or headphone
Network
Integrated 10/100Base-T networking interface
9-in-1 card reader
USB interface
9-in-1 digital media card reader supports the following cards:
Compact Flash I
Compact Flash II
SmartMedia
Memory Stick
Memory Stick Pro
MultiMediaCard
Secure Digital (SD)
Micro Drive
xD Picture Card (xD = extreme digital)
External I/O ports
I/O ports on the front panel
Port type Quantity
USB (2.0) One (on 9-in-1 card reader)
9-in-1 card reader One card with four slots
Line-in One
Headphone One
Microphone One

I/O ports on the back panel
Port type Quantity
USB (2.0) Four
Audio One each (line-in, line-out, microphone)
Serial One
Parallel One
VGA (monitor) One
LAN One
PS/2 (keyboard, mouse) Two

Expansion slots (total)
Slot type Quantity
PCI Three (two available)
DIMM Two (one available)
AGP No AGP slot on this model

Drive bays (total)
Bay type Quantity
5.25-inch, external Two (one available)
3.5-inch, internal One (occupied)
3.5-inch, external Two (one available)

Keyboard and mouse
HP keyboard (PS/2)
HP scroller mouse (PS/2)

 

[YoungGun21]

You don't think I should upgrade at all? You think the $150 ($85 for vid card+$60 for ram + S&H) would be best as money saved?

That would let me get a little better parts when I rebuild but I won't be rebuilding for over a year. I'll save up whatever I can throughout the year and then my Bday and my Christmas money should give me $1200 or so.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: YoungGun21
You don't think I should upgrade at all?

nope

You think the $150 ($85 for vid card+$60 for ram + S&H) would be best as money saved?

yes as you would most likely not be able to reuse said parts on your next build

That would let me get a little better parts when I rebuild but I won't be rebuilding for over a year. I'll save up whatever I can throughout the year and then my Bday and my Christmas money should give me $1200 or so.

I didn't say rebuild that hp ..build fresh or buy a better newer machine then add memory/graphics card when your finances improve.. an 845gv/Celeron isn't worth the effort for upgrading esp. gaming..