Upgrading an HP computer

[haut]

I have a friend whose dad just bought a (yuck) HP computer. Its a 1.0 GHz Athlon, 128 RAM, DVD, CDR, 60GB, and 11MB shared Video RAM. I told him that the integrated video is probably the biggest bottleneck, but what do you guys think? He would possibly be willing to put a better video card in it because he wants it fast. He doesn't want to take it back because he likes how it looks. Also, what is a good PCI video card for pretty cheap? Thanks.
--Ryan

 

[lowtech1]

It is a fine puter if you don't play too many 3D games, but you might want to up the ram to 256megs since ram price is low at the moment.

 

[majewski9]

In my opinion you need more ram! Get a 256meg stick of probaly PC133! I think a good AGP vid card is better than the best PCI card.

The cheapest cards available are PCI. Ummm.....The Gf2 MX PCI from EVGA.com is about the best cheap card. You might consider a voodoo 5 PCI also, but that is more expensive.

 

[haut]

Thanks for the quick replies! There isn't an AGP slot on it that I saw because it uses integrated video (uses UP TO 11MB of RAM). The only video card that could go in would be PCI. Thanks!
--Ryan

 

[TruculentTucan]

I would just break the HP and then return it and say it was defective... if it was really that new. Then use the 1500 he shelled out and build him a better system for 1/2 the price.

 

[haut]

He paid $1100 for it with the 17" monitor and he said he didnt want to build one because he wanted: a)warranty, b)software packages, and c)the same computer as my friends girlfriend. I told him I spent about the same on my computer building it myself, but he still likes his Pavilion. Oh well.
--Ryan