How do i upgrade my CPU and graphics card without buying a new desktop computer?
Modular Home Questions September 23rd, 2009I need a dual core CPU or higher and a graphics card of 128 mb of video ram ( I’m not technical about computers at all ).
This is the computer i have now. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Machine name: OPTIMA-CBB79571
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Optima
System Model: WorkPro/MyPC K8 Series (909751)
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 960MB RAM
Page File: 469MB used, 1845MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS.1
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
Reply for Mxdtr
Hi there.
Model number is: MyPc K8 456
Anthlon 64 3200+
S754 system
:0)
Reply for Mike H
Thanks for your help. When you say buy a whole new system, do you mean a new computer?
:0)
Angela
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Well, Mike H is pretty close with his info, but socket A, also known as socket 462, was used with the Athlon XP/MP 3200+, but not with the Athlon 64 3200+ that you have.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_A
Your processor uses socket 939
http://www.bayreviews.com/reviews/comphard/amd_athlon_64_3200.html
Socket 939 was also used for the Athlon 64 X2 dual core processor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_939
http://www.cpu-world.com/Sockets/Socket%20939.html
So physically, it is possible to put a dual core processor on your motherboard. However, just because it fits the socket, doesn’t mean it will work. Motherboards used for multi core processors have more voltage regulator circuits on them to support the additional core(s) than a motherboard used for a single core processor. It is possible that your motherboard supports both, but it’s hard to say without knowing what motherboard you have. Because Optima went out of business, finding info on your system is extremely difficult.
There is a utility you can use to find out your system info and what motherboard you have, it’s called CPUID.
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php#directions
You can download the zip file, unzip it, then open the application file and select mainboard and it will tell you what motherboard you have. Then you can search the web for info on that board and find out if it’s compatible with a multi core processor.
If it is, then it’s just a matter of finding something like this.
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103562
As for a graphics card, when you find your motherboard on the web, see what type(s) of interface slots it uses. Current graphics cards use the PCI Express x16 interface. If you don’t have one, you may have AGP or PCI slots. Knowing what slots you have will help you select a compatible card.
Whatever type card you use, make sure that you find out what it’s power requirements are, most PCI E x16 cards require a power supply upgrade.
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Unfortunately, you are trying to replace your CPU with one not compatible with your motherboard.
That your current CPU is a single core, means it’s the old Socket A AMD CPU.
You will first need to buy a new motherboard which supports AM2 CPU’s, THEN you can install a dual core AMD processor.
The problem however comes from then, you may well need new RAM and GPU anyway. As your GPU may be AGP and need updating to PCI-Express (2 different graphics card slots).
Next would be the RAM. I would guess that if you’re using a single core system, your 960MB RAM is most likely DDR. For a newer board, you would need DDR2 RAM, meaning new RAM aswell.
It won’t be cheaper, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’ll be a damn site easier buying a whole new system.
Edit: Ignore Zach’s answer if you want to keep any parts you buy. As I say, the old single core socket CPU’s are not compatibl with dual core. It’s an entirely different space.
Thus, if you buy one and try to put it in your current motherboard, it will not fit. If you try and cram it, or, pull the bar down while it’s sitting there, you wreck the CPU and have no way to get your money back due to user error.
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
If you want to upgrade them just go to best buy or any other computer store and search around for CPU cards and graphics cards when you find them take out your old graphic cards and CPU and replace them with your new ones, there should be instructions, and if there’s a problem go to geek squad and have them help you with your problem, and when buying, make sure it will work with the other components in your computer.
September 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Hello! Do you know the desktop computer system model number ?
Hope this helps?
Mxdtr