Upgrading a Compaq deskpro desktop PC

Hi,

Can anybody advise on following for upgrading processor.

I have Compaq deskpro ENL/P733/10e/6/128c. Currently has Pentium 3.

What is socket type on motherboard ( i.e. is it no 478). Searched web sites but could not find this info.

Can i upgrade to pentium 4?
Are there other fast compatible processors?

Would this improve internet surfing/ graphics? I have 512 ram ( max) installed.


Many thanks.

 

The easiest way to get your system specs is to download and install Speccy. This will tell you all you need to know. It probably is Socket 478.

I have had a look at your system spec and you are pretty much maxed out. The only thing you could really do is upgrade from the P733 cpu to the P866 but you wouldnt get much of an improvement.

If you are struggling with performance you may wish to open the case and give the inside a good clean. Particularly around the CPU heatsink. I have found problems with the dust clogging up the heatsink and causing the CPU to get hot. This is detected by the motherboard which slows the CPU down to reduce heat and thus reduces your performance.

If after this your PC is still not meeting your needs then I am afraid you may need to upgrade your whole system.

Pre built systems come with proprietary components that make it difficult to upgrade them. So to get any sort of performance upgrade you would need to buy a new motherboard, CPU, RAM. However you probably cant mount a standard board the same case so you will then need a new case. You will also need a new PSU as the higher powered components draw more power and unless you bought a motherboard with an onboard GPU you would need a new Graphics card too. You may be able to use your existing HD but that is an ATA disk which will throttle your system performance.

Please let me know if you would like any further advice

 

Hi,

I installed speccy. Found mobo model number ( Compaq 0684) and had a look at possible processor upgrades on the net. Socket type is 370.

Conclusion - I may be flogging a dead horse to upgrade !! Will consider a new mobo, CPU, memory etc.

Thanks for your help.

 

No Problem. As I say in my previous post, your motherboard may be an ATX board but it is more than likely that it is a proprietry board that has custom mounting points. This will mean that you wont be able to mount a standard ATX board in your existing case. you will also need a new power supply and to be honest it is unlikely that you will be able to reuse any component thus you may get better value for money by buying a complete system. If you would like to custom build your own PC then there are plenty of people here myself inclusive who are able to advise.

 

Hi,

can somebody advise on following.

I am considering getting one of following mobo bundles from Amazon.

1. AMD Sempron 145 2.8Ghz CPU - ASRock 960GM-GS3 FX Motherboard - 4Gb DDR3 1333Mhz

OR

2. AMD Sempron 145 2.8Ghz CPU - ASRock N68 VS3 Motherboard - 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz Bundle

Do these bundles include the cooling fan for CPU ? Not obvious from Amazon.

What power supply do I need ? ( below 500 w or more ?). Can you recommend any make, not too expensive( below £50) ?

I am going to connect my existing ATA IDE devices ( 1 HDD, 1 DVD writer). May upgrade to SATA devices in future.

I have mini tower case, full tower case, or case of Compaq deskpro. Which should I use?

Thanks

 

You cannot move the drives without reinstalling Windows so .......
I don't know what you had in mind for a budget; but, here is a very nice Dell for 89 Euro's: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dell-Opti...t=UK_Computing_DesktopPCs&hash=item3ccdfc42a5
It can easilly be upgraded to run Windows 7 or 8 and, if you'd rather have XP, the Vista business license is legal for an XP downgrade: http://www.ecrater.com/p/15472989/dell-restore-disc-microsoft-windows?gps=1

 

If it doesnt say that the cooling is included I would assume that it isn't.

As far as power supply goes, I personally like Corsair and OCZ.

By connecting your ATA drive you will introduce a big bottleneck in your system. It will work but it will signifficantly reduce your performance. I would consider an SATA III drive, and maybe even a SSD

I dont know how much your bundles are priced at but I would compare them to an Intel i5. If the price is comparable then I would take the i5

I doubt your compaq case will fit not propriatary components. so it will have to go in either of your AXT towers. You may need to upgrade the cooling on the case depending how old they are.

I would suggest you price up all the components that you are going to need... Including a new Licence for Windows then compare that against buying a pre built system.