Upgrading store bought HP

I bought a HP a6200n early last December. Not a bad machine all in all, but now I want to "unlock its potential" with things I think should have been included in the first place. Like max. RAM, faster processor, a decent video card, and therefore a power supply. (Next time I think I might try building my own, probly be cheaper.) But anyway, HP support says the max. p.s. available is only 460W, which they are happy to sell me, and they tell me to use Athlon64 X2 5600+ 2.8GHz 89W, not the Athlon64 X2 6400+ 3.2GHz 125W. I can't find these limits in any of the specs. Can anyone tell me how HP came up with them?

 

Using your link http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...91&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3548643&lang=en
I looked up your specs, and you're right... not a bad PC. IMHO, I think the RAM is OK unless you have a 64bit operating system. The CPU is good too, but you can always go faster If HP says the 5600+ is the fastest CPU for that board, they're probably telling you the truth. AMD chips have many different cores even if the number is the same. For example: if you have a 3200+, it could be a Venice core, a Clawhammer core, Windsor core, etc... and certain motherboards will only accept certain cores. I had a motherboard that supported the Venice and Windsor core 3200+, but not the Newcastle core 3200+. This is due to power ratings, the die process, and some other super technical stuff. But, the power supply that you can use is only limited if the case will not take a standard ATX power supply. Luckily, the days where HP and EMachine used non-standard power supplies and cases are pretty much long gone, thankfully If you have any other questions, feel free to post.

 

dlb- thanks. The CPU I have now is the Athlon 64 x2 5000+, Brisbane core. The 5600+ upgrade they recommend is a Windsor core, as is the 6400+ I want. The main difference between the upgrades is 1.30/1.35V and 1.35/1.40V, respectfully. It seems negligible, but I don't make the rules. That leaves me with room for only 0.2GHz upgrade but I will do it anyway for double the L2 cache. As for the p.s, If I choose a third party 500W unit over their 460W, I won't blow anything up then, right?

 

No, you'll be OK. I usually recommend a minimum of 500w power supply to anyone doing any type of gaming or high end computing. Under 500w is OK if it kicks out high amps on the 12V rail(s)... Even though the GHZ increase is minor, doubling the L2 cache is a definite performance boost.... Before you invest in any CPU, try to research the motherboard using the model number printed on the board (or use something like PCWizard or Everest to report the model number). Try to get info from the motherboard's original maker (NOT Hewlett Packard) or another independent source to accurately find out exactly which CPUs are supported. According to HP, the mobo is made by ECS (Elitegroup Computer Systems) and is model MCP61PM-HM. Run Everest or PCWizard to double check this model number. Then start Googling, and check the ECS web site. I found this list at ECS, but it is NOT for your exact model. It is for one with very similar specs, and similar chipset. The info for this board is:
Model: C51PVGM-M
Chipset: nVIDIA® GeForce 6150LE & nForce 410
Your mobo has the 6150LE & nForce 430 chipset, so I thought it was a close match. Anyway, here's a CPU list to be used for reference ONLY! I accept no responsibility for anything that may happen as a result of using any info provided here.
CPU Support list: http://www.ecsusa.com/ECSWebSite/Support/CPU_Support_Model.aspx?detailid=695&MenuID=69&LanID=9

 

dlb- Excellent. Thank you for that push in the right direction. (disclaimer noted) You helped me out last time I posted here, and again, much appreciated.