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+--- Thread: PC Upgrade (/showthread.php?tid=7652)
PC Upgrade - parthiban - 22-04-2019
As a complete novice, can I fiddle about with my PC or is it not really worth it both in terms of time and cost?
Essentially I have an old Sony desktop which isn't used much so would be an ideal test bed to play around with - main thing is I want to have a play with an SSD to see how quick it makes the machine.
Thought it would make sense to replace the processor at the same time (currently has an aged 2GHz P4) but then this would require replacing the motherboard and all so will this lead to silly costs overall?
PC Upgrade - jimxms - 22-04-2019
In all honesty I wouldn't bother upgrading a P4. You wont be able to get a much better CPU that will make any noticeable difference. So then you'll need to look into changing the motherboard. Which will then possibly mean changing the graphics card & memory too.
As for putting an SSD in there, you should see a noticeable improvement in speed. But the SSD will be hindered by the rest of the system. In which case, just a faster 'normal' hard disk at a fraction of the cost could have yielded the same benefits.
If you're looking to have a tinker and end up with a faster PC I'd seriously consider looking at bundle deals on websites like Aria. They'll match up all the parts you need so you know they are all compatible, and you get to have the fun of putting it all together
They also have kits starting for not much more than the cost of a medium sized SSD
PC Upgrade - parthiban - 22-04-2019
Yeah I did think I'd have to upgrade a lot of the machine, but as long as it didn't get into silly money (basically the cost of buying a new prebuilt one) then I thought it would be fun to do.
These are proper newbie questions so apologies, but if I'm swapping the motherboard that's already there, how do I know which one will fit or are they all the same in that respect?
PC Upgrade - jimxms - 22-04-2019
parthiban These are proper newbie questions so apologies, but if I'm swapping the motherboard that's already there, how do I know which one will fit or are they all the same in that respect?
TBH its hard to say with a Sony PC as they tend to design the case first and then worry about fitting everything inside afterwards.
It could be a standard ATX or mATX motherboard, or it could be something custom made for that PC. Only way to tell is to open her up and get some piccies.
PC Upgrade - E55EX_RACER - 24-04-2019
TBH I would get a new case and build it in that as Sony, Dell, Compaq/HP etc cases can be a PITA to do upgrades to plus I think the P4 motherboard won't cope with the newer hardware.