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Upgrading my Computer
Given my specs, what's the most effective way to improve my computer's performance?
Sorry for the vague question. Let me know if you need any more information.
Given my specs, what's the most effective way to improve my computer's performance?
Sorry for the vague question. Let me know if you need any more information.
Why?
I think you will see more improvement from an SSD than probably any thing else you could do. I know I did and ahve heard that exact same statement from many on this board. It is almost like getting a new computer. Just my opinion. The SSD will speed it up considerably. Which one is left up to you.
Capt. C,
Just remember that this will only be for you OS & Apps. All of your data, music, photos etc. will go on the spinner. You will gain a snappiness booting and opening programs that you never knew your system could be. It's truly a transformational device. 60-80gb is a good size and the prices have fallen to reasonable levels considering the performance gains.
maybe a newer video card...but ssd is well worth the money too....
What, specifically, are you looking to improve upon? It might help get you a more pertinent answer.
First off, I disagree with others saying SSD... that will only improve boot time and apps running off HDD only. Also, IMHO they are still overpriced! Also you may experience "issues" with an HP OEM PC and an SSD.
You also didnt say if your Win7 is 32 or 64 bit in specs... Also, a very important item... how much can you afford or do you want to spend?
And... what is your main usage for this PC??? In otherwords, where would you like to see the performance improved???
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Your current mobo/cpu can accept a max of 8GB ram but you need to be running 64 bit Win7 to take advantage of anything over 4GB. See HP Specs here: http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en...8-3459241.html <--- BTW these specs state your video card is a 8400 GF which only has 256MB of video memory (an 8400 GS has 512MB)!
Just basic answers here... (assuming that you dont want to upgrade Mobo/CPU)
If you are a gamer and want to improve performance in games, then yes a video card will do that very nicely! By todays standards your video card is very old, feeble, and weak!
If not a gamer and you run a 64 bit version of Win7, then an upgrade to 6 or 8 GB of RAM for all around performance improvement.
Both options I stated are good "bang for the buck" upgrades! IMHO!!!
Performance wise, there's not a lot you can really do.
► A bigger monitor
Not a performance increase, but still an improvement.
► New video card
Your options here will be very limited. Your case just doesn't have the room for decent / high end cards and your current Power Supply will be a limiting factor as well.
► SSD
You would notice an improvement in overall system responsiveness, but you'll be hamstrung a little by your ICH9 chipset. It will still be quicker than a HDD, however.
► Memory
Questionable. You'd be hard pressed to notice the difference going from 4GB to 8GB. It might make the OS feel a little 'smoother', but unless you are currently maxing all your RAM, then it will be more of a placebo effect. If you have an x86 Installation, then it's even more pointless as it would go to waste.
Smarteteball, I agree with all of your assments they are all spot on. I have tried them all at different times and noticed some improvements in specific areas with each one. However, when I installed my SSD I saw the biggest improvement in overall performance than all the others put together.
If he wanted to do a full upgrade - bassically a new computer case, MB, graphics Etc., I might have some different ideas. But I inferred from the question that he did not want to do that. If I misunderstood, I apologize.