Want to upgrade processor need advice.

I currently have a 2005 HP pavilion m9200t. Slowly over the years I've upgraded alot. Windows Vista 64bit to Windows 7, 4gb mem to 8 gb mem, harddrive is now 1tb, and added 2gb nvidia graphics card. I also slapped in a wireless networking card.

I'm wanting to upgrade my processor, something faster and more current. I know by doing this I am also going to need to upgrade my motherboard and chipset. I am trying to compare prices vs. just buying another computer. Therefore I'm trying to start under $1300

Was wondering if anyone could suggest me a new motherboard, chipset, and processor...something that would also be compatible with the parts I already have in the computer.

If you need a list of the parts I already have please ask and tell me how to obtain the information. Thanks

Summer

Ok I did it, thanks for that nifty tool!

Dude said:

And let us know your computer use. Are you doing video editing. gaming etc.

I play a lot of games, different ones...some graphic card dependent. Right now I am satisfied with my graphics card and memory I just need a faster processor.

I'm not sure on your chart "logical increments" what I'm supposed to do here. I'm just wanting to replace the parts I mentioned while also being compatible with what I have. I am currently looking at a computer costing $1300...so if the parts are going to be close to that then I'm better off just getting a new computer. I want something that is fast/current but reasonable...

EDIT: Anyway I could get an i5 or i7 and how much would all that be? what all would I need to do that?

You can do quite a bit with a $1300 budget..........like, QUITE a bit. Honestly, I would build a completely new PC and then clean your old one up and sell it. In the grand scheme of things, it IS the logical choice. Build a nice PC and let it last several years, instead of mixing a slew of old and new parts together. I've found you'll want to upgrade more often doing it your way than building a brand new PC.......I know from experience. You will hit a wall somewhere and you will not be able to upgrade anything without sinking a ton of money in it, when there are cheaper parts that perform better than you have or could buy for the old platform. I have my rig in my system specs and everything that is INSIDE the computer case is well less than $1300. Plus, there is a new line of Intel CPU's coming out in less than a month.....something to consider!

Intel Ivy Bridge CPU's are really great performers. Unless you are doing photo/video editing, you won't need an X79(Sandy Bridge-Extreme) platform. The best Ivy Bridge i5 is the 3570K and the best i7 is the 3770K.....$219 and $329 respectively. If gaming is the most demanding thing you use a computer for, you would be better off with the Core i5-3570K. You can save $100 and spend it on a better graphics card or a nice SSD.

Of course, that is if you want an Intel based system. AMD has some interesting options as well!

My old one (if I was to purchase a new) would get passed down to my son...

I think I am going to wait on getting a new computer or parts now...Thank you for your input...

I agree with you on eventually you hit a wall somewhere and right now for me that's this processor. I've slowly upgraded threw the years because it was cheaper buying a little here and there. I just figured I'd weight the cost of upgrading the processor, motherboard, and chipset vs. new computer...

Might I ask one more question? What is your feelings (or anyone who reads this) on the HP all-in-one computers? It's pretty sweet to have just the monitor, mouse, and keyboard in my opinion and not having to worry about a tower. But a friend of mine said because of the size they are built with laptop parts and don't last as long? Anyone else have an opinion on this?

My dad has an all in one and I absolutely despise it, and he regrets buying it. Go with a desktop if at all possible.

Could you please elaborate on why you despise it?

It is a terrible pain to take apart to clean dust/dirt out of it. I can't see any easy way to upgrade much, and it's like a desktop and a laptop had sex and had a baby, and dropped the baby on the floor.

rofl, you are just to funny...

well I don't see me upgrading it a whole lot, because as you said eventually you hit a wall and it's better to just buy a new computer. That stinks about not being able the clean it...I do enjoy cleaning the dust out of my big machine but was hoping without a tower I would be eliminating that...but I can see I wouldn't.

Thanks for all your information and I'll take it all into consideration.