Building/upgrading question

[awenthol]

I have a HP a6620 tower that my dad gave up on because it was "unreliable."...just had a bad RAM card. Anyway, it seems like as good a tower as any to learn some PCing on. It already has Windows 7 HP, 64bit. I already picked up a graphics card with s-video so I can use it as my multimedia machine (of course, when I upgrade TVs one of these days, I'll get a better card w/HDMI). I'm going to pick up some more ram (replace the bad one and bump it up a bit) but am also looking into a better processor. It's currently sporting a 2.5GHz Dual Core but would like to go 2.8+GHz Quad for video conversions (kills the 2.5) but don't know what I need to get. There are two different socket types?? If so, how do I know what's what? I'm currently looking at the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550...this seem like a good processor or does anyone have any recommendations? I'd like to stay around or below $300.

Any help/advice would be appreciated!

 

[Wishmaster]

If your goal is video encoding, you will definately reap the benefits of a quad core.

the first this you should do, is go to HPs sites and look up that PC.
http://h20180.www2.hp.com/apps/Look...ent=S-A-R163-1&h_pagetype=s-001&h_query=a6620

At the site they list several diff. versions of the a6620.
a6620a a6620at etc ... However looking at the a6620a

Socket 775/ 800FSB E2220 65W
G31 Chipset
MAX 4GB Pc6400 RAM (2x2GB)
PSU: 300W

E2220 is a 65nm CPU. You "might" be able to upgrade to a Q6600 if you can find one, and would be the easiest way.
Unless the board supports 45nm. A Bios upgrade may be needed for 45nm CPUs
i didnt see any info listed at the site if it does or doesnt support 45nm .. Ill look some more

Ok, found some info on that board.
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c01386897

Looks like it will only support up to a 65W CPU, which limits it to a dual core. Perhaps others may have something better to share.

You may not be able to run a quad on that board ..

 

[whs]

The Q6600 is easy to OC - up to 3.4GHz on air. But it is a 95 watt unit.

 

[awenthol]

Hmmm...this shows my noob-ness and I'm glad I asked before buying. I didn't realize the mother board may not handle it.

It is an a6620f..."Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 / 2.5 GHz" also says 775 Socket and 65w. So that means I just need to take the plunge and get a different mother board??

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3816196#N974

 

[whs]

just be aware that your OS license needs some "massaging" if you change the mobo.

 

[awenthol]

I was considering starting fresh with a Professional version, anyway. I may be able to get another freebie license through MSDNAA. The OEM OS has all the HP bloatware that I'll never use...

 

[Wishmaster]

You can maybe look if theres a bios upgrade that specificly adds Quad Core support. Sadly, many Pre-Built systems have the MOBOs locked down.



Depending on your budget, You could likely get a decent micro board that will handle a quad and 4-8 Gb RAM at a decent price,
and re-use the case/ HD

If your going to add a lot of extra I would consider getting a better PSU as well.

A dual core will still do a decent job with video encoding. Especially with DVD material.

It wont really start choking untill you're dealing with high bit rate 720/1080P content & using higher motion-search vectors etc..

 

[awenthol]

The RAM isn't an issue, as the factory board can handle 8GB. I am going to have to reconsider this venture...

Side note, though, I'm currently using my Vaio (in Specs) for all my ripping/conversion (2.4GHz Dual Core) and it's doing fine but as with the HP, when trying to do file conversions (ie, I rip to avi for computer watching but convert to WMV for my Touch Pro 2) it keeps both cores pegged and takes about 1.5-2hrs to convert an average movie.

 

[whs]

The RAM isn't an issue, as the factory board can handle 8GB. I am going to have to reconsider this venture...

Side note, though, I'm currently using my Vaio (in Specs) for all my ripping/conversion (2.4GHz Dual Core) and it's doing fine but as with the HP, when trying to do file conversions (ie, I rip to avi for computer watching but convert to WMV for my Touch Pro 2) it keeps both cores pegged and takes about 1.5-2hrs to convert an average movie.

A Quad is definitely an advantage for file conversions although my Q6600 keeps the cores also pegged - but it takes less time than on my 4800+ (2.5GHz Duo). But 2 hours is a lot. I use Format Factory and that seems to be a little swifter.