[Rezound]

I have an Hp Pavillion a6000n computer and I'm wondering what you guys think about these upgrades:
Ram:
http://www.amazon.co...38516626&sr=1-2

Graphics Card:
http://www.amazon.co...38518709&sr=1-2

Power Supply:
http://www.amazon.co...38518868&sr=1-1

CPU:
http://www.amazon.co...8518957&sr=1-11

I plan on getting Diablo 3 and Skyrim on it and I want to see if: 1. My computer is compatible with those parts. 2. If those parts are worth it and if there's anything better for a lower cost.

[LiveBrianD]

The RAM and GPU are fine. The Geforce 560SE might also be worth looking into. However, Cooler Master power supplies aren't great - something like an Antec VP450 would be better. http://www.amazon.co...38522348&sr=1-1

Also, that CPU/APU is NOT compatible with your system - the APUs use FM1, not AM3 like your system. I wouldn't count on a bulldozer working either, since it requires a BIOS update (and typically, manufacturers like hp and dell don't expect people to be doing a lot of tinkering and upgrading on their systems). A faster Athlon x2 might work though.

This post has been edited by LiveBrianD: 31 May 2012 - 07:49 PM

[waldojim]

That motherboard does not support the chip you posted up. In fact, it does not support ANY chips past the AM2 platform, and no quad core chips or greater.
http://h10025.www1.h...269&lang=en#N92
Socket type: AM2
TDP: 89 watt
Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:

Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology up to 5600+ (up to 89 watt)
Athlon 64 less than 4000+
Sempron less than 4000+

This is the fastest chip available for your machine:
http://www.amazon.co...38525928&sr=1-1

As to the power supply, I would suggest either going Antec, or Corsair. Both have inexpensive PSU's that will supply enough power for your machine and a capable video card (550Ti or 560Se).

Lastly, that machine does support faster ram - 800mhz DDR2. I would highly recommend moving to 800's if you can.
This kit would be a solid choice, just replace what you have in there, and use this in it's place. 4GB of 800Mhz ram should do extremely well for you.

[LiveBrianD]

Fyi, you can get 5600+ CPUs a LOT cheaper on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/...600%2B&_sacat=0

[Rezound]

So, the graphics card is good enough?
How about this setup now?
Same graphics card
Power Supply: http://www.amazon.co...38522348&sr=1-1
CPU: http://www.amazon.co...38525928&sr=1-1
RAM: http://www.amazon.co...38526254&sr=1-7

[LiveBrianD]

I have the 550ti, and it's certainly not a bad card, though in a few years you might have to turn the detail settings down a little. Those components look good. (again, I suggest looking on ebay for the CPU - you can get them MUCH cheaper there: http://www.ebay.com/...600%2B&_sacat=0 )

[Rezound]

LiveBrianD, on 01 June 2012 - 07:16 PM, said:

I have the 550ti, and it's certainly not a bad card, though in a few years you might have to turn the detail settings down a little. Those components look good. (again, I suggest looking on ebay for the CPU - you can get them MUCH cheaper there: http://www.ebay.com/...600%2B&_sacat=0 )

Are there any parts that you'd suggest for me to get that are better than the ones I selected that are the same price as the ones on amazon, that I can get on Ebay?

[LiveBrianD]

It looks like ram of those specs doesn't get much cheaper on ebay, and I don't really recommend buying power supplies aftermarket (because they wear out over time). Note that processors don't really wear out, unless you overclock them with stupidly high voltages or something like that. As for GPUs, you can get a radeon 6850 (which is similar to a 560ti in performance) for $150, not much more than the 550ti, http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814102908. That's definitely enough for a few years.

This post has been edited by LiveBrianD: 01 June 2012 - 08:01 PM

[Rezound]

LiveBrianD, on 01 June 2012 - 08:00 PM, said:

It looks like ram of those specs doesn't get much cheaper on ebay, and I don't really recommend buying power supplies aftermarket (because they wear out over time). Note that processors don't really wear out, unless you overclock them with stupidly high voltages or something like that. As for GPUs, you can get a radeon 6850 (which is similar to a 560ti in performance) for $150, not much more than the 550ti, http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814102908. That's definitely enough for a few years.

Thanks!

[waldojim]

Rezound, on 01 June 2012 - 06:23 PM, said:

So, the graphics card is good enough?
How about this setup now?
Same graphics card
Power Supply: http://www.amazon.co...38522348&sr=1-1
CPU: http://www.amazon.co...38525928&sr=1-1
RAM: http://www.amazon.co...38526254&sr=1-7

That right there will work perfectly, though I would suggest shopping around to see if you can get a better deal on the CPU.

[waldojim]

Also, the EVGA 560SE is a good deal more powerful than the 550Ti, and about $5 cheaper than the 550ti.

[Rezound]

I was thinking about getting this deal on the CPU, but I don't know if I should trust it:
http://www.ebay.com/...#ht_1480wt_1139

[waldojim]

That will work.

[LiveBrianD]

Looks good.

[Rezound]

Okay, thanks so much!