Best possible upgrade for hp120-011in

[sushantkushwaha368]

I want to do the best possible upgrade to my HP 120-011in desktop.. obviously without Changing the motherboard..like I want to do moderate gaming and heavy multitasking... what Ram should I go with..and should I get a SSD too??

 

[zoltan.boese]

Is this the exact model https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04510232
If so it has an Intel H81 chipset, that means here is the list of possible CPu upgrades:
http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/mb-Intel_(chipsets)/H81.html
So you can run a i7-4790 with DRR3 RAM and SATA SSD for your liking. That would do great for gaming, just buy at least 8GB (2x4) memory and a decent aftermarket cooler such as the cooler master 212!

 

[sushantkushwaha368]

Yes the system mentioned is exactly my pc I haven't made any changes so far !!Thank you for the quick reply

 

[The Paladin]

Starting with the details concerning your system, the stock version (if yours is unchanged) should be composed of the following components; https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04510232 & https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04507334

Motherboard : Foxconn Fido6J, uATX Format, Intel H81 Chipset, TDP: Up to 65 W, Supports up to 4 GB DDR3 RAM on 64-bit systems
CPU : Intel Core i3 4160
RAM: 2GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (DDR3-1600) Non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
HDD: 7200 RPM 500GB HDD SATA
PSU : Total wattage: 180 Watts

CPU upgrade is possible, but HP has Hard limits for this to occur; LGA 1150 TDP 65W MAX,
which HP states on their support page best I5 to get is Intel Core i5-4460S 3.4 GHz Quad Core.

My research shows there are other LGA1150 I5 with TDP 65W MAX that may work with your motherboard.
but you will have to chance it as I see no confirmation otherwise than the one indicated as supported by HP above.
they are; (highlighted are the best I5 and I7 possible in 65W TDP class)
Core i5-4430S (2.7G, 4C, L3:6M,GT2, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4440S (2.8GHz, 4C, L3:6M, GT2, 65W, VT-D, rev.C0)
Core i5-4570S (2.9G, 4C, L3:6M, GT2, VT-D, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4590S (3.0Ghz, 4C, L3:6M, HD Graphic, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4670S (3.1Ghz, 4C, L3:6M, GT2, VT-D, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4690S (3.2Ghz, 4C, L3:6M, HD Graphic, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i7-4770S (3.1Ghz, 4C, L3:8M, GT2, VT-D, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i7-4790S (3.2Ghz, 4C, HT, L3:8M, HD Graphic, 65W, rev.C0)

Important Note: you cannot use NON S or K cpu's because they are 84w and 88W and will not work on your motherboard, you are limited to S model cpus.

RAM: the best your system can handle according to HP web site is 4GB of ram, which for gaming will be a problem, as most windows +games need 8GB of ram for best performance. I looked around and I see no one tried to put more ram in the system successfully. it will take 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600MHZ NON ECC ram for best performance. I you have 2x4GB DDR 1600 on hand to test, I would give it a try to see if the system boots and recognizes the ram. but don't be surprised if it doesn't boot or recognized more than 4GB of ram.

Video Card: your power supply is too weak to permit upgrading video card at this time.
Power supply, because it is a low end 180w poeer supply , you will need to upgrade this before you can get a new video card.

what I need from you to further help you in your journey of upgrades;
1. open the case
2. look at the motherboard for the name Foxconn and the possible model next to it, this could confirm possible other upgrades possible.
3. look at the power supply and provide make and model of PSU, this will also guide me what could be next step to your upgrades.
4. what is your budget looking like for a possible PSU/GPU upgrade.
5. what are your "gaming" expectations.

 

[zoltan.boese]

Starting with the details concerning your system, the stock version (if yours is unchanged) should be composed of the following components; https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04510232 & https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c04507334

Motherboard : Foxconn Fido6J, uATX Format, Intel H81 Chipset, TDP: Up to 65 W, Supports up to 4 GB DDR3 RAM on 64-bit systems
CPU : Intel Core i3 4160
RAM: 2GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (DDR3-1600) Non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
HDD: 7200 RPM 500GB HDD SATA
PSU : Total wattage: 180 Watts

CPU upgrade is possible, but HP has Hard limits for this to occur; LGA 1150 TDP 65W MAX,
which HP states on their support page best I5 to get is Intel Core i5-4460S 3.4 GHz Quad Core.

My research shows there are other LGA1150 I5 with TDP 65W MAX that may work with your motherboard.
but you will have to chance it as I see no confirmation otherwise than the one indicated as supported by HP above.
they are; (highlighted are the best I5 and I7 possible in 65W TDP class)
Core i5-4430S (2.7G, 4C, L3:6M,GT2, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4440S (2.8GHz, 4C, L3:6M, GT2, 65W, VT-D, rev.C0)
Core i5-4570S (2.9G, 4C, L3:6M, GT2, VT-D, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4590S (3.0Ghz, 4C, L3:6M, HD Graphic, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4670S (3.1Ghz, 4C, L3:6M, GT2, VT-D, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i5-4690S (3.2Ghz, 4C, L3:6M, HD Graphic, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i7-4770S (3.1Ghz, 4C, L3:8M, GT2, VT-D, 65W, rev.C0)
Core i7-4790S (3.2Ghz, 4C, HT, L3:8M, HD Graphic, 65W, rev.C0)

Important Note: you cannot use NON S or K cpu's because they are 84w and 88W and will not work on your motherboard, you are limited to S model cpus.

RAM: the best your system can handle according to HP web site is 4GB of ram, which for gaming will be a problem, as most windows +games need 8GB of ram for best performance. I looked around and I see no one tried to put more ram in the system successfully. it will take 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600MHZ NON ECC ram for best performance. I you have 2x4GB DDR 1600 on hand to test, I would give it a try to see if the system boots and recognizes the ram. but don't be surprised if it doesn't boot or recognized more than 4GB of ram.

Video Card: your power supply is too weak to permit upgrading video card at this time.
Power supply, because it is a low end 180w poeer supply , you will need to upgrade this before you can get a new video card.

what I need from you to further help you in your journey of upgrades;
1. open the case
2. look at the motherboard for the name Foxconn and the possible model next to it, this could confirm possible other upgrades possible.
3. look at the power supply and provide make and model of PSU, this will also guide me what could be next step to your upgrades.
4. what is your budget looking like for a possible PSU/GPU upgrade.
5. what are your "gaming" expectations.

I supposed the 65W TDP limit was based on the cooling, I have never heard about motherboard VRM restrictions like that. It really depends on the motherboard, but more info would be useful.
Also, all H81 motherboards I know of can handle 16GB RAM, I am curious why Foxconn would do worse.

I totally agree with the PSU upgrade.

 

[The Paladin]

Foxconn OEM's at HP's Specifications, HP and Dell often has limited DTP for 2 reasons, limits upwards upgradability by clients and forces them to purchase another, and Limiting motherboard specs (caps etc. on the board itself with low end capacitors, resistances, means cheaper products.)

this is not unheard nor uncommon, the Foxconn HP Fido6J is OEM for HP and is limited to 65W TDP, now I wanted confirmation of this, why I asked the OP to look at the motherboard for writings on it for motherboard in case Foxconn has their own markings on it, I could expand the possibilities.

 

[zoltan.boese]

Foxconn OEM's at HP's Specifications, HP and Dell often has limited DTP for 2 reasons, limits upwards upgradability by clients and forces them to purchase another, and Limiting motherboard specs (caps etc. on the board itself with low end capacitors, resistances, means cheaper products.)

this is not unheard nor uncommon, the Foxconn HP Fido6J is OEM for HP and is limited to 65W TDP, now I wanted confirmation of this, why I asked the OP to look at the motherboard for writings on it for motherboard in case Foxconn has their own markings on it, I could expand the possibilities.

Now I get it. Thanks for the answer!