Can I use my old HP pavillion case to build a new desk top?

[44surf]

I want to try and build my own PC. Can I use my old 2008 HP Pavillion case? My system crashed...the motherboard is bad according to the repair tech. He said not to sink another penny into it. I am interested in learning how to build my own system and was hoping I could use the case. Any ideas out there?

 

[44surf]

Can you give me more info on that other software? Just so I can further my education?

 

[44surf]

Thanks!

 

[COLGeek]

Team Geek rules!!!! WOO HOO!!!

Looks like the install is a success. BTW, your partition stuff should be fine. You can always go into your Disk Manager (an app in Control Panel/Administrative Tools) and make partition adjustments. Also, keep in mind that the OS and the HDD manufacturers count differently, so 1MB does not always equal 1024 bytes.....

 

[COLGeek]

did you handle that ..?

Yep. It was a pleasure.

 

[COLGeek]

A quick question for you COLGeek...During the setup it never asked me about creating another partition which you mentioned. Is that going to be a problem? Everything seems to be working...My Computer window shows 1 HDD and 3 removable storage drives. System properties shows 4 GB of RAM...with 3.75 GB usable.

All is normal and you are fine, as evidenced by the system running and booting properly. You did good!

 

[imdyinhere]

YAY FOR MOMS!!!

Great Job surf.

Imdy

 

[COLGeek]

contact me on the next good thread you come about.
I do not really be on the forum as much like I use to be bro...
until the next.
HOOAH.!

WILCO, brudda! HOOAH!!!

 

[44surf]

I'm the krazy kid and I'm sending this message from the "new" computer the fps is better and even on our old monitor the colors look great

 

[44surf]

Malmental and COLGeek~You are both most awesome!!!

I cannot believe I actually did this! LOL When Mal first posted those components to buy from Newegg...I was like oh sh!t...now I am actually going to have to buy this stuff and try and put this thing together!

I have to say it was most fun...but only because of your help. You guys took the frustration element out of the situation.

 

[44surf]

what you know about 'fps' not 'fpz' kid...?! LOL
enjoy the computer and love mom.

He's embarrassed now...LOL!

 

[44surf]

Team Geek rules!!!! WOO HOO!!!

Looks like the install is a success. BTW, your partition stuff should be fine. You can always go into your Disk Manager (an app in Control Panel/Administrative Tools) and make partition adjustments. Also, keep in mind that the OS and the HDD manufacturers count differently, so 1MB does not always equal 1024 bytes.....

Yes you do!!!

 

[44surf]

no problem...
so how's it feel mom.?
as for your 250-watt power supply you still have a few options if not wanting to upgrade the power supply.
depending on monitor and resolution, you can even do some gaming.
I know the kid will love that.
it's all about total power consumption, remember that...
when you have a total price range for the gfx card and possible and power supply, possibly not... let me know.

Hey Mal~The kid actually took a look at the graphics cards you recommended way back in this thread. He wanted nothing to do with the one with the DDR2 memory type...although he did like the 1 G of memory. He was all about the one with the DDR5...LOL. He would rather that it had 1 G instead of 512 MB, but I am sure 512 MB is fine. He just wants the biggest and the best...I on the other hand try to teach him restraint!

 

[44surf]

Now that my system is up and operating, I do have a few more questions for you guys.

First...Remember the firmware issue which I discovered while researching on the HP website? Do you think I should check into that? My system seems to be operating fine, so I do think the problem was with the old MB, but I thought I'd get your take on it. The lazy part of me wants to ignore the issue...

On my new MB manual the instructions say that after I have installed the OS I should install the driver for better performance. The Fully Setup Driver CD came with the MB. Thoughts?

 

[44surf]

no, you do not need to install the disk that came with the motherboard, they should already be pre-loaded.
we just have to wait for win 7..

I knew we had talked about this. I guess I don't have to install.

 

[imdyinhere]

Now that my system is up and operating, I do have a few more questions for you guys.

First...Remember the firmware issue which I discovered while researching on the HP website? Do you think I should check into that? My system seems to be operating fine, so I do think the problem was with the old MB, but I thought I'd get your take on it. The lazy part of me wants to ignore the issue...

On my new MB manual the instructions say that after I have installed the OS I should install the driver for better performance. The Fully Setup Driver CD came with the MB. Thoughts?

As far as the firmware for the drive, I wouldnt worry too much about it. If it is working fine and isnt giving you any problems, follow the old adage... "if it aint broke..."

Regarding the driver(s)... which ones are you talking about? The drivers loaded are most likely the most up to date, as WIndows 7 is really good about finding the latest and best. I would let the machine run for a week or so. See how things go and if you find that you are having problems with speed or performance on a specific piece of hardware, then look to update that driver from the manufacturer's website.

Imdy

 

[COLGeek]

I agree with Imdy, don't use the drivers/apps on the provided CD unless you encounter a problem. Most CDs that ship with mobos are dated and as Imdy said, Win 7 is pretty good at locating and installing current drivers. Just to make sure you are good to go, take a look in your Device Manager and see if any unknown or driver issues show up. Most likely all are good to go.

Regarding the HDD firmware, I also agree that you are likely okay. You can always located the update and apply. Really not a priority, IMHO.

On the potenital new GPU, both the 512MB and 1GB versions of the HD5670 (as suggested by Malmental) will perform quite well. Up to you regarding how much you want to spend on it. If it me, I would look closely at the one I linked below. However, the one Malmental recommended will more than meet your needs as well. This one has GDDR5, 1GB, and a really nice aftermarket heatsink/fan.

The bottom line, you can't go wrong either way.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125340

 

[44surf]

Love this place!

 

[44surf]

The kid is complaining now that I am using the desktop and not the laptop...LOL! It's so fast and the new mouse is awsome.

 

[COLGeek]

The kid is complaining now that I am using the desktop and not the laptop...LOL! It's so fast and the new mouse is awsome.

Sounds like it is time to build the kid a new beast of his own........

 

[COLGeek]

with the old parts from the newly finished project you have the basis to start another project for him...
you have cpu (processor) and RAM already from the original unit..
it's simple to piece the rest.

True, especially now that 44surf is a pro now.

 

[COLGeek]

1.) Compucase 6T10BB: $34.99
2.) LG ELECTRONICS GH22NP21: $18.99
Combo Discount: -$5.00
Combo Price: $48.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.601330

3.) LOGISYS Computer PS550ABK 550Watts ATX12V Power Supply With SATA and 20/24 Pin connectors.
$18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817170010

4.) Western Digital AV RFHWD1600AVBS 160GB 7200 RPM 2MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal AV Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136813

5.) BIOSTAR G41M7 LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
$44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138183
--------------------------------------
$132.95
+
gfx card when ready..

The beginnings of a great kid rig! Might be an opportunity to let the kiddo help in the build to begin the learning process.

 

[44surf]

True, especially now that 44surf is a pro now.

Now don't you guys be going all crazy on me now! I am quite content having two computers in our household! LOL

 

[44surf]

it was DDR3 and DDR5 not DDR2....
really it doesn't make a difference for you, your not a hard core gamer.
it's all about speed and the DDR3 is clocked to run the same speed as the DDR5, just check both overall specs.
but the DDR5 512 HD5670 will be more than sufficient.
i have the 512Mb HD5670 in my unit that has the athlon ii x3 (same as yours)
the ol' lady loves it.

Sorry...The DDR mistake was mine...because I do not really pay attention to such things not being a gamer as you say or all that literate on the technology. I don't think the kid really knows either...he just thinks he does.

 

[44surf]

As far as the firmware for the drive, I wouldnt worry too much about it. If it is working fine and isnt giving you any problems, follow the old adage... "if it aint broke..."

Regarding the driver(s)... which ones are you talking about? The drivers loaded are most likely the most up to date, as WIndows 7 is really good about finding the latest and best. I would let the machine run for a week or so. See how things go and if you find that you are having problems with speed or performance on a specific piece of hardware, then look to update that driver from the manufacturer's website.

Imdy

Thanks Imdy!

 

[44surf]

no problem...
so how's it feel mom.?
as for your 250-watt power supply you still have a few options if not wanting to upgrade the power supply.
depending on monitor and resolution, you can even do some gaming.
I know the kid will love that.
it's all about total power consumption, remember that...
when you have a total price range for the gfx card and possible and power supply, possibly not... let me know.

It feels great BTW.

The kid just installed first game...Plants VS. Zombies, He says it's so much better than on the "old" computer...even with our old monitor (10 years...but it still works so....). Microsoft Flight Simulator is next.