CPU upgrade for older pc model # CQ5521F Compaq Presario

[silversongshelties]

Hi all! Hoping you can offer some guidance on my old pc I'd like to upgrade while waiting for gpu prices to come back down (so I can do my own build).

I have the above model computer which HP support shows as having an AMD Athlon ll X2 220 processor with an AM3 socket, linked here https://support.hp.com/ca-en/document/c02207223. I've found other resources that list this CPU as an AM3/AM2+.

The mobo for this build is stated by HP to be an M2N68-LA (Narra 5-GL6) (I can't locate the exact GL6 specs). On HP's support page for the M2N68-LA (Narra5), it lists an AM2+ socket CPU. Specs are linked here https://support.hp.com/ca-en/document/c01701270

So which is it? Is the AM2+ equivalent to an AM3, perhaps? Is that what's causing me all this confusion? So as long as I find better a CPU that is either an AM2+ OR an AM3, I should be ok?

I'm also going to upgrade the power supply to at least 450W and upgrade the video card I added years ago (AMD Radeon HD 5450 ) . Any recommendations on what three would be a good, but relatively cheap (say $ 200 US) options? I'm hoping to play some on-line gaming with my 1080P monitor (i.e. Epic Games Paragon - which currently barely plays even with drivers upgraded and at lowest settings).

I'm not terribly familiar yet with the intricacies of what's involved in replacing the CPU, so simple language is better for me Thanks!!!

 

[Lutfij]

This would be the exact specs to your system:
https://support.hp.com/au-en/document/c02207223
+
the board
https://support.hp.com/emea_middle_east-en/document/c01925534

Hence your processor upgrades options are:

Motherboard supports the following processor upgrades:
Socket type: AM3
TDP: 95 watt
AMD Phenom II X4 9xx/9xxe/8xx Quad-Core (Deneb)
AMD Phenom II X3 7xx/7xxe Triple-Core (Heka)
AMD Phenom II X2 5xx (Callisto)
AMD II Athlon X4 6xx/6xxe (Propus)
AMD II Athlon X3 4xx/4xxe (Rana)
AMD II Athlon X2 2xx/2xxe (Regor)
AMD Sempron 1xx (Sargas)

In my honest opinion you might as well look into investing and building a Ryzen system for 500USD and get away from dropping anymore money on your existing platform.

 

[gasaraki]

Don't waste any money on that.

 

[captaincharisma]

agreed it would be a waste of money trying to upgrade an old computer like that. you would be better off building at least an intel pentium/i3 or ryzen 3 computer. there is no reason for you to wait for GPU prices to come down to start building a new PC

 

[silversongshelties]

Gee, I love the support for a new build lol.

I'm in Canada and prices are stiff here for components. I've crunched numbers for days and end up at about $900 Cdn or more each time (based on $500 USD build samples), and that's not as good as specs on some brand name pre-built systems currently on sale.

I'm willing to throw a couple hundred Cdn into this old girl...if I mess anything up while upgrading that will be my excuse to buy new. I did find a recommendation in another post to support the Phenom ll X4 955 95W (HDX955WFK4DGM) which I can buy for about $50 CDN on Ebay (refurbished).

 

[captaincharisma]

Gee, I love the support for a new build lol.

I'm in Canada and prices are stiff here for components. I've crunched numbers for days and end up at about $900 Cdn or more each time (based on $500 USD build samples), and that's not as good as specs on some brand name pre-built systems currently on sale.

I'm willing to throw a couple hundred Cdn into this old girl...if I mess anything up while upgrading that will be my excuse to buy new. I did find a recommendation in another post to support the Phenom ll X4 955 95W (HDX955WFK4DGM) which I can buy for about $50 CDN on Ebay (refurbished).

why not start an intel build and use the integrated GPU for now. i know you're probably looking for a gaming PC but it would still be better then what you running or any upgrades to that PC now

 

[silversongshelties]

T
In my honest opinion you might as well look into investing and building a Ryzen system for 500USD and get away from dropping anymore money on your existing platform.

Don't waste any money on that.

agreed it would be a waste of money trying to upgrade an old computer like that. you would be better off building at least an intel pentium/i3 or ryzen 3 computer. there is no reason for you to wait for GPU prices to come down to start building a new PC

Any suggestions for build components? Win 10 runs around $ 150 CDN alone, so you see my starting point is already high, though I could always put on Win 7 again I suppose.

 

[TANKkiller47]

used xeon are a really good deal too.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/SLBV5-Intel-Xeon-X5680-3-33GHz-Six-Core-AT80614005124AA-Processor/192413606981?hash=item2cccbea445:g:Cy0AAOSw71xZm3Gm
this one does 3.33 at 6 core Hyper threaded

 

[silversongshelties]

Thanks TANNKkiller47, I checked this out but it's the wrong socket type.