[SOLVED] Upgrade CPU on old HTPC?

[BoulderBill]

Hi, I built a home theater PC setup several years ago but stopped using it and it's been on the shelf for a long time. Now I have a need for a workstation-type setup and I'm trying to figure out if I can upgrade the CPU on this machine to serve the purpose: churning through time-intensive Excel VBA junk.

Here's what I have:
MB = FM2A75 Pro4-M
CPU = AMD A8-5500 APU w/ Radeon HD Graphics

I used to know a lot more about this stuff, but just trying to get my head wrapped around it all again. Thanks in advance for any input/advice!

Cheers.

 

[jeremyj_83]

You can upgrade the CPU but not very far. https://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/FM2A75 Pro4-M/#CPU
For CPU intensive things you would be better off getting a cheap modern system.

 

[mdd1963]

I'd not throw more money into any FM2-based systems...

If it is not really usable as is, time to build new.

You can probably find some pretty reasonably priced R5-3400G/B450 mainboards these days; coupled with at least a 16 GB kit of 3200 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB) will b e the essentials, assuming your PSU is of of good quality, and existing drives are adequate. (If drive is small/old, you may choose between a new NVME drive or reutilizing an older SSD)

 

[USAFRet]

churning through time-intensive Excel VBA junk

Don't drop any more money into that platform.
Build a new low end system.

What is the actual budget for this?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Really depends on how much you want to spend and what your full system specs are.

-Wolf sends

 

[SamirD]

Try using it as is and then see what seems like is slowing it down and go from there. Everyone here always wants everyone to buy brand new.

 

[1LiquidPC]

I'd try a clean format of OS, and verify parts are in good working order for a baseline. Afterwards, we can determine if a cheap drop-in CPU upgrade is worth the effort to better suit your needs