Whats the highest processor you can put on an hp media center pc m7360n

[Chocolater2]

Hello,


my computer is four years old and i want to upgrade it to a fast gaming computer. so far on my checklist is

upgrade ram to 4.0 gigs
change processor
upgrade graphics card to 9800 nvidia
and just get a better fan

now i want to know, what kind of processor i need that is

the best
not super expensive
and if it is compatible with my motherboard


everything about my computer is here

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavilion-media-center/1707-3118_7-31672655.html

 

[Chocolater2]

I can see you like the 9800, but which 9800 are you talking about? There is a 9800 GTX, GT, GX2? Not all 9800's are the same.

Oh! i beleive it is the GX2

 

[aford10]

The GX2 is a nice card, but it's a LOT more expensive than the gts 250. In my opinion, it's not worth what it costs (unless you found a good deal somewhere).

 

[Chocolater2]

The GX2 is a nice card, but it's a LOT more expensive than the gts 250. In my opinion, it's not worth what it costs (unless you found a good deal somewhere).

so i should just get the gts250? on the hierarchy chart it is lower than the 9800 D:

 

[aford10]

This is where you have to make a choice based on your budget. I've given you my thoughts on the CPU and motherboard. You'll need to decide if the upgrade fits in your budget or not.

 

[Chocolater2]

This is where you have to make a choice based on your budget. I've given you my thoughts on the CPU and motherboard. You'll need to decide if the upgrade fits in your budget or not.

well ive seen the 9800 gx2 being sold in staples for about 100 dollars so i guess ill just get that for the graphic card...

 

[Chocolater2]

so with all the upgrades im going to do on my system, it will be a really good gaming computer?

 

[Chocolater2]

AND i can upgrade the DDR right? and if i use my computer on an everyday basis will it last as long as it does right now? [four years right now going on five]

 

[aford10]

If you make all those upgrades, yes, you'll have a pretty nice gaming PC. You should be able to play most games on high settings.

Yes, if you upgrade the motherboard, you'll need to upgrade the RAM.

 

[Chocolater2]

If you make all those upgrades, yes, you'll have a pretty nice gaming PC. You should be able to play most games on high settings.

Yes, if you upgrade the motherboard, you'll need to upgrade the RAM.

Alright, lemme just make sure i have everything right


i5 processor
upgrade ram to 4.0/DDR to 3
Get nvidia 9800 GX2 card
Asus intel motherboard


and it will all work properly to be a gaming computer with the games running at high quality

 

[aford10]

With the upgraded video card, you'll likely need to upgrade the PSU as well. Something like this OCZ would work well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022&Tpk=ocz%20550

 

[Chocolater2]

Lol that two.

 

[Chocolater2]

so would i need to "buy" a DDR3 or what is it? like some chip?

like this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260

 

[aford10]

Yes, if you upgrade to the Asus motherboard, and i5 CPU, you'll need to get DDR3 RAM. Yes, they are chips that go into your RAM slots. Yes, that Corsair RAM is a good choice.

 

[Chocolater2]

okay. Thank you so much!

 

[Chocolater2]

oh wait, one last thing


on the corsair it says use with DUAL CHANNEL i5 or i7. is the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215 dual channel?

 

[aford10]

Yes, that CPU socket (1156) uses dual channel RAM. The 1366 socket is designed to use triple channel RAM. That's the reason for the distinction.

 

[Chocolater2]

so will it be compatible?

 

[Chocolater2]

oh and without caring about the price or anything, which do you like better? i5 or i7 processor?

 

[aford10]

Yes, the RAM is compatible with the i5 setup.

Without regard for price, the i7 is a better CPU. But for a gaming PC, the i5 is the best price/performance setup.

 

[Chocolater2]

Yes, the RAM is compatible with the i5 setup.

Without regard for price, the i7 is a better CPU. But for a gaming PC, the i5 is the best price/performance setup.

okay lol.


so the price totals rounded to about 600$. Okay now im tempted on just BUYING an already built gaming computer.

 

[aford10]

The price does add up quickly.

I think you'll be hard pressed to find that kind of hardware in a prebuilt, for under $900.

 

[Chocolater2]

The price does add up quickly.

I think you'll be hard pressed to find that kind of hardware in a prebuilt, for under $900.

and i neeit installed by someone else which will take more money...

they really have some under 900? PREBUILT? haha can you show me some?

 

[aford10]

Here's a prebuilt through newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227235

ibuypower.com and cyberpower.com are some good sites to customize systems.

 

[Chocolater2]

Here's a prebuilt through newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227235

ibuypower.com and cyberpower.com are some good sites to customize systems.

yeah i was looking at those sites also

Would there be any gaming systems for about 700 dollars? that already have everything i wanted?

 

[aford10]

It may be tough getting the i5 750 in the price range. But you can probably customize an AMD phenom II 955/965 system in that range through ibuypower or cyberpower.