HP 762n re-birth

[matt_21484]

Hey everyone, I just aquired a free HP Pavilion 762n from my girfriends parents and want to turn it into a HTPC. everything works on it, but I would like to do a bit of upgrading and need some input on how to make sure this thing still runs stable.

It has a P4 2.26 w/ a cooler master HSF combo, which i think is pleanty of power for what im going to be using it for
my question here is, can i take the HSF off and clean up the PSU and re-apply some AS5 to it? there was about half inch of dust on it so I would like to be able to clean it up a bit.

512mb of ram is installed, which I think is good for now, it can support only 1gb of ram so I would upgrade to this later. does it make a difference if I get a 1 gb kit (512x2) or just get one stick of 1gb ram?

the video card has to go, its only a 32mb agp of some sorts. I was looking at the Gigabyte GV-N76G256D
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814125039) any thoughts?

I also would need a sound card that can output dolby digital on the fly, I know the new X-fi's are really nice, but I dont think i need anything that expensive. I definetly want to be under $100.

I think thats it for now, thanks for your advice as always

*EDIT: I dont mean to edit this right away, but it comes with a Hipro PSU model: HP A2007A3 which I am hoping i can replace. any input on this as well would be appreciated

[glc]

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=HP+-+Compaq%2BPavilion+700+Series&mfr=HP+-+Compaq&tabid=AM&model=Pavilion+762n&submit=Go

Dual channel not supported, so a matched pair is not required. Just match up the one that's in there as close as you can.

No need to replace the video card for HTPC use. What you have should do the job fine. With only a 200 watt power supply, anything stronger may cause issues anyway.