I Need Help With Upgrading an Old System

[rencyreg]

My computer is a Compaq Presario 5BMW2A (Built in 1999), but over the years, I have kept it going here and there, now I am giving it to my son, and going on to a Customized Dell (which does not matter here) The Compaq is in question here:

I am replacing a new hdd (WD Caviar 80GB EIDE Ultra-ATA/100, adding more memory (this system only take up to 512mb, the Intell III Processor is only running @ 700mz, but I do have a Nvida G-force 4000 video card (which I replaced), a PCI Ethernet card (which I added) and added a new sound card. Also, this system does not have a CD burner, which I am going to up grade as well to a dual layer because my son is most intersted in this area

The reason why I am not replacing the mobo and CPU at this time, is because I am planning on building him a better system and using the upgraded parts from the Compaq that I have installed already in the near future.

My questions are: What type of PSU should I upgrade to, (nothing indicates to me in any documentaiton that I have researched if this would make a difference), naturally since I am going to use this for the new system, I would want to try and get the best that the current system will maintain, without burning up my house

My second question can I put a Ulta ATa/133 2 Channel PCI card to handle the newer drive. I am planning to make the new drive my master, and the older drive my backup hdd. Should I add another fan to the system as well.

Please help, I know that this type of information is somewhere in the forum, but all I could find was information for newer PC', with newer mobo and CPU''s. Thank you

[blue60007]

I wouldn't even try to upgrade a 7 year old computer. By the time you get done you'll end up with a new computer.

You could add a new hard drive and optical drive (which isn't a bad upgrade if that's all you need), but that's about it. You could add RAM, but it's going to be terribly expensive (ie, $140 for 512MB).

Once you start swapping the CPU/motherboard/etc with something more modern you might as well build a new computer.

[glc]

It's not the fact that it's old - it's the fact that it's very proprietary. Upgrading a Compaq is nothing but headaches.

[rencyreg]

Thank you for your replies, I sorry, I guess I was not clear. I have already struggled with this computer thus far, many problems - starting with it was installed with ME (remember that God AWful peice of trash), and then I think my key board went out first (I have had 3 since), then my sound card went out. I now have memory hogging 2000 Pro on it, but its stable. I do a lot of home office stuff, and my cable connection for surfing the web, makes it okay. But, at this time, I am not really trying to build another computer, eventually, I will, I just want to make those minor changes that I mentioned and wanted to know will I be okay, and if not what are some alternatives in those lines. By the way, I have been through a lot with this Presario, and since HP bought them, I still don't take much stock in either companies (although its only one now). I bought a Dell, can't wait to see what is going on with that since I have heard some bad and good with them. But, I will just start gutting that as much as I can and replacing it with what it needs.

[glc]

Okay......I can't find any data on that computer to be able to tell you if the power supply is proprietary or not. Even if it is standard, it would be ATX 1.x 20 pin, and any NEW computer you build would require ATX 2.0 24 pin. I can also tell you that the IDE card should work, but you will lose your diagnostic partition if you try to use a new drive on the card as your boot drive. You also would want a SATA hard drive in any new computer, not IDE. Do not upgrade the Compaq with the idea of reusing parts in a new build later.

[chuck4456]

I have a similar system, although it's not a Compaq. Stick a hard drive in it and use it for a spare. Dell's do pretty well, in answer to your second question. However, if your looking for an upgradeable DELL system, there isn't a vast array. Your pretty much going to have to run with what you get until the end. They back their product as long as you buy your replacement parts from them. I threw a warranty out the door with one because I wasn't going to pay $199.00 for a $56.00 Hard Drive. That would be your call.

[rencyreg]

Thank you glc (by the way my initials are exactly the same), however, the parts that I have bought and upgraded were not made by Compaq, less see I have a Nvida video card, D-link Ethernet PCI connection, C-media audio card. They have all done well for over 6 months now. These are a parts that I am going to migrate to a new build, along with the others that I am buying. I hear you on the hard drive thing though, I just did not know if I could put all that pressure on the CPU. Also, should I add another fan to the case.

Anyway, the real reason behind all of this madness, is that my sister is giving me a Dell that she had custom built and paid about $2000 for last year, so I don't want my 20 year-old son to touch it period, but I am giving him this Compaq to keep him away, until I can get around to building his. Acutally at this moment the Compaq still is doing okay, believe it or not, for general computing. I have tweaked the software to death, and stripped out a lot of the files that are not being used. But, you mentioned about the restore, I have long deleted that partition and its in use as part of the main drive, so I have nothing to lose there

[glc]

I doubt the hassles of finding a place to mount a fan where it would do you any good would be worth it. As long as the CPU fan and the power supply fan are working, you should be okay.

Do you even have a PCI slot left open for that IDE card? There is a decent possibility the bios can handle an 80 gig drive by itself, you ought to try it before you buy a card.

I wasn't referring to the restore partition, by the way - I was referring to the 30mb or so hidden diagnostic partition right at the front of the drive.

The only concern I'd have about the power supply is if you wanted to put a stronger video card in - the MX4000 doesn't need much power but any modern card will need a lot more.

[rencyreg]

Thank you glc, I am going to follow your advice exactly glc. see my post in (the power supply faq section), but I still want to make sure everything is on par. I am going to bye a WD 80GB SATA hdd, with a Vantec SATA PCI controller and Vantect 350W SATA ready PSU. After I take out my modem PCI card, I will have space there, I just left it there. I think I will test these items and make sure that I have everything running smoothly before I do the final installation of the CD burner, which will be my last upgrading of this Compaq. I need to still research what brands are reliable.

After the holidays, I will need to research a barebones system, so that I can work on getting rid of the Compaq (which is not much left) just the monitor and probably some other hidden items.

Again, I am worried how this mobo is going to hold up, although, since I am software savvy much more than hardware, I consistently, check my hdd health and system maintenance. I really want to keep 2000 for awhile, because its second nature to me, and I have to learn it on the Dell, which should be arriving in about 3 weeks.

[glc]

Make sure that Compaq will accept a standard ATX power supply!

Get a Lite-On for a burner.

[rencyreg]

Originally Posted by glc Make sure that Compaq will accept a standard ATX power supply! Get a Lite-On for a burner.

\

How could I check to see if this brand will accept an ATX PSU, before I started researching, I went to the HP site and tried to figure out what the upgrade limitations were for this model, but to no avail.

Also, is there a list for particular good and bad burners, i.e, like the one that is posted on this site for PSU's?

[newbuilder14]

I don't believe there is one but Liteon burners come with software in the OEM versions. If not you can go with Plextor (expensive), NEC, Sony, and more if you buy the retail version (even more expensive).