Upgrade to a new PC

[Kidd]

I just bought my mom a package deal on a PC. It's an old model, but for $300, it's better than nothing (she has been borrowing my sister's PC, and she needs it back). Before I give it to her, I'd like to upgrade it to give it a little more speed and keep it from becoming obsolete within a year or two. Here is the PC:

Acer eMachines EL1300G-02w Desktop w/ 20-Inch Widescreen LCD w/built in speakers, AMD Athlon 2650e processor , 1.6GHz, 1GB, 160GB, 18x DVD±R/RW, NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE, Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition –New Factory Sealed -

http://support.gateway.com/emachines...1300Gsp2.shtml
http://www.nvidia.com/object/mobo_gpu_tech_specs.html

I'd like to keep the price down, say, under $200 in upgrades. Where is the best bang for my buck?
She is not extremely savvy, just needs wordprocessing, excell, picture viewing/printing and internet.

Here is my first reaction:

AMD Athlon X2 5000+ 2.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2+ 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail $66
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103716

Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model CT25664AA800 - Retail ($38 x 2) $76
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148164

PC = $300
upgrades = $142
total = $442

I would have just built from scratch, but I would have had to buy monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse, etc.....

any recommendations?

[Kidd]

The above referenced site from emachines gives specs for the computer, with this listed under "processor" :

AMD® Athlon™ X2 dual-core processor (up to 45W)

I now see that my original 65W dual core wouldn't work, but I can't find an AM2 Dual-Core CPU UNDER 45W. If need be, I'll just put the 4GB of ram in the computer and call it a day, but I wanted to put a Dual-Core in this computer.

Does anyone know-

Is it the Mobo that is limiting me to 45W, or is it the PSU (listed at 220W)?
Is this Mobo limited to a small power supply, or can I put something bigger in?
Is it dangerous to try and put a 65W processor in this computer?

ANY input/feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[amdalex]

The first thing you should do is upgrade to a quality power supply.

[jdeb]

I would leave it as is but if you are so inclined

http://www.amd.com/us/products/deskt...omparison.aspx

If you are going to put a better video card in, then you need to make sure you put in a better power supply and that it will fit in the case. If your Mom is just surfing the web and basic computing than the machine will be fine.

[Iamjosh]

Correct me on this Kidd, but does your case have a provision for a psu with a separate (toggle type) power switch? If you do decide to go with a better quality aftermarket psu, then you will have to make a provision in the rear panel of the case to cut out an appropriate provision.

I do want to point one thing out relating to an upgrade; this is a very basic machine in a mini case. Virtually no expansion options other than more RAM and a better CPU. No PCIe 16x slot for an add-in video card. Only a single PCIe x1 slot already taken by the modem.

Be careful about the dimension of some upgrades as they may not fit the case. Personally, I would just leave it as it is since your mom does not have any real plans for heavy apps.

[Kidd]

Thank you for all your input! When I purchased the PC, I knew I would be able to upgrade, and I knew it would be limited due to the small size. This experience has taught me alot about EXACTLY what I should have checked out before purchasing, but I still feel good about the buy. I will shop around some more for RAM, and skip the CPU for now (4450e, 4850e and 5050e are on back order or pricey everywhere I looked). I'll let her live with it for a few months and see how she likes it. Again, thanks for all your help and input.

[glc]

Don't even bother upgrading ANYTHING in there except go ahead and max out the ram. Leave everything else alone.

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...el=EL1300G-02w