Rebuild an HP Compaq desktop

[LarrE]

I'm out of work, going to school and looking to do a cheap upgrade to meet my needs. I have an HP/Compaq desktop (bought used) with a P4 2.8ghz CPU and 2 gb of ram. The problem I have is that I need to add a video card so I can use some of the advanced bells and whistles in Photoshop and the computer case doesn't make it that easy to do. I managed to get a board in by leaving the plug dangling but I think that caused the computer to overheat and I got some strange behavior after awhile.

So tell me if my plan makes sense. I'd like to get a new case, hard drive(to replace the meager 40gb original), and presumably a power supply. Then, put my motherboard, cpu, video card, DVD, etc. into the new case. I figure while I'm at it I may as well install Windows 7 and maybe a little more memory. Anything I'm forgetting?

[Force Flow]

What model is the computer?

[LarrE]

Its a d530. It looks like this one:

[glc]

You will have a LOT less headaches if you buy a low profile AGP card for what you have - one that comes with a proper half-height bracket.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814139044

You CAN do a transplant into a standard case, but:

1. You can't install your floppy drive into it.
2. You are going to have a difficult time figuring out where all the front panel connectors go onto that motherboard from the new case.
3. You probably are going to have to run without an I/O shield.

No matter what you do, that thing will never run Windows 7 and Photoshop well.

[Iamjosh]

LarrE, I would not be upgrading your current pc at all; First, single core cpu just does not have the computational power of a multi core cpu and second you will be running into difficulty transferring your existing system into another case. Most of the brand name pc's always have some form of a proprietary limitation which will make your job very hard if not impossible.

My suggestion is to consider buying a used pc (off local CraigsList or Kijiji or even many classified ads). Obviously, your greatest task is to learn what's currently considered good quality equipment. There are always some great deals out there but you need to react quickly and you'll have be able to evaluate it yourself to score that deal. Some newer system already come loaded with Win 7, so you'll be also saving yourself additional expense on the purchase of o/s. Also, you may consider selling the current system (as a complete system with data transferred to your new system and the drive wiped out) and the money could go for a better quality new graphics card.
This will take more work and time on your behalf, but i think you'll be happier with the result and a new pc.

[rwest]

If you go with a low profiile agp card, this is a decent hdd at a nominal cost.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148236

That's not a shabby processor, it's just not designed for the new stuff like win 7. With another power supply, your probably around 150 - 180 bucks for the upgrade, depends on the psu you choose.

[glc]

You won't be able to replace the power supply in that SFF case, it's proprietary.

[rwest]

The Motherbpard takes a standard atx 20 pin power connector. You can do it but you will most likely have to modify the case, and check for clearannce. The physical size of the original power supply will determine what's available to use.

You will not be able to run any new graphics card without a better PSU.

This is whats installed:
Custom Power Supply- PFC with in 230V (115v/230V line switch)

[LarrE]

Thanks for all your help. This forum is a wonderful resource. It seems that my best plan would be to save my pennies for a refurbished system that I can customize a bit for my needs. I've already been on a goose chase at Fry's trying to get a video card that would actually fit in my system. My need is for Open GL 2.0 and it appears that my system is old enough to make that close to impossible. Or maybe its just HP being HP by making things difficult.

[glc]

Rwest, again, it's a SFF (small form factor) case and it WILL NOT fit ANY standard power supply, it's completely proprietary.

[rwest]

Thank you for the clarification on the form factor.
Shouldn't any small form factor PSU (based on power requirements of course)work in a standard atx 20pin connector? I did mention the case would have to be mocified. Although; the OP has already decided against the upgrade anyway.

I would suspect that this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151063

Could run that: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814139044

[glc]

Electrically, the power supply in that case is standard ATX. However, the only power supply that will fit in the case is the one specifically made for it - i.e. proprietary. There is no way you can hack one of those cases to fit a standard ATX power supply - it just ain't happening. Believe me, it's not even near the realm of possibility. It would have to sit on the top of the case, with the cables snaked in through the hole left by removing the stock unit - been there done that with a Sony, and it's a real Frankenstein.

[rwest]

Fair enough. I will bow to you. As always, I still enjoy the argument.