Upgrading, opinions?

[Infumed]

Now instead of building my own, and putting it all together in a mess, I figured I would buy a pre-built one for my very first ever desktop (of my own, not parents). Got this one refurbished and cheap on newegg. Here are the specs for it.
http://oi50.tinypic.com/14sclk4.jpg

Now you guys gave me opinions on a different build I was going to do, not that I couldn't afford it, I just wanted this to be mainly a learning experience, which it was (trying to find an OS and learning a ton about drivers etc. in a matter of 4 hours). Computer right now runs Diablo 3 on low settings, but playable with no lag except for certain parts.

Here are the parts I plan to upgrade to, any opinions?

http://i50.tinypic.com/kd0q2q.jpg

P.S. I have 300 dollars to spend on upgrades Thursday. So that's what I'm dealing with, up to you guys on what I should spend it on really, you guys know a ton more than I do.

[jdeb]

I do not see a video card in your specs.

Here is the recommended RAM that is guaranteed compatible
8GB Kit (4GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600 upgrades for HP - Compaq Pavilion Elite HPE-460z Desktop/PC, CT2317279 from Crucial.com

Your video card and power supply selection are fine. However, if your power supply is a 460W and has a 6pin PCIe power adapter, you should be o.k. with it but that is up to you. If it were me and money is tight, I would use the stock power supply, add the video card and memory. If your power supply does not have the connection, the adapter below should do it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812200106

[Infumed]

Sorry, guess I should of included the motherboard specs, which includes integrated graphics.

Foxconn 2a92 Mainboard Specs

Also, the PSU is only 350W, needs to be upgraded, this computer was debranded.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Infumed Sorry, guess I should of included the motherboard specs, which includes integrated graphics. Foxconn 2a92 Mainboard Specs Also, the PSU is only 350W, needs to be upgraded, this computer was debranded.

For some reason, Foxconn AM3 boards prefer the 1.35v memory. I highly recommend you stick with the Crucial memory I linked.

[Infumed]

So I was able to squeez in some extra money, now I'm able to spend $500 come thursday. Should I include an 1080p monitor (I'm rocking a 720p monitor right now), a better motherboard (ASUS Preferred, motherboard now is a micro-atx), or should I get a better case for better cord management?

I'd rather get a better case if I am to get a better motherboard, because as of now I don't like the room the micro-atx is giving me in my HP case. I feel as though the PSU I'm getting may render the space in the case to a very minimum.

I Don't NEED to play in HD, It's not demanding because I've never really played in HD before so I'm used to it.

It's funny because as I'm typing this I'm pretty sure in my head what I want to add is a case now lol. So basically I'm typing all this for nothing, and made you waste your time, and I'm too lazy to erase all that I've typed.

Which Gaming case do you guys think I should buy, now that I'm able to spend 200 on a gaming case. (Thanks in advance.)

[glc]

Trying to upgrade a HP/Compaq other than ram and hard drive can be a minefield.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Infumed So I was able to squeez in some extra money, now I'm able to spend $500 come thursday. Should I include an 1080p monitor (I'm rocking a 720p monitor right now), a better motherboard (ASUS Preferred, motherboard now is a micro-atx), or should I get a better case for better cord management? I'd rather get a better case if I am to get a better motherboard, because as of now I don't like the room the micro-atx is giving me in my HP case. I feel as though the PSU I'm getting may render the space in the case to a very minimum. I Don't NEED to play in HD, It's not demanding because I've never really played in HD before so I'm used to it. It's funny because as I'm typing this I'm pretty sure in my head what I want to add is a case now lol. So basically I'm typing all this for nothing, and made you waste your time, and I'm too lazy to erase all that I've typed. Which Gaming case do you guys think I should buy, now that I'm able to spend 200 on a gaming case. (Thanks in advance.)

O.K. I would spend the money on the power supply you linked and put extra money towards a better video card. You can always transfer the components to a build down the road. Asus led back-lit monitors are great. You have a pretty decent setup as it is, don't waste your money.

[Infumed]

So you suggest that I should buy a whole new case?

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Advanced RC-932-KKN5-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case with USB 3.0, Black Interior and Four Fans-1x 230mm front RED LED fan, 1x 140mm rear fan, 1x 230mm top fan, and 1x 230mm side fan


^^^^ That was directed to glc

[Infumed]

Okay, so I should stick with the PSU and ram, and go with a better GPU? What would you suggest?

[Infumed]

How does this GPU appeal to you guys? It comes with dirt 3 and BF3 (I guess I shouldn't get it for the games.)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102987

[Infumed]

I've been reading up on some of the threads in here, and a learned a few things. I was not aware that some cards require 2 slots in order to work, my motherboard only comes with one. And I also didn't look into the space required in order to upgrade (using a mATX board I don't know how well that will fit.)

I am not aware if you guys took that into consideration, I'm just a little worried about that. But I also saw glc reply to someones thread:

Originally Posted by glc Ouch - that will be a problem. Most 6850's are double slot cards. This one will fit, but it's gonna cost you dearly: Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6850 1GBD5-I2DH Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity If you want to go cheap: Newegg.com - PowerColor AX7750 1GBD5-DH Radeon HD 7750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

I am coming to the conclusion that I really dislike this motherboard. I plan on investing a lot of money, just bit-by-bit into this computer, I want it to be future-proof as some of you put it. I figured I can get the psu, ram, and GPU this paycheck, then on the 21st I can get a new case and mobo.

And I should be set (paycheck after that I'll get a new + improved monitor.)

[glc]

A double slot card does not physically plug in to 2 slots - it just occupies the space for the adjacent slot. A mATX board has 4 slots.

[Infumed]

So, here is what my specs are after installing the GPU and Ram I got. [btw, Diablo 3 runs on high, but has slight lag, Wondering if thats to do with the 350w psu (Finally found out it's a 350w psu), the cpu, or the 720p monitor.]

http://i47.tinypic.com/34gvjfk.png

Anyway, I got 140 dollars left to spend, (spent some money on driver boost subscription) If I am going to get a PSU, I really want to get a new case. Because installing that graphics card was so annoying, I literally had to unplug some stuff from the mobo (power cords) in order to place it in, then I thought I was going to break it with how hard I had to push it in order for it to fit in.

Then when I tried it, it didn't work, I was mad, but I took a deep breath, used my wisdom, and found out that one of the plugs for my PSU had a pin broken in it, so I plugged it into one labeled P/2 or something like that, and it works.

I really want a case, What case (preferably something big with a lot of space) can be 140 dollars that you guys would suggest? I'm looking at this one;

Newegg.com - COUGAR Evolution Black SECC ATX Full Tower Computer Case with Dual 12cm COUGAR TURBINE HYPER-SPIN Bearing Silent Fans, USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2

Heres a video of the case itself and it's features. I think it's a really good bang for the buck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK8H-NfZVko

What do you guys think? I like the looks and space of it, even comes water cooling ready (not sure how to install water cooling system, but I plan on doing so eventually).

P.S. I want to go to college for computer engeniering, so I don't have to annoy you guys so much

[jdeb]

I have no idea how that case would work out. You will need to get a different power supply. It appears you got the ATI 6850?

[Infumed]

Nah I got the sapphire 6850, You taught me good . Anyway, I'm moving onto my plan on the next paycheck which will come on the 21st.

What do you think about this shopping list, any compatibility issues?

http://i45.tinypic.com/x0s96x.png

P.S. Thanks in Advance.