HG's PC upgrade

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  1. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
       #1

    HG's PC upgrade


    Hi all.

    Here's the scoop on what I decided; Although this is an older Acer, it ran 7, 8, and 8.1 great with very minor problems. From what I read, 10 should run as well also. Since I can't justify purchasing a new system just yet, but may build one in the near future, I've decided to upgrade this one until then. Please keep in mind that whatever I purchase now I can install in the new build, so I might not mind spending a little extra to "overbuild" this one, depending on my final decision. I can live with the 2GBs of maxxed-out memory and the 3GHtz Intel duo for now. Also, instead of a custom build, I just may go ahead and purchase a Surface pro (3, or 4, or whatever at the time) with docking station instead, of which might make more sense as long as I can multi monitor.

    My PSU is going south, so I'll need to purchase a new one right away. Hopefully order today. Will this > CX500 — 80 PLUS > be powerful enough to add this? >

    Video card (as CountMike suggested) to run up to 3 monitors maximum? I realize the monitors have their own power supply, but more concerned about the amount of monitor pickups there. The big thing on the card is designated memory, for my video WEI score has always been the lowest with the onboard graphics.

    Will the PSU handle a future upgraded mobo with, let's say, an i7 CPU (and the new video card)?

    So far as the video card is concerned > I’m not a gamer, but I will be getting into 3D CAD. Will it handle that?

    Any suggestions or additional thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. :)
    Last edited by Tony K; 03 Oct 2014 at 09:07.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 28,622
    Mint 21.3
       #2

    That PSU should work nicely and the MFG price is suggested retail you should find it cheaper at the place you buy it from.
    You could also up grade the mother board later also as boxes are eye candy most to be hidden under the desk.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you, labeemaan!

    Yes, I'll be shopping around. I linked it because it's from manufacturers site.

    Hopefully I'll use the same case if a new mobo fits.

    I've been pricing monitors too. They're coming down with price nicely. In fact I can't believe how much all hardware has come down in price. :)
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 28,622
    Mint 21.3
       #4

    HippsieGypsie said:
    Thank you, labeemaan!

    Yes, I'll be shopping around. I linked it because it's from manufacturers site.

    Hopefully I'll use the same case if a new mobo fits.

    I've been pricing monitors too. They're coming down with price nicely. In fact I can't believe how much all hardware has come down in price. :)
    Yes the price of hardware has really come down even compared to prices five years ago you cannot have that PSU repaired for the price of a new one.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 17,136
    macOS Big Sur
       #5

    Looks good to me as well!

    I have also been surprised on the price of monitors. Lately I've been thinking about replacing this ole HP monitor with a nice touch screen! :)

    Have great day folks,
    -Chuck
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #6

    PSU is ordered and on it's way. Got this since it fits my case with plenty of wattage in the cottage and all the connectors I need.

    630 Watt ATX Power Supply

    Need help with video card. My mobo has a PCI-E 1.0 slot, but read that a PCI-E 2.0 card will work and that 3.0 will not. Would anyone know if this is true?

    And while I'm at it I should update the BIOS since there's a newer version. I've never performed this scary task.
    Last edited by Tony K; 03 Oct 2014 at 14:36.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 19,511
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #7

    Seems like RAM prices went up double or almost that since last year, this time.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 16,605
    Windows 11 Pro X64
       #8

    HippsieGypsie said:
    PSU is ordered and on it's way. Got this since it fits my case with plenty of wattage in the cottage and all the connectors I need.

    630 Watt ATX Power Supply

    Need help with video card. My mobo has a PCI-E 1.0 slot, but read that a PCI-E 2.0 card will work and that 3.0 will not. Would anyone know if this is true?

    And while I'm at it I should update the BIOS since there's a newer version. I've never performed this scary task.
    If I remember correct the slots are backwards compatible.

    Look here

    Acer E946GZ Mobo Compatible PC GPUs

    BIOS update only need to be done if something is not working that the BIOS update addresses it. If it aint broke, don't fix it
    Last edited by Dude; 03 Oct 2014 at 18:41.
      My Computers


  9. Posts : 470
    Windows 10 Pro For Workstations
       #9

    HippsieGypsie said:
    PSU is ordered and on it's way. Got this since it fits my case with plenty of wattage in the cottage and all the connectors I need.

    630 Watt ATX Power Supply

    Need help with video card. My mobo has a PCI-E 1.0 slot, but read that a PCI-E 2.0 card will work and that 3.0 will not. Would anyone know if this is true?

    And while I'm at it I should update the BIOS since there's a newer version. I've never performed this scary task.
    PCIe slots are all backwards compatible so a version 3 card will run at version 1 speed. As long as you are using a 16 way slot (large one) you will be fine and this will fit in a new motherboard.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 5,833
    Dual boot Windows 10 FCU Pro x 64 & current Insider 10 Pro
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Thanks for the info and links, guys.

    Probably not worth upgrading the BIOS being that it's so old and, yes, why fix what's not broke.
      My Computers


 

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