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Solved Need help with PC upgrade

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machairodus11

PCHF Member
Apr 10, 2019
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#1
Hello all!

I recently acquired a PC from 2015 (https://support.hp.com/us-en/docume...529D4Rz-6ypUhbhsfFOsolCZ_9XBQHSxYZe2vCzXc0SHA ) processor : Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 @3.30 GHz, 3301 Mhz

Since it has been sitting in a warehouse for the last years in an unopened box, the system is virtually new, however its components are dated.
I would like to upgrade the PC (around 500 USD worth), switching out some components.

In the end I would like to do some photo and video editing and also use it for some gaming as well.
The system is working fine, but what would you recommend I focus on upgrading the PC?
I was thinking in the lines of:

- Add memory (currently has 4GB DDR3) - upgrade to 8/12 GB? - Or maybe I should replace the motherboard and use a DDR4 motherboard and not spend on DDR3 memory?

- Add GPU - I read that "Asus Phoenix GeForce GTX 1660 OC 6GB" should have great price/quality ratio. Would this be recommended? Also, since my PSU has 400W, would it be sufficient for this GPU or should I think about upgrading the PSU as well?

- Add SDD harddrive - currently I have HDD, I am thinking about using it as a storage drive or putting it in external NAS and install SDD as the system drive. How should I look for the SDD drive? Which would be a wise choice?

All feedback and recommendations are welcome.

Thank you
 
#2
Welcome to PCHF machairodus11,

Your budget is a limiting factor I`m afraid so what I would suggest is with the exception of the RAM you only upgrade items that you could transfer into a more up to date system further down the line, GPU, Gold efficiency rated PSU and an SSD.

machairodus11 said:
In the end I would like to do some photo and video editing and also use it for some gaming as well.
Click to expand...
What editing software do you use, we can use the info to find out the amount of RAM recommended by the software providers.

Can you also tell us what operating system is running on the computer.

Replacing the MB would not only involve the new board and RAM but also a new Windows product key which would add an additional circa $100 to the cost.
 
#3
Thank you for the reply.

Most likely programs like Lightroom and Shotcut (both recommend 8GB). Currently I am running windows 7 on it.

Its a good point about MB needing a new windows key. Do I understand correctly that the only compatibility I need to worry about is the CPU and RAM sockets?
For example if upgrading my GPU, HDD, RAM, CPU at some point in the future, when moving on to a newer motherboard, HDD and GPU will most likely fit the new MB as well. However RAM and CPU have a socket type which could be an issue in the future?
 
#4
What version of Windows 7, 64-bit Pro for example, Lightroom recommends Windows 10 (64-bit) Version 1511 or later, so was going to suggest that you find the product key that is in use on the computer and then try upgrading to Windows 10, folk are reporting still being able to do this for free.

phillpower2 said:
what I would suggest is with the exception of the RAM you only upgrade items that you could transfer into a more up to date system further down the line, GPU, Gold efficiency rated PSU and an SSD.
Click to expand...
You cannot use the CPU with anything other than a Single LGA-1150 socket MB and in the case of the RAM it is only compatible with MBs that have DDR3 memory slots, a new GPU, Gold efficiency rated PSU and an SSD will not have the same limitations.

You are welcome btw :)

NB: Worth mentioning is that the MB has HP BIOS which will also limit certain options, swapping in a better CPU for example may not be possible because the limited HP BIOS may not recognise any new CPU.
 
#7
I got a little bit wiser for sure. But I am still a bit lost.

I figured out that I cannot really well upgrade the PC in its current state (the motherboard has a 18 pin power connector). So I cannot replace the PSU with this motherboard. The current PSU doesnt however have a power cable for GPU.

So now I am stuck with keeping the system as it is or replacing PSU, Motherboard and putting in RAM + SDD + GPU. I already bought the PSU + RAM + SDD + GPU hoping I could do a replacement. Now the motherboard is not correct and I should replace this as well.

I found an option that is reasonably priced and should have all the required connections - would you think this would be sufficient?:

https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/H81 Pro BTC R2.0/

As always, any feedback is welcome.
 
#8
HP used three different boards in the Z230, the board here has a 24 pin main power connection, like yours the one here has an 18 but if you check the part numbers they are both shown as 698113-001, not helpful :(

No need for a new board as you can use a 24 pin to 18 pin ATX PSU adaptor like the one here much less expensive than a new MB and far less time and trouble.
 
#10
Some info how it got resolved (for now).

I went ahead and ordered an adapter cable (AYA 24-18 pin converter) for PSU-Mobo. I was actually quite suprised when I got it to work using that. First, I tried with GPU and new memory out, tried booting it and it started ok. I let it run a bit and had no problems.
Secondly I tried putting all the parts in (RAM, GPU), I could hear the PC starting up, but couldnt see any video - the integrated output didn't give any video signal. So naturally I thought I should use the GPU video output, but this didn't work either. So after some googling I found a possible solution for that: disable the driver for the integrated video chip. It seemed to work so that I could finally start and get into windows with my new setup.

But still, my worries weren't over :). I tried installing the driver for the GPU, but I couldn't find any 32bit drivers (I didn't realise that you would need a 64 bit windows for this card to run). So next I had to go and get a new windows installation on the SSD I bought and in the end I was able to install the corresponding driver on that.

In the end, I got the system working - using the HP 18 motherboard with DDR3, 1226 v3 Xeon processor, GTX 1660 Ti GPU and a SSD drive. There is still an issue with the Tower as the PSU will not attach there, but currently the system runs fine. At some point I need to find a tower that will suit by visual needs.

Than you for your help and tips!
 
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