Upgrading an Old System

Hardware Hub
1

I got an old AM2 system from HP that's almost 8 years old. It needs a new CPU, new drive, new PSU, and a GPU to replace the motherboard's integrated graphics, to run a couple things like YouTube in HD and Battlefield 1942.

But there's a catch. Now, I didn't want it to be like this, but my father (it's his system) insists that I upgrade the system to its full potential rather than replace the parts inside with newer ones (I'm having trouble wording this right). As in getting a new motherboard and chassis. Out of the question, sorry. I have to keep this system at Socket AM2.

Shoutout and thanks to jdmanonamission from the Hexus forums. There's a ton of info on his post about this machine there. Here's what we got:

Name: HP Compaq dx2250

OS: Windows 8.1, 32-bit (Fresh install)

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (Dual Core, 2.3GHz)

RAM: 2GB DDR2 (2 x 1GB DIMM, both slots maxed out since the motherboard only takes up to 2GB)

Storage: Samsung 80GB SATA I HDD (OEM drive that it came with)

PSU: Bestec 250W Power Supply (OEM PSU that it came with)

Motherboard: MS-7297 V2.1 (OEM motherboard that it came with)

MORE INFO:

-The motherboard has two DDR2 ram slots which I've already maxed out with two 1GB RAM sticks.

-There's an unoccupied PCI-E 16X (Gen 1) slot and a pair of PCI slots under it.

-It also has 4 SATA I ports, one of which being used by drive above. However, the chassis seems to be designed to only take 2 3.5" drives.

-There's a 3.5" bay and 2 5.25" bays, one of which has an optical drive connected. It looks like PATA so that's why it doesn't use a SATA port on the board.

-There's only one fan header on the board, and only one fan spot. The rear exhuast fan is a 92mm AVC fan, like the other parts, it's a part that the system came with.

2

Perhaps a 2nd hand gpu like a gtx750 or 750ti. Maybe even a 650ti.
The RAM limit is a kick in the pants though.

What I'd do if it were me and limited myself to $50 - a 2gb gtx650ti and run linux mint.

3

Don't you think those GPUs would be overkill? I mean, YouTube and BF: 1942 aren't that demanding... And it's a PCI-E X16 Gen 1 slot... Damn. I was figuring of grabbing the GT 700 line of card or the R5 200 series, mainly because of how much power they use. But what would I know, it's ancient.

Also, I do like the idea of Linux Mint, however, I can't run the game on that without WINE, which would be a little dumb for a system already so limited. Maybe I'm wrong. Thank you for the help! Please if you can think of anything else, feel free to post what you think!

4

This manual says 4gb
https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=253139.0

5

Yeah that's what I thought, too.

I tried it recently, actually, using some RAM from a friend's system (2 x 2GB) and a 64-bit version of Windows. It failed to boot no matter what I tried. I got consistent error beeps from the BIOS.

But thanks so much! Maybe I'll give it another try if I can find some single 4GB DDR2 RAM out there. Please, if you can help anymore, feel free to tell me! I'd love to get this system to run at least Battlefield 1942, not to mention all sorts of important things my father needs it for.

6

was all the ram on one side of the sticks?

I wouldn't bother with a single 4Gb

7

Yes and no. One 2GB module had the chips on the left side, the other 2GB module had them spread about both sides (my buddy got custom built system around the same my dad bought this thing). Why you ask?

8

I ask because maybe the board doesn't like high density.

Did you try both sticks one at a time in the correct slot (maybe there is no correct slot IDK)
did you check the exact specs of the ram for compatibility?
Is the last bios version installed? (I don't want to say latest as it seems wrong for something so long in the tooth).

I have old HP's but all intel 775's, They are tricky with the ram.

even though the manual says 4gb it doesn't list 2gb modules as an option

9

I checked using Crucial's scanning tool, the trial and error I posted above.

Oddly, the manual, which, depending on where I look, contradicts itself. I'm aware there's at least three variants of this system out there. I think the difference is indicated in the HDD size. The highest end model, the one Logan showed on TigerDirect's YouTube channel, might have been the only one to support it.

There hasn't been any BIOS downloads for this system in forever, but I saw on biosmods website people unlocked certain things with this system. However I have never updated one before.

10

6000+ is only with a mod bios?

V2.1 sounds like a late version so I wouldn't give up totally on 4Gb, 2Gb DDR2 sticks is peanuts.

11

Yeah, maybe they are. XD

I think it could work without a BIOS mod, but maybe not the RAM. I think I'm stuck with that. Okay, so I have a guy I can buy the X2 6000+ from, but do you think it's worth it? This system's CPU ( X2 4400+) is the same line (Brisbane, says CPU-Z) and slower by about 700MHz. Think it'll help?

12

If it's cheap and it works I say do it but then I enjoy maxing out older systems.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/28?vs=35

13

The CPU is $20 flat. I got the thermal paste and the stock cooler still. I could... I might...

All I need to a way to properly uninstall the CPU and cooler. I broke both off the last time I tried that. Almost turned the machine into scrap by doing that. Got any advice or links for removing this thing?

14

twist it, don't just yank it out.

15

Clockwise, diagonally, or counter-clockwise? Or does it not matter, and should I treat it like a loose tooth? Last time I tried the paste stuck the CPU to the cooler like cement.

16

just twist it about then slide it so you know its not still vacuumed to the cpu.

17

Got it. Thanks!

Any other suggestions? I can install a GPU or PSU easy, but I'm not sure what's right for the system.

18

Only 250W means you are limited,

I have a GT730 with a 250w, 740 is fine, 750ti is too much I think + the PSU will be old and they degrade over time.

A decent PSU with a 750ti would be good but this all costs, are you sticking to a budget?

19

Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. Maaaaybe a GT 720, just in case the 6000+ pulls to much energy for it. I just need it to run BF: 1942. The monitor the system uses is a 1440 x 900. Literally between HD and Full HD. What do you think?

Also I can buy a new PSU, I installed plenty before, and this motherboard uses all the standard connectors, albeit older revisions (I spell that right?) of them. I saw the SeaSonic 300W with an 80+ Bronze rating on Newegg.

Here, can you access this list?
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedWishDetail.aspx?ID=33242027

I made it for this system specifically. The CPU is on eBay.

20

Oh, and I have to get a new optical drive. two reasons why it's on the list.

We have BF: 1942 The Complete Collection, all on disks. My dad prefers to play with those. Reason 2, the new PSU won't have a way to work with this OD because it's PATA powered (I know, WTF HP?).