Max Upgrade to HP Pavilion a6750y Desktop PC [ Edited ]

[rog64ert]

Hey, I just want to know if it is feasible to max this pc out for gaming, and what are my limits, from hp's perspective...

HP Pavilion a6750y Desktop PC

SN: {Removed for privacy}

CPU 2.3GHz AMD Phenom X4 9650
Memory 8GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Graphics 256MB 800Mhz DDR2 SDRAM
Hard drives 750GB, 7200 rpm Hitachi
Optical drive dual-layer DVD burner
Networking Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g wireless
Operating system 64-bit Windows Vista Home Premium SP1

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

This forum is mainly supported by users and not HP.

As for gaming, a fast video card and bigger power supply will do wonders.  We need to know how long of a video card will fit in your PC.

Open up your PC and do some measuring in parallel with the PCI-E x16 slot to see how long of a video card will fit. The slot adjacent to the PCI-E x16 slot needs to be vacant.

[rog64ert]

Hardcore HP users are a cool bunch, and would imagine the ones here are no joke either.

The specs for this model are at:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01619708&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3872431#N77

and is in its OTS configuration.

A while back, I think I had installed the very first XFX geforce 8800gt that was 8x4x1.5, short enough not to block my extra SATA ports. It gave my son isssues, but was ok for my lame game needs. Was thinking about a MSI R5770 Hawk Radeon HD 5770, for @ $140 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490,

But then what to do about a compatible psu? Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-400 400W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V v2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply seems to be good for $60, but is it compatable and enough? - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371046

I can also upgrade the cpu to the Phenom Qcor 9950 Black Am2 2.6ghz 4mb 65nm 140w 3600mhz Pib HD995ZFAGHBOX for @ $170, but is it needed? - http://www.aztekcomputers.com/HD995ZFAGHBOX-AMD-1219279.html

As well as getting a Intel 320 Series 80GB SSD for @$140 for the OS and Apps - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167047

And then, what is the best way to cool this box down? It gets hot enough as it is. $???

I guess what I am asking is that since it is a HP, I just don't want to stick any ole thing in it, but also don't want it to wind up as one of "Tool Time's Greatest Moments"

So anywhere from $200 to $500 to upgrade what is behind door #1, which has been a good pc, or go to door #2:

HP Pavilion HPE h8t customizable Desktop PC
EPP_00_QC455AV#ABA

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium [64-bit]
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500 quad-core processor [3.3GHz, 6MB cache]
8GB DDR3-1333MHz SDRAM [4 DIMMs]
1TB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive
1GB DDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti [2 DVI, mini-HDMI. VGA adapter]
460W Power supply
SuperMulti DVD Burner
Integrated Ethernet port,
15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB 2.0 (front), audio, 2 USB (top rear-facing)

for $999

or then why not door #3:

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1DRU5M

for $1280

This is where this simple question has taken me...

And Big Dave, best thing to do is upgrade the video and psu?

OK then, I don't really want to spen a whole lot of cash in the first place.

So what can I put in there?

What specifically is the best otion without "overbuilding the neighborhood" and unnecessarily spending/

Do I now call HP and tell them what I need to replace, and what do they suggest?

[Big_Dave · Accepted solution]

Hi rog64ert,

It's the holiday season so spending is good.

Since this is the gaming forum, you should go the game manufacturer's web site and for and seek out a recommendation for a video card that fits your game settings and monitor resolution.

Most modern games will run reasonably well with the ATI 6850 or the NVIDIA 560 using high to ultra settings depending on the monitor's resolution.

Door #winner is probably around $120-130 for the RADEON 6850 and $40 for the Corsair CX500.

You should open up your PC and measure the physical dimensions of your power supply. Here is a list of things to consider:

1. Specifications
2. Total wattage - important
3. 12+ volt amperage rating - important
4. Modular - not mandatory but I like the flexibility
5. Warranty
6. i7 and SLI ready
7. Efficiency rating
8. Cost
9. Physical size -- standard ATX PSU is 5.5" by 5.9" by 3.4" give or take a few tenths
10. A single 12+ volt rail is a better choice.

Do some measuring in parallel with the PCI-E x16 slot to see how long of a video card will fit. The slot adjacent to the PCI-E x16 slot needs to be vacant.

These HP 'how-to" articles should be helpful.  Install the power supply first and get yout PC stable before installing the video card.