Upgrading my HP a1540n desktop pc for photo editing

[robnewa]

Hi all,

I am currently running Win XP SP2 on an HP a1540n desktop pc; system specs are here: 

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00679533&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3184140&tmp...

After having maxed out my RAM (4x1GB), the system has worked well for me for about 4 years.  However, I am buying a new 36 MP digital camera and need to upgrade the OS as a minimum (to Vista or Windows 7) to support some of the s/w that I use for photo editing. At the same time, I am considering some hardware upgrades as well to improve the system speed (I will be working with large files).

I am looking for options to make the system functional and, if $ permit, to improve the performance.  I would like some advice as to whether it is worth upgrading the hardware or just bite the bullet and retire the system in favour of somethng newer.  

Option 1: OS upgrade only, pref to Win 7; cost: ~$140

Option 2: upgrade MB (with processor), possibly add a video card; upgrade cost: ?

Option 3: new system; cost: ~$1000.

Does Option 2 make any sense?  While I hate to waste the old h/w, I am not sure whether this option is cost effective.  Can the remaining hardware (current power supply, etc) support and function properly with the newer motherboard or will other upgrades be necessary as well (in addition to OS)?  I will be attaching several drives (some new, some existing); will a new MB give me USB3 capability, or is that a separate addon?

Any advice/recommendations would be appreciated....

-Rob

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

Rob, welcome to the forum.

This is one of the more difficult situations to address.  Upgrading can be a good option if the original components are still newer.  However, a computer that is 6 years old is becoming a dinosaur.  Therefore, buying new can be a much better option.  If you can afford the $1,000, I believe that you would be money ahead.

Please click "Accept as Solution" if your problem is solved.

[Big_Dave]

Hi Rob,

You might want to consider the new HP HPE H8m series PC.  This is a lower cost model that you can configure to have two hard drives.  One hard is for the operating system and programs and then use the other for data storage.  Play around with the configurator; add a second 1TB HD and a 2GB video card. $740  This model has lots of growth potential (more memory, three hard drives, faster processor etc..).  USB 3.0 is standard