i have an HP compaq dc 7800 convertible minitower and i want to replace its cpu

[NonSequitur777]

@Clubsoda,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

That is an excellent question.    The answer is, yes, people have tried it on at least some HP LGA 775 platform desktops, but it wasn't compatible.  If only because a QX9770 has a TDP of no less than 136 watt and a whopping max power demand of 174+ watt.

In addition, the HP Compaq dc7800 CMT has the Intel Q35 Express chipset, whereas the QX9770 requires the Intel P35, X38 or X48 chipsets which can support the 1600 MHz frontside bus (FSB) in this mighty Core 2 quad processor.

Link #1: CPU-Upgrade: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 CPU.

Link #2: https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_2/Intel-Core%202%20Extreme%20QX9770%20EU80569XL088NL%20(BX80569Q....

Link #3: Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9770 Review - Legit Reviews.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Clubsoda]

Thank you for your information.  Based on the link, it appears that the Q9650 is the fastest supported CPU.

I was given this HP computer.  To update it, I have installed:

1. 8 gigs of ram (4x2gb)

2. 250gb Samsung SSD (I know it only runs at 3gb not 6gb speed - still big improvement)

3. swapped out the dual-core CPU for  quad-core Q6600. (I bought the ram and CPU for dirt cheap)

4. I would like to put a graphics card - do you know, or can you recommend, what the fastest for this could be? TIA

I know this is an old computer, but I got it for free and so far I've spent $30 for upgrades.

[NonSequitur777]

@Clubsoda,

For your HP Compaq dc7800 Convertible Minitower, take a look at what Users have fitted in their CMT's: UserBenchmark: HP Compaq dc7800 Convertible Minitower Compatible Components, such as a GeForce GT 710, GT 630, GTX 750 Ti, GT 1030, and even a GTX 1050-Ti 4GB and a GTX 1060 3GB.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@Clubsoda,

In terms of graphics cards pricing, eBay is one of your best options, IMO. Be careful though: personally, I only choose 'established' Sellers (97+% Positive feedback, over a 1,000 sales) and then only if the Seller allows "30 day returns". Also, look very carefully before you buy a graphics card: sometimes a card is "for parts only" -in other words, it is broken, or is ONLY suitable for mining.  -Just some helpful tips, I hope.

For example, these are the four GPUs I would recommend (the pricings below do not include shipping & tax).  Personally, I would choose a GTX 1050 Ti 4GB or a GTX 1060 3GB, but that is totally up to you and your budget, of course.

GT 1030 2GB for $60: PCWINMAX Nvidia GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5 PCIe HDMI Graphics Video Card | eBay

GTX 750 Ti 2GB for $80: EVGA NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti SC 2GB GDDR5 PCI-E Graphics Card | eBay

GTX 1060 3GB for $130: EVGA/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 SC ACX 2.0 3GB GDDR5 192-Bit Video Graphics Card | eBay

GTX 1050 Ti 4GB for $115: MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB GDDR5 Graphics Card | eBay

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[Clubsoda]

Thank you, NonSequitur777. Your timely and very detailed information is greatly appreciated.

Cheers  🙂

[NonSequitur777]

@Clubsoda,

You are very welcome!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777