Maximizing my HP Compaq 8000 Elite CMT

[Fred_onPC]

Hi,

I want to maximize performance of my PC by upgrading several parts.  Currently my HP Compaq 8000 Elite CMT run with:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66GHz

Memory: 2 GB

VGA Card: integrated Intel Q45/Q43 Express Chipset.

from the manual and this forum, if I want to maximize by changing the memory and VGA cards, I can only go as far as:

Memory: 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM PC3-10600 (4x4GB)

VGA Card: Radeon HD 6750 1GB

Are there any higher components I can apply there for either memory or VGA card?

and what the highest processor I can upgrade with my motherboard?

Thank you.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Below is the link to the quickspecs for your PC.

The list of supported processors can be found on pages 7 and 8.

http://www.bargainhardware.co.uk/content/specifications/Elite8000_datasheet.PDF

I also have the 8000 Elite CMT.

I did not change the E8400 processor it came with, but I did max out the memory to 16 GB, and installed an AMD Radeon HD 6570 graphics card.

I think the HD 6750 card you referenced would be too powerful for the 320W  P/S. 

It draws 86W of power, and the graphics card PCIE x16 slot is only rated to handle a video card with up to a 75W power draw.  That would be a double-whammy.

Regarding the memory...it will only run at 1066 MHz and it is very hard to get memory that works for that model (and the 8100 Elite).

This is the memory I used and it worked with no issues...

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220480

[Fred_onPC]

Hi Paul, Thank you so much for your help!

So, you think it is enough if I upgrade memory to 16GB and vga card to HD6570?

This PC run on Windows 10 and for daily work use when I remote my office work (MS Office application mostly) and game (Civilization VI). But I want to try to run more heavily graphic use game, probably like Fifa 17. Is it still possible or no way my PC can handle that?

Thanks.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

You're very welcome.

All I can say is that the HD 6570 is much better than the onboard Intel graphics.

I do not use any of my PC's for video gaming, so I cannot be of help regarding how particular games will work on the HD 6570.

It is a pretty decent card with a 128 bit memory interface, and it draws 60W of power, which is safely within the operating limits of the power supply and PCI express slot.