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Resolved Question

Thinking about upgrading my PC, what is the best choice?

Aug 15, 2017 1:03PM PDT

Hello. I have a HP Pavilion All-in-One and am thinking about upgrading it. I am currenly stuck with freezing Google Chromes, not responding applications, and games with 20 fps on the lowest graphics settings.

Specs (Sorry if I missed some stuff):
CPU: Intel Core i3-4160T 3.10 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4400

I was thinking about upgrading the RAM to at least 8GB and the GPU to something at least more decent. But as I did some research, I realized that the GPU was soldered and I couldn't change it out.

Some other random but may be useful information:
I am thinking of maybe getting a few PC games but I usually play on the casual side (thinking about getting Rainibow Six Siege and play it with my friends).
I do not have that much money to spend - around 400 to 500 bucks would be the max.
I am upgrading to just get generally a smooth and not rage-inducing experience with applications and to get at least 30-60 fps on games.

Now here are my questions.
1. Should I upgrade to 8 or 16GB RAM?
2. Is it worth it to get a new motherboard with a better GPU?
3. Is it just downright more worth it to get a new PC with better hardware?
4. Will upgrading my hard drive to much?

Thanks for your help.

Discussion is locked

DaancingBanana has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Small world. I had a few laptops with similar specs.
Aug 15, 2017 1:59PM PDT

This one. HP Probook6460b 14"Intel Corei3-2310M 4GB .

This sort of model, including yours is never going to game well. I would NOT put any hard money into this thing.

1. RAM. I lucked out in the probooks came with 2x2GB sticks. This meant the memory system was in DUAL CHANNEL mode and performing as good as can be. I would not expect any gaming performance game unless the current RAM is single channel.
HOW TO FIND OUT? I like to read the Web Speccy report. How? Read
https://www.piriform.com/docs/speccy/using-speccy/publishing-a-speccy-profile-to-the-web

2. AIO motherboards are rarely available and don't address issues like this. You are far better off building a gamer PC. Start with https://www.reddit.com/r/PCMasterRace/wiki/builds

3. Yes.

4. Iffy. While changing to SSD will improve overall performance there will be zero improvement in frame rates.

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Answer
All-in-ones
Aug 15, 2017 1:06PM PDT

Aren't really built for upgrades. Enjoy "as is" and get something different that meets your current desires.

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Answer
Re: upgrading
Aug 15, 2017 1:14PM PDT

Google Chrome uses a lot of RAM, so adding 4 GB might help. Be sure to have the same sticks everywhere, not a mixture of the current one and some other.
For general use replacing the hard disk by an SSD would make it faster, but have no effect on hangs or the graphic performance.

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Answer
Limited
Aug 15, 2017 1:25PM PDT

AIOs tend to be limited to upgrades. The ram should be the best option and maybe a SSD drive. Anything else is pretty much stuck on the mtrbd. and if it can't swapped out, that's it. Alas, also the more heat build-up within the AIO will cause issue sooner later, thus cooling should checked. Mtrbds. for your AIO may not be available, too much in question. Thus, you maybe better getting a true desktop which is open to future upgrades, etc.. good luck

tada -----Willy Happy

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Answer
AIO's
Aug 15, 2017 1:28PM PDT

Are like a laptop, very limited upgrade path.

Save your money and if you want a gaming rig go buy one.