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General discussion

upgrade

Oct 22, 2004 11:12AM PDT

I have compaq 5bw220. It consists of a celeron 633 mhz, 512mb ram, onboard video and sound computer that I bought back in 2000. Money is short, so please no one suggest getting a new computer. I have contacted compaq customer support and they told me that I can upgrade up to a pentium 3 1.1mhz and 300watt power supply. How much do you guys think this will improve the performance of the computer.

Discussion is locked

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Re: upgrade
Oct 22, 2004 11:19AM PDT

This should provide a significant improvement on the processor side but you will still have an old machine and be out a few bucks. Your HD and video card will still be the same and these have improved as well since 2000. You did not say how much for the upgrade or what guarantee comes with it. As for myself, I'd suffer along and bank the money.

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Re: upgrade
Oct 22, 2004 11:31AM PDT

ok. I have provided the model number and year. If anyone is not to busy. Do you think the case would support replacing the motherboard. I was thinking micro-atx.

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Re: upgrade/I searched
Oct 22, 2004 12:02PM PDT

I found several references to the Presario model you want to upgrade including a picture of it. There is no way to tell from this if it's a completely proprietary design which would mean replacing the motherboard might entail some real handiwork. I would guess you would be going for a P-4 or Athlon with a new MB. In this case a 300w PS which would be fine with a P-3 would be a weakness. I really don't think I can offer an answer to your question that will be a happy or inexpensive one. Can you do as you asked....maybe. Will it be easy and economical...no.