Curse

VengeanceatMidnight · Aug 22, 2007, 01:59 AM // 01:59

well, should i jsut save for a new comp? I just bought a NVIDIA GeForce 6600 256MB PCI Express, and of course, my crappy HP Pavilion a705w only has a PCI bus. So, i have to buy a new motherboard. any suggestions? i'd like the best i can get, for cheap. also, when replacing a motherboard, what happens to my comp? thanks.

I found this super cheap one on ebay :

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ECS-PT890T-A-1066...QQcmdZViewItem

..and since i'm noob, whats wrong with it, why is it so cheap?

i'm looking at $80 max, if at all possible....

Loviatar · Aug 22, 2007, 03:11 AM // 03:11

ebay equals lose your money thats why it is so cheap.

MORE BAD NEWS

i think DELL uses propriatory motherboards which are not compatable with any regular motherboard due to power supply fittings to the board.

call DELL TECH and see what your options actually are.

more bad news as the new card uses more power which may be more than the factory PS can provide as they never intended it to be upgraded.

EQSelgonas · Aug 22, 2007, 03:15 AM // 03:15

Also, you're operating system is probably OEM, meaning it can only be installed on one motherboard, ie. the one that came with your HP.

MasterPatricko · Aug 22, 2007, 04:20 PM // 16:20

OEM Computers (generic ones you buy from computer manufacturers) are designed to be difficult to upgrade. Switching out the motherboard will be next to impossible in all probability. Even if you do, as already pointed out, you will probably need a new OS. Removing the CPU may prove to be a hassle too. If you want a computer that's easy to upgrade I'm afraid you'll either have to pay a lot of money or build it yourself.

Big Strong Baby · Aug 23, 2007, 11:47 AM // 11:47

Or you could buy another case and a new motherboard and transfer the components from your dell over. You will need to get the ATX form factor since they are most common and easiest to use and there are a large variety of motherboards and cases. Most likely Dell uses BTX in most machines to make it harder to upgrade.

Cases are relatively cheaper too.

DaHammer · Aug 23, 2007, 12:49 PM // 12:49

First of all, you're waaay beyond just replacing your mobo here. The board in your HP Pavilion is a socket 478 type (CPU socket). There aren't many of those around because they're extremely outdated but you can find them if you look. The mobo you saw on eBay is a LGA775 type which means you will have to buy a new CPU and RAM since your old ones cannot be used. Next, you'll need a new case and PSU (power supply). The good news is most new mobo's contail a high level of integration so you won't have to spend money on LAN cards, sound cards, etc. All this just to use that video card you bought. Unless you're prepared financially and ABILITY-WISE to build a new PC from the bottom up, I'd get my money back on the video card and start saving for a new computer.

SaucE · Aug 23, 2007, 01:10 PM // 13:10

First, I don't know why everyone keeps mentioning he has a Dell when his post says its an HP.

Here is a motherboard that should work with the hardware you have as well as fit in your case.

ASRock P4VM890 S478 P4M890 mATX DDR PCI-E16 3PCI SATA Video Sound LAN Motherboard $63.21 US + Shipping
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...facture=ASRock

As for your OEM copy of Windows, I work for a PC Reair place and we replace th; motherboards in HP, Dell, Compaq's all the time that have those OEM keys. You will have to do atleast a repair install of Windows XP but I recommend a full reinstall. Ater you have installed you will most likely have to call Microsoft to activate Windows. Just tell them you replaced the motheboard because the other one failed and they will authorized the activation.