So I bought this HP a6030n from a friend for $100.

[Maleick]

I bought this computer from a friend and he gave me the 22' monitor with it, very good deal. The CPU is bad and needs to be replaced, he pulled it out and bent most of the pins trying to put it back in and even broke a few ( dumbass ). Here are the specs.

HP a6030n

Motherboard MCP61PM-HM

My question is the motherboard states:

CPU/Processor

* Socket: AM2
* Supports the following processors:
o Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology up to 4800+ (up to 65 Watt TDP)
o Athlon 64 up to 3800+
o Sempron - All

So can I use something like AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Brisbane 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor

Also besides video card and memory what else is there I could use to make this able to handle 4 boxing?

Any suggestions on video card would be helpful

[Vethera]

That comp is not a bad deal for 100 dollars. As for the CPU options if the Mobo that it has in it can only support up to the 4800+ as we speak check the website for the company that makes the mobo and see if they have any recent bios updates that will allow you to put a better processor in that you looking at (5200+). Usually they may have something that will help you update it but unless you are skilled with computer work and know how to update a bios I would not recommend updating that yourself. If it is done wrong it will fry the mobo and make it unusable so if your not sure how take it to a professional to do it they will usually charge about 50 dollars to update it.

As for the cards Im running some older cards in mine the 512mb Nvidia 8600 GT OC2 with thermocooling from BFG in sli at the moment and I run 3 boxes just fine with about 45 FPS in reg PVE area, about 25 in PVP battlegrounds and about 16 in dalaran at the moment (as we all know dal is pretty nasty on the FPS lol) so if you want to get the good FPS you can go with that or better yet try the 9000 series from Nvidia the prices on those things have dropped majorly since the 260 and up have been released hope this helps if you have any questions just repost and ill reply shortly.

[Maleick]

I am not finding anything for a bios update other then this: MCP61PM-HM Motherboard BIOS update

However I did find different specs on HP's website becuase it sent me to Compaq before. I figured it didn't matter becuase they are the same company now.

Motherboard Specifications, MCP61PM-HM

* Socket: AM2
* Supports the following processors:
o Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology up to 5600+ (up to 89 watt)
o Athlon 64 less than 4000+
o Sempron less than 4000+

At some point I am going to build me another computer from ground up however I need to wait until I have some more cash. So trying to get my best bang for my buck here, also thanks for your help

So based on the information I have, I should be able to use AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600 Brisbane 2.9GHz?

[Vethera]

Well if the mobo that you have will only support the CPU up to the 4800 it will most likely not support the 5200 just due to its not formated for it just yet on the other hand one of the good things that you can do as well is get a new mobo you can get a pretty decent one from MSI for about 75 to 125 depending on what you want to be included in it. Ill see if I can find anything about that mobo that you ahve and get back to you though

[Maleick]

I am looking to make the following upgrades to this computer and I feel fairly confident that I should have no problem 4 boxing again. Please let me know if you know of any better upgrades that are cheaper or better for the same price.

CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory $60

Antec EA500 ATX 12V 500W Power Supply for ATX Cases $70

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600 Brisbane 2.9GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor $60

Galaxy 95TGE8HUFEXX GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card $70

Computer + Monitor $100

Parts $ 260

Total $ 360

Good deal I say

[Maleick]

Well if the mobo that you have will only support the CPU up to the 4800 it will most likely not support the 5200 just due to its not formated for it just yet on the other hand one of the good things that you can do as well is get a new mobo you can get a pretty decent one from MSI for about 75 to 125 depending on what you want to be included in it. Ill see if I can find anything about that mobo that you ahve and get back to you though

I was listing the wrong specs the first time, my fault.

Motherboard Specifications, MCP61PM-HM

Quoted
* Socket: AM2
* Supports the following processors:
o Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology up to 5600+ (up to 89 watt)
o Athlon 64 less than 4000+
o Sempron less than 4000+

[Vethera]

All those actually sound like a nice upgrade choice for the system that your puting togather. Ive always been more of a BFG fan on the other hand and would be choicing the newer 285s if it is in the pricing budget for you they have some good ones that are running about 300 per card or so. Later you may want to look into getting into a sli or crossfire mobo though as the 9800 GT OC card that I have in my slave comp doesnt have the best of frames as the one that I have with the dual 8600 GT OCs in. Just a thought though