Replacing RAM, PSU, HDD

[ShreksSwamp]

So guys my parents finally decided to fix their computer up. This is what i'm looking at.

Computer:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c01312597#N101

Motherboard:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c01324212#N463

The RAM i'm looking at:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134936

The PSU i'm looking at:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028

I'm fairly sure that the the motherboard supports a 64bit system. It only has four slots for the RAM so i'm looking at 8GB in fact the motherboard only supports 8GB max. The only piece of hardware that I have replaced is the graphics card (460 GTX). The current PSU is only 300 watt!!! So I'm thinking about that 600 watt, because it is not to expensive and i think it will work??? If I left anything out or there are any compatibility issues please tell me.

 

[Snipeye]

First things first. It's not the motherboard that defines it as a 64 bit system. It's the CPU. Granted, the CPU and motherboard have to be compatible with each other, but it's the CPU first and foremost.

Your system is an Intel Core2Quad Q6600, which is a first gen quad core from the Core series. That is 64-bit.

Now with that out of the way (/endrant), everything you picked is fine. The only suggestion is maybe go with a slightly lower PSU as what you have shouldn't require up to that much, maybe 450-500. However, the one you picked out is perfectly fine. There's nothing else I see wrong; you are stuck with DDR2 since that's the best your mobo can handle.

 

[fetterEsel]

600 watt is more than enough. Get corsair tx650. It's around 70 dollars and will be a great psu.

 

[ShreksSwamp]

Thanks guys! What am I supposed to look for when I am trying to shop for a power supply (voltage stuff like connectors)?

 

[Snipeye]

Obvious one is how much power your system will require. Which unfortunately does vary based on who you talk to and what philosophy they follow. I prefer to have extra power just in case I add more stuff to my PC (Hard drives, better GPU, CPU, more RAM, etc.)

Now, with specifics:
I like to find the 80+ Bronze efficiency rating or higher on my PSUs. Silver and Gold are great if they're in your budget. Be sure to read other reviewers' take on the power supply as they'll give you the most information about whether they're reliable or not (reliable = VERY important here).

Do not skimp on a cheap PSU with high wattage; if anything, that'll make it more likely to fry your system. Quality and reliability are important and you need to be sure you pay for that quality. Unfortunately, the PSU is sometimes the last part to be considered, and only bought with what's left in the budget.

One small but important feature is the power plug for the motherboard. Is it a 20-pin or 24-pin. Safest buy: Go with a PSU with a 20+4 pin; if you need the extra 4 pins, you can easily attach them. Of course, if you looked at your mobo and confirmed if it's a 20 or 24 pin, you wouldn't have to worry about only getting 20+4 pin PSUs...

 

[TheYonderGod]

For the PSU 400 watts is fine, I'd go with a Corsair CX430. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=cx 430&IsVirtualParent=1
If you're worried about it and want the extra watts a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171031 will work.

The RAM upgrade isn't worth it, for the cost. $94 for 4gb, when it costs like $50 for 8GB of DDR3... You could get a whole platform upgrade for barely even more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...0030236&IsNodeId=1&name=Quad-Core&Order=PRICE (depending on how much you want to spend. I would probably get the Athlon II since you already have a discrete card)
Plus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130641
Plus however much RAM you want to spend money on, you could get 4gb now and upgrade to 8 later http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231644 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211457

Good luck whatever you do.