• Welcome to TechPowerUp Forums, Guest! Please check out our forum guidelines for info related to our community.

Advice on a replacement build

Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
6 (0.00/day)
Location
Vilnius, Lithuania
System Name HP Pavilion dv5 1160-en
Processor Intel Core2Duo P7350 @ 2GHz
Motherboard Intel PM45 Express
Cooling Stock
Memory 2 x Ramaxel Technology 2048MB DDR2 400MHz (2:3) @ 6-6-6-18
Video Card(s) GeForce 9600M GT
Storage WD Scorpio Blue (WD3200BEVT: 320GB 5200RPM)
Display(s) LP154WX4-TLCB
Case Stock
Audio Device(s) Onboard
Power Supply Stock (90W)
Software Windows 7 Pro x86
Hello everyone,

normally I would do at least some research first, but the situation is rather dire. My desktop computer, bought in 2005 is now randomly generating false thermal events – which means I must come up with possible replacement build specs quickly. The bad thing is, I research the hardware field only when I have made up my mind to buy a new computer and thus am out-of-date.

The old computer was relatively powerful (as of 2005), but not aimed at gaming -> while boasting a P4 (Prescott) 3.2Ghz/800Mhz FSB, it had a rather mediocre video card (Radeon X600, which later was replaced by Radeon X1300 (warranty service)).

Since this is a replacement build, it does not need a HDD, an optical drive nor a monitor. Most probably it could do with current GPU as well.

I am thinking about something quad-core from Intel i5 series and would like to go for best cost/quality ratio.
I will check out what's in local stores when picking RAM, but you can post recommendations.
I have no clue about motherboards though. Pretty much all of them that have the relevant CPU socket have everything I need (integrated sound + NIC).
... and I will go with a random case+PSU with enough wattage. This isn't a powerhouse build, you know.

TL;DR
Motherboard + CPU aimed at both home tasks and CPU-intensive tasks, for example chess analysis. Budget: up to $700.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Jan 28, 2009
Messages
1,742 (0.31/day)
Location
on top of that big mountain on mars(Romania)
System Name ( . Y . )
Joined
Jul 14, 2011
Messages
6 (0.00/day)
Location
Vilnius, Lithuania
System Name HP Pavilion dv5 1160-en
Processor Intel Core2Duo P7350 @ 2GHz
Motherboard Intel PM45 Express
Cooling Stock
Memory 2 x Ramaxel Technology 2048MB DDR2 400MHz (2:3) @ 6-6-6-18
Video Card(s) GeForce 9600M GT
Storage WD Scorpio Blue (WD3200BEVT: 320GB 5200RPM)
Display(s) LP154WX4-TLCB
Case Stock
Audio Device(s) Onboard
Power Supply Stock (90W)
Software Windows 7 Pro x86
Thanks, the specs are excellent and now I have the idea what to look for. :)

Update on budget: up to $700.
 
Joined
Jan 28, 2009
Messages
1,742 (0.31/day)
Location
on top of that big mountain on mars(Romania)
System Name ( . Y . )
cool then you have money to add a dedicated gpu but the question is do you need one, do you play games?
 
Top