Hey there, I'm planning on upgrading my old junker PC into a halfway decent piece of equipment. And I was hoping you helpful folks would have some suggestions on what to look for/what to avoid.

I've got an old junky Compaq Presario(I'm cringing, too), so if you've got any info, I'd appreciate it.

Stuff I need:

RAM - 512mb(add it to the one I've got, BAM 1gb. Yay!)
Power supply - 500-550 watt

Stuff I'm not sure about:

Processor - I've presently got an AMD Athlon 64 +2600. What should I replace it with, if I need to replace it?

Motherboard - If I get all the above listed items replaced, will I need a new motherboard to handle it? Or will this one keep on truckin'?

All suggestions/comments appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome to PCHF GreenChief!

Can you tell us what motherboard you have at present or the model of your compaq.

Uh, I can't find out what motherboard it is without opening up my tower(that would complicate my access to the forum >.>), but the Compaq model is:

DC480A-ABA S3300NX NA110

According to crucial Each memory slot can hold:
DDR PC3200,DDR PC2700,DDR PC4000 with a maximum of 512MB per slot and you have a maximum of 1024mb for your mobo and also it has two slots.

Computer memory upgrades for HP - Compaq Presario S3300NX Desktop/PC from Crucial.com


Whether or not you need to replace your processor depends on what you want to use your computer for?

Also do you have a set budget to spend on the upgrade?

Uh, I intend to use my computer for gaming.

And I've got a roughly $700-$800 budget.

Ok thanks for that. forgot you were in the states when i went on crucial.

New link: Computer memory upgrades for HP - Compaq Presario S3300NX Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

A 512mb upgrade is all you can have.