Windows 10: HG's PC upgrade

Hi all.

Here's the scoop on what I decided; Although this is an older Acer, it ran 7, 8, and 8.1 great with very minor problems. From what I read, 10 should run as well also. Since I can't justify purchasing a new system just yet, but may build one in the near future, I've decided to upgrade this one until then. Please keep in mind that whatever I purchase now I can install in the new build, so I might not mind spending a little extra to "overbuild" this one, depending on my final decision. I can live with the 2GBs of maxxed-out memory and the 3GHtz Intel duo for now. Also, instead of a custom build, I just may go ahead and purchase a Surface pro (3, or 4, or whatever at the time) with docking station instead, of which might make more sense as long as I can multi monitor.

My PSU is going south, so I'll need to purchase a new one right away. Hopefully order today. Will this > CX500 — 80 PLUS > be powerful enough to add this? >

Video card (as CountMike suggested) to run up to 3 monitors maximum? I realize the monitors have their own power supply, but more concerned about the amount of monitor pickups there. The big thing on the card is designated memory, for my video WEI score has always been the lowest with the onboard graphics.

Will the PSU handle a future upgraded mobo with, let's say, an i7 CPU (and the new video card)?

So far as the video card is concerned > I’m not a gamer, but I will be getting into 3D CAD. Will it handle that?

Any suggestions or additional thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. *Smile

:)

 

Widows 10 Upgrade has lost my HomeGroup link

I still haven't solved the problem. It's crazy. All symptoms same as CaptMacca. You are not alone.

Some more details.

In my case there are 4 computers. Compaq, HP, Acer and Asus. I believe the original HG was set up on the Compaq.

If I go to the Compaq HG it says "This computer cannot join a HG". Select option to join network. Join network. Go to HG and it says DW on HP has created HG, get password. Go through sharing screens. Input PW for HP HG. Grinds away. Then "Windows no longer
detects a HG on this network. To create HG click OK and open HG in Control Panel" When that is selected it just goes around the same circle.

Time on Comaq and HP are 7.35.

HP says. With a HG you can share. Join now. Type HG PW, Get PW from DW on Compaq. Don't know the Compaq PW and no HG is visible or PWs on the Compaq.

If Compaq is turned off HP says No other HG PCs are available. HP HG is now visible and PW.

Turn on Asus. Try to join HG. DW on HP has PW. Input PW that can be seen on HP HG settings. "Windows no longer detects a network" To create a HG click OK.

Time on all PCs 7.45.

With Compaq turned back on the HG settings and options on HP all disappear and it wants to join the Compaq HG. Asus and Acer are only offered the HP HG and come back with the "Windows no longer detects a network" error.

In the circle of screens on the Asus there is one that says it is Verifying PW before the PW box even comes up and it doesn't say which network it is trying to join. Other times it says HP. Never can join and gets network error.

So if Compaq is off HP HG is visible but nothing can join it. If Compaq is on, HP is offered Compaq HG but Asus and Acer are offered HP HG.

So is it a clash of HGs?

As CaptMacca says it would be nice just to just reset all PC to no HG and start again.

 

unhandled win32 exception

Thanks for your replies HG.

The problem was long before upgrading to Win 10, so I guess it hasn't to do with upgrading.

 

That PSU should work nicely and the MFG price is suggested retail you should find it cheaper at the place you buy it from.
You could also up grade the mother board later also as boxes are eye candy most to be hidden under the desk.

 

Thank you, labeemaan!

Yes, I'll be shopping around. I linked it because it's from manufacturers site.

Hopefully I'll use the same case if a new mobo fits.

I've been pricing monitors too. They're coming down with price nicely. In fact I can't believe how much all hardware has come down in price. *Smile

 

Yes the price of hardware has really come down even compared to prices five years ago you cannot have that PSU repaired for the price of a new one.

 

Looks good to me as well! *Thumbs

I have also been surprised on the price of monitors. Lately I've been thinking about replacing this ole HP monitor with a nice touch screen! *Smile

Have great day folks,
-Chuck

 

PSU is ordered and on it's way. Got this since it fits my case with plenty of wattage in the cottage and all the connectors I need.

630 Watt ATX Power Supply

Need help with video card. My mobo has a PCI-E 1.0 slot, but read that a PCI-E 2.0 card will work and that 3.0 will not. Would anyone know if this is true?

And while I'm at it I should update the BIOS since there's a newer version. I've never performed this scary task.

 

Seems like RAM prices went up double or almost that since last year, this time.

 

If I remember correct the slots are backwards compatible.

Look here

Acer E946GZ Mobo Compatible PC GPUs

BIOS update only need to be done if something is not working that the BIOS update addresses it. If it aint broke, don't fix it*Wink

 

PCIe slots are all backwards compatible so a version 3 card will run at version 1 speed. As long as you are using a 16 way slot (large one) you will be fine and this will fit in a new motherboard.

 

Thanks for the info and links, guys.

Probably not worth upgrading the BIOS being that it's so old and, yes, why fix what's not broke.

 

You might want to upgrade (build a new one) everything soon, That MB has only SATA1 (SATA 1.5 Gbit/s) only, I'm not sure how an eventual SSD would behave with it. Even with SATA2 they run half speed. AHCI mode is essential for it's work too.

 

I also agree with Mike.

I would only upgrade that PC for the Now.

Don't spend money on components that might just not
be up to par in the near future. A waste of good money.

Put the money asside and when you're ready to build you'll
a bit more to spend on something worth spending on.

This would be akin to a money pit.


.

 

I avoid ready made and brand name computers like a plague. They are always "something special", BIOS is usually a mess or poor with options and upradability next to none. They also tend to install marginal components.
With a little help of manuals and common sense, anybody capable of using a screwdriver can put one together. Easier than average toaster I'd say.
I never bought a complete desktop in my life since last Atari (and that one got modified in a hurry), just keep on upgrading one or few pieces at a time, I'm almost sure there are at least a screw or two since 1995 in my desktop. There's I think only an SSD and RAM that I bought from a store, all other parts were used, bought second hand or leftovers from a junked computer and everything works perfectly, full speed and OCed to max.