Hi! I own a Compaq Presario computer with an AMD Sempron processor and 2 GB RAM installed. There are only two available slots for RAM, and the computer was advertised as being upgradable to 4 GB. Can anyone tell me the most powerful processor AMD processor I can upgrade this computer with, as well as the best memory (2-2G sticks) to use?? Here are the MOBO specs...

Motherboard description Motherboard manufacturer's name: Asus M2N68-LA
HP/Compaq name: Ivy8-GL6

CPU/Processor Socket: AM2
Supports the following processors:
Athlon 64 X2 with Dual Core technology
Athlon 64
Sempron

Front-side bus (FSB) 2000MT/s (2.0 GT/s)

Chipset NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430

BIOS features System BIOS core brand: Award
Keyboard combination to used to enter BIOS: F10

Form factor Micro-ATX: 9.6 in X 9.6 in

Memory Dual channel memory architecture
Two 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets
Supported DIMM types:
PC2-4200 (533 MHz)
PC2-5300 (667 MHz)
PC2-6400 (800 MHz)
Non-ECC memory only, unbuffered
Supports 2GB DDR2 DIMMs
Supports up to 4 GB*
32 bit PCs cannot address a full 4.0 GB of memory.



NOTE: *Actual available memory may be less

Expansion slots Two PCI
One PCI Express x16 graphics (for graphics card)
One PCI Express x1 (for cards such as network, sound, tv-tuner)

Video graphics Integrated graphics using nVidia GeForce 6150SE
Up to 256MB of system memory (with 512MB or more system memory)
Also supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards



NOTE: Either integrated graphics or the PCI Express x16 slot are usable at one time; they are not usable concurrently.

Parallel ATA One 40-pin UltraDMA 100/66/33 connector
Supports PIO, multi-word DMA modes
Supports two PATA disk drives on one PATA ribbon cable (two drives total)

Serial ATA Two SATA connectors:
SATA1 = Black
SATA2 = White



Supports 1 SATA 150 or SATA 300 disk drive on each SATA connector
Speed up to 1.5Gb/sec or 3.0Gb/sec, complying with SATA 1.0 and SATA 2.0 specifications



NOTE: The faster rate of 3.0Gb/sec requires that both the hard drive and the motherboard support it. If one or the other does not support 3.0 Gb/sec, the system negotiates down to the slower 1.5 Gb/sec.

RAID Not currently supported by HP PCs using this motherboard.
Onboard audio 6 channel high-definition audio
Audio CODEC: ALC888
Onboard LAN 10/100Mbps LAN PHY
PCI Realtek RTL8201N

Onboard USB USB 2.0
Eight ports total
four connectors on back panel
additional headers on motherboard support 4 additional ports/devices



NOTE: Some USB ports may not be available externally for customer use. For more information, see model specifications.

Back panel I/0 One PS/2 mouse port (green)
One PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
One VGA port
Two USB 2.0
One RJ-45 networking port
Three Stereo-mini audio jacks for:
Line-in (light blue)
Line-out (lime)
Microphone-in (pink)

Internal connectors One 24-pin ATX power connector
One 4-pin ATX power connector
One PATA connector
Two SATA connectors
One floppy drive connector
Two 12v fan connectors for CPU fan and PC fan
One 9-pin header for power button, reset button, power LED, and HDD LED
One line input connector (interupts line input on back panel, Vista capable, requires matching front audio jack module)
One 9-pin audio header for headphone-out and microphone-in (yellow, Vista capable, requires matching front audio jack module)
Two USB headers supporting 4 additional USB 2.0 ports or devices
One Intel high-definition Audio/Modem Link (Not used by HP)
One jumper for resetting BIOS settings
One jumper to disable BIOS password checking


Thanks a bunch!!!!

Just as a side note, gaming won't really improve with a new processor.
OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK - Retail $42

AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Kuma 2.7GHz Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core Processor Model AD7750WCGHBOX - Retail $60

You should check your motherboard's specifications for compatibility.
You may have to update your BIOS.

You can install two 2GB sticks, but your OS will be unable to use it since 32-bit OSes cannot use that much RAM. So I'd advise sticking with 2GB, especially if you're running XP. However, if you're looking to get Vista x64 or Windows 7 x64, then buy this RAM kit.

And this is the fastest CPU you can use. I don't know about that site, but it seems legit and has good ratings on Froogle. Do check around before you buy from them though.

FYI, here is a link to Compaq's page for your particular motherboard.

sorry i couldnt read the whole stuff!
u can go in for the athlon 64 x2(dual core)
upgrade the ram to 3gb ddr2,beyond that u need a 64bit os
go in for a dx10 graphic card with atleast 512mb memory.

Thanks for the help! I will make sure the processor is compatible with the board. Also, I was planning on upgrading to the 64-bit Vista Home or Ultimate anyway, so I will probably upgrade to the full 4 GB RAM. In another thread awhile back, someone pointed me toward a new power supply and video card, so I know what I am gonna get there.

Hey I found this processor on eBay, will this one work okay? Thanks!

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ - ADO4800IAA5DD



General information

Type CPU / Microprocessor

Family AMD Athlon 64 X2

Model 4800+

Part number ADO4800IAA5DD

Stepping codes CAALG NAA4G

Frequency (MHz) 4800+ (rated)

2500 (real)

Package 940-pin organic microPGA

Socket Socket AM2

Yep, that would be the fastest CPU you can use in that PC. It will work without issues IMO.

Ok thank you!