I Have a Hp 202g1 Mt but Want to Be Able to Game on It

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  Mrcoom on 06/07/2015 - 14:55

  also mine is the i5 8gb ram model 1tb hard drive

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  QW3RTY on 06/07/2015 - 15:50

  I got some bad news mate. I went onto the HP Website and obtained this service map of the HP 202 G1. On page three, it's got a moneyshot of the motherboard, which doesn't seem to be sporting any sort of PCI slot which would accept a gaming graphics card.

  Technically, the cheapest option would be to dismantle the computer and remove all components from the motherboard, replace with an aftermarket motherboard featuring a PCI slot and then reinstall with a new graphics card. However, you'll need a new Windows licence, as the Windows OS is tethered to the motherboard.

  There's certainly room for errors with the dismantling and rebuilding of the machine — but it's your cheapest option.

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    scrimshaw on 06/07/2015 - 17:20

    Hmmm. Interesting mobo. The PCI footprints is there, and there is even proper soldering pads for it but looks like the PCI connectors aren't attached.

    Rebuilding it seems like the most logical option. Current system has only a 180w power supply. That's not going to be good for anything other than it's current stock configuration.

    Also since you have the Core i5 version, then it's worth taking it out and continue to use it in your new build. The same goes for HDD, ODD and RAM. Buy a new case, graphics card and power supply, and you'd be good to go.

    The rest of the parts, PSU, case, and motherboard, can be resold on eBay to recoup some cash.

    ---

    Proposed shopping list

    LGA1155 motherboard roughly $60~70

    Antec VP500 $62

    Antec VSK mid tower $45

    R9 270x 2GB $199 [Note, this can be replaced with a second hand Radeon 7870 Tahiti LE, they're basically the same GPU and it can be had for $120 ish]

    total $380 bux

    [Edit] updated motherboard to suit LGA1155, previously linked to LGA1150

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      rompastompa on 06/07/2015 - 18:15

      I've come across similar boards. I've even come across a desktop case with a netbook mainboard/cpu. I believe it had a 90W laptop charger to power it.

      HP are doing some crazy (read: cheap and nasty) desktop systems lately.

      Edit: found a forum post about it :)

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  spackbace on 06/07/2015 - 15:58

  +1

  GTA:SA multiplayer will run :)

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  Mrcoom on 07/07/2015 - 09:48

  thanks guys that option sounds good $380 isnt bad!
  im annoyed because there isnt really any obvious metion when i bought the computer that it couldnt be changed very sneaky of hp

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    QW3RTY on 07/07/2015 - 10:18

    I wouldn't say "sneaky of HP", computer sounds like it works fine. :)

    "Sneaky of HP" would be them saying:

    Introducting the new HP 202G1 Microtower, great for gaming with it's expandability to install after market graphics cards!^

    ^ Expandibility of after market graphics card requires the dismantling of the unit, replacement of key components and rebuilding at the purchasers own undertaking. HP is indemnified against any loss or claim as a result of dismantling the unit, replacement of key components and rebuilding at the purchasers own undertaking. No refunds, bruv.

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  Mrcoom on 07/07/2015 - 09:51

  also what about the windows liscence issue?

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    QW3RTY on 07/07/2015 - 10:21

    You'll need to go ahead and get yourself a new operating system licence. The prices on StaticIce indicate that the $115 mark is the most reasonable expectation.