Shuttle SN27P2 advise

[Zivic]

I have a SN27P2 shuttle that my dad uses. I am trying to breath new life into it. Need to get some advise whether or not it is worth it. He is not a power user at all. Basic web surfing, he does watch the stock market with a ticker and uses office a fair amount. I use the computer when I am there and would like something half-@ssed. it is showing its age...

right now it has:
2 gigs DDR2 800 memory
120 gig 7200 HDD
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+
GeForce 7600GS 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 graphics

I am willing to throw about 200 bucks at it.

my thoughts
Add a 2 x 2gig set of memory = $55 bucks
80 to 120 gig SSD - depending on what I find figuring 100-125 bucks
after that, maybe upgrade to a 5200+ cpu or upgrade the video card. This is where I would need some advise. I see the CPU's on ebay in the 45-60 buck range for reference where is my money best spent? is it even worth it at all?

But mainly, can I get this machine up and working smoothly on windows 7?

 

[Zap]

Video card upgrade - not worth it unless for gaming. Web surfing and Office? Yeah, save the money.

RAM upgrade - maybe not worth it. Web browsing and Office use should not use more than 2GB RAM even with Win7.

SSD upgrade + Windows 7 - worth it, IMO. Also, can carry over to next rig if this one completely dies or income tax refund becomes new rig. These two need to go together. Fresh install on SSD = good times.

CPU upgrade - maybe worth it. Do the SSD upgrade first, and consider CPU upgrade only if the system still isn't up to par.

 

[Zivic]

Video card upgrade - not worth it unless for gaming. Web surfing and Office? Yeah, save the money.

RAM upgrade - maybe not worth it. Web browsing and Office use should not use more than 2GB RAM even with Win7.

SSD upgrade + Windows 7 - worth it, IMO. Also, can carry over to next rig if this one completely dies or income tax refund becomes new rig. These two need to go together. Fresh install on SSD = good times.

CPU upgrade - maybe worth it. Do the SSD upgrade first, and consider CPU upgrade only if the system still isn't up to par.

I have thrown this out to two other people.

Everyone agrees the video card is fine and the SSD should be the main focus.

I find it odd you say no to the ram in favor of a cpu upgrade (maybe). I would think the ram would be more beneficial.

I am thinking right now:
Sammy 470 128 gig (150 @ the egg)
4 gig (2x2) set of ram (50 @ microcenter)
5000+ CPU upgrade (40 @ ebay)

Edit:
found a full compatibility list of procs for this machine. I bought an 89 watt 6000+ X2 off ebay for 60 shipped.

Now, do I offset the money for the proc by getting the sandisk 120 gig SSD for 125 vs the sammy 470 for 150? or is the extra 25 bucks worth it.

 

[RU482]

SSD FTW.

Just make sure the power supply can handle it if you upgrade the video card.

I agree, memory is prob a waste

 

[Zivic]

SSD FTW.

Just make sure the power supply can handle it if you upgrade the video card.

I agree, memory is prob a waste

video car is staying as is..



thoughts on the SSD?
Sandisk 120 for $125
or
Samsung 470 128 for $150

the sandisk has good reviews, but the lack of firmware updates and sandforce controller have me hesitant

 

[Zap]

The older Sandforce 1200 controller is pretty mature these days.

Regarding RAM, nothing you have mentioned the computer being used for will likely need more than 2GB RAM. Extra RAM is like extra HDD space - just empty and not being used. Also, it is older gen RAM, so if a bigger upgrade ever gets done, it can't go towards new system.

I would have started with just the SSD and a fresh install of Windows 7.

 

[Zivic]

The older Sandforce 1200 controller is pretty mature these days.

Regarding RAM, nothing you have mentioned the computer being used for will likely need more than 2GB RAM. Extra RAM is like extra HDD space - just empty and not being used. Also, it is older gen RAM, so if a bigger upgrade ever gets done, it can't go towards new system.

I would have started with just the SSD and a fresh install of Windows 7.

I am definitely getting the SSD and 7... I'll watch ram deals. If i can find a 2x2 set for 30 or so, I'll pick it up.

 

[Zivic]

I am definitely getting the SSD and 7... I'll watch ram deals. If i can find a 2x2 set for 30 or so, I'll pick it up.

bought the components..

kingston V100 64 gig SSD - 69.99 AR
Crucial 4 gig (2x2) Ram - 44.99
AMD 6000+ 89 watt - 60.00
----------------------------
Total = 174.98

I wanted to do everything for under 200 bucks, which is why I went with the kingston drive. I know they don't have the best reviews, but a local buddy of mine has been using them with no issues

I plan to reuse the 120 that is in it for additional storage. I doubt there will be much issue with storage even with the 64.

 

[Zivic]

bought the components..

kingston V100 64 gig SSD - 69.99 AR
Crucial 4 gig (2x2) Ram - 44.99
AMD 6000+ 89 watt - 60.00
----------------------------
Total = 174.98

I wanted to do everything for under 200 bucks, which is why I went with the kingston drive. I know they don't have the best reviews, but a local buddy of mine has been using them with no issues

I plan to reuse the 120 that is in it for additional storage. I doubt there will be much issue with storage even with the 64.

well, things changed a bit....
I updated the video card... went with a gt 520. not that it was needed for use, but the 7600 was getting HOT. had a bulged capacitor right next to it, so I replaced the capacitor and replaced the video car with something "cooler" with a fan.

I ended up using the kingston SSD in a computer for my mother in law and bought in on the 80 gig 320 drives newegg had for 80 bucks.

So now,
6000+ athlon X2
6 gig memory
GT520
intel 80 gig 320 ssd

I just got it loaded up with windows 7. seems VASTLY improved.


WEI
Processor 6.1
RAM 6.1
Graphics 4.9
Gaming Graphics 6.4
Primary hard disk 7.4