A vast scary ocean of model numbers and words that make my brain hurt.

[Feliform]

I'm not having any problems finding information. There's so much information about the millions of different types of components for computers, and pros and cons to the different brands, and issues with compatibility between the types, and outdated components vs new. I could just pee on the keyboard and perform harakiri with a spatula.

I want my games to play smoothly, to at least their minimum specifications.

I have adequate memory (I think).

I do not believe I have adequate processing power.

I may not have a worthy graphics card.

I would like to upgrade my processor to something like the AMD athlon ii X3 440 3.0ghz 95w Triple-core almost solely because of it's price and I need something with 2.0ghz or greater. I remember reading that these processors run on less ghz than other cpu but perform better. So maybe all I need is Athlon ii x2 250? I dunno...

I get lost trying to find out if these CPUs will even fit on my motherboard.

And if I change the motherboard will I have to change out my memory?

Ahhhhhhh! It's a big confusing pyramid.

My computer specs are here and below. Motherboard is listed below.

Computer: Gateway One GZ7112 (never buy an integrated system)
Processor: ntel® Core™2 Duo T5250 dual core processor
Motherboard Model: Intel DGM965RA
Chipset: Intel GM965
Motherboard Slots: 5xPCI Express x1, 1xPCI Express x16
PCI Express Version Supported: v1.0
USB Version Supported: v2.0
Video: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Memory: 3g total

I know this is asking a lot. I appreciate your knowledge and research.

- Justin

[RicheemxX]

For starters welcome to TIMO.

Now the bad news:

You have an Intel system which means there is no chance you are going to get an Athlon CPU to work. They are not interchangeable. AMD and Intel have two entirely different CPU sockets.

Second, if the link you gave is your PC there is no way to add a GPU to it. I'm not sure where you get the 5xPCI slots and 1 Pci-e slot info from but that is not from the system specs you listed.

Third that case would not allow you to add anything. Its a very slim, streamlined PC correct? Gateway Support - 2906052R*Gateway One GZ7112 Computer

[Feliform]

Thank you for your knowledge here.

I got the slot information using HWiNFO32 v3.67-1100.

I'm surprised I have not come across that information yet. There's so much I don't know. All is not hopeless though? I can use an Intel or other brand processor?

The GPU is present on a graphics card, no? The Gateway One has a removable card seen here on page 55. Am I correct? Is this something I can upgrade should I choose to?

[RicheemxX]

GPU=Graphics Card they are the same thing.

Your All-in-one machine does not have a slot for a dedicated graphics card. It uses an on-board (integrated or built in) GPU. There simply is no way to upgrade the graphics, not only is there no slot the case is too thin to add a dedicated card.

Video: Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

Means just that, the graphics are on-board. Not sure what Gateway is talking about with that slot other than maybe the guide is for more than one model

edit: I see there were different configuration that might have had the ability to add a card similar to those found in laptops.

Sorry to say these machines are meant to be used for basic computing and are not meant to be upgraded.

[Feliform]

I'm not above cutting a hole in the case and gluing tupperware over the protruding modifications. Lol.

Do you think an upgrade to the CPU is possible?

[RicheemxX]

It's possible but it won't help much without changing the GPU. What games are you trying to play?

Let me put it to you like this. Your all-in-one is basically a laptop built to resemble a desktop. It uses a mobile chip, a mobile motherboard and essentially a mobile design. Just like a laptop it was meant to sit there and be used for basic net use, maybe movie watching, running a few apps ect. It was not designed to be a gaming machine, nor was it built for add-ons. To make it into a gaming rig you'd basically have to throw it out and build something from scratch.

[Feliform]

Well... I'm going to find a way to make it more suitable for gaming. I'm not asking for it to be the one ring or anything, it just needs to be able to play WoW or X Blades without looking like it just scored a lethal dose of cocaine. If I have to use a glorified laptop then at least I can have a suitable glorified laptop? I'm sure there's some way I can get my needs met.

Thank you for your time, I really do appreciate your guidance. I would have spent forever figuring out the direction I needed to go.

- Justin