I am going to need an Intel I3 2120 socket 1155 Sandy Bridge MB. What brands might be the highest quality: NewEgg has FoxConn, GigaByte, ECS (Elite Group), Asus, and many others ranging from $50 - $150. I already have an I3 2120 CPU, 4G of DDR3 memory and 2 Win8.1 HD along with an OCZ Fatality 550W PSU which I couldn't install in my HP 6200 which lacked a 24 Pin PS connector.
Anyway, HP wants >$300 for THEIR 2120 CPU vs. my stock 2120 which didn't boot in the HP MB. Obviously HP's Intel CPU's have some very slight architectural differences for which they charge triple the going rate. Fair warning for any "tinkerer" who might purchase a "Big Box" HP PC! The very well constructed PC was great until this latest episode which unfortunately sours me on the company. I have had 8-9 of their printers which are pretty good other than taking over the device drivers.
Anyway, HP wants >$300 for THEIR 2120 CPU vs. my stock 2120 which didn't boot in the HP MB. Obviously HP's Intel CPU's have some very slight architectural differences for which they charge triple the going rate. Fair warning for any "tinkerer" who might purchase a "Big Box" HP PC! The very well constructed PC was great until this latest episode which unfortunately sours me on the company. I have had 8-9 of their printers which are pretty good other than taking over the device drivers.