Acer Aspire Z3-605 ; Motherboard compatibility for processor replacement and hard drive replacement?

So, my computer's hard drive is finally beginning to chug along and stutter. It looks like it's about to go, so I'm going to need to replace the hard drive. I figured I could also replace the processor and add some memory while I was at it. However, I cannot find the motherboard listed ANYWHERE, and I don't want to open this AIO unless I have to. I know this is an older model, but I'm very fond of it. It has, so far, done everything I've asked of it (generally) and I'm loathe to try to afford a new one, as this was nearly 700 dollars at the time of purchase. After a lot of research, I've found several hard drives that are compatible, but RAM and Processors are proving to be a bit more difficult.

ANY help at all would be appreciated.

The specs are as follows:

System Manufacturer:	Acer
System Series / Model:	Aspire Z3-605
Serial Number:	DQSQEAA0063430593C3000
Motherboard:	Acer - Aspire Z3-605
Total Installed Memory:	6 GB
Memory Type:	DDR3
Modules Installed:	Slot "BANK1" has 4 GB installed Slot "BANK2" has 2 GB installed
Operating System:	Microsoft Windows 8.1 (64-bit)

Module Details:	Slot "BANK1", 4 GB, Speed "1600 MHz SODIMM", Type "DDR3", Manufacturer "Hynix Semiconductor" Slot "BANK2", 2 GB, Speed "1600 MHz SODIMM", Type "DDR3", Manufacturer "Hynix Semiconductor"
Memory Available to OS:	5.88 GB
System Family / Range:	Acer Desktop
System Architecture:	x64-based PC
Physical Processors:	1
Processor Cores:	2
Motherboard Version:	Unknown <---- THIS?
Bios Vendor:	American Megatrends Inc.
Bios Version:	P11-A3 <----- Older BIOS version, will upgrade the BIOS if necessary but if not, it's fine as it is.
Bios Release Date:	08/01/2013 <---

Accepted answers

billsey

Yeah, it sounds like you are doing good... The HDD and fans are really the only mechanical parts to wear out, and a SSD fixes half of those.

All comments

billsey

So, the Aspire Z3-605 uses a custom motherboard, in that respect All-In-Ones are just like a laptop. Yours has a BGA socket that supports Intel Ivy Bridge U Series 17W processors. Which processor does yours have? The thermal module is again like a laptop, pretty custom and it doesn't look like putting more cooling on is very practical, so stick with the 17W CPUs as suggested. You have two memory sockets, they support up to 4GB per stick, so 8GB total. Spec says 1066/1333 yet you have 1600 so maybe the later systems had support for faster memory. I'd replace the 2GB with a 4GB in the same speed as you have now. The SATA ports are a single 2.0 for the ODD and a single 3.0 for the HDD/SSD. I'd replace the existing HDD with a SSD. It looks like you originally had either a 500GB or a 1TB drive, I'd most likely go for a 1TB SSD in replacement, it'll make a huge difference in speed, much more than the CPU or memory will.

Sylvirr

billsey said:

So, the Aspire Z3-605 uses a custom motherboard, in that respect All-In-Ones are just like a laptop. Yours has a BGA socket that supports Intel Ivy Bridge U Series 17W processors. Which processor does yours have? The thermal module is again like a laptop, pretty custom and it doesn't look like putting more cooling on is very practical, so stick with the 17W CPUs as suggested. You have two memory sockets, they support up to 4GB per stick, so 8GB total. Spec says 1066/1333 yet you have 1600 so maybe the later systems had support for faster memory. I'd replace the 2GB with a 4GB in the same speed as you have now. The SATA ports are a single 2.0 for the ODD and a single 3.0 for the HDD/SSD. I'd replace the existing HDD with a SSD. It looks like you originally had either a 500GB or a 1TB drive, I'd most likely go for a 1TB SSD in replacement, it'll make a huge difference in speed, much more than the CPU or memory will.

So, it actually came with 2TB originally. The cooling is fine, it's never overheated or even gotten hot, despite me often running it for 24/7. So, basically, it's a custom motherboard, and I won't be able to replace it? The motherboard is fine right now, I think. I think it's the hard drive that's beginning to fail, so as long as I replace the hard drive, everything should work fine? The processor is a little weak tbh, it is an Intel Pentium CPU 2127U. Its a Dual Core. 1.90 GHz at its most. It's never really dropped below 1.70 though.

I've actually never upgraded this computer--it's still got all of the same original items from when I purchased it, so basically, everything listed is just it's original standard. It's a cool lil' thing.

billsey

Yeah, it sounds like you are doing good... The HDD and fans are really the only mechanical parts to wear out, and a SSD fixes half of those.

Sylvirr

Thank you so much for your help. I'm on a limited income so having at least a vague diagnosis without taking it to a shop has been a lifesaver. I can afford an SSD with some effort. Thanks again!