 07/04/2010 05:15 PM
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sillybum88 Lurker
Posts: 2
Joined: 07/04/2010
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I want to upgrade a very old family computer for my mum to use. She will only use it for watching movies and light browsing, so high specs aren't needed, hence the reason why I want to upgrade an old machine rather than fork out for a new one.
I think it would be relatively cheap to upgrade the processor and memory. The only problem is I have no idea how far I can upgrade it and where to start! Would appreciate anyone's advice, let me know if you need more info and I'll check it out.
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 2002 SP2
Colossus
AMD Athlon XP 1600+
1.4GHZ
248MB RAM
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07/05/2010 09:36 AM
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Tartan2007 Lurker
Posts: 21
Joined: 04/06/2007
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I want to upgrade a very old family computer for my mum to use. She will only use it for watching movies and light browsing, so high specs aren't needed, hence the reason why I want to upgrade an old machine rather than fork out for a new one.
I think it would be relatively cheap to upgrade the processor and memory. The only problem is I have no idea how far I can upgrade it and where to start! Would appreciate anyone's advice, let me know if you need more info and I'll check it out.
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 2002 SP2
Colossus
AMD Athlon XP 1600+
1.4GHZ
248MB RAM
I'd purchase more memory and get a new video card with 256MB or more if you want to keep the old board.
If you fork out for a new motherboard, processor & Ram that could also do it because newer boards are faster and have on board video that would suffice. Computer stores sell the board, Ram & Processor as a kit. Or you could buy refurbished parts or even a refurbished computer for cheaper than forking out money for upgrades.
AMD Athlon 2000+
2486MB RAM
256MB Sparkle video card with s video out
250 Gig Hard Drive
LG DVD DVD/CD Burner
Windows XP Home SP 3
Edited: 07/05/2010 at 09:45 AM by Tartan2007
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07/05/2010 01:29 PM
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go_for Alpha Geek
Posts: 3217
Joined: 01/21/2006
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You could start by adding one stick 1GB of DDR400(PC3200) RAM and update WinXP to SP3, then check if it will suffice for the use it is intended for. Depending on graphics you might add a cheap AGP slot VGA card later on.
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07/09/2010 05:17 AM
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bogey Ardrid Returned
Posts: 5643
Joined: 03/25/2005
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Yes upgrade memory first. 1GB may work but need to know motherboard make and model to be sure. Motherboard also required for max possible processor upgrade.
Also bear in mind that hardware upgrades may required the power supply to be upgraded as well. So before you start spending money make sure the costs incurred can be justified. It is an old machine. If the motherboard dies, which can happen, you've wasted your money really as finding a replacement is becoming increasingly difficult.
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MSI K7N2 Delta2 LSR|35w XP-M2400 11x214 1.62V|2x512MB OCZ EL 2 2 2 11 2.9V|9600XT|Seasonic 350w
Abit AN7|XP-M2800 10.5x227 1.62V|2x512MB Mushkin XP4000 2 3 2 11 3.2V|9600XT|Seasonic 550w
Asus A7V600|XP-M2600 6-11x202 1.6V|2x512 Crucial PC3200 2.5 3 3 9 2.7V|PCI 32MB gfx|Corsair 450w
Edited: 07/09/2010 at 05:29 AM by bogey
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07/09/2010 11:43 AM
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sillybum88 Lurker
Posts: 2
Joined: 07/04/2010
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Thanks for your contribution everyone, much appreciated!
So it looks like a whole new computer will be cheaper than upgrading various parts? It runs incredibly slow, takes a few minutes to open a program, which, more often than not, just ends up crashing anyway.
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07/09/2010 02:57 PM
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bogey Ardrid Returned
Posts: 5643
Joined: 03/25/2005
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The lack of ram is the main problem with it running slow. But also the hard drive will be slow as well. The fact that it crashes could mean there's a more serious problem with it. Also with only 8MB onboard video, you're going to need to buy a graphics card for it as well.
I think your money would be better spent on a new system in all honesty. A cheapish new unit would run rings round that pc, which must be getting close to double figures in age terms.
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MSI K7N2 Delta2 LSR|35w XP-M2400 11x214 1.62V|2x512MB OCZ EL 2 2 2 11 2.9V|9600XT|Seasonic 350w
Abit AN7|XP-M2800 10.5x227 1.62V|2x512MB Mushkin XP4000 2 3 2 11 3.2V|9600XT|Seasonic 550w
Asus A7V600|XP-M2600 6-11x202 1.6V|2x512 Crucial PC3200 2.5 3 3 9 2.7V|PCI 32MB gfx|Corsair 450w
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07/12/2010 03:53 AM
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yuvrajm Newbie
Posts: 26
Joined: 05/03/2009
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Sorry for bumping in... What is the maximum HDD storage supported if we want to add an extra hard drive using SATA cables?
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02/24/2011 01:55 AM
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Teresa M. Gann Lurker
Posts: 5
Joined: 02/24/2011
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I suggest you that you upgrade your system then purchase a new one because you only need to upgrade the Processor and RAM and it work fine and dont install heavy software and use a light Antivirus for better working and speed.
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We must each find our separate meaning in the persuasion of our days until we meet in the meaning of the world.
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