It is a really old Gateway. It's my alternative computer, but I still want it to be fast. It has 128mb of RAM and the processor speed is about 331 mhz(very slow). What is the best and cheapest way to make it better?
2006-08-18 05:17:54 · 32 answers · asked by MP5 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
buy a new processor. you can get a decent one on the cheap...around $100
2006-08-18 05:22:30 · answer #1 · answered by Terry Legendary 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No matter what you did to speed that up, getting a really cheap new computer would be an improvement. So don't waste any money on the OLD rig, just BUY new. Look at the desktop computers at Wal-Mart. Look first at their Compaqs and HPs. You will probably get something good for under $550.
2006-08-18 05:22:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The computer will be going real fast on the way down to the ground as you throw it out your window. Unfortunately, if you want to upgrade the processor, you'll probably need another motherboard too. Its almost worth it to just get a new computer. Once they get too old it even costs a lot to just upgrade. Since you already have a monitor, you'd really only be looking at $3-500 for something that was decent. Places like dell.com and hp.com allow good payment options, and they're always throwing in free upgrades or free shipping... things like that. Good luck.
Some basic Dells:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_basdt?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
Some basic HPs:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/compare_category.do;jsessionid=ElqQs0Bp7aK42OT3G1rypl99M87kLxl1Kfc2ZfsBOam12jK811EH!-573731312?storeName=computer_store&category=desktops/compaq_presario&catLevel=1
All these will fly compared to your older Gateway.
.
2006-08-18 05:21:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Software solutions:
Scan and delete adware, spyware and viruses
Delete any files you really don't need/want
Off-load any files you want to keep but don't immediately need
Defrag the disk
Hardware solutions:
Increase your RAM (as much as you can pack onto your motherboard)
Upgrade your CPU
Note:
Do your homework on the hardware solutions. There is probably a point of diminishing returns, i.e. getting the biggest, fastest may be more expensive than a whole new system.
2006-08-18 05:32:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very slow computer at 331MHz. What I would do is save a little and just go to walmart and get a $300 computer. You wont need a monitor or anything and it'll be a ton faster. If you don't want to get a new one, go to pricewatch.com and look up system memory or ram. It's pretty cheap there.
2006-08-18 05:24:49 · answer #5 · answered by dnhsguy02 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is like you want to feed a dead horse, Computer like this is upsoleet
but if you for some reason you want to keep it you should lnstall
a mother boadr with a faster prossesor an more RAM, That coast a lot of money you could buy an other computer for that money, it shouldn't be new it could be used one but more advansed than the one you have.
Good luck
Adnan Sallam
Napa,California
adnansallam@comcast.net
2006-08-18 05:39:27 · answer #6 · answered by Adnan Sallam 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Add more ram if you can, 128mb is too small. Best and cheapest way is to buy another computer while they are cheap. The old one is not worth upgrading so do not sink too much into it..
2006-08-18 05:26:23 · answer #7 · answered by ray56_32223 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i think there r a few options.....
1. change the processor....costs r down now so it would be good but becarefull cuse your moherboard should support it...
2. increase ram...
3. do this....at start programs click on run...then open msconfig...go to startup and then use only the ones whih u need... this will make the comp fast during startup...also go to services tab where u select only the ones you need.....the first 1 in this point can alternatively be done by installing registry mechanic where it removes unwanted startup items.....
2006-08-18 05:28:09 · answer #8 · answered by dj 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Adding more memory is the cheapest and fastest way to increase the speed. Next would be to install a faster CPU. Also a faster video card will help as well.
2006-08-18 05:24:50 · answer #9 · answered by mrresearchman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can change the processor to pentuim 4 or u can increase ur memory to 256 MB RAM that will help u make computer faster, delete all the junk files fform it
keep storage and running of programs in different discs this also help some times
2006-08-18 05:25:51 · answer #10 · answered by cc20 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install A very basic windows like Windows ME
Another alternative is to install a Linux distro in which the desktop isnt KDE o Gnome, something like Feather Linux, Puppy linux and so on, the use XFCE desktop
Hope this helps.
2006-08-18 05:24:08 · answer #11 · answered by Christian D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋