I have a Dell PC with a Celeron 2.4 GHz processor with 256 MB RAM. Is there a hardware or software upgrade (or special add-on) I can do to make it perform close to a 2.4 GHZ REGULAR Pentium?
Note:
I know Celerons have less cache; can you upgrade the cache (maybe not) OR maybe I should just upgrade my RAM to 1 GB to get better performance. what's the advantage of having a true Pentium as opposed to a Celeron (does a true Pentium do better when multitasking?)
Thanks
2006-09-05 14:06:22 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
1. Upgrade your RAM. You can't ever have enough. 256 is barely enough to run XP, I won't run it on less than 512. If you can put in No, upgrading RAM won't improve the processor but it will cut down on the processor idle time while it waits for data to be swapped to and from the hard drive.
At the same time, do all you can to reduce the number of programs running at any one time. Close anything you can in the System Tray and get Autoruns from www.sysinternals.com to give yourself full control over what programs load on boot. (Third time I've given this advice today.)
2. Upgrade your video card -- or add one if you have integrated video. This also frees up memory
3. Replace the processor. The Celeron DOES SO have cache memory, but about half as much as the true Pentium. Having more cache on your particular machine won't help with multitasking,however. Intel's Hyperthreading technology was included in the 3.0GHz processors and above, although I believe they did include it in the 2.8's for a while.
The thing is, the Celeron and corresponding Pentium use the same mounting socket. Any reputable shop should be able to change out the processor for you. They may even be able to put in a faster processor and the price shouldn't be too bad since these processors were superceded a couple of years ago.
2006-09-05 14:13:56 · answer #1 · answered by r_moulton76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Celeron wont ever run as well as a Pentium because its just an inferior processor. They're both made by the same company. If a simple program or upgrade could make it perform the same, they wouldn't make any money on Pentiums.
However, getting more RAM would be a good thing to do. 256mb is nothing these days. I'd reccommend at least 1gb to anyone... you can never have too much RAM.
2006-09-05 14:13:47 · answer #2 · answered by Goffik 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
upgrading to 512MB RAM will likely get a bit more speed, but going all the way up to 1GB wont make a difference given your processing time.
as for the cache, celerons dont have one at all. you can not add one and there is nothing you can really do short of buying a better one. of course, upgrading to the 64-bit pentiums will require an entirely new mother board so you are stuck with celeron.
2006-09-05 14:12:31 · answer #3 · answered by miserablestar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im my opinion: Celeron: economicaly great, actually sux
My pentium 4: economy suked, is worth it...
2006-09-05 14:13:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋