I have a COMPAQ computer its about 4 or 5 years old. Its become slow and I have had to restore the system numerous amounts of time over the year. There are always errors and its always freezing up on me.They still make the parts for my model. I would like to upgrade my computer but Im not sure if Im supposed to replace the processor or the hard drive or both?
2006-11-25 14:28:29 · 9 answers · asked by . 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Don't even bother trying to upgrade - buy a new one. Something 5 years old is terribly out of date, don't throw money away upgrading when you can pick up a new PC for £300. If your intent on upgrading, you want to upgrade processor and ram ideally.
2006-11-25 14:32:12 · answer #1 · answered by Gavin S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely, the problem that you are having is the hard drive. It is also possible that it could be the RAM as I have noticed that bad RAM can cause lockups.
In terms of keeping the computer, I would say that do not bother upgrading it. Here is the answer why. Depending on what you want to do, there are many good bargains on computers which would equal the upgrade price. For example, a computer that old would more than likely take an older type of RAM known as SD-RAM. SD-Ram costs more than the newer RAM brand new in stores! Also taking in the consideration of paying someone to do the upgrades, it is more likely you have paid more than a new computer.
What I would recommend you do is keep a tab on the ads around this holiday season. If you know someone who is savy about computers, take a look on craigslist.org and ask someone technically savy about determining if a particular computer is good. Also another good source is Dell Outlet. Dell Outlet are Dell computers which are not technically brand new. But that doesn't mean that they haven't been used. For example, if a customer cancels their order, the computer has to be listed as "refurbished" which means great saving to you!
Good Luck!
2006-11-25 22:40:16 · answer #2 · answered by R_Mev 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a system that old, you would be better off just getting a new system. Upgrading it would cost you a LOT of time and frustration and by the time you got it running again, you would have spent the money that you wuold have on a new system anyway.
When you are ready to buy a new system, go to www.stupidcheapcomputers.net. I buy all of my stuff from them, and everything is Vista ready.
Microsoft is about to release its latest operating system, Vista, in January. It’s going to make all of these “bargain” computers nothing but JUNK as soon as it’s released. The reason that you are seeing so many cheap systems on the market right now is because a lot of them CAN’T RUN Vista and the merchants are trying to dump them as hard and fast as they can before Vista shows up and everyone learns what a piece of crap they were sold for $500 (or whatever).
Anyway, I bought a complete, new system from stupidcheapcomputers.net with a warranty for LESS than it would cost me to build it myself or order a custom one from the manufacturer. You can use my frequent buyer code: ATX926. That will get an additional 10% discount at checkout.
I have NEVER had any problems with anything that they have sold me and their customer service is outstanding. Those guys blow my mind.
Good luck!
2006-11-26 00:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by MegaNerd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compaq is owned by HP, and HP computers are no good, they all go bad with in 7 or 8 years. Computers shouldn't do that, its money going down the drain, but thats the way it is with Compaq and HP. If you want a good Windows computer, Your gettin' a Dell. If you want a computer that will last forever and is completely fabylous, get an Apple Computer, Imacs are the best. The new versions (OS X 10.4) are amazing!!! They are expensive, but well worth it!!
www.apple.com
www.dell.com
2006-11-25 23:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by Jordan Watkins 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you decide on upgrading or whatever;
first check and find out if the problem is with the software or the hardware. If your OS has been running for long, reinstall it.
Otherwise;
get rid of your temporary files and folders,
install anti-virus software like Norton and get rid of all the bugs and spyware etc.
Uninstall the unneeded accessories, software and hardware.
And finally don't forget to get rid of the dust layers over the motherboard, the chips and the fans.
2006-11-25 22:43:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever you replace, what's left will still be old and worn out. Your had drive is slow, your memory is slow, your motherboard is slow and probably defective. Your power supply is old and the fans are probably getting worn. You can buy a brand new Dell or something for $300 that will be a much better computer than your old one.
2006-11-25 22:34:40 · answer #6 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The harddrive could be going bad. On one of my compaqs I had for about the same amount of time the harddrive went bad so I put a new one in. About 3 months later the dimm went bad so I just trashed the thing. >.>
2006-11-25 22:31:10 · answer #7 · answered by That One Guy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compaq's that old are not worth the money to fix. but it sounds like its the hard drive.
2006-11-25 22:32:51 · answer #8 · answered by aroundthecorner_bumpme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reinstalling your Operating System will make it run like new ...
e.g. Some PC experts suggests you have to reinstall once a year ...
2006-11-25 22:34:48 · answer #9 · answered by helpdesk916 ♦♣♠♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋