I already have the max ram available (384mb PC133) It only has 3 slots with a maximum of 128mb each. Anyway, what else can be done to increase the performance. Is it possible to swap out the Pentium 3 processor that it comes with for something like a brand new dual core? If not, what else can be done? Video cards, Audio? I put Windows Media Center XP on it and its not running to well. What should I do?
2006-12-15 04:46:32 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Hi. The Windows Media Center software it beyond a P III's capability. Your PC can be used for lots of things still, but if you want a machine with faster everything then the first answerers are correct.
2006-12-15 05:00:15 · answer #1 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To get that machine running swiftly again, grab the System CDs and restore the original factory image. WinXP Media Center Edition isn't going to run well on that hardware, whereas Windows 2000 or Win98 work great on a P3 with 384mb..
Gneerally speaking, you can't just replace processors (except with similar types- so that MB mioght accept a faster P3 but that's about all), because there are only specific support chips and memory types that are compatible. So for a major upgrade, you'd need a new barebones motherboard/processor/case with a larger power supply at the very LEAST. But chances are a new computer would use different memory (maybe DDR2) and you'd want a new video card, etc. So really, it's new computer time!
2006-12-15 13:15:30 · answer #2 · answered by Proto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
XP needs at least 512MB to run effectively. Also that old PIII is feeling kind of old...time to retire it.
You need to start shopping for a new PC. Swapping out cards and CPU's will not buy you much except for headaches.
2006-12-15 12:49:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no use upgrading an old PC. I called it quits when I couldn't upgrade my old comp anymore so I just bought a new one.
2006-12-15 12:56:13 · answer #4 · answered by DoomFrost 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋