My computer is old....?

Question

I have a DELL Diemension 2400 from 2001. 256 memory 40gb hard drive, 2.6G processor. I want to buy a new computer/laptop but my parents say its costs too much. Is it/Will it be cheaper for me to buy some more memory and a new processor for my computer to run faster? If it is can you reccomond some places where I can get the parts. Btw I make games and stuff in C++ and C# and I buy games that demand more memory and faster processing.

Answer 1

You may want to take a look at some of the used computers. With the core 2 duo processors, which came out last summer, many people are upgrading their computers. So, if you're lucky, you might find a bargain for $300-400, which will be an ok option for the next few years. If even this kind of money is not available, I'd agree with previous posters, and get yourself some more ram. Also, Dell often makes their desktops with integrated video on motherboard, and that could be another reason why the computer is slow (however, you will notice this only in graphic-intensive applications, like games or 3d modeling). For solving this problem, buying a video card might be helpful, just check that it fits your motherboard, which will most likely be AGP (just about any video card, even bottom of the line geforce 7300, will be a much better choice over integrated video. Of course, 8800GTX would be preferred, but somehow I feel it's a little beyond your budget range, and also it's a PCI-E card).

If you're running several programs at the same time, your processor might be pulling you back. If the comp is from 2001, it most likely uses Pentium 4 processor. Getting a dual core processor, like Pentium D or (preferably) Core 2 Duo will significantly increase the speed. Processors of the line Athlon 64 X2 will generally be better than Pentium D (although inferior to Core 2 Duo) but then you will need FOR SURE to replace the motherboard. Also, watch out for socket matching - Pentium 4 uses socket 478, Pentium D/ Core 2 Duo - socket 775, and Athlon 64 X2 - socket AM2, so your motherboard will probablly NOT support the new processor, and you'll have to upgrade mobo as well, which then brings up other compatibility issues - like RAM and video card ports, and generally makes this upgrade much more expensive.

BTW - you didn't say a word where you're located, so it might be troublesome to give you an exact place where to look for upgrades. However, for a start, here's a place, where you can find some used computer stuff:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/

EDIT: Man, forgot one last thing. You also might want to check your computer for viruses/adware/spyware/malware, and whatever else you may think of. Also, think of defragmenting your main drive. Another thing to consider - go to Start->Run, type msconfig, go to Startup tab, and turn off all the programs that you don't need the computer to start when Windows loads. Final advice - get some registry cleaning program, like Registry Mechanic (download.com got plenty of those), and perform full-scale registry clean. Add more info to your question if you need any elaboration on anything that's been mentioned.

Answer 2

Well, the processor itself is really not that slow. I would just upgrade the ram and that should have a significant effect on the computers performance.

I imagine you are running Windows XP. The minimum you should have installed on the computer for it to run smoothly is 512MB.

I would add a 512 stick to bring it up to 768Mb and that should give you quite the boost.

Go to http://www.crucial.com to find out what kind of memory you need.

Then...

Try http://www.newegg.com to buy it.

Answer 3

With a Dell, it will most likely not be very easy to upgrade because they build them to make that extremely difficult. Honestly, you'd be better off trying to find a place that can build you a computer or build your own. That'd be the cheaper route I'd say.

Answer 4

you dont need a new comp if youre just coding.. but for gaming.. that notebook is not gonna work. dell has some very good prices on notebooks stock.. just rememeber to always go with amd. stay away from intel. they dont know how to make chips.

Answer 5

max out the memory & add a 512 meg video card