Computer doesn't recognise my cd; I want to upgrade my HD and Processor?

Question

I need to speed up my 7-8 yr. old basic computer but don't know what parts are compatible with the it. It's a Compaq Presario 2274. The processor is an AMD-K6 3D -- 3000 Mhz. Its got ?44mgb RAM

Answer 1

If you have £50 to squander then you can still get 168 pin SDRAM two sticks of 128Mb would set you back £20.12 - you have to ditch the 48Mb supplied as standard on the 2274...
Graphics: there's no AGP slot available on the motherboard, but there is a PCI Radeon 9250 in stock at Scan for £27.01, or you could wait for them to get the FX5200 back in stock... It's probably not worth it, the system will be processor bound anyway.
I suspect it's not so much your computer that can't recognise your CD, it will be your operating system. W98? You may be able to get it working with generic drivers. If that's the problem post another question, with specifics: OS; CD model...
As already stated, your PSU (75W) would have to go if you upgrade the motherboard and cpu. The case will probably not have a rear vent, so that would have to go. You would also need new memory. There would be no point in upgrading if you weren't going to replace the 4 Gb hard drive.
You'll be effectively starting from scratch. Better not to have wasted the £50 on the upgrades I described earlier!

PS don't even dream of upgrading the OS on the socket 7 motherboard - it won't happen!

Good Luck with whatever you decide - see links below...

Answer 2

Having built about 12 PCs and reconditioned and repaired dozens, I'd start from scratch and build one with all new parts. Why get a bottle neck, where you have all there great parts, and a dam dramatically slowing down the information flow? Its amazing what you can get if you are on a budget, playing the rebate game. Sometimes you can reuse the PC case, but I only do if the airflow and spots to place fans are good. You can use PCI slot fans to help out. I'm sure GoodWill or some other charity would like the old PC. I sometimes even give the old parts away on craigslist. (Oh, and sometimes by running one of those CD cleaners will get your CD drive to "see" the CD)

Answer 3

as a minimum you will need t oreplace the motherboard CPU and ram

This will necessitate a new power supply

And this in turn will necessitate a new case

err it is probably easier to buy a whole new machine

(ps it is not a 3000 it is a 300 the ram is 128 or 256)