I have an older gateway computer, bought in 2001 and over the years I had a friend modify it with more RAM, a CD writer, new hard disk, new OS, broadband card. He even helped me transfer it to a new larger case.
The current system is: Celeron 754 MHz, 320 MB Ram, XP Professional 2002, SP2. It has a 75 MB primary hard drive and a second 9 MB hard drive (which is the original drive and is empty).
Since I uploaded thousands of digital photos and my CD collection, the computer is already exceedingly slow. And I only have about 25 MB of data on the drive!
I am considering replacing the motherboard with something better (Processor/Ram, ect.) rather than buying a new PC. I am confident I can take the old motherboard out and put a new one myself and reconnect the rest of the hardware. (I cant use my friend anymore since I moved to another state!)
My questions are, Is it worth it? Will it work with my existing hardware and O/S? Will my PC be much faster?
Thank you.
2007-03-22 20:22:37 · 10 answers · asked by Humuhumunukunukuapuaa 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Correction: The current processor is Celeron 734 MHz, not 754.
2007-03-22 20:24:18 · update #1
Thank you all for your responses. I think the choice is clear... get a new computer. Thanks!
2007-03-23 05:06:06 · update #2
a motherboard upgrade is rarely worth the cost and risk of installing. In order to upgrade your motherboard you would have to go through each individual component on your computer (hard drives, cd drives, video cards, sound cards, modems, memory, processor, etc.) and make sure they are all compatible with the new motherboard. If any component on your computer is not compatible with the new motherboard that will need replaced. From what you have listed, I doubt that you will find a much faster motherboard that will support all of your listed components. Now on to the risk factor. If you are not even sure if a motherboard upgrade would increase the speed of your computer, then you are probably not qualified to upgrade the motherboard yourself. You need to have a professional look at your individual components in person, and give you an idea of the cost/feasability of an upgrade...
2007-03-22 20:30:30 · answer #1 · answered by bigD4316 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Howzit bro!!
First you are using 'dead technology' and no offense there bro. You are probably using one of those Socket487 processors and its very difficult to get a motherboard that will support you processor...
Secondly you cannot load an operating system on a 75MB hard disk unless if you are using CLI (command line interface) operating system. You probaly meant GB (giga byte)
Thirdly>>> You might want to keep the case only (I mean the empty box) only... There is no way on planet earth you can upgrade your computer and not let it be nothing but a waste of cash... What I recommend is you buy yourself a new motherboard and a really cool processor and know that its an investment for the next coming 2years (atleast).
Upgrading you computer will be a waste of cash, what you can do is save up and get a new one. Sell your current pc immidiately at a good price or it will be of no value soon...
I hope you find my stright talk helpful...
2007-03-22 20:32:48 · answer #2 · answered by Mac-C 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A new motherboard will not speed up your computer, it really depends on whats in your motherboard. Optimized or defrag your computer to organize your files to speed up the processing, delete unnecessary files, remove programs that you not need. Have you upgraded your DDR RAM? if not, get a higher DDR RAM, the higher, the better, it could help in speeding up your computer. If this does not work try to get a brand new processor, pentium 4, 2 gig or more or the duo processor that is compatible for your motherboard. If not change your motherboard.
2007-03-22 20:55:34 · answer #3 · answered by vsone2 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would back up your files onto a CD or DVD, and delete them off of your HDD. Then, do a defragment and increase your page file size. Remove all unnecessary, active programs. Consider reformatting and disabling visual effects in windows that are not necessary. This should considerably increase the speed.
But as for your question, it would be a waste of your money to upgrade your existing PC. Keep it as a secondary machine, but just build a new one from scratch. Feel free to contact me if you want suggestions on parts. Also, use www.newegg.com for ordering your parts. Great prices, great service.
Thank you, Signed,
Jerrad (Spark) Johnson.
Admin - www.ruger22c.com
2007-03-22 21:08:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take that Gateway to the neatest trash can and dump it. You will be better off just getting a new computer. Anything with Celeron it-don't buy. Try building your own-it's very easy. You can google the whole process. Computer work is soooo easy. Good luck
2007-03-22 20:28:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi,I don't know much about computers but I had a lot of data on mine, for work and photos and general stuff, mine got really slow as well, I had all my data backed up and had my comp restarted / reset. i also had an external drive fitted for my work stuff, that seemed to help it is definatley quicker now.
2007-03-22 21:08:49 · answer #6 · answered by frost7216 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1.) get rid of celeron processors, they are designed to blow s hit of of people,
2.) Get atleast p-3 933 MHZ or above consider C2D with atleast 512 mb of ram...
3.) if you change processor, take a club beat the S hit out of celeron processor.
2007-03-22 20:32:18 · answer #7 · answered by Jassi 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You will just be wasting your money. Better to save up and get a new system.
2007-03-22 20:27:05 · answer #8 · answered by Neo Q 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just buy or build yourself a new computer but dont use any of your old parts.
2007-03-22 20:35:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
u need to upgrade ur processor and ram to 256 mb
2007-03-22 20:54:51 · answer #10 · answered by rgunday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋