Where to buy?Easy to add on? Have compaq presario with Windows XP Thanks in advance
2007-05-22 04:39:15 · 12 answers · asked by Elizabeth 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
Sorry, but your question makes little sense :-(
Your computer's memory has nothing to do with your hard drive.
Your memory (RAM) is what your currently used programs run in. It allows fast access to running programs, but is small. An older computer typically has 256 MB of RAM.
Your hard drive is where you store things: your operating system, your unused programs, your documents and data. Your hard drive is slow but is very big. An older computer typically has 20 to 60 GB of storage space on the hard drive.
In conclusion:
1. If you want your computer to respond faster and run smoother, you would want to increase your RAM. XP runs best with a minimum of 512MB RAM. More is needed if you do any high-end gaming or intensive graphics work.
If you are handy and wish to do-it-yourself, a stick of RAM to increase you from 256 to 512 MB costs about $30 USD.
2. If you are only looking for additional space to store your documents and files, then you need to add additional hard drive storage space. Adding a hard drive will not make your computer run better or faster.
Again, if you are handy and a DIYer, an additional internal hard drive of say 80 MB will run about $50 USD for a tower. An external hard drive will be more.
Tigerdirect is a great place to purchase computer components online:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/
Good luck.
2007-05-22 05:30:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
an external hard drive will not speed up the computer. It will only help with storing files. There may be some minimal benefits to having an external drive for speed, but that would have to be done by a very knowledgeable technician.
- you can put another swap file on it for better virtual memory performance
- clean up some space on C: by putting files on the new drive
- great for backing up all your data in case of main drive failure.
- great for taking files with you and using at work, or friends place etc.
other than that, not really much of a help with speed.
External drives cost anywhere from $50 to $300 for the size, and type.
2007-05-22 04:46:37 · answer #2 · answered by basscleff 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To get the best performance out of an external HD you might want to have USB2 on your pc, if your pc is equipped with USB1(regular usb) it will still work but the performance will be really poor adding that your pc is quite old. The investment will be around 100 to 140 dollars. I would suggest get a used P4 with a big HD for like 200 bucks and you will be worry free.
2007-05-22 04:51:38 · answer #3 · answered by cceessaarr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assujming your PC is running Windows XP, you should just plug it into the USB port and it will work. You can get them at any electronic store, computer store, or Wal-mart starting at about $60 and going up depending on size.
One advance to a USB drive is you can move it from computer to computer. If you eventually get a new computer, you can just move the drive over to it.
2007-05-22 04:44:16 · answer #4 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good idea, but have a computer store do it for you. Your memory has to be a specific type that is compatible with your system.
You will end up spending about $100 if you find a good deal. Look at the details on your comptur model from compaq.com (or call them to ask what you need to replace it) and shop on newegg.com to find prices for the memory type that you have.
2007-05-22 04:44:37 · answer #5 · answered by BESTestAnSWerRRerrERrrERRerrERrr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An external drive would add more storage capacity to your computer but won't improve performance. External HDDs are available at all price ranges. See some of the most popular external HDDs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010150414+4802&Subcategory=414&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=
2007-05-22 04:44:20 · answer #6 · answered by Amit Bapat 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on your needs. A hard drive will give you more storage space for things like pictures, video, programs, etc... but it usually will not give you a speed boost.
You might want to look into buying additional RAM. It's one of the easiest, cheapest, and often provides the greatest performance increase.
If you are comfortable with shopping online, look at www.newegg.com.
2007-05-22 04:44:36 · answer #7 · answered by mdqueenz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think an external hard drive only can't help much. You need more memory too, and a stronger CPU. So, i think a new computer is better.
2007-05-22 04:48:25 · answer #8 · answered by hoang_hiepsi 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes if you need the space, externals are usb and have a startup disk and are easy to set up. and walmart sells them starting at about 49.00
2007-05-22 04:44:10 · answer #9 · answered by Cyber-Medic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes if you have USB connection .. remember you can still keep your external drive and use it even if you change your pc..
2007-05-22 04:43:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋