Computer help

Okay, my computer's probably 3 years old (at least) now, and I was wondering if I should upgrade. If I didn't want to buy a whole new computer, what could I do to make mine better?

Could I get a new processor, and if so, would I have to get a new motherboard (I really have no idea what one has to do with the other, but after doing some skimming I came out with the impression that certain motherboards can only handle certain processors)? If I go this way, would I need to do anything else?

Are there any recommendations (keeping in mind I'm very computer illiterate)? Thanks.

Okay, my computer's probably 3 years old (at least) now, and I was wondering if I should upgrade. If I didn't want to buy a whole new computer, what could I do to make mine better?

Could I get a new processor, and if so, would I have to get a new motherboard (I really have no idea what one has to do with the other, but after doing some skimming I came out with the impression that certain motherboards can only handle certain processors)? If I go this way, would I need to do anything else?

Are there any recommendations (keeping in mind I'm very computer illiterate)? Thanks.
Do you use your computer for playing or working? If it's only for working, I don't think you should buy a new one or upgrading it... but if you use it for playing, what kind of games arre you playing ?

Do you use your computer for playing or working? If it's only for working, I don't think you should buy a new one or upgrading it... but if you use it for playing, what kind of games arre you playing ?
Well, I use it for work mainly. But if games come out that I'd like, I can't get them because my computer's not good enough. So I haven't bought a game for a couple years now. That might change if I had something better to work with.

If you're getting a new CPU, you will basically have to get a new mobo, even if it is something like an AMD Athlon XP, there's no sense putting a faster CPU in an older board that doesn't fully support it. And if you do all that, you'll also want faster RAM, for increased memory bandwidth. Slower RAM will just cause a slight bottleneck.

If you want to play games, it all depends on how much you want to folk out on a video card. I guess you may want to price parts out and figure out if it's cheaper to upgrade or buy a new PC.

Well, I use it for work mainly. But if games come out that I'd like, I can't get them because my computer's not good enough. So I haven't bought a game for a couple years now. That might change if I had something better to work with.
Well, I don't think you should buy a new one but upgrading it could be a good thing to do. It would cost you less(~$500 CAN) than if you would buy a new one (~$1500 CAN), and you could play to(almost) every games that you would want to try.
<<Sorry my english suck (i'm french)>>

Yeah, upgrading the CPU depends on your motherboard. I had an old Dell that I upgraded the CPU on a few years back, but I actually had to get an adapter for the CPU slot. It let me squeeze another two years of borderline adequate performance out of that machine.

At this point, you might want to look into a new machine ... buying a new CPU for a few hundred might not be as smart as selling off your current machine and putting the combined money towards a new box. You can get some pretty decent machines these days for under a grand.

Yeah, I'm thinking it'll probably be around $500 to upgrade.

Future Shop has a 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 for $270, and I guess I would need a new motherboard (right now I have a Celeron - will that matter?), although I have no idea how to pick one out. FS also has a 2.6 GHz Celeron for $150. Would that be better value-wise?

I'd like a video card to (they're not cheap), and I'm not sure about RAM. The sticker on my computer says it has 256 MB PC-133 SDRAM. Is that good enough?

Yeah, upgrading the CPU depends on your motherboard. I had an old Dell that I upgraded the CPU on a few years back, but I actually had to get an adapter for the CPU slot. It let me squeeze another two years of borderline adequate performance out of that machine.

See, this is where I get confused. If you upgraded it, why did you only get two years? What else is holding it back? I'm not sure if you know what I mean... isn't the CPU the main thing?

See, this is where I get confused. If you upgraded it, why did you only get two years? What else is holding it back? I'm not sure if you know what I mean... isn't the CPU the main thing?
Think of a formula 1 motor inside a chevette. Would it make you go faster? No, your car would flip over and crash and burn because the structure of the vehicule is not meant to take these high speeds. You'd still have to go at 30 miles an hour all the time.

Think of a formula 1 motor inside a chevette. Would it make you go faster? No, your car would flip over and crash and burn because the structure of the vehicule is not meant to take these high speeds. You'd still have to go at 30 miles an hour all the time.
Okay, so what else is there to upgrade?

Okay, so what else is there to upgrade?
First tell us the specs of your system.

BTW, if you want to upgrade for games, the most important thing is a graphics card. Just buy a cheap GeForce at your local Future Shop. Don't buy the best graphics card since you'll be wasting your money since your motherboard, memory and CPU just can't handle the power, (and your power supply will crash and burn).

specs?

and what are you looking to spend?

First tell us the specs of your system.

BTW, if you want to upgrade for games, the most important thing is a graphics card. Just buy a cheap GeForce at your local Future Shop.
I'm not exactly sure on everything, but just reading what it says on the computer:

1.2 GHz Celeron processor
256 MB PC-133 SDRAM
~160 GB hard drive

That's really all it says. What else should I try to find out about it?

See, this is where I get confused. If you upgraded it, why did you only get two years? What else is holding it back? I'm not sure if you know what I mean... isn't the CPU the main thing?

Finite lifecycle, Intel and AMD will only support processors for so long. And there comes a point, that due to power requirements, increased number of transistors, they have to switch to a different CPU package. Different package, time for a new mobo. New CPU, new mobo, now it's time for new RAM, etc. It's a never ending cycle.

I'm not exactly sure on everything, but just reading what it says on the computer:

1.2 GHz Celeron processor
256 MB PC-133 SDRAM
~160 GB hard drive

That's really all it says. What else should I try to find out about it?
That system is still decent: you can squeeze at least 2 years out of it: you just need in order of importance: a cheap GeForce card and more RAM (I'd suggest at least 512 megs). Price tag: < 300$

That system is still decent: you can squeeze at least 2 years out of it: you just need in order of importance: a cheap GeForce card and more RAM (I'd suggest at least 512 megs). Price tag: < 300$
I would honestly scrap it... celerons are crap.

but who knows...

I would honestly scrap it... celerons are crap.

but who knows...
It's not worthwhile to make a non-gamer invest thousands of dollars for a few measly fps and slightly better quality: he wouldn't know the difference anyways.

That system is still decent: you can squeeze at least 2 years out of it: you just need in order of importance: a cheap GeForce card and more RAM (I'd suggest at least 512 megs). Price tag: < 300$
Okay, thanks. Just a couple more stupid questions... If I have 256 MB of RAM, can I just get 256 more, or do I have to get 512 to replace it? Or is that a question you can't answer because you're not seeing the inside of my computer :D ?

I'm looking at Future Shop's site right now, and there are GeForce cards ranging from $199.99 all the way up to $849.99. There are actually two that are $199.99 - how do I choose which one? (Actually, I guess "research" might be a good answer there).

Also, is there anything wrong with "refurbished" computers at Future Shop?

It's not worthwhile to make a non-gamer invest thousands of dollars for a few measly fps and slightly better quality: he wouldn't know the difference anyways.
I've actually never had a Pentium. The one thing I do notice is price - when my parents bought me this one, my dad wouldn't splurge for the Pentium, so I'm not sure exactly what they're like.

Okay, thanks. Just a couple more stupid questions... If I have 256 MB of RAM, can I just get 256 more, or do I have to get 512 to replace it? Or is that a question you can't answer because you're not seeing the inside of my computer :D ?

I'm looking at Future Shop's site right now, and there are GeForce cards ranging from $199.99 all the way up to $849.99. There are actually two that are $199.99 - how do I choose which one? (Actually, I guess "research" might be a good answer there).

Also, is there anything wrong with "refurbished" computers at Future Shop?
It depends if you have free slots. If you have free slots, then just buy a 256 module and plug it in. For the graphics card, get the low end: anything between 5200 and 5600. Then again, depending on your power supply, even the 5600 might hiccup. So, knowing your power supply rating would be useful. BTW, the 5200 can be had for less than 100$.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=674963&CatId=1241
63$ canadian here for the graphics card

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=504537
56$ for the memory

That's 120$ + shipping and tax.

It depends if you have free slots. If you have free slots, then just buy a 256 module and plug it in. For the graphics card, get the low end: anything between 5200 and 5600. Then again, depending on your power supply, even the 5600 might hiccup. So, knowing your power supply rating would be useful. BTW, the 5200 can be had for less than 100$.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=674963&CatId=1241
63$ canadian here!
BUT

make sure the ram is the same speed as what you already have!!! They must be the same or you won't get its potential, not sure if anything bad will happen.

Graphics cards... ati radeon 9200SE 128mb is pretty decent and cheap... its what I have. Works for everything I play!

Cerberus... your absolutely right!

BUT

make sure the ram is the same speed as what you already have!!! They must be the same or you won't get its potential, not sure if anything bad will happen.

Graphics cards... ati radeon 9200SE 128mb is pretty decent and cheap... its what I have. Works for everything I play!

Cerberus... your absolutely right!
The 9200 ati radeon does not support Directx 9.

If you put a PC 100, then usually the memory will slow down to pc 100 (or sometimes might cause tons of errors though this is rare). Though you're right, stick with the right memory.

The 9200 ati radeon does not support Directx 9.
Is it that important? I think i've got 8.1, not sure what I Have to be honest... :lol

you sure?


while we are at it... i've wanted to upgrade my pc for a while. I've got:


amd xp2500 1.8
asus a7v8x-x motherboard
512mb ram
120gig HD
ati radeon 9200SE 128mb video card
on board sound

Thanks for your help, guys!

What do you guys think of this: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10054414&catid=10607&logon=&langid=EN&dept=1

Is that a decent deal? It's "refurbished", but does that matter?

Is it that important? I think i've got 8.1, not sure what I Have to be honest... :lol

you sure?
I have directx 7 on my graphics card and it makes certain games that require shaders to crash to the desktop. So basically, by buying a dx 8.1 graphics card, your card will be out of date sooner. Don't be surprised if in a year or two, recent games crash to the desktop.

Thanks for your help, guys!

What do you guys think of this: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10054414&catid=10607&logon=&langid=EN&dept=1

Is that a decent deal? It's "refurbished", but does that matter?
Get a custom built computer: you'll have better quality parts and a lower price. Plus, you might even get better service.

Also, Athlon is proven to outperform pentium at a lower cost. Choose Athlon!

Get a custom built computer: you'll have better quality parts and a lower price. Plus, you might even get better service.
Just make sure you know what your getting, and have someone check after you buy it to ensure you don't get taken!

Get a custom built computer: you'll have better quality parts and a lower price. Plus, you might even get better service.

Also, Athlon is proven to outperform pentium at a lower cost. Choose Athlon!
Where would be a good idea to do that? You mean like Dell? I've looked at them, but their prices seem to be sky high.

Actually, come to think of it, I do know a guy who "builds computers". He got one for my aunt, but I never really thought about him until now. I should ask him about it.

Dell is exactly what he DOESN'T mean by custom built! Dell, HP, etc. all send you PCs with just-good-enough parts in them. A custom built PC is usually cheaper, and you also get the satisfaction of knowing what you put in it.

Where would be a good idea to do that? You mean like Dell? I've looked at them, but their prices seem to be sky high.

Actually, come to think of it, I do know a guy who "builds computers". He got one for my aunt, but I never really thought about him until now. I should ask him about it.
BTW, now is the time to wait a few months before buying a new computer. Why? New standards such as PCI Express and DDR2 are just coming out. Wait a few months until they are mainstream and their price comes down.

Dell is exactly what he DOESN'T mean by custom built! Dell, HP, etc. all send you PCs with just-good-enough parts in them. A custom built PC is usually cheaper, and you also get the satisfaction of knowing what you put in it.
Well put. Dell is craptacular. Also, you won't be able to play your newest games with that new refurbished computer because the graphics card is below craptacular. In fact this is where most low-end computer really cut cost. They stick you with an imbedded graphics card that runs doom 1 at 2 fps.

It depends if you have free slots. If you have free slots, then just buy a 256 module and plug it in. For the graphics card, get the low end: anything between 5200 and 5600. Then again, depending on your power supply, even the 5600 might hiccup. So, knowing your power supply rating would be useful. BTW, the 5200 can be had for less than 100$.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=674963&CatId=1241
63$ canadian here for the graphics card

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=504537
56$ for the memory

That's 120$ + shipping and tax.
Maybe I'll just take Cerberus' suggestion and try this for now.

So one more dumb question on my part. If I take the cover off my computer, what do I look for to find the RAM, or find out if I have an extra slot? Shouldn't newer computers all have extra slots?

Regarding buying the same kind of RAM, what do I look for? What numbers should I pay attention to?

Maybe I'll just take Cerberus' suggestion and try this for now.

So one more dumb question on my part. If I take the cover off my computer, what do I look for to find the RAM, or find out if I have an extra slot? Shouldn't newer computers all have extra slots?

Regarding buying the same kind of RAM, what do I look for? What numbers should I pay attention to?
Memory:
http://www20.tomshardware.com/howto/20010115/pcsystem-07.html

You're model is SDRAM 133 MHZ(megahertz). Pick any capacity you want and any company (I don't think you're the kind to do overclocking so you don't need Corsair memory).

BTW, upgrading the graphics card and the memory are probably the two easiest, simplest upgrade you can make and it's really hard to screw up.

Memory:
http://www20.tomshardware.com/howto/20010115/pcsystem-07.html

You're model is SDRAM 133 MHZ(megahertz). Pick any capacity you want and any company (I don't think you're the kind to do overclocking so you don't need Corsair memory).
Ah, right on. Thanks alot for your help!

Ah, right on. Thanks alot for your help!
No prob. Although I'd sleep better at night if I knew that you had at least a 300 watt power supply. I'd hate for your computer to crash on you in the middle of a game. :)

No prob. Although I'd sleep better at night if I knew that you had at least a 300 watt power supply. I'd hate for your computer to crash on you in the middle of a game. :)
Is there a way for me to find that out?

Is there a way for me to find that out?
It's either at the back of your computer or inside your computer (a label on a metallic box at the rear top of your computer.

If you're going to be opening up your case, please make sure you touch something grounded before fiddling with the components. You don't want static electricity to zap your computer parts.