Hi
I've been thinking of upgrading one of my computers for a while now. Its a few years old and recently has been starting to struggle with some apps.
Its specs are :
Win XP
Dell Dimension DE051
Intel Celeron CPU 2.53Ghz
512Mb Ram (2x256mb)
I was wondering if upgrading the Ram to 2Gb (Which is the max this computer could take right now and would cost under £50) would make alot of difference?
Or would I need to replace other components too? Or better still just buy or build a whole new system?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Full Version: New Ram Or Whole New Pc?
What apps does it struggle with?
512MB is fine for routine junk (surfing, etc.). But it probably is not sufficient when running one or more memoryj-intensive apps or when pursuing activities that are memory/CPU intense (like rendering video files).
2GB will be a lot better than 512MB. Memory is a lot cheaper than a new system and probably will make it seem as if you have a new system.
On the other hand...a Celeron is a Celeron, good technology but not going to set the world on fire in 2008/2009
.
If you insist on buying something, take a look at just getting a motherboard/CPU combo with DDR2.
Louis
512MB is fine for routine junk (surfing, etc.). But it probably is not sufficient when running one or more memoryj-intensive apps or when pursuing activities that are memory/CPU intense (like rendering video files).
2GB will be a lot better than 512MB. Memory is a lot cheaper than a new system and probably will make it seem as if you have a new system.
On the other hand...a Celeron is a Celeron, good technology but not going to set the world on fire in 2008/2009
.If you insist on buying something, take a look at just getting a motherboard/CPU combo with DDR2.
Louis
QUOTE(hamluis @ Aug 14 2008, 11:05 PM) 
What apps does it struggle with?
512MB is fine for routine junk (surfing, etc.). But it probably is not sufficient when running one or more memoryj-intensive apps or when pursuing activities that are memory/CPU intense (like rendering video files).
2GB will be a lot better than 512MB. Memory is a lot cheaper than a new system and probably will make it seem as if you have a new system.
On the other hand...a Celeron is a Celeron, good technology but not going to set the world on fire in 2008/2009.
If you insist on buying something, take a look at just getting a motherboard/CPU combo with DDR2.
Louis
512MB is fine for routine junk (surfing, etc.). But it probably is not sufficient when running one or more memoryj-intensive apps or when pursuing activities that are memory/CPU intense (like rendering video files).
2GB will be a lot better than 512MB. Memory is a lot cheaper than a new system and probably will make it seem as if you have a new system.
On the other hand...a Celeron is a Celeron, good technology but not going to set the world on fire in 2008/2009
.If you insist on buying something, take a look at just getting a motherboard/CPU combo with DDR2.
Louis
Thanks for your quick reply. The PC is fine for just being on the internet and simple stuff like that, but as soon as you start to do 2 things at once you notice it struggling.
Im thinking that upgrading the Ram and seeing how much the performance improves is the best option right now as it can be done for under £50.
Was wondering though how much would one of these motherboard/CPU combo with DDR2 costs roughly?
Depends on the board/chip (user preference). Some examples:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....e=%2425+-+%2450
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....amp;Order=PRICE
Of course, you can always spend more money, but these boards do the job.
DDR2 memory is dirt cheap these days, e.g., http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820161400
A new motherboard/CPU allows you to take advantage of the fact that DDR2 memory is superior/faster than the memory you are accustomed to.
Louis
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....e=%2425+-+%2450
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....amp;Order=PRICE
Of course, you can always spend more money, but these boards do the job.
DDR2 memory is dirt cheap these days, e.g., http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820161400
A new motherboard/CPU allows you to take advantage of the fact that DDR2 memory is superior/faster than the memory you are accustomed to.
Louis
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