My computer is running slower than it should be. Why?

So, I have a Gateway DX4800-05e computer that I got about 4-5 years ago. I just recently bought Diablo 3 and tried to play it, but it was super laggy, it took forever to walk, move, cast any spells, anything like that at all.

The confusing part in this for me is the fact that my friend's laptop runs it much better and much faster, with worse specs than my desktop.

Me:

Pentium Dual Core CPU E5200 @ 2.5GHz 2.5 GHz

6 GB RAM

64 Bit Vista

NVIDIA GeForce 9200


Him:

Intel i5-2430M @ 2.4 2.4

4gb RAM (3.85 usable)

64 bit windows 7

intel HD graphics family video card



Now, the problem here is the processor, right? If I were to buy a stronger processor and put it in my computer, would that solve the issue? Would I even be able to do that? Also, what are steps that I can take to improve my computer's speed (without formatting the hard drive, since I don't have an install disk for Windows)? Unless there is a way around an install disk such as installing it online or something. I have a Windows 7 install disk for my girlfriend's Dell laptop.. Would that still work?

Sorry for all the questions, I just can't figure this out myself.

On the other hand, I need to build/buy a new computer (Desktop or Laptop. Probably need one of each) that can handle Diablo 3 and World of Warcraft smoothly, without going crazy on price. Any recommendations?

Me:

Pentium Dual Core CPU E5200 @ 2.5GHz 2.5 GHz - http://ark.intel.com/products/37212/Intel-Pentium-Processor-E5200-%282M-Cache-2_50-GHz-800-MHz-FSB%29


Him:

Intel i5-2430M @ 2.4 2.4 - http://ark.intel.com/products/53450/Intel-Core-i5-2430M-Processor-%283M-Cache-up-to-3_00-GHz%29

One thing that sticks out is he (your friend) is running an i5 chip. An i5 chip is a quad core processor while you are running a dual core.

Think if it like a car.

You are driving a four cylinder while he is driving an 8 cylinder. The processor handles better in his machine than in yours.


Corrected a typo

Would I be able to buy an i5 or i7 Quad core and put it into my existing PC or no?

Also, is my video card (GeForce 9200) up to snuff for something like this? Last I knew, the 9200 was pretty high up there.

Have you made sure that you have the very latest drivers for your card installed?

http://www.geforce.com/drivers



It certainly will not do any harm, just in case the driver is not installed correctly.

Would I be able to buy an i5 or i7 Quad core and put it into my existing PC or no?

Also, is my video card (GeForce 9200) up to snuff for something like this? Last I knew, the 9200 was pretty high up there.

To simply put it the answer is No, your core2 and i5 or i7 don't use the same socket !!

On the other hand, I need to build/buy a new computer (Desktop or Laptop. Probably need one of each) that can handle Diablo 3 and World of Warcraft smoothly, without going crazy on price. Any recommendations?

This is a completely different topic and would best be suited for this forum:

Questions and advice for Buying a New Computer
Be sure and read the first pinned topic.

Alternatively if you decide to build take a look at:

Questions and advice for Buying a New Computer
Again please take a look at the pinned topic: What Do I Need To Build A Computer

Sometimes computer runs slow for the attack of different types of virus. So i think it may be one of the causes.