What hardware can I get to have faster running PC?

--------- Computer Specs -------------
Manufactured and supported by: Dell

System:
Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 3

Dell Dimension DE051
Intel(R)
Celeron(R) CPU 2.66GHz
2.66GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM

Local Disk (C
Local Disk

File System: NTFS
Free Space: 98.1 GB
Total Size: 145 GB

-------------- End of Specs ------------

The problem is I have upgraded my computer's ram and it's still slow with a slight improvement. The ram I bought was detected instantly and read correctly by the computer.

I recently updated from 512MB of Ram to 1.00 GB. The 512MB of ram were 2 256 ram sticks. This one I have now is only 1 stick. I did the upgrade because my computer was acting ridiculously slow. Specifically when I went to browse the internet and I had trouble loading pages or viewing videos. I almost couldn't load most of the web pages period! With the upgrade I can at least do these activities somewhat but it's still slow. Like,

I work with video editing, so I have a lot of video editing and converting software. Yes they do take up a large amount of space. However, I like all the programs I have and want to keep them. I would like to know how I can keep all the files on my PC I have now and have a fast running computer.

I have tried the paging file method and my maximum allowed is 4096, however I set the limit and the minimum to 3050. I done virus scans, so I do not believe that is the problem. I have also defragmented my hard drive using diskeeper.

My question is, what hardware can I get that will make my computer run faster? Is my problem hardware necessarily or is there still something I have not done.


The Budget: Maximum $120

 

I used to have a 1GB Celeron XP machine with 256MB RAM and the internet was just fine including youtube/videos/movies. You have something else going on in there, what it is I have no idea. How many startup programs are you running and do you need them all?

Install CCleaner and check on that. You really shouldn't be running much more than anti-virus, firewall and other protective apps and of course the app you always use daily. Everything else can be started manually when needed.

 

with augiedoggie as well, check to see what slot you installed the ram into, make sure its in slot 1 not 2, you should be able to see small lettering next to the ram slot to identify this. The ram will be accessed quicker through the bus if its in slot 1

 

O.K. - I will try to assist you with your issues - But I cannot guarantee the results.

(1) Purchase 'NOD32".

(2) Your hardware set-up is low grade.

(3) RAM needs to be upgraded to (At least 2GB), Move to an 'AMD' CPU, purchase a 'Gygabyte' liquid cooling system and install the tank outside of the tower.

(4) Check your IO settings as they may not have been set yet. When anyone loads the disk for their recently bought "High speed ISP", they do not tell you that they change your IO settings in the process. Quite often, the "Security side settings have been changed from "Default" to something you don't know about. In the same "Splash", go to "Advanced" and left-click on "Restore advanced settings" (If you are using Vista set the Control to "Classic" and then instruct the OS to show what you want). In addition, right-click "My computer" and left-click "Advanced System Settings". Left-click "Show thumbnails instead of icons". During this process, you will be asked by the OS to "Proceed" (This is not needed as you are an "Administrater" already - God bless BG!).

I am always available and always being "Beaten up" by 'Microsoft' - But have never lost a client.

Kind Regards,

S.

 

If you do video editing I would save up for a new pc. Your setup is kind of old and will be hard to upgrade. It also depends on what type of video editing you do.

 

O.K. - Think you mean your system is old.

Anyway, it is not an easy question to answer, but - here goes -

(1) What is your hardware set-up?

(2) What do you want to acheive with your system?

(3) I will send you advice when you answer 1 & 2.

Regs,

S.

 

LOL, how is NOD32 going to "speed up" the system?!? Yes it is one of the better AV but pointless in this case.

Your only valid point is get another Gb of RAM.

OP you haven't mentioned what sort of HDD you have.

Frankly your speed potential will be firstly dictated by your CPU, then how much RAM and how it is configured and then also HDD type and array.

Dual Channel RAM (2 matched modules) will work "simultaneously" on DATA and thus move it quicker. I would suggest you get another 1Gb module (the same as you have).

HDD type can significantly increase DATA access and write times:
SATA II HDD will transfer DATA at 3GB/s
RAID 0 of 2 x SATA II HDD will transfer DATA at 6GB/s
SSD are getting faster by the day.

The HDD set up will be readily transferable to any new builds.

 

Thank You. Also, how are you able to tell if your ram is in slot 1 or 2? How would that make a drastic difference anyway?

 

Slot 1 = On the left.

Slot 2 = Onthe the right.

Unless you have a mini board, these are quite often up and down. Therefore slot 1 = The one at the top.

 

Does that computer use an onboard display/video adapter? Does it have an AGP slot? I'm thinking a video card upgrade might be a worthy investment.

 

Very good comment.

(1) If "onboard", it is normally not possible to upgrade (Normally within laptops except 'Compaq' R4000 units. My wife's cost £1250 with other software ).

(2) If it is a TX with expansion slots - Then no probs.

(3) If not a laptop, then your suggestion remains valid.

Regs,

S.

 

Okay from Dell.com we can find that you have:
http://support.ap.dell.com/support/...0A66569EE8608BE0401E0A54175E21&doclang=en&cs=
Model Name Model Code
Dimension 1100 DE051

Here is the owners manual you can download:
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim1100/EN/index.htm#printed_documentation
Tech Specs:
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim1100/EN/SM/specs.htm#wp1076752
Removing/Installing parts:
http://supportapj.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim1100/EN/SM/parts.htm

If you only have the one module there will be no significant difference in which slot you place it in.

Always handy to have CPU-Z 1.52.2 will tell you which slot.

 

So basically your best option will be to get another 1 Gb of RAM (match it with the one you have), that will speed up DATA processing potential for Video Editing.

Secondly, it seems you have no AGP slots so and I WOULD NOT waste any money on a PCI Video Card (NO PCI-e slots).

You may get a boost from a Solid State Drive (SSD) if you find the system is accessing the HDD often as they are significantly faster than PATA/SATA drives and could be readily transferred to any new system builds. If you feel this is a viable option ($100-120) there are huge differences in makes and models at the moment and you may need some tips.

 

Ditto on that.

One thing you might do, espcially if you add RAM, is to increase the amount of system RAM allocated, or "shared", for display adapter if your BIOS allows it.

 

You never got back to me :confused. I gave my system setup awhile back.

I think a video card would be the next upgrade I would like to do, seeing as though ram does not seem to be the major issue. However, as you said I do not seem to have any AGP slots. I guess in order to do that, I would have to change my mother board correct?

Lastly I am a little computer illiterate when it comes to some of the terms :-o.

Could you explain to me what SSD is or PATA/SATA drives. I've never heard of.

 

PATA slower hard disk drive, the one with a 40 pin ribbon data cable, also called an IDE drive.

SATA faster hard drive, has an 8 pin data cable but you would need a SATA PCI card to hook them up

SSD Solid state drive, too new and too expensive IMO which won't help you much with its speed.

I think everything's been covered to make your machine faster using what you currently have and that's not by much either. I would look to getting a dual-core machine with a decent PCI-E card. There is also the matter of your software if you can install it in Vista or Windows 7. You've got lot's of decisions to make.