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General discussion

upgrading old pc

Jul 4, 2005 1:45AM PDT

I've got a dell xps t450 that i got christmas of 2000. compared to all my friend's computers this thing is horribly slow. i don't really know much about computers so i'm looking for help. would upgrading the ram make this thing faster? if so, any information on good cheap ram and how to upgrade it would be greatly appreciated. if not, someone please point me in the right direction to make this thing somewhat faster.

Discussion is locked

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Tell some more.
Jul 4, 2005 2:11AM PDT

CPU type/speed, RAM, hard disk make/model/size, video card, OS, and more.

As it stands, I have nothing but questions.

Bob

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Yes...
Jul 4, 2005 2:26AM PDT

What kind of software do you have on it? Do you have an Anti-virus and firewall? etc...

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AVG, Zonealarm, video editing and more.
Jul 4, 2005 3:02AM PDT

But you may want to ask the orginal poster and not me?

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(NT) (NT) Thats what I meant to do, srry.
Jul 4, 2005 3:35AM PDT
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(NT) (NT) need more information
Jul 4, 2005 2:35AM PDT
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Re: Upgrading a old PC..
Jul 4, 2005 8:02AM PDT

Well, like others are saying you need to provide more info about your PC, and yes, the spyware, trojans, viruses, etc can slow down your PC. But to speed up your ole PC (and really fairly new PC's) check into some of the stuff that is in the Newbies or Computer Help Forum, like all the crap you can delete from your PC that will increase speed. Mod Grif can get you going with some of his stuff as well as Mod's Toni H. and Bob P.:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6121-0.html?forumID=45&threadID=22053&messageID=238474

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6121-0.html?forumID=45&threadID=22053&messageID=243397

http://forum.aumha.org/viewtopic.php?t=7265&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6121-0.html?forumID=45&threadID=22053&messageID=238454

I don't have a Dell, but one of my older computers is a 500MHz, and have got it tuned up pretty good by doing all of the above including getting free anti-virus program, free Spyware programs, and free Firewall, installing more RAM up to 512MB, increasing the power supply, and a better Video Card. Maybe not quite as fast as my current main computer, but still good for excellent surfing (using browser Firefox kinda helps over IE) and play games other than the modern high end ones.

Watch the flyers from Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, Home Depot, Office Max, etc for good sales on RAM. Goto Crucial.com to find out exactly what RAM your PC will take & the max.

BTW, great sale right now on an 80GB external Hard Drive 7200RPM at Circuit City for $39.99 after rebates. I bought the same thing couple months ago for $69.99 after rebates (regular $99.99) that I now received. Already formatted, simple to install/CD drives, USB 2.0 and regular 110V power connection, on/off switch, Backup Switch....if I wasn't saving my pennies for a planned trip to Vegas I'd get two more.

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upgrading RAM
Jul 5, 2005 11:02PM PDT

I have an HP pavilion 2.7GHz, 248 RAM, 40GB hard drive. I have anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-adware. I would like to know where to go for specific step by step instructions on how to add more RAM up to 512. Is there an online site, or a site within cnet?

Thanks!

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upgrading RAM
Jul 6, 2005 1:18AM PDT

Have you opened the case to see how many sticks of memory you have in there? My guess is one stick of 256Mb of PC2700. If so you can add another sick of 256mb of PC2700.
But check curical.com and plug in all the info for your PC. Then go to newegg.com and buy. John
http://www.build-your-own-computer-tips.com/index.html

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upgrading RAM
Jul 9, 2005 11:46PM PDT

Thanks, I will do that. But....I've already purchased 512 of RAM. Did I buy the wrong thing? Or can I remove the 256 and replace it with the 512?

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Did you get the Right type of MEMORY?
Jul 10, 2005 7:52AM PDT

Check using Everest Home edition..
It should say PC2100,PC2700,PC3200 etc...
Or if you happen to see DDR 266,333,400 etc..