What can I do to make my PC better?

X

XDRoX

New Member
I recently got a new PC. It's an HP with:
• Intel Pentium dual-core E2200
• 500GB hard drive
• 3GB of DDR2 memory
• Burns DVDs and CDs
• LightScribe-enabled
• 15-in-1 card reader
So far I have added an additional DVD/CD burner and an additional 500 WD HDD. I would like to also upgrade the memory (it says upgradeable to 8 GB), but I read that Vista can't take more than 3.5.
Is this true?
I don't know anything about computers but I like tinkering so is there anything else that I can do to get more speed and performance from my PC. BTW, I don't play any games, I just use it for photos and movie making. But I would like to be able to make it better if possible. For example, are there any other high performance parts I could get?
Any comments are appreciated.
 
Any 32bit operating system will only read up to 3.3 GB of ram. If you went with a 64 bit version of xp or vista you'll be able to put the full 8 GB in. One thing you could upgrade is the video card.
 
You could add a digital tv card but after adding a extra cd/dvd burner and h/d your power consumption will go up, not by much, but youll need to ensure your psu is a good one and can take it, as these pre-built ones often skimp on the psu and give you the min required
 
Deviousmind said:
You could add a digital tv card but after adding a extra cd/dvd burner and h/d your power consumption will go up, not by much, but youll need to ensure your psu is a good one and can take it, as these pre-built ones often skimp on the psu and give you the min required
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Thanks for the replies. The power is a concern for me as well. Is there a way to find out how much power I'm using. I figured since I had extra power plugs in the PC, I could add devices, and it worked but now I'm wondering if I could add more.
I believe that my power says 250 max watt on it, if that helps you answer my question.
Thanks
 
Think you are on the limit at the moment m8, before you add anymore pci cards or other things id upgrade the psu to at least 350w m8 to be sure
make sure its awell known make and not a generic one
 
What are some good brands?
I just looked at circuitcity online and they are pretty cheap. So would it be in my best interest to just get a 500 watt one? Are there different types or sizes I need to worry about?
 
Any one of these are ok m8 Antec,Akasa. Enermax, OCZ, Seasonic, Silverstone, Thermaltake Toughpower, Ultra X-Pro are all good as are others, if you dicide to upgrade your psu m8, let us know and im sure well all let you know if its a good buy
 
Deviousmind said:
Any one of these are ok m8 Antec,Akasa. Enermax, OCZ, Seasonic, Silverstone, Thermaltake Toughpower, Ultra X-Pro are all good as are others, if you dicide to upgrade your psu m8, let us know and im sure well all let you know if its a good buy
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I didn't know changing a CPU was an option. Are you saying I can pull out my dual-core and put in a duo? If so can you give me a link to a site that sells CPU's.
Thanks
 
I downloaded CPU-Z and it told me that I have a 775 LGA socket. Does this mean that I can buy any CPU as long as it says 775 LGA?
 
XDRoX said:
I downloaded CPU-Z and it told me that I have a 775 LGA socket. Does this mean that I can buy any CPU as long as it says 775 LGA?
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You can buy any LGA775 cpu and it will fit into your pc m8, however that doesnt mean it will work as cpus have different micron builds and revisions, best to check any manual you have to see what your m/b can take.
 
Deviousmind said:
You can buy any LGA775 cpu and it will fit into your pc m8, however that doesnt mean it will work as cpus have different micron builds and revisions, best to check any manual you have to see what your m/b can take.
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True, many revisions, but that doesn't make a difference. The FSB and architecture compatibility is what you look at.
 
3GB of RAM should be enough. The processor is pretty good so I would say add a video card. Since you're not going to play games, get something like the 8600GT/HD2600XT
 
For people who don't know... if you're planning on buying:

Q9***
E8***

You'll need a 45nm compatible motherboard. (P31, P35, X38, 780i, ect)
 
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