Updating computer in preperation for vista

james76

james76

New Member
Ok I would like Vista some time soon, preferable without buying a new pc. I think RAM is my main problem as i have only 256 mb ddr. But also i would just like a faster computer. What to update I know not exactly thats where i need your guys help. Because if i go to the computer mall we have here the guys will be eager just to replace the entire computer so they get more money of me haha. SO yeah, my current system....

emachine 580
Celeron CPU 2.30 GHz, 256 MB of RAM
80 GB hardrive
geforce 4 mx 440 se

cheers
 
With those specs, I will assume the GPU is a PCI card, correct? Eh...well if you really want vista you'd have to upgrade the RAM to at least 512(preferably closer to 1GB), and the GPU will need to be upgraded if you want Areo. You upgraded from the original onboard, correct? Either way, you need a newer card that supports DirectX 9 if you want the special eye candy. Otherwise, it should be alright...
 
Hi mate thanks. Yeah I think its PCI card, i mean im not great with computer hardware but i found my nvidia display driver to be on a PCI bus 1. If there is any other way of checking do tell. When u said upgraded from original onboard do you mean that im not replacing stuff fully but just adding, because yeah thats what i want to do. Is there anything else also that will speed up my pc? Also what prices am I looking at just so i have an idea what to haggle for. Cheers thanks for your time.
 
Your card is in a PCI slot. What he meant was did you add that card to the computer or did you buy the computer like that?

You will need a new graphics card if you want to enjoy the "Aero" or whatever comes with Vista. If you don't want "Aero" then just upgrade your RAM to 1GB. You need to know what type of RAM it is.. Go to www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php and download it. Go to the Memory tab and take a screenshot of it and post it here.
 
No, i have not added anything already mate.

untitled.jpg
 
I think the RAM and GPU would be the best thing to upgrade, CPU isn't bad... I'd get 1GB of RAM and maybe try and get a cheap MOBO that could take PCI-e GPU's, your RAM (or DDR2) and your CPU.
 
If you want a faster computer, DON"T get Vista. Especially with that computer. Or buy a new computer first, and then if you decide you want it, buy Vista.
 
"currently installed memory: DDR PC2000
Each memory slot can hold DDR PC2700 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

# Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB
# Currently Installed Memory: 256MB
# Available Memory Slots: 1
# Number of Banks: 2
# Dual Channel Support: No
# CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
# CPU Family: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.30GHz Model 2, Stepping 7
# CPU Speed: 2292 MHz "

I went on crucial.com memory upgrades, i did the system scan and 2GB is the the total i can upgrade to (removing the 256 of course). Quoting also $199. So i guess i will aim for around that price.
What u guys think? 2GB too much or 1GB substantial?
 
1GB is enough to be able to run vista decently. If you are just looking for more speed, I'd stick with XP and add more RAM to what you currently have. If that doesn't help enough, a fresh install of XP should make it quite a bit faster.

I wouldn't suggest upgrading your motherboard to a PCIe one unless you want to upgrade the CPU, GPU and your RAM as well (yours is a socket 478 with DDR, all new intel boards are LGA775 and DDR2).
 
Hi thanks mate, yeah im looking for speed, but the good graphics for vista incase i decide to go with it (because of aero and all that, am i alright or should i get the other upgrades?)
 
Well if you go with all the others, it's really close to a new system build (mobo, CPU, RAM, and probably GPU as you could use the PCI one still but it'd be a big drawback). You could get a board with onbaord graphics, any new motherboard with onboard will still be able to run aero.
 
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