[lookitischris]

This is a bit of an older system, but im trying to get it running smoothly and faster without spending A LOT of money. I dont need this one for gaming, extreme video editing or anything like that. I just need to be able to multi-task and not be bogged down. It will get really slow any time a program is being opened in the background, or any other processes running.

Here is what ive' got:

Computer Type Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) PC
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
I

Motherboard
CPU Type AMD Athlon XP, 1150 MHz (11.5 x 100)
Motherboard Name Soyo KT333 DRAGON Ultra Platinum Edition (5 PCI, 1 AGP Pro, 3 DDR DIMM, Audio, LAN)
Motherboard Chipset VIA VT8367 Apollo KT333
System Memory 512 MB (PC2100 DDR SDRAM)
DIMM2: SpecTek 512 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM (2.5-3-3-6 @ 133 MHz) (2.0-2-2-5 @ 100 MHz)
DIMM3 512 MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM (2.5-3-3-6 @ 133 MHz) (2.0-2-2-5 @ 100 MHz)


Display
Video Adapter Radeon X1300 Series Secondary (256 MB)
Video Adapter Radeon X1300 Series (256 MB)
3D Accelerator ATI Radeon X1300 Pro / X1550 (RV515)
Monitor HP VS17 [17" LCD] (CNN5180D30)

Multimedia
Audio Adapter C-Media CMI8738 Audio Chip

*I have 2 gigs of ram installed into the machine, but it registers at 512mb. Why is that?

*I figure I also need a new CPU (which I know will require a new mobo as well) So what do you recommend?

Please feel free to suggest anything I should change or replace. I can provide any other info you might need about my system.

Thanks in advance...

[Axegrinder]

As for your RAM your motherboard does support upto 3GB of ram, does it say you have 512mb on the POST screen?

And for your CPU a good Athlon XP 2500+ 1.83Ghz would be a good CPU, you can get them fairly cheaply on ebay.

[KanoakaVirus]

You might want to make a backup and format your system then re install windows.
Also make sure to keep up to date with the latest windows updates.
Keep on top of all your security updates, what type of protection do you use for your computer?
Also defrag your system on a weekly/monthly bases depending on how often you use your computer.
A fragmented HD with show in the time it takes your programs to start & open.
What type of ram is currently installed in the machine?

You'd be smart in reading this threads:

http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...-malware-9243/

http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...-posting-7476/