[JJGEight]

Hey,

My laptop broke today and I found an old-ish computer I used to use in my loft. I turned it on and it wouldn't boot. So I just installed windows XP fresh!

The specifications are not too bad for a 2004 PC, I was expecting worse. Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz but only 256mb of DDR ram.

Anyway I want to upgrade it so I can use it quite a lot. The PC is an Advent 2004 PC. Here are the full specs.

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/2004.htm

Mainly I want to get a dual or quad (if i am lucky) in it but thats not that much of a problem because it does have 2.8GHz already. Do you reccon I could do this? And what type would I need?

I also want to get it a new hard drive, some RAM, Wireless capabilities and an improved optical drive, maybe a better graphics card aswell. Any recommendations as I'm not sure which ones would be compatible.

I took the front cover off today and I could see the ram slots and what looked like a PCI slot but I wasnt sure. I also think the optical drive was covering the HD.

I dont mind if its going to be more expensive than buying a new computer because I like the flexibilty of upgrade so you dont need spend the money if you dont want to and you can do it gradually. Im only 15 so I dont get paid alot so Id rather do smallish upgrades than buty a brand new computer. Plus I find it more fun and educational.

Hope you can help

Josh!

[kanoakavirus]

You might as well just flog it and get some spending money and build a pc from scratch from all the upgrades you want, it wouldn't be far of building a new one anyway (price wise) also i wouldn't want to buy some new shiny components and stick them on an old dusty mobo and then into an unworthy case.

[andymac2k1]

To upgrade your computer would almost be making a new build. As the computer is old and has a P4 inside, your would need a new motherboard and this would probably mean new ram. all of this is now relative cheap to do and you could keep your hard drive and optical drive, and maybe even your power supply. Things you may need are

1. New motherboard with socket for the processor you want. (i recomend AMD but i will probably get flammed lol) so amd socket would be AM2 or AM2+
2. Processor. Make a decision on a budget. also you will probably not see a difference in quad core if it is for gaming so go for a dual core.
3. Make sure you either get a heatsink with the processor or buy one that fits the particular socket
4. Ram. ram is relatively cheap but make sure your motherboard supports it.


I think if you get this you will have almost a brand new system :)

[andymac2k1]

p.s

I always use either www.ebuyer.com or www.overclockers.co.uk
Both very good websites with good prices and great customer service if you have any problems which are few and far between

[JJGEight]

I cant really afford to start a new build. Also my is anti me building one from scratch. I dont know why! My mum is a bit starnge. But she doesnt have a problem with me upgrading my current one.

[andymac2k1]

what will you be using it for?

[redden137]

If its a socket 478 which it prob is id keep it for as long as poss and do no upgrades whatsoever and save my money for a new build m8 upgrading this pc will be a waste as you will have to throw most of it away when you do finally upgrade with the exception of any added pci cards or dvd drive.
best to do a new build and keep this as a spare

[JJGEight]

I know its best to do a new build but I wont to use this one! Dont ask why, I have my reasons.

[Cew27]

your corrects about being flamed for the amd recomendation
intel ftw!
just upgrade the ram to 1 gig and you will be fine and maybe stick in a new optical drive (ide of course)

[pete21]

Originally Posted by Cew27 your corrects about being flamed for the amd recomendation intel ftw! just upgrade the ram to 1 gig and you will be fine and maybe stick in a new optical drive (ide of course)

id say the same as Cew27

maybe a better graphics card
also id replace the psu to be on the safe side as you said its old and been in the attic for a while

[kanoakavirus]

A good clean never goes a miss. Could also replace the 4 year old Thermal paste.

[Cew27]

ok so this is the list
get some thermal paste (arctic cooling mx-2)
clean the oc of all dust
maybe get a slightly better psu, seek more advice on that
1 gig of ram
your set

[kanoakavirus]

Cews spot on, that's pretty much all you can do without wasting time and money.

[Carbon]

OP's not going to need new thermal paste nor a new PSU for a memory upgrade. Another gig of RAM's about all he's going to be able to do that will give him a benefit. If he has an AGP slot he could get a new graphics card, but I don't suggest that and it's not likely.

Again, I want to reiterate as others have in the thread: you are not going to get much out of this. RAM is cheap, but anything else is a waste of money.

[kanoakavirus]

My dell's thermal paste hadn't been changed in 3 years , i recently changed it and found my temps dropped, not allot but still 1-3 c new thermal paste wouldn't be a bad idea but not crucial.