[chip]

Hello

I've had to revert to my old machine as my 'new' one died.....anyhow, I've tried to bring this one up to speed, changed to NTFS from FAT32, full defrag, emptied un-used programs and removed Norton Security which was beginning to be a pain. Problem is this machine really struggles with the CPU and tops out even opening the most straighforward programs. I've listed the CPU-Z output below if anybody has some ideas to help this old timer (the PC not me) out.

Processor(s)
Number of processors1
Number of cores1 per processor
Number of threads1 (max 1) per processor
NameAMD Athlon XP
Code NameThoroughbred
SpecificationAMD Athlon(tm) XP 2000+
PackageSocket A (462)
Family/Model/Stepping6.8.1
Extended Family/Model7.8
Core SteppingB0
Technology0.13 um
Core Speed1665.9 MHz
Multiplier x Bus speed12.5 x 133.3 MHz
Rated Bus speed266.5 MHz
Instruction setsMMX (+), 3DNow! (+), SSE
L1 Data cache (per processor)64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache (per processor)64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache (per processor)256 KBytes, 16-way set associative, 64-byte line size
Chipset & Memory
NorthbridgeVIA P4M266/KM266 (VT8375) rev. 00
SouthbridgeVIA VT8235 rev. 00
Side Band Addressingnot supported, not enabled
Memory TypeDDR
Memory Size768 MBytes
Memory Frequency133.3 MHz (1:1)
DRAM Interleavenone
CAS# Latency (tCL)2.5 clocks
RAS# to CAS# (tRCD)3 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP)3 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS)6 clocks
System
System Manufacturer
System NameK7VM2
System S/N00000000
Mainboard VendorMainboard ModelK7VM2
BIOS VendorAmerican Megatrends Inc.
BIOS VersionP1.30
BIOS Date12/13/2002
Memory SPD
Module 1DDR, PC2700 (166 MHz), 256 MBytes, unknown brand
Module 2DDR, PC2700 (166 MHz), 512 MBytes, Samsung
Software
Windows VersionMicrosoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
DirectX Version9.0c

[alex]

Doesn't surprise me to be honest.

Single core cpu, mid-amount of ram but two separate manufacturer simms and differing memory amounts. Then add a via chipset into the mix.

[chip]

I do intend to purchase a laptop for myself for my heavy duty stuff, but want this one to run that little bit more efficienly for the family stuff. My kids love listening to the MP3s and of course surfing the net.

If you've got some recommendations I'd be greatful (apart from the obvious 'bin it' one).

[ghbnic]

I have a same spec pc upstairs i use for keyboard midi and watchin TV in bed, but i only have 512mb ram. and it runs in idle about 1-4%, thats with norton 2005 and spybot runing onit too.Its not fast but it will run most things i do with out any probs! e.g WinTv, WMP, IE etc...
It aint going to be the fastest in the world but it is designed to run XP so i would check for any nasty's, also as alex said about the ram, try taking out the 256mb stick and try again with your 512mb on its own.