Is there a way I can do a upgrade? P4 1.4

[my04]

In my home, we have a PC that we use strictly to download, convert video and browse the net. It has done it's job very well for the last 4-5 years, but lately I think it's not enough. It's only a P4 1.4 with 768 RAM, running XP Pro SP2. Is there a way where I can up it's performance a bit? Keep in mind, everybody in my home has their own laptop, so this PC is only for download and kitchen browsing ONLY.

Thanks!

[Negotiator]

If it's only to download and browsing, I really see no point in upgrading. But if you insist...

It'd be nice if you'd specify what socket it is - should be either 423 or 478. So, the most obvious solution would be upgrading the processor - you'll see the most performance boost. Hopefully, it's 478 one - then the potential upgrade is higher.

Can't recommend updating RAM, since for browsing you have enough and adding even 2gb of it will make so little difference you're unlikely to notice.
*EDIT - missed the part about converting videos. So, yeah, upgrading ram a little would be helpful.

Finally, just to clear up some stuff... go to start, click "run". Type "msconfig", click "ok". Click on "startup" tab- this is the list of the programs that you have loading when you start up the computer. Chances are that you don't need a lot of those, so remove ALL checkmarks in all boxes, except the ones that you need crucially (like internet adapters or antivirus). Restart.

If you remove all the junk at startup, your computer should run a little faster for obvious reasons.

[quikkid]

Upgrading the ram will help you in terms of converting videos.

[willy]

Run CPU-Z and tell us more about your system ... http://www.cpuid.com/download/cpu-z-140.zip

No need to install ... Just extract and run ....

RAM ... I hope your system is not using RDRAM ...

[apvm]

In my home, we have a PC that we use strictly to download, convert video and browse the net. It has done it's job very well for the last 4-5 years, but lately I think it's not enough. It's only a P4 1.4 with 768 RAM, running XP Pro SP2. Is there a way where I can up it's performance a bit? Keep in mind, everybody in my home has their own laptop, so this PC is only for download and kitchen browsing ONLY.

Thanks!


Download and browsing is plenty enough for the 1.4...increase the ram to 1GB will help and if I were you that'll be the only upgrade I'll invest in this box.

For faster video encoding, you need 2GB of ram, a dual core cpu and a fast hard drive (raid setup will help) and that means a complete upgrade from your exisiting hardware.

[Gee]

If it is a 1.4 GHz, chances are it is a socket 423. No chance of upgrade there. The only two CPUs offered was 1.3 and 1.4 GHz

Also, there is a good chance you have an 850 chipset meaning that you are using RDRAM. Another expensive upgrade.

It is cheaper to buy a used one from the Buy and Sell.

[apvm]

If it is a 1.4 GHz, chances are it is a socket 423. No chance of upgrade there. The only two CPUs offered was 1.3 and 1.4 GHz

Also, there is a good chance you have an 850 chipset meaning that you are using RDRAM. Another expensive upgrade.

It is cheaper to buy a used one from the Buy and Sell.


RDRAM....oouch

[Amourek]

You're going to have to overhaul the whole thing. Unless you want to pay a premium for marginal upgrades.

[crimsona]

RDRam was run in pairs, making 768 unlikely.

As I think 1.4 was more likely socket 423, it could very well be SDRam, as I had a roommate with that exact setup. It was a bit before Intel started using DDR1.

In short - get everything brand new if you want an upgrade. Everything is 2-3 generations out of date

[Bazooka Joe]

If you want a serious performace boost, just format it. You'd be amazed how a full format will speed up a PC.

[Gee]

RDRam was run in pairs, making 768 unlikely.

As I think 1.4 was more likely socket 423, it could very well be SDRam, as I had a roommate with that exact setup. It was a bit before Intel started using DDR1.

In short - get everything brand new if you want an upgrade. Everything is 2-3 generations out of date

It will depend on the motherboard. If it is an Intel board, it will definitely be RDRAM.

How about this for a memory configuration

Bank 0 - 256 Meg
Bank 1 - 128 Meg
Bank 2 - 256 Meg
Bank 3 - 128 Meg

hmm.. adds up to 768 Megs to me.

There are definitely boards (Asus et al) out there that ran on SDRAM and some on DDR, but if he has an 850 Chipset, it is definitely RDRAM.

[crimsona]

It will depend on the motherboard. If it is an Intel board, it will definitely be RDRAM.

How about this for a memory configuration

Bank 0 - 256 Meg
Bank 1 - 128 Meg
Bank 2 - 256 Meg
Bank 3 - 128 Meg

hmm.. adds up to 768 Megs to me.

There are definitely boards (Asus et al) out there that ran on SDRAM and some on DDR, but if he has an 850 Chipset, it is definitely RDRAM.

Possible, didn't think of 4 sticks - at the time RDRam was so cost prohibitive, I never thought about upgrading to even more RAM. We don't know the chipset, as it was never stated in the original post.

[my04]

SDRAM, 478 socket.

So, I guess the 2 things I can look into is getting a upgraded processor? 2.0? and also look at increasing the ram.

By chance, anybody have a compatible P4 2.0 processor lying around? 512 SDRAM?

Thanks -

[willy]

Sounds a lot better than the s423+RDRAM combo ....

You might be able to find a used P4 2GHz and/or SDRAM in BST forum ... ie. http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429284