Help with PC upgrade

jordylass

I have this,
Dell Dimension 5150 Pentium D 805 Dual Core Processor (2.66GHz, 533MHz fsb, 2x2MB cache)

I was surprised that I bought it as far back as 2006. Apart from adding a SATA drive I've not done anything with it. It's starting to turn itself off and is quite slow, but apart from that is fine. Now I would like to upgrade to something a little more reliable/faster.

I wanted to get advise on whether it is possible to put another motherboard/processor/ram into this, or should I look for another case and system.

I was thinking of something this could go into, or if this would go into the case I already have, or if this is a good alternative.

m5rcc

You don't mention your RAM but I assume you don't have more than 1GB perhaps 2GB.

No point changing the current CPU for another CPU with the same socket.

Check to see how much RAM you can add and perform a fresh format of Windows.

gonzo127

if its turning itself of you might find that its just over heating and just needs a 'clean' inside

then as above more RAM would probably speed it up

otherwise i would recommend a whole new system as Dell do have a tendancy to use unusual set ups, which can be a pain to upgrade - you also have to take into account the copy of windows which comes with your old system will be a OEM and so is 'basically' locked to the hardware you brought it with (i say basically as you can usualy get around this)

with this in mind whats you budget as looking at?

m5rcc

Top 10 Ways to Make the Best of an Old, Crappy Computer

thegeekfiles

In my experience (I've been building my own PC's since 1994) its best to always start a fresh when a system is 5+ years old.

One think you may consider is look for a bundle. You can get part built systems from companies such as novatech (as an example) which will include motherboard, cpu, memory and case. You then add GFX card, hard drive etc.

There are usually good when wanting to add your existing GFX card, hard drive etc. They come in cheaper than a new system too.

However, you may find someone like Dell will do a new system for not much more - however, I usually recommend self builds where can as can ensure all parts you want are the best.

closed

backup, reinstall windows from factory restore partition

check fans are clean and spinning

Notmyrealname

Just wants the heatsink cleaning out with a 1" paint brush and a can of compressed air. It'll be running slow because it throttles the speed back when it overheats. When it reaches a certain point it automatically shuts down to prevent the CPU from frying.

Absinthe_2

I agree with the suggestions about upgrading RAM, and cleaning your system, both with an air cannister, and the actual software.

Perhaps you need a new PSU?

jordylass

Thanks for all the advice, I've had a few formats of hard drives while I've had this system, however the side doesn't fit on properly because of the cable for the SATA drive which does mean it gets really dirty inside.
Just checked RAM is 1.5gb, so the consensus is that I upgrade the RAM and I should get another couple of years out of it?

Would I be able to put 8gb in and how do I find out what dimm it is?

MeanSnark

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension%205150&Cat=SSD

You can add another 2 dimms to bring it up to 3.5GB. I'd still clean out the case and reinstall clean copy of windows. If the shutdowns still happen then the PSU may be on its way out. Actually, i'd do this before forking out for new ram because if you have to buy new psu and ram then it might be an option to start looking at a new base unit

Notmyrealname

thegeekfiles wrote: »

In my experience (I've been building my own PC's since 1994) its best to always start a fresh when a system is 5+ years old.

I got a Dell Optiplex G520 for my parents. Its a 3GHz Pentium 4. I shoved 2GB RAM and an 80GB HDD in it and its running Vista like a train.

Computers have been fast enough for desktop use since the Intel Core Duo.