I need a new computer.

Ader1

Could somebody give me some advice about getting a new computer. My current system has the following specs:

Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 32-bit SP3
CPU
Intel Celeron 320
Prescott 90nm Technology
RAM
2.00 GB
Motherboard
SiS-661 (Socket 478) 39 °C
Graphics
Default Monitor (1024x768@60Hz)
SiS 661FX
Hard Drives
77GB Hitachi HDS722580VLAT20 (PATA) 35 °C
Optical Drives
TSSTcorp CD-R/RW TS-H292A
Audio
Realtek AC'97 Audio

It's around 10 years old and is just running so slowly. I've been told on some internet forum that it will be difficult for me to upgrade in order to make it run quicker. It's really running slowly now. I'd like something fairly cheap that will allow be to mainly browse the web. I don't play any games. I would be glad of any help. Thanks for reading.

james_smitha

Have you checked it for viruses and malware?
In side the PC case, is it thick with dust & fluff? An air duster or three would correct that-Dust & fluff compramise cooling

NiftyDigits

Yes, check that. Other than that, head to the Tech forum(this is the wrong section) for advice on a clean up or a clean install.

Even with that spec, it shouldn't be slow.

What is your budget?

macman

Time for a clean reinstall?
It's very underpowered by today's standards, but still perfectly capable for internet use, light office tasks etc. Main issue with that spec is the limited drive capacity.
If you do buy new, then absolutely any new or recent PC will carry out the tasks required with ease.
So the main factor is your budget?

Ader1

OK thanks. I'll try and give it a clean and head to the Tech forum too for advice.

NiftyDigits

Does it have a brand name?

Ader1

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Does it have a brand name?

Not that I can find. It's an ex-school computer which I got when my last computer's hard disk failed on me. I've just been upgrading this one with more memory. I have cleaned it now with a vacuum cleaner careful not to touch things and there was a lot of dust around the fan most of which I think I've removed. I don't have the Windows disk for it so I don't think I can do a clean install then? But maybe a clean up? It does seem to be working a little quicker now I've cleaned the inside.

My budget would be £300 ish if I must purchase a new one.

Cycrow

when you say its running slow, has it always been fairly slow, or has it been getting slower ?

a complete reinstall should improve things abit.

rather than cleaning with a vacuum, you should use compressed air instead, blow the dust out rather than trying to suck it out

i would say its unlikly to be able to upgrade it, but you could save abit of money by reusing the existing monitor/peripherals so you will only need a base unit.

£300 should easily get you a base unit that would be more than capable

Ader1

I have posted this thread on the tech forum now.

It wasn't running this slow when I got it Cycrow.....about a year and a half ago. Since I don't have the Windows XP disk, I need to buy one of these for a reinstall don't I? How much would that roughly cost?

macman

Start with CCleaner if it's running slow. How much space is left on the C drive?

Ader1

It's 80 GB in total with 727 MB free.