Upgrading PC

[jims2]

Apologies if this has been done to death before i cant search the archive from work for some reason.

I have a Pentium III 500mz PC which i would like to boost speedwise and increase storage.

It has a 128MB SDRAM and a 10GB IBM drive.

Is the best idea to go for 512mb memory and add an external drive ?

If so any tips on how best to go about this ?

p.s. changing the whole system isn't an option right now.

thanks Jim

[Podie]

Get as much memory as you can... 512 will help, 1GB is better.

Storage wise, go for a sensible amount.

I know you've said a new system isn't an option, but have you consider a barebones system... can be quite cheap...

[dilbert]

As has been said go for as much memory as you can pack in there.

I have a PII 450. I whacked the maximum (for my machine) of 512Megs in and got an 80 Gig internal disk when I went to XP.

The whole thing made a massive difference to performance. I don't do any gaming but do do a bit of CAD. The slowest thing really is compiling big programs, but even that's not too bad, and I'm really not that tolerant. I run media player from the internet virtually constantly.

Only problem now is the whole thing is getting a bit old. I repaired the printer a few weeks ago, and the monitor blew up last week. Got a replacement for 25 quid.

>> Edited by dilbert on Thursday 24th November 09:36

[pdV6]

What's your budget? Trying to boost a system of that vintage may well cost you a fair bit and not actually give you very much extra, whereas a similar amount sunk into a new PC (or barebones setup, as Podie suggests) will blow your old kit away!

>> Edited by pdV6 on Thursday 24th November 09:38

[jims2]

Thanks guys, basically what i thought myself.

Reason im reluctant to change to a new PC is for what i do i would prefer to change to a laptop
but im not ready yet. Hoping i can keep the PC going along for a little while yet then eventually
just keep it for storage etc.

Jim

[aldi]

For bangs-per-buck more RAM and replacing the 10GB with a fast, modern hard disk is the way to go. You should get the lot done for under 100 notes. Re choosing between 1GB/512MB I'd check the specs for your motherboard to see what it supports. And If it's a choice between just 1GB or 512 + a fast HDD then I'd go for 512+HDD every time.

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