Gateway upgrade

[Tom Scruffy]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I have a question about upgrading my computer. I have a Gateway ATXSTF Fed Pro 933M (that was next to the model number tag). It's got a 933 Mhz processor and I was wondering what is the fastest chip I could upgrade to, that the computer's architecture can handle. It's got a 300 GB hard drive and 384 MB RAM (the most it can see).

Any tips would be appreciated

 

[pkme2]

Welcome to the forums,

May I suggest you look at some Dell Dimension desktops or maybe a new Gateway instead.

Your upgrading of an older model will not benefit you for money spent and preceived returns.

There are new systems for $449 and you're got something to play games, surf and write etc........

Checkout the different options why you should look at something recent and up to date. Good hunting.

 

[Atheus]

Looks like your Gateway machine is an Intel Pentium III platform. I couldn't tell what slot/socket it is, but even in the most optimistic case, you would only be able to run the 1.3GHz tualitan Pentium III. Likely not even that. Investing more money in that box would not make financial sense anyway, as your computer is probably worth less than the cost to ship it.

You have 2 options. 1 - reinstall all the software and do some quick maintenance on the machine to try to extend its life. Maybe load a modern free operating system (Linux/BSD) which will run faster than Windows. Or 2 - Buy a new computer. If you have a little money it's a pretty good time to do #2 right now.

 

[Tom Scruffy]

Thanks, this is actually my second computer. I have a HP with a 2 something GHz processor, but I was thinking of speeding this one up as other family members are often using the good one. I do have a copy of Ubuntu 6.06 that I was thinking of installing, I just need to get a new video card as the one on this computer is too old to allow Linux to install without a hassle.

How about a mother board, would getting a new one be cheaper than a new computer?

 

[Harvey]

I hope this isn't too discouraging, but if this is your machine I strongly recommend NOT spending any money to upgrade a machine this old, slow and underpowered.

Your money would be better spent on a new system. Even if you could put mor RAM into it, it's old and if it's SD-RAM it's 2 to 3 times more expensive than the same amount of DDR or DDR2.

The CPU is a P III, hard drive is too small for a current software, and the power supply probably would not support much more than it has in it.

You can buy a complete, new, servicable basic machine for under $600, including a lot of software.

Good luck.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Here's some specs on the MB. http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/INTEL/2508226/250822618.shtml This might not be the correct model. You can go to the Gateway site and punch in the serial number off the back of the computer to double check. It looks like the machine can actually see 512 MB ram. The bad news is I think you're maxed out on the CPU

 

[Tom Scruffy]

Yea, that's it ! OK, I think I'll get another machine in the near future, rather than fix this one. Is that where all the old dinosaurs go?.. for $32.50 to a bidder named birdbrains !

Oh well, it's actually not too too bad for googling a recipe or checking the football scores!

Thanks

 

[Atheus]

Oh if it's just for the family browse the web then it's fine, don't worry about an upgrade - just clean out the case, check all the connections, reapply thermal paste, etc. Then chuck Linux on it.

I do have a copy of Ubuntu 6.06 that I was thinking of installing, I just need to get a new video card as the one on this computer is too old to allow Linux to install without a hassle.

Really? What card is it? Linux should run fine on almost any hardware...