How can I speed up my computer?

[gplracer]

How can I speed up my computer so that things open up even faster. Here are my specs:

XP 1700+ overclocked to 136fsb
512MB DDR Ram
IBM 45 gig hd
Audigy sound card
Geforce 3

I would like the applications to open up even faster than they currenly do. Would a SCSI hd help? Also would a newer WD hd special edition be any better? I am afraid my IBM drive might fail because there are so many people with problems that have them. I feel the hd is the slow link but I do not know that is why I am asking. I would assume that running at a higher FSB would help too. What about a newer motherboard with a 1/5 divider and a 1600+ overclocked to 166fsb? Thanks!

 

[tigerwannabe]

i'd say look at performance from a software standpoint first. if you are running XP, take a look
here

oops, forgot to add something 🙂 no matter how fast your box is, the hard drive will always be the bottleneck, because it's mechanical.

 

[thorin]

On the tweakage side.

First grab TweakUI from MS' XP PowerToys page.

Second consult this Tweak Guide. (Make sure you do the Kernel load tweak).

Second (and a half 😛 ) turn off all the Services You Don't Need

Lastly make sure you Properly Disable QoS

Thorin

 

[bacillus]

Would a SCSI hd help?

a 15k hdd would quicken up things but that's an expensive path to follow as you'll also need a scsi card!