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please help with relatives computers

P

pottes

Junior Member
I've been given 2 computers from a relative to look at. both are at least 5 - 6 yrs old.

computer 1: Compaq Presario 5000
model: 5BW122
CPU: Intel Celeon 630 MHz
128 Mb RAM. uses both slots so 2 X 64 Mb chips. pc133 sdram. i think.
OS: Windows ME, i don't know why.

Problem: Ungodly ram starved! about 500 kb free from startup. doing anything makes the harddrive grind. I don't know if Windows ME came with the computer and I didn't get a restore cd.

Question: Does any one know where to find 256 Mb ram chips that will work in here? I checked online and people are having problems with low density and high density chips. I don't know if this computer will choke on either.

computer 2: Compaq Presario ez2200
CPU: Intel Celeron 500 MHz, Wow!
looks and acts like a blue toaster.

Problem: I'm told it shuts down in the middle of games that probably shouldn't have even been tried on it.

Question: I think it's overheating. how do I deal with that? any clues anyone?

Thank You Everyone.

 
I wouldn't put a dime into any one of those computers. You can buy 2 computers at Walmart for 500.00$ each that would be 10 times faster.
 
Originally posted by: pottes
how do I deal with that? any clues anyone?
Click to expand...
Serious answer -- Donate them for a tax writeoff and get something capable of running the your programs. As computers, they're worth their weigh in doorstops.

PC-100/133 RAM is very expensive, and this machine won't hold enough to run many newer programs. The CPU is enough to run DOS or Win 98/ME (slowly). Even if you could max it out, trying to update this machine will cost you more than it's worth, and it would still be cheaper to invest in a newer setup.
 
I'm as much for the latest and greatest as anyone else but, an investment of even $100 for 512 Mb of pc-100 is still cheaper than a new machine if all it's being used for is surfing, email, and office use. BTW, the Presario 5000 will run 98 SE quite well.
 
OP, as far as the Compaq Presario ez2200, try blowing out the dust, make sure the hsf is running and then, clean and re-apply some thermal grease.
 
Thank you one and all for the advice and links. I'll be sure to tell my relative the cost vs performance he should expect from these, um, antiques. I do know that one of this kids does use at least one the machines for games. I'm still not sure how he got any to work, but hey more power to him.

btw, is there any linux distro that would be kinder to these machines than windows 98 se?

thanks again.
 
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