Question about a Dell 531

[M1A]

Anyone know what would be the best or fastest processor for a Dell 531? It has a Athlon 64 x2 3800 now and I want to upgrade it for Dad. He doesn't use it much but it seems to run slow and load very slow sometimes. I did upgrade his ram from 1g to 4g and that helped. I was looking at a 64 x2 6000+ Brisbane but not sure that was the best choice.
I would like to do it soon as he has to go in for an operation and will be down for a while.

Any of you AMD guys out there please help as I am mostly a Intel guy!

 

[richierich1212]

Here's a topic I found on google:

http://en.community.dell.com/what-do-i-buy/f/3510/t/19001903.aspx

You could unload that system on ebay for over $130+ shipping to help get a better overall system. Or Staples may still have that $100 trade-in towards a new computer promo.

 

[JWade]

the 531 isnt a bad system, it has a PCI-E slot for upgrading the video, didnt come with a pci-e power plug though, but the power supply can easily be switched out. I used to have a couple 531's

I do believe the x2 6000 is the fastest it will take (AM2, not AM2+ that I am aware of)

I would go for a cheaper x2 5000 or 5200/5400 processor, you didnt say how much ram, more ram may be a good option too and if using onboard, get a dedicated video card, even something lowend (like a 8600 even).

 

[toyota]

I think you are just wasting your money. if that pc feels slow for basic usage then it isn't the cpu thats the problem anyway. sounds like it just needs a clean install because a 3800 x2 and 1gb is enough for occasional basic use on XP.

 

[M1A]

Thanks, I will have to go check it out and clean it up first.

 

[Arkaign]

A fast HDD will probably make the most difference when combined with a nice clean install of Windows. Could also be cumbersome AV product bringing it down as well. Microsoft Security Essentials is effective, free, and light on the OS.

Speaking of OS, what OS is this?

 

[M1A]

I will check that tomorrow also, but the OS is Vista.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I will check that tomorrow also, but the OS is Vista.

There's your problem.

 

[BoomerD]

My wife had an older Dell P4 system that just crawled. No matter what I did, it was horribly slow and seemed to keep getting worse and worse. Finally, both CD drives died...so I convinced her to let me buy her another low-end Dell. (she doesn't need or want a gaming-fast computer)
It has an AMD Athlon II X2 240 processor, 4 GB DDR2 RAM, 750 Gb HDD, and Windows 7. She's happy as hell with it. <shrug> Bought it through the Dell Outlet store for about $300.

Maybe the OP should consider something like that for his dad instead of trying to spit shine a pig.

 

[toyota]

jeez, a pc with a 3800 x2 and now 4gb of ram should have zero problems doing occasional basic tasks. hell my old 2003 Compaq with a 2400 Athlon XP can do basic stuff just fine.

EDIT: and even a 5400rpm hd is NOT noticeably slow for occasional basic tasks...

 

[dbcooper1]

Unless he's doing something CPU intensive- 1TB 7200 RPM drive, 500GB Seagate Momentus Hybrid, or even an SSD depending on how much improvement you're after.

 

[maniac5999]

I'm going to second (or third as the case may be) a clean windows install. (ideally XP if you have a spare copy) I have an old K8 3200 (2.2ghz) Laptop with 1gb RAM and as long as I keep it clean, it's MORE than enough for basic tasks.

 

[M1A]

Really is the Athlon 64 x2 3800 good or bad? Some say it should do good and also its being called a pig and someone said do not waist money buy something new. I will try a few things and if He is not happy I will beloved patriot for something else. Heck he is 76 and his health is not too good so he should not be bothered with something he is unhappy with. I was the one that told him to just buy a Dell when he did and it served its purpose.
This will be his 5th cancer operation and needs to pass some time when recovering.
Thanks All and have a Happy Holiday

 

[betasub]

Even an old dual-core +4GB should run Vista fine. OP was not specific about a problem other than "slow". Maybe it just needs de-crapping, or a fresh install, to restore its original loading speed.

 

[bamacre]

The X2 3800+ is fine. I think a clean re-install of the OS will satisfy him. I have a Dell E521 (previous gen system) running an X2 4200 + 2GB running as an HTPC that still serves me well.

 

[M1A]

Got a X2 4400 local and traded the 3800 and 20 bucks. Cleaned the sys but did not do a re-install. Put in a 8600 GT and installed MS essentials and he is good to go.
Thanks

 

[betasub]

Well, the X2 4400 is barely an upgrade, but as it hardly cost you anything,all is well.
No doubt that the sys-clean/de-crapifier helps with boot/load times.