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quickie computer upgrade questions

rh71

rh71

No Lifer
Would you:

1) pay $30 more to go from P4 2.53GHz to P4 2.66GHz

2) pay $60 more to go from 128MB DDR SDRAM to 256MB DDR SDRAM (will run XP Home, but multimedia apps)

(sorry I haven't kept up with hardware and going prices lately). If it's somewhat worthwhile, I'd rather just do these upgrade options instead of going out and buying extra parts myself...
 
I'd say you should def. get more ram, but could probably find it much much cheaper. Sounds like you'd be getting the shaft...
 
BTW, this machine is for my brother who's upgrading from an AMD K6-2/350MHz. How am I supposed to know what kind of memory they're referring to ? PC2100 ? PC3200 ? PC4200 ? This is a Dell Dimension 2400.
 
1) Yes IFF it's the 2.6c (with hyper threading, which seems to make a world of difference b/t the non c'ed Northwood chips and the c'ed Northwood chips)
2) Yes, but like what ThisIsMatt said, it can be found cheaper

EDIT: NM, it's only a $30 difference. Not much of a diff anyway but yea.
 
Originally posted by: rh71
BTW, this machine is for my brother who's upgrading from an AMD K6-2/350MHz. How am I supposed to know what kind of memory they're referring to ? PC2100 ? PC3200 ? PC4200 ? This is a Dell Dimension 2400.
Click to expand...

If the P4 is a 2.6c it'll use PC3200. Not sure about the non c'ed version, but you can get PC3200 and use it if the mobo supports it
 
1. It depends. It depends what the FSB is on the chips. If you go to a 800 Mhz FSB with the 2.66, then yes.

2. On the ram, just buy the ram after the fact.

For example, the Dell I ordered came with 256mb of ram. Instead of paying Dell $100.00+ for another 256mb, I just ordered some from Newegg for $43.00.

This biggest question is the 128 mb of ram you are asking the question about shared memory (integrated graphics)?
 
Originally posted by: rh71
Would you:

1) pay $30 more to go from P4 2.53GHz to P4 2.66GHz

2) pay $60 more to go from 128MB DDR SDRAM to 256MB DDR SDRAM (will run XP Home, but multimedia apps)

(sorry I haven't kept up with hardware and going prices lately). If it's somewhat worthwhile, I'd rather just do these upgrade options instead of going out and buying extra parts myself...
Click to expand...


Nix the processor upgrade...get as much ram as you can afford. XP can be a bit of a beast when it comes to memory so the more the merrier. Depending on how it's configured you'll want to make sure how the memory is configured. If it's an 800mhz FSB CPU then make sure you get 2 sticks of ram so it can run in dual channel mode. If it's a 533mhz chip then you'll only need 1 stick of ram. I can't remember off-hand how the dimension 2400 is configured (you might be able to get it with a Pentium C but I'm not sure) so just get as much memory as you can afford (either from Dell or Newegg).
 
pay $30 more to go from P4 2.53GHz to P4 2.66GHz NO
2: YES, GO FOR 512 IF YOU CAN.

gl buddy, and go for the ram.
 
Just got off the phone with Dell sales (man what an adventure getting them on the line) ... and the rep said the memory they use is 333MHz aka PC3300. The processor is running at 533MHz FSB. Anyway, I don't even see PC3300 DDR SDRAM listed on pricewatch. What gives ?

And on top of that, I got clarification on my options now:

1) Free upgrade of:
40GB HDD --> 80GB HDD
and
128MB RAM --> 256MB RAM

OR

2) $200 mail-in rebate (but 40GB HDD and 128MB RAM).

Your choice ? Am I missing something or would choice 2 be the obvious answer (upgrade memory to 512MB myself for that $200) ?
 
333MHz is PC2700, that guy is speaking out of his ass.

The 2.66GHz processor will still be the 533MHz bus anyway, so you won't see much of a difference.

You can pick up an 80gb hard drive and 256mb of memory for about $100 from the right places, so take the rebate. That's of course if he'll need the extra hard drive space, otherwise spend $100 on 512mb memory 🙂


Confused
 
Agreed. Take the rebate. You can get an 80 Gb HD for $80 and 512Mb of DDR for $75.

EDIT: Or cheaper. As for the 2.53Ghz v. 2.66Ghz. Well, it's not a huge upgrade and probably wouldn't be noticeable though the faster chip is obviously slightly better.
 
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