Upgrading an old Dell

[Zucarita9000]

I know that most of you will simply tell me to throw the Dell away and get a new PC, but I can't do that. I can't get Dell parts either, so I need some help here.

My cousin got a free Dell desktop computer a few years ago, an OptiPlex GX110. She told me that it's not running very well, so I suggested a few upgrades -mainly RAM and maybe a faster CPU-. There is no Dell distributor in Argentina (actually, there is. But only for large enterprises and they don't have support for "regular" users), so I have to get parts from elsewhere.

My questions are: Can I upgrade the CPU in a Dell PC? Will the motherboard accept generic RAM not manufactured by Dell? I know I have to look for a specific configuration for this model (browsing Dell's website as I type).

 

[dullard]

My thoughts:
1) You realize this as much as we all do. It'll be cheaper to buy the lowest end computer possible and you'll get more performance than to upgrade. But if your cousin has to spend more for less, she can do so.

2) A Dell computer is basically as upgradable as any equivalent computer - home build or other computer assembler. That means, yes you can upgrade memory, hard drives, CPU, video card, etc. One word of caution however. In the early Pentium 3 days, it was quickly realized that the power supply standard of the day was insufficient. Thus Dell (and most other OEMs) had to quickly come up with their own power supplies or use a substandard power supply that would lead to an unstable computer. Every company made a different decision on the P3 power supply issue. There was little to no standardation in P3 power supplies. Thus for the power supply (and power supply connection on the motherboard), you will have to be very careful when upgrading to find a compatable part. This is true with P3 Dells as well as any other P3 computer. But honestly, I would really hope you don't put so much money into the thing that you are upgrading motherboard or power supply.

3) Dell has never manufactured memory. Dell takes the cheapest manufacturer each week when they do the ordering, and puts a Dell sticker on that memory. Thus yes, you can use many brands. The requirements for that model: PC100 SDRAM, CL2, 168 pin, non-ECC, non-parity, and must be 32 MB through 256 MB on each DIMM (there are two).

 

[Vegito]

Argentina does not have the same amount of pc dealer like US.. getting stuff might be more expensive than you think..

check support.dell.com and goto reference manual.. it'll tell you the max cpu..

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx110/

Theres two version, socket and slotted.. you'll need to tell us which one you got..

Memory
Looks like 512 is the max you can go..

Architecture 100-megahertz (MHz) synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM)
Dual in-line memory module (DIMM) sockets two (non-error checking and correction [ECC])
DIMM capacities 32-, 64-, 128-, and 256-megabyte (MB) SDRAM
System random-access memory (RAM) 32 to 512 MB
Basic input/output system (BIOS) address F0000h

 

[Zucarita9000]

Thanks a lot for the info. I don't know if it's the slot or socket model yet, I'll pick it up in two days. I can get 256MB of PC100 ram rather cheap around here. The CPU might be a little more complicated. I want to spend $100 US tops.

 

[Sforsyth]

I'd say sell it and get a new cheap system

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: Sforsyth
I'd say sell it and get a new cheap system

I believe that with a memory upgrade and a faster CPU it'll run just fine. She mainly uses it to browse the web, viewing photos and email. A new, decent, PC goes for about $400 US around here. That's too much, the limit here is about $100 US.

 

[Zepper]

Well, how much does an INDECENT PC cost? I mean I'm running a Duron 1600 that is more than fast enough for what I do. Here you could put together a mobo CPU and RAM for under $150 based on that Duron or equivalent.
. Anyway, some mobos of that era require low density memory modules - so be careful and don't get stuck with incompatible memory.

.bh.

 

[phantom309]

Before you spend money, run Ad-Aware on it and see if the performance improves. Non-techie users can pick up obnoxious amounts of spyware from the web without knowing it. All they'll know is their computer doesn't run as well as it used to.

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: phantom309
Before you spend money, run Ad-Aware on it and see if the performance improves. Non-techie users can pick up obnoxious amounts of spyware from the web without knowing it. All they'll know is their computer doesn't run as well as it used to.

Yeah, I know. I'll reinstall the OS and some anti-spyware stuff (with real time protection) and a firewall. That's were the extra ram will come in handy.

 

[Zucarita9000]

I've just realized... can I install any copy of Windows on the Dell machine or will I have to use one of those "System Restore CDs" to reinstall the OS? Is it possible to download drivers for those propietary motherboards?

 

[Zepper]

In order to use the license no. that came with the machine you will have to reinstall either from the restore CD or from an OEM CD. Reinstall may not work using a retail CD unless the current version is still in place - might be best to boot from the CD and run Repair. I think that will work from any XP CD.

,bh,

 

[Zucarita9000]

Originally posted by: Zepper
In order to use the license no. that came with the machine you will have to reinstall either from the restore CD or from an OEM CD. Reinstall may not work using a retail CD unless the current version is still in place - might be best to boot from the CD and run Repair. I think that will work from any XP CD.

,bh,

I think the Dell is still running Win98.

 

[Zepper]

There is a difference between the OEM and Retail Product Keys even in Win98 - so to use the same key that came with the Dell, you will need to use an OEM CD or the Dell CD to do a clean install.

.bh.