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cheapest upgrade route?

I

iamjuliespiano

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 9, 2003
Messages
190
Hey everyone, I currently have this computer

Dell Dimension 4300 (1-2 years old don't remember exactly)

- P4 1.6GHz 0.18 micron processor w/ 256kb L2 cache
- 256mb PC133 SDRAM (Micron) 3-3-3-6
- Unsure of motherboard specs
- GeForce2 MX400 @ 200/200 4X AGP
- onboard sound
~2700 in 3DMark2001SE

I'm looking to get the biggest performance boost possible with ~$100. I'd like to upgrade to a PCI soundcard, but that is a secondary goal.

Do you think it would be better to buy another 256mb ram for $50, then look for a $50 video card like a GF4 MX440?

Would I see a bigger gain out of buying 128mb for $25, then a $75 card like a ATI 9000Pro, 9200, or FX5200?

What about just spending all $100 on an ATI 9600SE, FX 5200 Ultra, or FX 5600XT?

Thanks for the advice!
 
Don't put too much into that computer, because as you probably know, you're already a couple generations behind.

For $100 I'd definately go with at least another 256, or even better, a stick of 512.
For example: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-024&catalog=147&depa=1

I would then suggest a new video card, but don't spend too much and make it the bottleneck - I'd go with a ATi 9600NP/pro, ATi 9000 Pro, ATi 9100/8500, GF4200 or 5600+...
Examples:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-245&catalog=48&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-328&catalog=48&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-145-038&catalog=48&depa=1

Another 512 and a nice DX8.1 card will run you about 150, and you'll be set for most of the games out there right now, and it'll pretty much max out your current set-up.
 
It also depends what OS you are running....

If you are running Windows Me/98/95 - The 256 will be fine for now and I'd go for the video card first...

Windows 2000 is a toss up - 256 is alright, but you might be touching the swap file depending what else you use... (I idle in Win2k at around 180MB of used RAM)

WinXP needs at least 256 just to run, so if you're using this OS, I'd definately go for the RAM first.
 
Thanks for all the advice.

I forgot to mention that yes, I am running Windows XP. I think I'll go ahead and pick up another 256mb of PC133 (from the little information I have on my motherboard, I believe 512mb is the maximum allowed).

Just wondering...would it be harmful to see if some PC100 sdram would work in this computer?

Anyway, I think I'll be checking out the FS forum for some good deals on the 256mb pc133 sdram and a good older generation video card, hopefully a GF4 Ti4200 or GF3 Ti series card. Thanks again for the advice, and any more is always welcome.
 
He doesn't have PC2100. He was planning on getting PC100 instead of PC133. I do not think you should do that. PC133 is slow enough, especially when you are running XP.

You know what you should do, is to browse the For Sale/Trade for some 512MB PC133. I saw some going for $40 dollars. I think it was a pretty good brand also.

But yes, other than the minor tweaking that you can do the computer. Your best bet is to spend half the cash on Ram, and the other half (can even add a few more bucks) for a better Video Card.

When getting the Video Card, is prolly best to save ALOT of money for it. That way, when you actually get a new rig, you can use that Video Card on it without it being the bottleneck of the soon to be new rig.

Alex
 
Yep that's the plan. But for clarification, I HAVE a 128mb stick of pc100 sdram from a p2 computer that isn't being used. I was wondering if that would function, and if functional, would that be an improvement? (curious if by having one stick at pc100, the other 256mb pc133 stick would downclock to pc100 also).
 
Originally posted by iamjuliespiano
Yep that's the plan. But for clarification, I HAVE a 128mb stick of pc100 sdram from a p2 computer that isn't being used. I was wondering if that would function, and if functional, would that be an improvement? (curious if by having one stick at pc100, the other 256mb pc133 stick would downclock to pc100 also).
Click to expand...

yes that would work but at 100 speed
 
PC100 may work, but the 133 RAM will be forced to run at 100 as well...I'd go buy a stick of 133 instead, because you're more likely to see a DECREASE in performance if you add 128 but drop the RAM to 100, as opposed to running 256 (as you are now) at 133.
 
Get yourself another 256 at least of PC133 RAM. Get a 512mb stick if you can and if you're running Win 2k of XP. If you've got 95/98/ME just add another 256mb of RAM.

The vid card situation depends more on how you use the system and whether you want to recycle the card in a new computer down the road.
 
Originally posted by emorphien
Get yourself another 256 at least of PC133 RAM. Get a 512mb stick if you can and if you're running Win 2k or XP. If you've got 95/98/ME just add another 256mb or RAM.

The vid card situation depends more on how you use the system and whether you want to recycle the card in a new computer down the road.
Click to expand...

Agreed!
 
Originally posted by iamjuliespiano
fyi, tried the pc100 ram and it didn't work.
Click to expand...

you might need to go into the bios and change the speed from 133 to 100 ... if not then i guess it cannot work .. :(
 
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