I have a Dell xps 410 desktop with 4gb ram and still have the original processor, an intel core 2 duo 1.80 ghz. Also have the original hdd still. I want to speed up my computer but don't know if it would be a better route to go ssd or new processor. I am running windows vista 32 bit so with an ssd I would be running 64 bit Linux OS so I would get the extra ram boost plus what the ssd offers. So what do you guys think I should do?
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New processor or ssd?
- Thread starter Shea6892
- Start date
I've found SSD to be pretty much the best upgrade you can do to a system. Your CPU is pretty old, of course. Assuming it "meets your needs" for any heavy processing you do an SSD will liven up everything you do on that system, shorten boot times, application launches etc...
Getting my SSD for my Q6600 system last March was the biggest upgrade I've done. Upgrading to an i5-2500k a month ago didn't really change much. Building my old system around an HDD as a second rig (otherwise identical) caused a dramatically noticeably drop in performance that I can feel every time I use the secondary rig instead of the primary.
Your CPU is a little on the "outside", but I vote SSD every time. I don't understand why you say that you run Vista x86 now but with an SSD you'd be running Linux. Just clone your boot partition over to the SSD and enjoy... Make sure you get the partition alignment correct, though.
Getting my SSD for my Q6600 system last March was the biggest upgrade I've done. Upgrading to an i5-2500k a month ago didn't really change much. Building my old system around an HDD as a second rig (otherwise identical) caused a dramatically noticeably drop in performance that I can feel every time I use the secondary rig instead of the primary.
Your CPU is a little on the "outside", but I vote SSD every time. I don't understand why you say that you run Vista x86 now but with an SSD you'd be running Linux. Just clone your boot partition over to the SSD and enjoy... Make sure you get the partition alignment correct, though.
Yeah I am running vista 32 bit right now so I am not getting the full use of my ram. If I got an SSD I would just put a Linux 64 bit distro. Are you saying just use the SSD to boot and partition my original HDD with windows/Linux. Because as of right now I don't exactly want to spend a ton of money getting a windows 64 bit OS. Thanks for the help guys by the way.
And in regards to the first post. Applications opening are slow and in general the computer doesn't run waaaaay too slow but I definitely would like to upgrade and make it run faster in general. Which is why I am asking about switching to ssd and also utilizing the 64 bit Linux system or switching to a better processor, maybe like a Q6600. I can upgrade whichever I don't know at a later time but I'm looking for the biggest performance booster right now. Thanks again guys.
Okay I think I am going to go with the SSD from everyone that I have heard, and then I can upgrade my processor hooopefully not too long after. If I wanted to run linux/windows can I partition my HDD I have now and use that for the root folders and media or do I use the SSD for root folders and my other HDD for media or how does this all work? Because I probably cant go more than $300 on an SSD so it wouldn't have too much space. I am new to the idea of using Solid State Drives so bear with me. Thanks again to everyone who has been helping.
I imagine the biggest hassle would be a factor as well. In my experience those pre-built systems can be a bit of a nightmare to deal with upgrades, and when you upgrade a processor it only benefits you to upgrade big (sidegrades are often a waste of money performance wise).
So I would vote for the SSD, you will definitely feel a snappy improvement in OS response times (I assume you will be using it as an OS drive) and general processing, it won't be as terrilbe to put into your machine, and doesn't really hurt your pocket book that bad if you just get a smaller boot drive. A high quality 64GB boot drive can run you as low as $90.
Just make sure you do a fresh install, don't expect to clone your disk and get proper performance. And enable trim. Etc.
So I would vote for the SSD, you will definitely feel a snappy improvement in OS response times (I assume you will be using it as an OS drive) and general processing, it won't be as terrilbe to put into your machine, and doesn't really hurt your pocket book that bad if you just get a smaller boot drive. A high quality 64GB boot drive can run you as low as $90.
Just make sure you do a fresh install, don't expect to clone your disk and get proper performance. And enable trim. Etc.
Okay so I won't need to store all my media on the SSD to gain the performance boost? I was thinking about getting an 80 or 120 but if I don't need the space then I won't go higher than the 80gig. And can I partition the SSD to dual boot both vista and Linux from it? And it will run much snappier? Thanks.
AndréRocha
n00b
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2008
- Messages
- 63
both your cpu+ssd are a good thing to upgrade imo. upgrading the system with a ssd will make your system fly.
Well I was thinking either 80gb or 120gb. Would that be enough? Also, should I get a certain brand of SSD or is it all in the same for the most part?
Your computer will take upto 8GB RAM and a Q6700. I'd just get a Q6600 and BSEL to 3.0GHz then add a 2TB Black Caviar Drive.
That is a socket 1155 CPU. You need a socket 775 CPU. Look for a used one here on the forums.
So would this be a possible good upgrade to get or not?: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=socket+775+CPU+processors&um=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1024&bih=568&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=8937940014501798828&sa=X&ei=xPDqTYqQJ5O8sQPEoc33DQ&ved=0CIkBEPMCMAA
If not what kind should I be looking at? Thanks 450.
That would be very similar to your CPU or a downgrade. The Pentium D series came BEFORE your Core 2 Duo.
I'd get a quad core socket 775 (has to be 65nm, you can't use a 45nm quad like a Q8200 or Q9550). A Q6600 or Q6700 would be my pick. Rack up some posts (I think you need 64 posts to use the FS boards), and then head to the For Sale forum and get a Q6600.
I suggest a quad because you can get an used q6600 for about $100 or less, and a fast dual core is about 60-80 anyway. $20-30 more for 2 more cores is worth it.
I'd get a quad core socket 775 (has to be 65nm, you can't use a 45nm quad like a Q8200 or Q9550). A Q6600 or Q6700 would be my pick. Rack up some posts (I think you need 64 posts to use the FS boards), and then head to the For Sale forum and get a Q6600.
I suggest a quad because you can get an used q6600 for about $100 or less, and a fast dual core is about 60-80 anyway. $20-30 more for 2 more cores is worth it.
Its really hard to kill a CPU. Most people on the boards are honest and you shouldn't have any issues.
Upgrade your BIOS from Dell's site just to make sure that it'll take the Q6600 and I recommend having someone help you take apart the machine if you aren't comfortable.
http://support.dell.com/support/dow...dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=235064
That link should take you to the latest BIOS.
That link should take you to the latest BIOS.
I thought that buying Vista entitles the user to 32 and 64 bit editions. Except for ultimate, however, both aren't included in the box. I think all you have to do is write to microsoft and request media for some nominal fee. I also know that there's an MS (or MS related) site somewhere where you can download ISOs (legit) of the various releases.
You don't need to buy Vista all over again to go 64-bit, you just need to get a hold of the install media for your licensed edition in 64-bit. Does that help?
SSD all the way for general, multi-purpose computing use.
Ahhh well I just received Vista 32 bit with my current setup back in 2007 I thinkndoes that still count? Yes that would actually help a lot but will still want to run both Linux and Vista 64 bit versions. Is something like this going to work for what I am looking for?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227532
Would this work for what I am trying to set up? And is it compatible in my computer? Thanks Surly.
SSD gets my vote. The SSD can be carried on to your next machine or upgrade. Your socket 775 is ageing and I think putting money into a new build later on and getting an SSD now would be your best bet. This is just my opinion but im an upgrade whore so don't listen to me if your trying to save money 
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
- Messages
- 11,933
you'd like the q6600 and ssd combo. It'll be a world of difference.
In my personal opinion I noticed more of a difference going from a dual core AMD x2 5200 to a Q6600 (dual core CPU to quad core CPU - both with a Raptor 10,000 RPM drive) than I did going from a 10,000 RPM raptor drive to an SSD.
After an SSD and a quad core - (even and old quad core like the q6600), any upgrade is just incremental and not as noticable. I've gone to a Q9300, and then now to a I7-920 at 4.0ghz. Outside of a couple modern games and their associated frame rates I bet if you did a blind test between my I7-920 at 4.0ghz and my Q6600 at 3.0ghz I'd NEVER be able to tell the difference.
In my personal opinion I noticed more of a difference going from a dual core AMD x2 5200 to a Q6600 (dual core CPU to quad core CPU - both with a Raptor 10,000 RPM drive) than I did going from a 10,000 RPM raptor drive to an SSD.
After an SSD and a quad core - (even and old quad core like the q6600), any upgrade is just incremental and not as noticable. I've gone to a Q9300, and then now to a I7-920 at 4.0ghz. Outside of a couple modern games and their associated frame rates I bet if you did a blind test between my I7-920 at 4.0ghz and my Q6600 at 3.0ghz I'd NEVER be able to tell the difference.
I'm pretty sure that retail product keys work for both releases, but OEM product keys may not. You could always call Microsoft and ask - you aren't doing anything wrong...
You can multi-boot with an SSD just like an HDD. Beware that you don't want to fill an SSD too full (I use 80% as a guideline) and I don't think that Vista supports TRIM natively so you may need to add some extra tools from the SSD manufacturer. My favourite SSDs are Intel because they have the best 4k random I/O and I feel they are the most "trustworthy" to provide excellent wear leveling, garbage collection and failure management algorithms. No offense intended to fans of other brands...
Ahh okay thanks. How difficult is it to set up TRIM and the extra tools from the manufacturer? Also would 100GB be enough to run both OS's under this 80% guideline you usually abide to?