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Would a processor upgrade help this computer?

X

XacTactX

Supreme [H]ardness
Joined
Dec 13, 2010
Messages
4,137
This is my mother's office computer:

Sempron LE-1300 single core 2.3 GHz
4GB DDR2-800
GeForce 6150 SE
220w PSU random HP Slimline 16A on 12V rail
Win7 Home Premium

She uses the computer for Office, Sage Master Builder, Internet and other office oriented tasks.

Would a processor upgrade help this computer? I see a Athlon X2 5000 for sale. It runs at 2.6GHz and has 65 w TDP compared to 45w with the current one. I can get it for around 35 or 40 dollars. Would it make the computer more responsive and snappy? If not what other upgrade do you think would be worthwhile? An SSD is out of the question it's too complicated for a computer illiterate person like my mother.

Thanks. :)
 
That CPU upgrade is your best bet man. Anything other than that and you're looking at a new PC altogether. Though try to keep it under $35.
 
Great, thanks for the quick response Danny :). You're spot on about the new PC part, my mother's co-worker selected the components and even though they got it 18 months ago the MoBo only supports AM2+, which really kills the upgrade options.

TBH right now the computer has 2GB of DDR2-800, but it's only one stick in Single Channel. I ordered another 2GB, I figure doubling the amount and speed of the RAM will solve some of the slowness. I'm going to wait until it arrives in the mail before rushing to order another processor, the RAM might just do the trick by itself.

I imagine the processor would really help with Flash elements, for when she is [strike=]slacking off[/s] working. :D
 
This is not an easy question to answer, but what about the Athlon X2 4000, would there be a big difference between it and the 5000? The 5000 runs at 2.6 GHz, while the 4000 runs at 2.1 GHz. My mother generally doesn't do CPU-intensive tasks, so if I can get most of the benefit by getting the 4000 (and paying about half as much) that would be better overall.

So what do you guys think?

EDIT: I'm looking at old benchmarks and the difference between the 4000 and the 5000 is literally 20%, the same difference as their clock speeds. I just don't know what this means in real world performance, whether my mother's usage will benefit from that...
 
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XacTactX said:
I'm looking at old benchmarks and the difference between the 4000 and the 5000 is literally 20%, the same difference as their clock speeds. I just don't know what this means in real world performance, whether my mother's usage will benefit from that...
Click to expand...

Considering the age of the CPUs and the usage scenario, I'd spring for the X2 5000 (again, keep it to around $35) if a new PC isn't going to be bought any time soon.
 
I ended up paying $42 for a 5000 Brisbane along with a Phenom heatsink shipped via Priority. I'm satisfied. :) Mom's really going to like the computer now. Thanks a bunch for your help Danny much appreciated.
 
I have a 3600+ brisbane that I overclocked to 2.9Ghz on air (Could get 3.1, but it requires major tweaking) and I don't think the cooling was holding it back. It could have done 2.6Ghz on the stock cooler easily and the cooler I had was crap anyway. I think I got the CPU for $50 brand new back in it's day.

Basically what I am saying is, if you can cancel the order and get a 4000+ instead, I see no reason what-so-ever that you couldn't get it to the 5000+ clocks easily.
 
Skillz said:
Basically what I am saying is, if you can cancel the order and get a 4000+ instead, I see no reason what-so-ever that you couldn't get it to the 5000+ clocks easily.
Click to expand...
Well it appears that the OP's mom may have a prebuilt PC on account of it using that HP Slimline PSU. Not to mention that the GeForce 6150 SE wasn't exactly a chipset capable of overclocking even in the DIY sector. So good chance overclocking wasn't an option here.
 
Danny Bui said:
Well it appears that the OP's mom may have a prebuilt PC on account of it using that HP Slimline PSU. Not to mention that the GeForce 6150 SE wasn't exactly a chipset capable of overclocking even in the DIY sector. So good chance overclocking wasn't an option here.
Click to expand...

Guess that's what I get for reading parts. :eek:
 
why would a ssd be to complicated? its just a hard drive.... unless she is doing the labor on this project... then why would she be upgrading the processor /confused
 
cloudpost said:
why would a ssd be to complicated? its just a hard drive.... unless she is doing the labor on this project... then why would she be upgrading the processor /confused
Click to expand...

My wording was poor, and you're right it's really not that complicated. The minimum size SSD I would have to get to hold all her stuff is around 60GB. For $60 I have a feeling the CPU/RAM (which cost $65) will probably make a bigger difference. She won't want to spend any more than the $65 I've already spent, so I think it's dead in the water. But that'll be next on the list if I ever get the green light from the financial controller. ;)
 
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