Need CPU and RAM upgrade assistance

[Larshds]

Hello,

I am trying to help a Veteran friend speed up his computer.  He is on a fixed income and cannot afford a newer computer, even though he relies on his compute to pay bills online .  His computer is a HP Pavilion a1257c Desktop PC which supports up to 3.4 GHz Processors.  This computer has the base processor, a Pentium4 630 (P) HT 3.0 GHz installed, RAM is also base at 1 GB (2 x 512) 240 pin, DDR2 SDRAM PC2-3200 MB/sec.   OS; Windows XP Home Edition 32 bit.  It has 4 Dimm slots, Maximum RAM is 4GB.  

Motherboard is a; Manufacturer: Asus, Model: PTGD-LA

HP/Compaq motherboard name for it is: Goldfish3-GL8E

My question is;

What can I do to speed this computer up, and with what RAM and CPU? 

Thanks, Larshds

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Larshds:

You can install up to the Pentium 4 650 (3.4 GHz/800/2MB) processor and 4 x 1 GB of PC2-4200 memory to max out the PC.

Or if you don't want to waste the 2 x 512 GB just buy 2 GB of the PC2-4200 memory but it will only run at the PC2-3200 speed and you will have 3 GB of memory.

The PC isn't going to benefit from the full 4 GB anyway.

Check eBay for a used but tested and working processor. They should be plentiful and cheap.

Paul

[Larshds]

Thanks Paul,

I had found the CPU you recommended on eBay yesterday, but it didn't give the GHz so I wasn't sure if it was the one I needed,  now I am.  I was also thinking of going with the PC2-4200 as it is easier to find and less expensive than the PC2-3200.  I have one more question.  I know that the RAM will help speed my friends computer up.  But will 3.4GHz CPU help a lot, slightly, or at all?

Larshds

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The 650 will increase the speed by 400 Mhz.

It should help a little. 13.3% improvement in processing speed give or take.

This is the one you need, and as you can see this guy labeled it with both the Intel # and the speed.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Pentium-4-650-3-40GHz-2MB-800MHz-LGA775-SL7Z7-/221013541913?pt=CPUs&ha...

For $9 delivered, I don't see that a huge outlay of cash.  I think I paid $25 for one two years ago to put in a Dell Dimension 4700, and that didn't faze me a bit.

You can go with the PC2-4200 memory for sure and if you swap it all out, the memory will run faster like I posted above at the max of 533 MHz, vice 400 MHz.

Paul

[Larshds]

Thanks again Paul,

One more question;  In your opinion which RAM manufacturer would be best for this type RAM?  I was thinking Kingston myself because it is usually very dependable for a older computer, in my opinion.

Larshds

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Larshds.

Kingston is fine, Crucial is fine, G.Skill is fine, Patriot is fine.

Whichever one costs less.

Paul

[Larshds]

Paul,

I am familiar with all three, and use G.Skill most of time.  I haven't been able to find any 4GB kits i.e., 1GBx4 yet, but have sent out emails.

Thanks again, I appreciate your help.

You take care. 

Regards,

Larshds

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.