Curse

Madd Morgan · Dec 19, 2008, 12:51 AM // 00:51

I cant afford to buy a new computer since I just purchased a Chevy truck.
So I am forced to make due. I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 that I use for everything, GW, work, multi-media, etc....

So how can I make my machine better? I would like to increase its speed, proformance, vid card, hard drive, memory. Basically all that I can.

Here's the current set up:
Micro Soft XP 2002
Intel (R) Pentium (R) M processor 1700MHz
1.70 GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM
ATI Radeon 9600

Cant remember what else was on it but I had to reinstall everything twice and its proformance has went down hill.

Any suggestion would be much appreciated....like I said I am forced to work with what I have ATM.

Thanks.......

Elder III · Dec 19, 2008, 02:53 AM // 02:53

Are you talking laptop here or desktop??? I'm going to assume desktop to start with.

well in an older system like that, you are most likely going to be limited by what your motherboard can handle, and I'm guessing that you won't be able to put the newer technologies into it. Can you post what your motherboard is? Also what is your budget? You may be able to increase your performance somewhat, just don't expect it to be like a computer with all the newest and latest parts.

Madd Morgan · Dec 19, 2008, 03:54 AM // 03:54

the system is a laptop....not sure what the mother board is or where to even find out what it is. Sorry....not sure on my budget. I guess i'll need to see what the best solutions are. But lets assume 500-1000.

Quaker · Dec 19, 2008, 08:34 PM // 20:34

There isn't any economical way to upgrade a laptop except that you will get a performance boast by increasing the RAM. Even increasing the RAM depends upon what's installed and how many RAM slots there are.
You could perhaps upgrade the cpu to a faster one, but with laptops you get into a whole bag-o-snakes involving cooling and simply taking the unit apart. Any cpu upgrade that would be unlikely to affect the cooling would probably not be worth doing.
The graphics chip is most likely soldered directly to the motherboard. There are no "standard" laptop graphics "cards", although some do have replaceable modules (that are usually proprietary).