What can I do to maximize performance or is it just too outdated.

Orpackrat · 08-24-2009, 03:53 PM

I have a refurbished hp DX5150 small form computer with a slightly upgraded processor and ram (from old computer after it crashed). Its currently running an AMD 939-pin 3700+ with 3gb Ram, 80GB hard drive, integrated everything else, and XP Pro.

I use it for photo and video editing and some light gaming (although for the games to run, they are on their lowest settings but still jump around a bit). Recently I've added fraps and it seems to cut my in-game down to about 10-15FPS. Whenever I run just a game itself, I have to turn on an additional four 80mm fans to keep the processor from overheating.

What can I do to get a little extra performance from my computer or is it time to get a new machine. If its time for a new tower, I have a budget of up to $500.

Bob T Guy · 08-24-2009, 04:03 PM

Does it have an agp slot, or a pci-e slot? You could get a low-mid range video card if it does, that would help a lot. Do you run anti-virus and anti-malware programs? If not start, (avg free and spybot are good). Spyware really lags down a system. If you're running Norton, turn it off. It's worse than spyware.

Where do you keep your computer? If it doesn't have good airflow around the outside of your case that will contribute a lot to your heat issues. You can also take the side of the case off so more cool air can get into it. Just make sure the area around it isn't dusty/dirty.

Orpackrat · 08-24-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob T Guy

Does it have an agp slot, or a pci-e slot? You could get a low-mid range video card if it does, that would help a lot. Do you run anti-virus and anti-malware programs? If not start, (avg free and spybot are good). Spyware really lags down a system. If you're running Norton, turn it off. It's worse than spyware.

Where do you keep your computer? If it doesn't have good airflow around the outside of your case that will contribute a lot to your heat issues. You can also take the side of the case off so more cool air can get into it. Just make sure the area around it isn't dusty/dirty.

Its this style computer:

I keep it beside the monitor in front of the mouse with all vents open and not blocked. It has slots but its going to need a slim card to fit inside the case.
I use Avast. To do more than basic internet browsing and such, I take the top cover off and have four 80mm fans blowing onto the motherboard, ram, and processor that are powered from an external modded power supply.

punkncat · 08-25-2009, 01:08 AM

Those little puters were never designed to be more than a keiosk.

sirraleigh · 08-25-2009, 01:35 AM

Scrap it...pull the optical drive, use hard drive for a back up, keep your monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Processor, memory and MB from your old machine probably will sell for $30-40 shipped on ebay at best...rest is pretty much scrap.

You can build a nice little system for $500 easily...

In my experience Newegg.com has NEVER done me wrong...

Orpackrat · 08-25-2009, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirraleigh

Scrap it...pull the optical drive, use hard drive for a back up, keep your monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Processor, memory and MB from your old machine probably will sell for $30-40 shipped on ebay at best...rest is pretty much scrap.

You can build a nice little system for $500 easily...

In my experience Newegg.com has NEVER done me wrong...

Its been about 5 years since I built a computer and I have not kept up to date on what is good or what exactly to look for. What is the minimum I should be looking for in a processor, motherboard, ram, video card, etc. I do stick with AMD based systems though.

SlvrDragon50 · 08-25-2009, 11:27 PM

Most computers come stock with a 2.4ghz quad core processor.

If you're just web browsing, you only really need to pay attention to the processor and 4gb memory (it's cheap now).

desertT1 · 08-25-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlvrDragon50

Most computers come stock with a 2.4ghz quad core processor.

If you're just web browsing, you only really need to pay attention to the processor and 4gb memory (it's cheap now).

I don't know if I would say most, but that is certainly the desirable processor.

AMD is coming/has come out with a 6 core and the last I heard, it will share the same socket as it's current quad core. That might be something to look into to lengthen the life of your next machine.

SlvrDragon50 · 08-26-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertT1

I don't know if I would say most, but that is certainly the desirable processor.

AMD is coming/has come out with a 6 core and the last I heard, it will share the same socket as it's current quad core. That might be something to look into to lengthen the life of your next machine.

It's pretty much the standard for computers now anyways. I rarely see anything around 500 dollars that doesn't have a quad core processor.

rithunder916 · 08-26-2009, 12:20 AM

ok here we go!! I am an avid AMD fan (intel sucks :-p )

Anyway getting a x2 cpu is easy for those machines. Just go on ebay. Any AMD Athlon 64 X2 socket 939 will work. Stay away from the FX series and you are fine. I beleive it has PCI full size on it's side right? if so pick yourself up the best PCI video card you can get. Then grab a huge hdd and put it in there, I think you will have to remove the stock though I'm not sure on that particular model. If you do, just get an external kit and plug it in via usb. the Ram you have probably is ddr2700 or less, so If you feel frisky you can grab 3 or 4 sticks of ddr3200 and slap that in there. Anything more will not work due to hp limiting it. The next issue will be cooling that bugger. I belive there's a fan on the inside front cover, you might want to upgrade that, or go find a 3" hole saw and cut a hole in the top panel. Buy yourself a 80mm case fan, and plug it in.

I hope that helps..

Mike

08-24-2009, 03:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
Orpackrat MCB Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Salem OR	What can I do to maximize performance or is it just too outdated. I have a refurbished hp DX5150 small form computer with a slightly upgraded processor and ram (from old computer after it crashed). Its currently running an AMD 939-pin 3700+ with 3gb Ram, 80GB hard drive, integrated everything else, and XP Pro. I use it for photo and video editing and some light gaming (although for the games to run, they are on their lowest settings but still jump around a bit). Recently I've added fraps and it seems to cut my in-game down to about 10-15FPS. Whenever I run just a game itself, I have to turn on an additional four 80mm fans to keep the processor from overheating. What can I do to get a little extra performance from my computer or is it time to get a new machine. If its time for a new tower, I have a budget of up to $500. __________________ Metadyne Pump # 1161 http://walkons.proboards.com/index.cgi? FS Custom 13/3000 Tank Covers Paracord $35 http://www.mcarterbrown.com/forums/m...ord-%2435.html

08-24-2009, 04:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bob T Guy Coffee Baron Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The bastion of socialism and alcoholism	Does it have an agp slot, or a pci-e slot? You could get a low-mid range video card if it does, that would help a lot. Do you run anti-virus and anti-malware programs? If not start, (avg free and spybot are good). Spyware really lags down a system. If you're running Norton, turn it off. It's worse than spyware. Where do you keep your computer? If it doesn't have good airflow around the outside of your case that will contribute a lot to your heat issues. You can also take the side of the case off so more cool air can get into it. Just make sure the area around it isn't dusty/dirty. __________________ /\Click here/\

08-25-2009, 01:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
punkncat Brokeass current member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: McDonough, GA	Those little puters were never designed to be more than a keiosk. __________________ One Foot Less- AOG feedback/AO Feedback/MCB Feedback

08-25-2009, 01:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
sirraleigh Active Member Join Date: Jul 2006	Scrap it...pull the optical drive, use hard drive for a back up, keep your monitor, keyboard and mouse. Processor, memory and MB from your old machine probably will sell for $30-40 shipped on ebay at best...rest is pretty much scrap. You can build a nice little system for $500 easily... In my experience Newegg.com has NEVER done me wrong... __________________ MCB feedback http://www.mcarterbrown.com/forums/f...-feedback.html

08-25-2009, 11:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
SlvrDragon50 Seasoned Member Join Date: Dec 2008	Most computers come stock with a 2.4ghz quad core processor. If you're just web browsing, you only really need to pay attention to the processor and 4gb memory (it's cheap now). __________________ Redz 6 Piece Barrel Kit Autococker Micromag and Classic Mag!

08-26-2009, 12:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
rithunder916 Active Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: West greenwich RI	ok here we go!! I am an avid AMD fan (intel sucks :-p ) Anyway getting a x2 cpu is easy for those machines. Just go on ebay. Any AMD Athlon 64 X2 socket 939 will work. Stay away from the FX series and you are fine. I beleive it has PCI full size on it's side right? if so pick yourself up the best PCI video card you can get. Then grab a huge hdd and put it in there, I think you will have to remove the stock though I'm not sure on that particular model. If you do, just get an external kit and plug it in via usb. the Ram you have probably is ddr2700 or less, so If you feel frisky you can grab 3 or 4 sticks of ddr3200 and slap that in there. Anything more will not work due to hp limiting it. The next issue will be cooling that bugger. I belive there's a fan on the inside front cover, you might want to upgrade that, or go find a 3" hole saw and cut a hole in the top panel. Buy yourself a 80mm case fan, and plug it in. I hope that helps.. Mike __________________ My feedback Thread