Advice on upgrading needed!

[spot261]

Hi all, thank you for taking the time to read this, I'm looking to improve the performance of our family computer but am not exactly sure how to prioritise things. We have a fairly basic desktop running on 254M RAM with an 3.06Ghz Interol Celeron processor. I've brought up a dxdiag box but rather embarassingly have no idea how to transfer it to this thread to show you!

The computer runs pretty slowly most of the time, taking a while to bring up both browser and web pages, and frequently lags when displaying videos. I'm not looking to spend an enormous amount of cash or create a supercomputer, just make the current dinosaur a little smoother and more reliable and maybe make gaming a viable option.

Any advice would be most welcome!

 

[Hefemeister]

Well in your situation the best bet would be to get more RAM. Spending any more money than the cost of RAM would be pointless at this time. Better to save that money for a new computer.

What model of computer do you have. ie Dell inspirion 2100.

You can also check out Memory upgrades, flash media, and usb storage at Crucial.com to find out what type of RAM your computer uses.

Post that info back here and we can track down the best ram for your dollar.

 

[spot261]

Aha! I figured it out! Hope this is what you need:

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 4/27/2009, 12:09:36
Machine name: KIMSPC
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: NEC COMPUTERS SAS
System Model: POWERMATE ML250
BIOS: BIOS Date: 05/17/06 11:59:43 Ver: 08.00.09
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 3.06GHz
Memory: 254MB RAM
Page File: 498MB used, 375MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: ATI RADEON 9550
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI RADEON 9550 AGP (0x4153)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_4153&SUBSYS_0370174B&REV_00
Display Memory: 128.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (16 bit) (85Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: ati2dvag.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.6614 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/10/2006 09:27:38, 258048 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: ati2mtag.sys
Mini VDD Date: 5/10/2006 09:27:22, 1543168 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-0213-11CF-2D6D-7A23A1C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x4153
SubSys ID: 0x0370174B
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV8_B ModeWMV8_A ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{552C0DAD-CCBC-420B-83C8-74943CF9F1A6}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,2) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_1039&DEV_7012&SUBSYS_E0121631&REV_A0
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5870 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 6/20/2005 22:08:44, 2324480 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Realtek AC97 Audio
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: ALCXWDM.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5870 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 6/20/2005 22:08:44, 2324480 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Realtek AC97 Audio, Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x1039, 0x7001
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:37, 59520 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/4/2004 15:00:00, 4736 bytes
|
+-+ USB Human Interface Device
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x04D9, 0x0499
| | Location: USB Device
| | Matching Device ID: usb\class_03&subclass_01
| | Service: HidUsb
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:27, 10368 bytes
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:26, 36864 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:22, 24960 bytes
| | Driver: hid.dll, 4/14/2008 01:11:54, 20992 bytes
| |
| +-+ HID-compliant mouse
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x04D9, 0x0499
| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 23040 bytes
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 8/17/2001 14:48:00, 12160 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ HID Keyboard Device
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x04F2, 0x0402
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| Service: kbdhid
| Driver: kbdhid.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:48, 14592 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/14/2008 01:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/14/2008 01:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 23040 bytes

----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Passed, Half Duplex: Passed, Mic: Failed gracefully
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider: Motorola SM56 Data Fax Modem
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM2
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM3
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Local Area Connection - IPv4 -

-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s

-------------------------
DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps
-------------------------

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 54.4 GB
Total Space: 70.2 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: ST3808110AS

Drive: Q:
Model: LITE-ON DVDRW SHW-160P6S
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 19:40:46, 62976 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
Name: Realtek RTL8169/8110 Family Gigabit Ethernet NIC
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8169&SUBSYS_E0121631&REV_10\3&267A616A&0&58
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\Rtlnicxp.sys, 5.621.0304.2005 (English), 3/4/2005 12:10:26, 74496 bytes

Name: Motorola SM56 Data Fax Modem
Device ID: PCI\VEN_1057&DEV_3052&SUBSYS_30341631&REV_04\3&267A616A&0&50
Driver: n/a

2/5/2002 14:54:58, 141016 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\RTLCPL.EXE, 1.00.0001.0047 (English), 6/20/2005 21:39:58, 9410048 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\RTLCPAPI.dll, 1.00.0000.0004 (English), 9/7/2004 14:23:16, 156672 bytes

 

[Hefemeister]

this is the ram you use.
184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200)

If you just want 1gb to go with your 256 for 1,256gb look here.
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Memory,Desktop Memory,184-Pin DDR SDRAM,512MB - 1GB,DDR 266 - DDR 500,DDR 400 (PC 3200),1GB,

this is nice $25 after mir.
Newegg.com - CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Or you could get 2 for 2gb taking out your 256mb stick.

You have 2 ram slots with a maximum of 2gb of ram.
1gb is the most you can put in one slot.

 

[spot261]

many thanks, a gig of RAM and a little aside each week it is!