First, I assume you mean the "computer" won't boot and not the "processor". The processor (CPU) is the tiny postage stamp size or cracker size chip that's the brains of a PC, the "calculator" so to speak. What you describe is usually a power supply problem, but other hardware could cause the problem in fewer instances (motherboard, CPU, or a card). "Running out of RAM" is not going to keep a PC from booting, but defective RAM could also cause it.
If it's not already a done deal, you should get a video card and not some integrated on board video. "Shared" means the video card is integrated into the motherboard and it takes from the 512mb of system memory for it's memory. You also want to get a true digital LCD monitor w/DVI input and not one with an analog input. This would depend on the video card; it has to have a DVI connector on it. A conventional internal floppy drive would preferable to an external one (mainly due to space issues). You want a CDRW drive with "BurnProof" technology, AKA "SmartLink", "buffer underrun", et al. More so for when you copy CD's than doing the "drag 'n drop" data backup method. By today's standards, 24x is rather slow, but if you're not going to be doing a lot of CD copying then you really don't need a faster one. However a faster one may be needed in order to get the buffer underrun protection. There are 24x CDRW drives that do have it though. So, this one may or may not have it. You should have asked them if it's upgradeable because most of these name-brand PC's aren't. For one, the video card can't be upgraded (unless it has an AGP slot) but usually when there is integrated video on these type PC's, they don't have one. The "533mhz" means the CPU is a 533mhz bus P4. There are 800mhz bus P4's out now (starting at 2.4ghz) but the motherboard must be capable of supporting that bus speed. These 800mhz bus CPU's also have something called "Hyperthreading" (HT) which mimics dual CPU's being used. Some 3.06ghz/533mhz CPU's do have HT technology. You also want to be able to add more memory if the need arises. 512mb may be it's max. Since it's dual channel, that means that two slots (2x256mb) are taken up now if it's really being run in dual channel mode. Some places will give you a dual channel capable mobo, but only put one stick of memory in it making it single channel. If it has 4 slots and only 2 are being used (or one @512mb), then you can upgrade the memory but you MUST use the EXACT memory you're using now to upgrade it. In dual channel configurations, each of the dual channel slots must have exact matching memory or you can take a performance hit at best. Sometimes the board won't even boot. DC memory mode gives you much more bandwidth. -Clint God Bless Us All Clint Hamilton, Owner http://OrpheusComputing.com ) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Helene" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi All. I've had MANY problems with my Gateway.. 5 year old computer.. in the last 2 or 3 months. .and the latest.. is the processor wouldnt' turn on.. It's been doing it. every few days. not turning on. until I hit the button about 4 times. and yesterday, a 'record'.. 8 times, and I finally got it ON.. and left it on all day. as not to lose the system.. Today, the same thing. Its 'finally on'. but I'm leaving it on all day. A friend who's a computer guy.. said, in 5 years, I've probably run out of ram.. Cause on top of everything else, this machine is SLOW. and I kept getting all those "timed outs'.. Okay, I bought a Dell Dimensions 4600 C Desk top. yesterday. The computer is.a Pentium 4 Processor at 3.06 GHZ, with 533 MHz (it's the new slim line one). It has 512 MB Dual Channel shared DDR SDRAM at 512 I got the Dell Enhanced Multi-media keyboard, Ultra Sharp Digital Flat Panel Display.. 17 "... I got an 80 GB Hard Drive And an external Floppy drive.. Also comes with a 24X CD-RW Roxio Easy CD Creater Inegrated 5.l ( CD Drive) I got a Digital Optical Mouse Operating system is Microsoft Windows XP Professional. For software I chose, Microsoft Office XP Small Business It comes with 6 month of free Earthlink.(which I have Earthlink). so I have to call them, and have them adjust my bill. ALso got a 4 year, in home service contract with Dell. Oh, speakers, I got the basic ALtec Lansing ADA215 speakers..(cause I have speakers now.. with a sub-woofer) and dont' even use them.. but I could've eliminated the speakers, for a savings of 10.00 which was silly.. So, I just ordered the new ones. Am I forgetting anything. Should anything be added to this .. I was going to get a "basic Dell" with a 2.20 .. but decided to upgrade, and get the better one. It's more money. but maybe in the long run, it'll last ?? Anyway, thoughts on this. I know. to those that make your own computers, buying a Dell or Gateway (which I had previously had). seems silly.. but to someone who has no computer expertise, and needs the tech support. and the "safety" if you will of big company.. I guess this was the way to go.. Any advice, any thoughts.. Should something be added?? I dont need multi-media stuff, and I dont' play games.. Also, dont' do pics. so no need for that stuff.. Thanks. helene ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
