> First, a RAM upgrade from 512MB to 1GB or more would more than likely be of > more benefit than a slight CPU upgrade within the same CPU class (as in > staying with P4 instead of upgrading to newer generation). > > Second, you don't mention what kind of video hardware you have, a beefier > GPU may help.
I have an AGP slot fortunately, but whether it is 4x or 8x I am not certain. I am using the SIS onboard video at the moment, exactly what it is, I'm not sure. Obviously there is a triple: processor speed, memory amount, video card capabilities. If I have to upgrade in all three areas and I don't get this to work, I will have wasted money. In another thread I ask about an AGP card that is a Radeon 512MB AGP 4x/8x card with HDMI capability. If it is adequate for the task, I might get one. That's a $60 investment in old tech though. At least this tuner works with my Dad's quad core Windows 7 system, I'd be ticked off if it didn't. I realize that going from a P4 to a dual or quad core processor would be the ideal solution, but that is also an expensive solution. I have a 1.80 Ghz or 2.40 Ghz processor right now. so 3.06 Ghz seems like it would be a decent improvement. If anyone can show me how to move up to a dual core system for $35-$70, let me know. The memory is DDR 333 I believe. Unfortunately, I have 2 sticks of 256 meg variety filling the board's two slots. I could buy 1 512 meg stick or maybe 1 1 gig stick and replace one of them. The SiliconHDHomerun dual tuner cost me $107. I'm after a 3.06 Ghz P4 that might run me $35. I may have to buy a video card. If I have to buy memory too, I might be looking at $150-$200 just to upgrade one machine. I want to know as I explore upgrading these P4's to the max if ultimately that will be enough. If it won't be enough, I'll go back to trying to win a refurbished dual core system on Ebay. My budget is less than $300 if at all possible to get at least one and preferably more than one P4 upgraded adequately. _______________________________________________ PLUG mailing list PLUG@lists.pdxlinux.org http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
