Category: Geeks r Us
Hi,
I'm going to inherit a slightly, but good working HP DX2400 computer. This desktop used to be my moms, but I'm replacing it with mine, since I don't use it very much and stick with laptops.
Originally, when bought from www.tigerdirect.com, it had Vista on it, but we downgraded it to Windows XP. I believe it is a 32-bit architecture, but it has I think about 3 gigs of ram pre-installed. My two questions is, maybe three now, does 32-bit systems recognize 4 GB? I think it does, because I used to have a laptop and it di. Secondly, would this desktop run 7? Thirdly, even if the processor isn't core 2 duo, I know that machines are still running Windows 7. Fourthly, could and I think would it be worth it to upgrade to SSD?
Thanks,
Nathan.
Yes on the 32 bit. You can run 4 GB on these tops.
The thing is, with 32 bit Windows never uses all the ram, so 4GB works out to about 3.5 or 3.2 depending on how well the computer is setup. Mostly the extra stick gets waisted kind of, because it does help a bit depending on the configuration.
Upgrading to Windows 7 would make the machine work nicely, and going on up to 8.1 would be the best in my opinion.
I'm confused about how the machine is "slightly, but good working?" How can a machine be both?
I was just looking at prices on SSd's. not worth putting it in an older system unless you are going to get a new PC. I just put W7 on my laptop from 2006. it is a 32- bit system with 4GB of DDR2 ram. it doesn't run too bad, although I havent' tried it with all the messengers and shit like that running all at once, while I try to record audio.
I did a little checken around. most of the services are already set the way they should be, the only one I would turn off is the windows indexing service. MS has done a very good job with this operating system, in my opinion. Most stuff that I'd have to go and tweak from XP such as setting services to manual etc has already been done by Microsoft .
IE11 loads a hell of a lot faster than IE8.
Alright, thanks. I'll keep that in mind. although, I did buy an SSd for my laptop for 150.00 So, that's not too bad in my opinion.
Hi,
Assuming that there aren't any variations of this model, it's a dual core Pentium E2200 at 2.2GHZ with 1GB of ram and a 80GB hard drive. Baring this in mind, my recommendations are:
Upgrade to 4GB of ram. You require 240 pin DDR2 800MHZ (aka PC6400) memory. Idealy you would purchase 3X 1GB sticks to add to the 1GB stick that it shipped with so that all banks are populated. Buy used ram to save money; the spec isn't good enough to warrant spending the money on new memory as prices for new DDR2 are stupidly high now.
Purchasing a small SSD would be worthwhile but remember that it's never going to be a power house. See if you can find a good deal on an older 80GB or 160GB SATA II drive. You will also need to purchase a bracket that allows you to mount a 2.5 drive in a 3.5 drive bay. You could then format the existing 80GB drive and use it as extra storage.
Lastly, as has been said before, upgrade to Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 depending on your preference.
If you've never delved inside a desktop before all of the above is fairly easy to perform and would be a really good starting point; if you run into trouble there are many generic ram & hard drive upgrade videos on Youtube that you can follow with the help of some eyes. Once complete you'll have yourself a moderately capable desktop that should serve you well for a few years to come.
Cheers & good luck.
I wouldn't upgrade the HD until mine actually died.
I wont get money for this older HD anyway.