Upgrade Dell Dimension 4400

[winston9t4]

I've got an old Dell 4400 running a P4-2GHz Northwood cpu and 1gb Ram. It's sitting out in the family room and it's sole purpose is to run skype so the parents can see the grandkids.

It seems to be performing somewhat laggy - I'm wondering if I can find an old mobo/cpu/ram combo that can pop into the case, re-use all the ide peripherals, power supply, etc, and provide a reasonable performance upgrade on the cheap.

An ideas on what might work? Is the Dell case too custom that a standard mobo will even fit in it?

 

[Ken g6]

Well, first, the software problem: the copy of Windows on that computer is probably linked to the mobo. The good news is that if all it's used for is Skype, if the peripherals are supported in Linux, there is a Skype for Linux. No guarantees about how "the parents" would make the transition, though. (Are you one of "the parents", or do you mean your parents?)

The first thing I'd do is blow the dust out of the case. The second thing I'd do is clean up nonessential services in Windows, virus scan, anti-spyware, etc. Then if it's still laggy, we can discuss upgrades.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've got a S939 A64 4000+ (2.4Ghz single-core) rig in my FS thread.

 

[winston9t4]

Well, first, the software problem: the copy of Windows on that computer is probably linked to the mobo. The good news is that if all it's used for is Skype, if the peripherals are supported in Linux, there is a Skype for Linux. No guarantees about how "the parents" would make the transition, though. (Are you one of "the parents", or do you mean your parents?)

The first thing I'd do is blow the dust out of the case. The second thing I'd do is clean up nonessential services in Windows, virus scan, anti-spyware, etc. Then if it's still laggy, we can discuss upgrades.

The parents meaning my parents. It's been a long long time since I've used Linux, probably 15 years. I bet a lot has changed.

Yeah, I don't remember the PC being that laggy, so I'll try cleaning some stuff out.

 

[mfenn]

I wouldn't drop any money on something so old unless you can get used parts for super cheap (sub $50).

 

[Charlie98]

Any chance you can just reformat the drive and reinstall a clean version of the OC?

 

[winston9t4]

Any chance you can just reformat the drive and reinstall a clean version of the OC?

Yeah, this may be my best bet to get the machine back in good working order.

I also agree it's not worthwhile sinking much $ into something so old.

 

[GreenGhost]

I'll side with my wife, who wants to ditch the older desktops and get a cheap laptop instead. I think it's cheaper than getting new computer parts.