Upgrading a Computer?

[Mol_Bolom]

Ok, I don't want to sound like an ignoramus, but uh, well...There's no way out of it, ...

The computer I have now...
HP Pavilion 511w
1.2 mhz CPU
82810E Video chipset with 2mb memory (at least I think it's 2)...
268mb memory...

Ok, now comes the fun part, because I have only a minimal idea of what I'm wanting to find...

I've been looking around on the net and have seen computers for around $150.00, so I figured, hey, I should be able to just update this one for quite a bit less...But when I started looking, I had no idea what the hell I was doing...Eh, go figure...

Soooooo...Anyway...Is there a special term used to define motherboards that would accept DIMM memory chips? I figured, just use mine for the time period, that would save money...
Also, would there be as special term used to define motherboards that accept CPU'S faster than the 1.2mhz that I have, as well as explaining what kind of CPU that the specific MB would be capable of using?

Sorry for sounding like an idiot, ...

Thanks...

Oh, also, would there be a place online that sells used/refurbished/perhaps even new computer components that are tested for running Linux?

[coopstah13]

it actually will cost you more to upgrade that system than to buy a newer one, since the parts for those older machines are hard to find, they will cost more, you're better off buying a new machine, especially if you can get one for $150

[L4Linux]

Download this program aida32 to see your computer specifications
Your memory is probably sdr, which is very old technology, so you can't find a new motherboard that supports it.If it is DDR,it is supported.
You can ask your friends for any used computer parts they have, to save money. Post again what you acquired to help you find the rest.

[Mol_Bolom]

Thanks...And yep...I kind of figured I was SOL, but eh, would have bugged me if I didn't try...

As for this comp, I pretty much know what it can do...I'm running Vector Linux 5.9 and it runs decent...3d games and even some 2d games are somewhat or extremely slow. Video's are a little slow, too...But that doesn't bother me, too much...I just wanted Linux for other purposes than gaming...However, the one thing that does bug the heck out of me is I can't listen to music and work on the computer at the same time because of it being slow...The music will break, and sometimes even seem like it fast forwards.

I ran gKrellm and saw that I was using between 70 to 80% of my CPU only running a single program that was playing a song.

But thanks...Now I have an idea where to look and what to look for now...

[NeoIce]

try and find something used. Craigslist or friends can be a lifesaver. and if you're feeling brave and want to get your hands dirty, you can hunt around for broken machines and salvage. thats how I built almost every computer I own. it takes a bit of time and requires that you know a thing or two about hardware, but to me, its a TON of fun and its free!

after that, the key is really running lightweight apps. my pick is the XFCE environment.

good luck

[Mol_Bolom]

Thanks...Unfortunately, I don't live in a large city, and I don't know that many people...But, I have been looking...My father in law used to take computers apart for the gold, and I would get some from him for parts...But they weren't much better than this one...Actually, we bought a computer only a couple of years ago, has more memory, has more video memory, and even has a faster CPU, but hoo boy, that computer is a piece of ham on rye compared to this 8 year old computer...

I did place a few bids on some computers I've seen on ebay, but since they are new and for less than a dollar, the likelyhood I'll actually win one is 1 in a billion, LOL...

I do have my eye on a 165 dollar system that comes with Vector linux preinstalled...I just have to save up a little extra...And I think I might be able to do it, too...

Anyway, my fingers are crossed...