How to upgrade PC

[Cyber]

Ok this is probably one of those question i shouldknow the answer to but here go's.

I am in the process of trying to update my computer, but how do i know what processor goes with my motherboard and so on, is there a website that scan my computer tell me what is compatable,

lame i know but if you dont know you dont know.

Thank you

[cazzz1975]

take the cover off the computer (if you dont know your motherboard or its not on the start up screen) read the make and model number and revision.

put the cover back on, go on the internet to the motherboard manufacturers site, type in the details of your motherboard and go to manuals and specifications

it should tell you what you need to know

[ACtheTROLL]

how old is the pc?

the tools here will help you ID the mobo
but in the main .. a processor upgarade is either from 3Ghz - 3.6ghz .... not worth the effort
or 3 Ghz - dual core ... which involves a new mobo ram hard drive PSU .... etc etc .... and will use so little of your old kit you might as well just get a new one.

unless it's just for fun ... it's just not worth it

[stefos]

I think Belarc Advisor may do the trick

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

[vehelpfulguy]

I agree with ACtheTROLL, a CPU upgrade is often not worth it, although this will depend on the age of your computer, the motherbaord and other factors.

Motherboards usually only support a range of CPUs that are around at the time. This might range from the slowest around at that time, to the fastest around at that time.

But CPU technolgoy moves on, and it is unlikely that a faster up to date CPU available NOW will work in a motherboard a year or two old.

If the motherboard is more than 2 years old I doubt you could even FIND a new CPU to fit it as the CPU makers stop making "older" CPUs and move on to new models.

Also remember that a CPU is only one component that affects the performance of your computer. You can buy a faster CPU but it may only speed up your computer a small amount as performance also depends on memory speed, BUS speed, hard disk speed etc

[Cyber]

Sorry guys i should have listed my system:,

Abit fp-in9 sli motherboard
intel duel core 6400 @2.13GHz
2 gb Ram
NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
XP Pro

The Computer is about 16 months old, but for some reason has slowed down a lot.

[ACtheTROLL]

suddenly slowed down doesn't mean you suddenly need an upgrade .... it means something has suddenly happened to slow down your system
best option is reload your OS (or use the recovery CD)
obviously back up those important little places first.

if that's a no no
use http://www.ccleaner.com/download
run chkdsk, defrag get rid of stuff you've not used in months

[Cyber]

cheers for the feed back i tired all the suggestions first, defrag, disk checker, and i have just wipe my hard drive and reinstalled windows, but to be honest it has not done much good.

Thanks Again