making my computer run faster?

[danbeherenow]

Hi, my second post.. these forums seem pretty helpful Lets see if anyone can help me out.

I run an amd athlon 3000 xp (+2167 mhz)
L2 cache is 512kb (not too sure on this?)
memory 512mb
the graphics i run currently is geforce fx 5200
Im also running windows xp (home)
Motherboard is k7s8x

Im thinking of starting a web design comp with a mate of mine that codes, its just when i bought this system i actually bought it to play games (which it does great), but i dont play many games anymore..

Although im not much of a newb when it comes to computers, i dont know how to clock, making the chip for my athlon run faster (probably requires experience).. Im more a software type person .. i suppose its obvious i need more memory? its just the brand to use & what will fit into my motherboard.. could someone please point me in the right direction. All it is i need more speed for applications such as Photoshop/dreamweaver to run faster on my system, when they load or when i edit large files they slow my computer down a lot see is there any good software which can almost make my computer as fast as when i install it?

Also i was thinking of gettin a bigger hardrive - mines currently 60, i'd love an external but there too dear i've heard? Im thinkin maybe 120 what would that set me back do you think?

so.. links & prices for things to buy to speed up my computer would be a great help!!! People that run systems with the applications mentioned above, please could they recommend what i should upgrade or add?

Thanks for takin the time to read my post.. Look forward to your replies..

Danbhn

 

[TRDCorolla1]

Your motherboard is an ASRock? How fast is your memory running? Are you using DDR400, DDR333, or DDR266?

If you are running DDR400, your motherboard can only support of a maximum of 1 GB of RAM which I recommend. I suggest using Corsair XMS 1GB RAM from www.newegg.com.

If you are thinking of overclocking this board, it does provide a wide range of FSB up to 248Mhz. Although you have this large range of fsb, this board does not come with an option for FIX PCI/AGP. It dose not come with Multiplier control, ram timing option and voltage tweaking (vcore, vdimm).

 

[TRDCorolla1]

If using other speeds, you need to run 2 (1GB stick)DDR333 Max at 2GB and 3 (1GB stick) DDR266 Maxing at 3GB

 

[Duzz]

Whats slow on it? loading or what. Get a raptor HDD..... and More Ram either the corsair ram as suggested or ballstix at least 1gig ram

 

[TRDCorolla1]

or get an upgrade CPU and overclock that:

Model: AMD Athlon XP 3200+
Core: Barton
Operating Frequency: 2.2GHz
FSB: 400MHz
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/512K
Voltage: 1.65V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket A

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-390&depa=1

I'm not even sure how much difference that will make for the price.

 

[TRDCorolla1]

That Raptor drive won't work on his motherboard because his chipset doesn't support it.

 

[Duzz]

Oh ok he can purchase a 50$ pci card for it.

 

[Combat_Wombat]

ok i understood most of what TRDCorolla said but the FSB part, whats it stand for? i presume it has something to do with overclocking the CPU?

 

[ownage]

FSB stands for Front Side Bus, and when you raise it, it speeds up the processor. And the 3000+ isnt that great of an oc'er either. (I would know cuz i have one) Go get yourself a Mobile 2600+ or 2500+

 

[danbeherenow]

Great lads cheers for the responce(s) i didnt think id get that many

I'll look into gettin more ram from newegg.com

Could i ask, is there a program i could download & install which finds out the data you need to know.. that way i can either take a screenshot of what the program tells me i have or just type it up into the thread.. please let me know..

I did use tune up utils 2004 but it doesnt tell me anythin my computer has.. Im sorry for the late reply, im from the UK see

Cheers again
Danbhn