computer upgrade

[fishwire]

hello first post

I would just like some general advice as i have scant knowledge of computers

I have at the moment a Dell dimension v350 which is almost 6 years old.

It meets most of my requirements but tends to go a bit slow at times, and cant cope with some applications, so i think its time for an upgrade.

Mostly used for the internet, letter writing and some kids games

The processor is a p2 350 on a motherboard with integrated graphics, The hard drive is 6GB with space for another hard drive if required.
Memory is 192 mb sdram(is that the right term)
I have a dvd rom drive and a cd rewriter
I'm happiy with the monitor keyboard and mouse and modem

can i upgrade my present system by just plugging in another processor and getting a bigger hard drive, and will this see me alright for a few years?

or will i be better getting a new mother board, processor and hard drive and use the existing power supply and parts?

Or just go for a new system altogether?


Thanks in anticipation

 

[David Lindon]

You can't plug in another processor unless it is a faster P2, you will need to get a P4 and socket 478 motherboard and new memory etc.
You will have to do nearly a complete upgrade and use the existing case and that will be about it.

Hope to see you around Computer Forums!!

 

[fishwire]

Thank you for a quick reply,
can you still buy faster p2s ?

just trying to weigh up my options

 

[David Lindon]

I don't think you can get them from retails, your only option would be second hand like ebay. You could get them there but you wouldn't really notice that much speed, you would really need to get a P4.

 

[airiox]

this is the fastest one I could find.

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=55
its a p2 450mhz. Not much faster. but only $7, wow.

You can also get a 40gb hd and 256 sdram.