Computer memory/graphics help...

[quickdodge®]

Ok I need to get some info here on upgrading memory and graphics cards for this computer. I tried to do a disk frag and it says I only have 1% free space.

My computer is a Dell OptiPlex GX260 with 2.4 mHz speed. Here are the specs I believe I have:

Total physical memory: 512mb
Available physical memory: 145mb
Total virtual: 2gb
Available virtual: 1.96gb

Is there any other info I need to provide for help on this?

Graphics:

I have an Intel 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics controller. What can I do to upgrade this, but inexpensively?

Thanks. Later, QD.

[mushroom_toy]

I believe the memory you need is PC2100/PC2700 DDR SDRAM DIMMs.
Also the maximum you can have in that comp is 2gb, so if I were you Id get two 1g sticks at best buy, or fry's and that should take care of the memory.

EDIT: You might wanna try Frys Electronics or Crucial though because this is all I could find at Best Buy.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....c=abcat0500000

[mushroom_toy]

This seems like a good deal at frys. http://shop4.outpost.com/%7BWj2fBdsf...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[quickdodge®]

Cool shiit. They're pretty easy to put in too, aren't they. What about graphics now, lolol. Later, QD.

[mushroom_toy]

Yeah for the memory you just pop the old ones out (one clip on either side which you press down on) and pop the new ones into place. As far as the graphics go, im not sure. It all depends on if it is internal graphics card or not. If it is though you can still buy another one that will fit into a pci slot.

[osiriskidd]

it seems you have an onboard graphics card. what i would do is check if it's AGP or PCI slot. (crack open the case)

after that, you'd just go pick up a $40 dollar card and it should work fine. assuming you don't do any major gaming.

mushroom's right on about the ram. however, again with the gaming, i recommend just picking up another 512 because 1gb is enough for basic needs.

compare your slots to this image:



usually if you have an AGP slot, you'd only have 1 or 2. it will be outnumbered by PCI slots.

both of these components are plug and play. video card will just require drivers.

[RandomGuy]

yo dizzle... with the way computer prices are now a days you can build your self a pretty BA system for the low low... like exponentially better than what you got for like 300-350 bux? 2gb of ddr2 ram included

get the parts i can help you put it together if you need but its STUPID easy.


as far as the video controller goes, odds are that the board you have doesn't have an AGP slot, but jsut check for us... pop open the case... and tell us if you see an AGP slot
its the one with the white box around it:


the other ones are PCI slots, they operate slower, but they "work"... pci graphics cards are slower and generally cost a little more... so its a toss up, why invest in technology that has been dead for years (pci) instead of just spending a little more for something super nice... you can video edit your videos with ease, etc. dizzle.



EDIT: got ninja'd by osiris

[kfzemx3]

I have to agree with the insanely low cost of computer and parts right now, its actually more feasible to replace rather than upgrade. For instance, Gateway has a quadcore 2gig ram 500gb hd setup going for just under 600, thats insane! And Frys has a computer deal with the quadcore for under 500 Granted no case or PS included but still thats cheap.

[osiriskidd]

but why pay 500 if all he needs is about $100 in upgrades.

assuming hes not a gamer or video-editor/graphics designer.

[Black R]

the optiplex 260 is pretty dated.
these came from dell with 2x 256 sticks of ram. the easiest thing for you is to get another 512 for the second slot (for a total of 750), although I can't imagine using anything with less than 2gig personally. You'll need to look up the specs on that motherboard though - some architectures will only support so much ram - meaning even if you purchased 4gig of ram, that it probably wouldn't work with that motherboard.

as for graphics, what applications are you wanting to run?
They should have a list of minimum requirements.

Either way, FRY's is your best bet for prices and availability.
But don't count on an associate finding you to help.
You'll have to track someone down and hound them.

I'd actualy post in the classifieds for the RAM you need instead - you'll probably find it cheaper from someone on craigslist, here, or ebay. Look for 2x 512 sticks and you'll be doubling your current RAM.

Let me pop the lid on a 260 and I'll tell you what the insides look like (very similar to the 150, 240, 270, and 280). I'm pretty sure the graphics card (as most these days) is integrated into the mobo.

Also, you said you tried to do a disk "frag". I think you mean you tried to defrag the drive?

It sounds like you are out of disk space - which isn't related to RAM but rather the hard drive. Go to My Computer and then right click on C: drive. Click on properties and you shoudl be able to see how much of the drive is used (it's probably at 99%). At this point you'll need to add another hard drive or clean off this one.

That's a separate issue and I'd recommend an external hard drive at ~$100 for one with like 500gig of space. Then you can move all your pr0n or nonessential files (like pictures, music, movies, etc) over to it and leave your applications on the C: drive.

-hth

[quickdodge®]

the optiplex 260 is pretty dated.
these came from dell with 2x 256 sticks of ram. the easiest thing for you is to get another 512 for the second slot (for a total of 750), although I can't imagine using anything with less than 2gig personally. You'll need to look up the specs on that motherboard though - some architectures will only support so much ram - meaning even if you purchased 4gig of ram, that it probably wouldn't work with that motherboard.

as for graphics, what applications are you wanting to run?
They should have a list of minimum requirements.

Either way, FRY's is your best bet for prices and availability.
But don't count on an associate finding you to help.
You'll have to track someone down and hound them.

I'd actualy post in the classifieds for the RAM you need instead - you'll probably find it cheaper from someone on craigslist, here, or ebay. Look for 2x 512 sticks and you'll be doubling your current RAM.

Let me pop the lid on a 260 here and I'll tell you what the insides look like (very similar to the 150, 240, 270, and 280). I'm pretty sure the graphics card (as most these days) is integrated into the mobo.

-hth

Preciate the help. I believe what I need is another HD instead of memory. And yes, I got the Dell for $150/shiopped from Ebay, refurbed by Dell. Later, QD.

[Black R]

You replied before I finished editing.

Read my last paragraph.

[quickdodge®]

^^^ Gotcha. This computer is primarily for my wife to play her Sims games and expansion packs on. That's it. Everything else is on my computer. The computer has a 20GB HD and she has used up 19.99Gig, lolol. It says she has 305MB left. There's not even a sliver of pink on the pie chart. Lolol. Later, QD.

[Black R]

btw, here's the pic of the gx260 internals:



BTW, FRY's has a great deal on external HD's this weekend.....

[osiriskidd]

if your mobo has anoher IDE slot, than buying another HD and hooking it up should be simple. i'm sure your powersupply is efficient to run 2 HD's. a decent HD should run about $100. and that's with generous space.

[Black R]

I suggested external hard drive for several reasons:

The system is dated, and probably won't be around for much longer.

An external can be connected to the new system with relative ease.

It can serve as a backup drive in case one or more drives fails on the existing or new system.

The cost is about the same as an internal drive.

It is readily portable.

[quickdodge®]

You have PM, Black R. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

You have PM, Black R. Later, QD.

No? Later, QD.