Upgrading CPU

[diabolo]

Here's the thing with my computer. I have a Dell XPS 400. It had 1Gb of RAM which I upgraded to 3GB. But that didn't let me run multiple programs. From Windows Task Manager, my CPU Usage is around 50%-60% when doing normal work. (Firefox with a few tabs open, AIM, McAfee, Avast,and a couple background programs) [I know McAfee is a resource hog, I'm working on getting rid of it]

So my questions for you guys is, would upgrading my CPU alleviate this problem. And if so, which CPU do you recommend that I should get and is compatible with a Dell XPS 400. Also in a reasonable budget, for a guy that makes minimum wage.

 

[xPlozion]

Although you didn't specify the CPU your computer has, I looked it up and it's got an Intel Pentium D (2.7GHz) (http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-xps-400-viiv/4505-3118_7-31756979.html)

I do believe that a new CPU would alleviate your resource problems. Further research provides that the Pentium D was a Socket 775 Processor, and lucky you, so are the Core 2 Duo and Quads .

The Core 2 Duo seems to be praised better than the Quad, but I've got the quad. It's up to you

Core 2 Duo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
Core 2 Quad: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

PS, if I were you, I would open up my computer, look where the CPU goes and make sure that the socket is the right one for the processors I mentioned above (Socket 775). If not, look on newegg for cpu's that match that socket.

 

[diabolo]

thanks xPlozion.

also, what is a normal cost for a CPU, and what is considered a good bargain

 

[Picard1595]

It should be noted that You cannot upgrade your Dell XPS 400 to a core 2 processor as it isn't support by the chipset on the motherboard. So the best you could do is get a faster pentium d. Also you might check that you heat sink is on you cpu correctly and that there is enough thermal paste on your cpu.

Also you are right that Mcafee is a resource hog but another problem is that you should NEVER run 2 antivirus programs unless of course you like to have your computer slow down. Just get rid of Mcafee right away there is no reason not too just drop it, its not good at antivirus protection anyways.

 

[Zdroyd]

Here's the thing with my computer. I have a Dell XPS 400. It had 1Gb of RAM which I upgraded to 3GB. But that didn't let me run multiple programs. From Windows Task Manager, my CPU Usage is around 50%-60% when doing normal work. (Firefox with a few tabs open, AIM, McAfee, Avast,and a couple background programs) [I know McAfee is a resource hog, I'm working on getting rid of it]

So my questions for you guys is, would upgrading my CPU alleviate this problem. And if so, which CPU do you recommend that I should get and is compatible with a Dell XPS 400. Also in a reasonable budget, for a guy that makes minimum wage.

Your original computer does not sound that bad... I mean: Its a XPS! how could that need an upgrade.

From what you are saying it sounds more like a virus or malware program...

I suggest you see if its an software problem before trying to update your hardware...

Because "come on!" there is no way a Dell XPS could be having hardware problems of that simplicity.

So in a nut shell:
1)Uninstall McAfee
2)Download AVG (google it)
3)Download Malware Bites
4)Download CCleaner
5)Run #2, #3, #4 (this may take a few hours at max)

And vula! your computer should be back up to speed.


I checked this info with my Information Technology/ PC Repair Teacher and she agrees with me: "A Dell XPS should not have CPU problems, its obviously a virus."

I hope I helped you fix your problems... (and helped you save money...)

Edit:
Here are the links:

AVG:
http://free.avg.com/

Malware Bytes:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

CCleaner:
http://www.ccleaner.com/
(You can use CCleaner to get rid of the McAfee too...)

 

[swirly]

Don't forget to defrag!

 

[diabolo]

Your original computer does not sound that bad... I mean: Its a XPS! how could that need an upgrade.

From what you are saying it sounds more like a virus or malware program...

I suggest you see if its an software problem before trying to update your hardware...

Because "come on!" there is no way a Dell XPS could be having hardware problems of that simplicity.

So in a nut shell:
1)Uninstall McAfee
2)Download AVG (google it)
3)Download Malware Bites
4)Download CCleaner
5)Run #2, #3, #4 (this may take a few hours at max)

And vula! your computer should be back up to speed.


I checked this info with my Information Technology/ PC Repair Teacher and she agrees with me: "A Dell XPS should not have CPU problems, its obviously a virus."

I hope I helped you fix your problems... (and helped you save money...)

Edit:
Here are the links:

AVG:
http://free.avg.com/

Malware Bytes:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

CCleaner:
http://www.ccleaner.com/
(You can use CCleaner to get rid of the McAfee too...)

well the last time I rebooted XP, and the only things I had on there was Firefox, and my CS3 suite. I could not run Photoshop and Illustrator and Firefox without something going slow

and right now I got infected with a virus, so I am in the process of cleaning that up

and this XPS is old compared to the new ones coming out. But once I reboot XP I'll tell you guys how it is.

 

[Zdroyd]

well the last time I rebooted XP, and the only things I had on there was Firefox, and my CS3 suite. I could not run Photoshop and Illustrator and Firefox without something going slow

and right now I got infected with a virus, so I am in the process of cleaning that up

and this XPS is old compared to the new ones coming out. But once I reboot XP I'll tell you guys how it is.

Please remember that you must be careful how you Reinstall XP, it is possible for a virus to survive a complete reinstall. If you plan to backup anything I suggest you do it sparingly: viruses can attach themselves to the backups.

Things you should put on your PC (and run) once you reinstall:

Anti-Virus:
>>AVG Free
>>Malware Bytes
Clean Up:
>>CCleaner
>>Smart Defrag
>>Malware Bytes: Start Up Lite
Safe Internet:
>>Firefox (of course)
>>Comodo Firewall
Etc...

Edit:
And note that your speed problem does not seem like it would be caused by the CPU.

And do not let some techies tell you that it will cost a lot of money to fix... most computer problems are Software based; not Hardware

 

[Picard1595]

Don't use AVG, use AVast is less of a resource hog and works much better

 

[diabolo]

yeah, I also like how Avast has a boot-scan option
thank you guys!

 

[Zdroyd]

Your welcome; once you get the computer up and working I would like to hear if our suggestions helped...

(My teacher is going to give me EXtra Credit for helping...)

 

[farscapeone]

As people before me said, there's something wrong here. Your hardware is not responsible for the slowdown and you really don't need to update your CPU. I have a similar computer (not brand name I made it myself) and it's running smooth.

 

[Picard1595]

Yeah more likely then not you just need to do a fresh install of XP and your computer will be fine.

 

[Smith6612]

FYI, the Pentium D processors are pretty much budget processors that run a design in between a Pentium 4 and a Celeron chip. Not a good chip for gaming or heavy work but it will get the job done.

But for your CPU, you need to find out pretty much what your board can support, as well as what speed you want and what CPU type you want to go with, whether low end or high end.

 

[Picard1595]

Actually Pentium D's are just a dual core processor, that uses two pentium 4's on one chip. They run very hot and the performance is no where near that of a Core 2 chip but its better then any pentium 4.

 

[Smith6612]

Actually Pentium D's are just a dual core processor, that uses two pentium 4's on one chip. They run very hot and the performance is no where near that of a Core 2 chip but its better then any pentium 4.

Well, I have to agree with you on that. I was thinking at the time in terms of efficiency on that post. The Pentium IV was a great chip back then, especially those HyperThreading ones. So yeah, the Pentium D is decent, but I'm a big suggestor of the Core 2 series mainly due to it's efficiency as well as it's speed vs. temperature.

 

[resotpvl]

wht about the new i7s
does anyone know anything about nice those are