[DaveG]

My PC is maxed out at 512 MB ram. According to the specs, it can only support two 256MB sticks. What are my options now? Buy a new PC?

[techie4fun]

If your PC is maxed out at 512, then you'll need to get a new motherboard that supports more memory. Do you do tasks on your computer that would require more than 512 megabytes of memory at this time? If so, list your system specs and I can tell you what you'll need to replace and what you can keep.Hope this helps.

[DaveG]

I do an awful lot of research and writing, teaching MS Excel, Word and Access, and make both hardcopy manuals as well as CD versions. I use MS Pub and Powerpoint as well as a screen-shot utility, so the answer is, yes. Many times I have 8 or more apps open simultaneously. I know I need more memory, but to buy the perfect workstation would set me back $1500 to $2,000.

[DaveG]

As to system specs: what do you need to know? This is a standard HP Pavilion XL768 (a gift that replaced an older unit).

[techie4fun]

I have no idea what your HP Pavillion has in it.... so you probably need a new computer!!

[DaveG]

OS NameMicrosoft Windows XP ProfessionalVersion5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600OS ManufacturerMicrosoft CorporationSystem NameDAVIDSystem Manufacturer00101910 XL768System Model15147900000401System TypeX86-based PCProcessorx86 Family 6 Model 4 Stepping 2 AuthenticAMD ~906 MhzBIOS Version/DatePhoenix Technologies LTD 2.00, 7/25/2000SMBIOS Version2.0Windows DirectoryC:WINDOWSSystem DirectoryC:WINDOWSsystem32Boot DeviceDeviceHarddiskVolume1LocaleUnited StatesHardware Abstraction LayerVersion = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpspsp2rtm.040803-2158)"User NameDAVIDDavid R. GarciaTime ZoneCentral Standard TimeTotal Physical Memory511.48 MBAvailable Physical Memory241.36 MBTotal Virtual Memory2.00 GBAvailable Virtual Memory1.96 GBPage File Space1.22 GBPage FileC:pagefile.sys WIll send more in a bit. Or email me davidrgarcia@bellsouth.net

[techie4fun]

I still don't have enough information about your system, but it looks like your computer has one of the older socket types.I want you to go to this link: http://www.belarc.co...e_download.html which should provide the information I need about your motherboard.

[DaveG]

Okay, I found these product specs online at:http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=bph05971&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&product=61102&dlc=en&lang=en#N371Does that help?

[DaveG]

THanks. Here's this via Belarc:Board: Asus K7M 1.04BIOS: Phoenix Technologies LTD 2.00 07/25/00

[techie4fun]

Excellent. I've been looking online for the motherboard name you gave me but am not having much success. We might need to replace the entire system. I'll keep looking and post again when I found something new.

[techie4fun]

Ok, here's what I have found. Your running a motherboard with a cpu SLOT A socket and is still supported if you can find a new motherboard that has a "slot A" socket then you can just swap your current processor into your new motherboard and put in more ram. The problem is that your running an old socket so its going to be hard finding a new motherboard with the type of compatibility your looking for. It's still supported but most of it is ancient history. I'll do a search on ebay and post a link if I find a motherboard, but your best bet may be to buy a new pc.

[DaveG]

mucho gracias Thanks very much for your kind help

[vsreeser]

Make sure that any new computer you buy is expandable. Low end ones wont be. Another possibility is to keep your current hard drive and cdrom. Put them into a new custom made machine. If you know someone who works with computers, they can probably build you a nice system for $500-700. AMD 64 X2 cpus are fairly inexpensive right now. I bought mine for $125 and my motherboard for $89. The ram was $200. Altogether, I paid less than $1000 and used some old hard drive, cdrom, etc... The main point is that my board will take up to an AMD 5000+ 64 X2, which is a lot quicker than what I have now. So, upgrading is easy. Most new boards will handle 4Gb or more of ram. Don't bother going over 2Gb with windows XP. you would need a 64 bit OS to handle anything over 4, and that alone would set you back $200 or more. Plus, a lot of things dont work with Win xp64 or Windows Vista 64 (not offficially out yet)