Hey guys,
In yet another direction I'm considering (I want to vet all options), it appears that I was originally incorrect in thinking my Dell Dimension E521 will take only 4 GB of RAM. It appears that with the latest BIOS revision, it will actually accept 8 GB. So that leads me to wonder just where I can go with this particular system.
Say I can take it to 8 GB of RAM. That'd cost me about $50, for 4 x 2 GB DDR2 modules. The CPU is currently an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ "Windsor". That's on Socket AM2. Is any AMD Athlon 64 X2 "Windsor" processor interchangeable? The line runs from my 3800+ (which runs at 2000 MHz) up to the 6400+ (which runs at 3200 MHz). They are not sold anymore, but appear to be available fairly readily used or new-in-box on eBay.
Even if I did just the RAM, I think I would see a healthy improvement. But if the CPU were easily interchangeable as well, that may be a relatively low-cost option for significantly extending the usability of his current computer (of which I have previously said is still 100% serviceable).
I could/would also look at a PSU upgrade, keeping in mind that the pin-out is likely Dell-specific.
Anyway, just some more thoughts. My wife was already questioning me building a new computer (current one still works), so this may allow me another option to improve speed while minimizing the financial outlay.
In yet another direction I'm considering (I want to vet all options), it appears that I was originally incorrect in thinking my Dell Dimension E521 will take only 4 GB of RAM. It appears that with the latest BIOS revision, it will actually accept 8 GB. So that leads me to wonder just where I can go with this particular system.
Say I can take it to 8 GB of RAM. That'd cost me about $50, for 4 x 2 GB DDR2 modules. The CPU is currently an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ "Windsor". That's on Socket AM2. Is any AMD Athlon 64 X2 "Windsor" processor interchangeable? The line runs from my 3800+ (which runs at 2000 MHz) up to the 6400+ (which runs at 3200 MHz). They are not sold anymore, but appear to be available fairly readily used or new-in-box on eBay.
Even if I did just the RAM, I think I would see a healthy improvement. But if the CPU were easily interchangeable as well, that may be a relatively low-cost option for significantly extending the usability of his current computer (of which I have previously said is still 100% serviceable).
I could/would also look at a PSU upgrade, keeping in mind that the pin-out is likely Dell-specific.
Anyway, just some more thoughts. My wife was already questioning me building a new computer (current one still works), so this may allow me another option to improve speed while minimizing the financial outlay.
