(Keep in mind I'm 13)
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Reusing Gfx Card, HD, DVD-RW and XP.
Untlil latley IMHO it dind't make sense to change to a new CPU, but with CoD and the Games based on the Unreal Engines...
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]]>I dont recommend Ati X800 series, because of lack of Shader Model 2.0.
Shader 2.o is a Issue for some Games, but BF2, BF 2142 and it's mods aren't affected.
May main concern about this card: The tend to run hot and draw a lot of power - but they are also cheap...
Sometimes you can even find a factory new card hidden on the shelf of a shop, getting a good bargain on the price...
Thing is I dont want to updrade. I got this computer about 4 or 5 years ago and I have since gotten a very good laptop.
Hm, same with my computer, and the ATI 1950 GT was the last pice of hardware i was willing to buy for it (July 2007).
Still add a X-Fi Gamersoundcard and a 2nd Hardrive in December , but those will went into the next Computer, along with the DVD-RW.
IMHO is the main Bottleneck your GFX-Card, and if your Laptops GFX-Card not better as a 6200 LE (?) even upgrading the Laptops RAM will be no solution.
I was just wondering if there were any ways of increasing performance without an upgrade. Thanks to all who answered, and if anyone else has ideas id like to hear them
And I fear where is no solution for more gaming power without upgrading
Hi guys, I need help. I would like to know if there is any way of upgrading the performance of my old computer without buying a new graphics card, ram, processor or, well, buying anything at all.
NoWay, Man!
It's like asking to make your car faster without buying a new engine, tyres, gearbox,...
The only thing what you can do without spending money is good maintainance.
Take a look at www.tweakguides.com - many guides to tweak your computer or your games so you don't waste any CPU- & GPUpower.
I have looked at overclocking but realy have no idea what it is or how to do it.
Don't overclock old hardware.
Even with new hardware an good high end coolers it's a long an painful process to build a stable overclocked computer.
Windows XP
Pentium 4 3.06GHz
NVIDIA Geforce 6200 LE
1.50GB ram
Looks like my Computer
Windows XP -> Sometimes faster than Vista
Pentium 4 3.06GHz -> Most older Games don't need faster CPUs. BF 2 and BF 2142 for example aren't build to use more than one Core of a CPU.
New Games like CoD 4, Crysis & the Games based on the Unreal 3 Engine (UT3, Fuels of War) can use more than 1 Core, but for this games your Graphic Card would be the bottleneck.
1.50GB ram -> i have updatet to 2 Gig - objectivly I don't feel any benefits of the 512 MB more, but it's nice to have 
...
NVIDIA Geforce 6200 LE -> LE = in most cases "Cheap"
It's not a bad Card for Working. Uses little Power, runs cool, doesn't make a lot of noise.
But for gaming ?
In the worst Case only 64 Bit MemoryInterface and 128 MB RAM on the Card.
Upgrading the GFX Card would give you the most Powerboost.
I have upgraded from a ATI 9800 XT / 128 MB to a ATI 1950 GT / 512 MB.
I can play First Strike at 1280 x 960 with textures on high and AA on x2.
(Actual Screenshoot: anything other is on low because i have bad FPS in "Escape from hoth")
Old Screenshoot with higher Settings:
But it's not easy to get a good GFX Card for an old Computer.
Most Pentium 4 Boars have a AGP Slot, and PCI-Express cards are nowdays cheaper than a comparable AGP Card.
If you want to upgrade the GFX Card:
RAM should be 256 or 512 MB. More RAM = Possible to use better Texture and AA settings
MemoryInterface should be 128 Bit or 256 Bit. Broader Interface = Card is Faster, even with AA on.
Cards for AGP:
1.)
Used Cards, 256 Bit Interface, 256 MB RAM:
most nvidea 6800 Series
most ATI 800 Series
Pro: enough GFX Power to run BF 2 & 2142 with all eyecandy
con: Powerconsumption
2.)
Used Cards, 128 Bit Interface, 256 or 512 MB RAM:
nvidea 7600 GT Series
ATI 1600 Series
con: sometimes slower in high res because smaller interface than the cards above,
pro: newer GPU, more RAM, less Powerconsumption
3.)
"new" DX 9 Cards, 256 Bit interface up to 512 MB RAM:
nvidea 7800 Series
ATI 1950 Series
pro: GFX Power enought for most games
con: power consumption & price higher than 2.)
4.)
"old" DX 10 Cards
nvidea 8600 Series (not for AGP)
ATI 2400 & 2600 Series
pro: power consumption & price low
con: GFX Power even under DX 9 slower than 3.)
5.)
"new" DX 10 Cards
only ATI, 3800 Series
pro: GFX Power enought for most games, even faster as 3.)
con: price
Before Upgrading download CPU-Z, it's a small tool to collect all needed informations like Type of CPU, RAM, GFX Slot...
Don't go buying without a printed log of your Hardware
If you use the laptop for more day to day stuff, then I would suggest just using the desktop for FS, 2142 and stuff. Just reformat windows, update it to remain secure, install games and nothing else. This should help avoid filling it with crapware that doesnt get used and drains resources.
As has been suggested, try to add another stick of ram to take it up to 2gb if possible. I'd also scout about for a slightly better graphics card if possible. Doesnt have to be cutting edge to give it a boost in frame rates and turn up some eye candy.
]]>Processes are apps that are running on your comp at that time.
Defragging will speed it up a little too.
Any secondary programs running at start-up, that can be turned off, without effecting the games or vital systems, shouls be turned off.
@Stardestroyersarecool:
I dont think theres a lot you can still do with that machine, even an Oc-pro couldnt squeeze out more than, say, +10% at best. The videocard is just too weak and any upgrade would be a waste basically, better save up some money for a new rig - but thats me
btw what kind of board is it, AGP or PCI-E ?
You could try reformatting. That should definatly give you a bit of a boost.
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