<p>I have an HP Pavilion XE743 and I don't really feel like blowing a bunch of money on a new computer since I don't play any games. I currently have 192MB's of ram in it. Is is possible to put 1GB of ram in it(Would it support ram up to that high)? Would that do anything for a system with a 600MHZ Processor? I just want to be able to run alot of applications and not get a bunch of freezing/errors.</p>
<p>Well you can upgrade the ram to maybe 1GB, but surely 512 MB. Although it would have to be pretty crappy RAM because of your motherboard. Also the RAM can only go so far if you have a crappy processor.</p>
<p>How would I know how far it can go?</p>
<p>The specified PC uses PC100 SDRAM and supports up to 512mb. It has two slots, and comes with 64mb, so you must have a 64mb and 128mb chip. You would have to replace both chips with 256mb chips. I would recommend a new pc, as a far more powerful system can be had for under $600 (it would end up costing over $100 to replace both chips, and the performance of a $600 pc would be far more than sixfold to your current, and not nearly enough to run modern games).</p>
<p>My experience with HP, especially older models is that it is difficult to upgrade, either processor or memory. My best educated guess is that it would not be upgradable past 512 ram, and that since it probably only has two slots for ram, you'd have to remove the existing ram you have and purchase two new 256 chips. Don't know the cost of that but likely at least $150, and then you'd still be stuck with the old processor, and probably a slow hard drive which also has a very significant effect on programs and muti tasking. I'm pretty sure too, with that amount of ram that your current computer won't run XP. Buying XP will add another couple hundred bucks.</p>
<p>I used to upgrade my computers a lot to save money or get better performance. And I even built a number from scratch, but these days, except for the fun of it, it's really just not worth it. The cheapest computer you can get will be way faster than your current pc given what you can do with it.</p>
<p>Look, you already have a monitor and probably some other peripherals. Check your local newspaper for specials. There are many bargains that start very very cheaply. Of course the cost increases when people start adding a big new monitor, or decide they want better performance. It winds up that the advertised computer winds up as a "come on" to get people in the door and then push them up. However, if you just stick to that base advertised model they are advertising (and especially if you can get them to delete the monitor) you will get a computer with much better CPU, more ram, probably faster HD and Win XP Home. It'll have far better performance than yours, even after upgrades. (personally I'd avoid if you can a celeron processor- never liked them, but you may not be able to)</p>
<p>Just one more thing, if this is for college, most schools require XP Pro or Media Center for use with their network. So get a computer with XP Pro or find out the cost to upgrade.</p>
<p>$20 - PC100 256MB Thats how much it is at pricewatch.com the PC100 512MB is around 42 dollers. Would having 512MB's of RAM boost up this computer at all? 600 dollers is alot to shell out for someone who isn't a gamer.</p>
<p>Edit: I ran XP Pro on here before, I got it off torrent. It seemed to work fine. I also have Windows 2000. I'm staying home for college, I live next to it.</p>
<p>What Operating System are you running on?</p>
<p>Currently 98SE, but I have XP burned. I use to have XP but I reinstalled my computer a while back and just never reinstalled XP.</p>
<p>I wouldn't run XP on a system that old. It would just slow it done more. If your willing to take the time to build a computer. You could build a nice one for around $250. If you have questions about building one, just let me know.</p>
<p>There is really no point in upgrading your ram since you processor speed is only at 600 mhz....just buy a new computer or build a new one.....</p>
<p>Is it possible to use this HP case when rebuidling? Just put in a new motherboard/cpu/graphics card/harddrive and so on?</p>
<p>You can get a new PC for a lot less than $600! For a desktop that's near top of the line ~ and probably with a monitor. You could easily get a new desktop for well under under $400 and less than that if you want to get refurb which Compusa and others sell.</p>
<p>Remember too you'll need lots of space on your old slow HD for XP and you WON'T be able (pretty soon ) to install any Windows updates or security fixes with a bootleg XP. Do you have a NIC card for the school's LAN? Enough USB slots? </p>
<p>You're probably getting close to the time your HD will crash, or for the power supply to die. I don't know, I'd do this for a hobby, but not for a machine I wanted to run clean and trouble free if I were in school. I just upgraded an old HP celeron with a 733mhz for my daughter, but she's only 11 and mostly just uses AIM or AOL. On top of it, she got an Ipod mini and then I had to add XP, a faster USB and transplant a bigger HD I had lying around. By the time I was done I was sorry I bothered.</p>
<p>But hey, if you have to do it, go ahead. I'd really look into a bigger faster HD, or to save money, at least a small cheap second HD. Put the OS on that and leave all your existing programs and things intact on your old HD.</p>
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<blockquote> <p>Is it possible to use this HP case when rebuidling? Just put in a new motherboard/cpu/graphics card/harddrive and so on?<<</p> </blockquote>
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<p>LOL, just what is it you think you'd be saving on if you did that??? That's the route you take when you want to build your own monster, screaming dream machine.</p>
<p>go to any site that sells parts and build your own pc, it would come out to about 150 - 400 depending on parts. Or go to bestbuy or something and get a emachines deal, my sis got a deal for 350 and go a very nice pc, moniter, speakers and printer free (3.0ghz sempron AMD, 512mb ram).</p>
<p>Yeah I would just need a computer, but like I can't stand freezing when watching a movie and just being slow in general. My friend says to get at least a 512mbs or a gig of ram for software now-a-days.</p>
<p>Adding some more ram won't really do anything. And if you want XP, your better off getting a new system. Dell sells desktops for $299 now, with a monitor. But if you already have a montior. Build it yourself, you can get better specs at that price.</p>
<p>1.Get a pc from Dell (not bad, def. better then Emachines)
2.Build it yourself.</p>
<p>Dont keep your HP case....there is no point...besides...its probably too small for all the new parts you are going to get....just buy a new case.......its not that expensive....but you can keep your keyboard, speakers, monitors, mouse..:)</p>