Boosting an old PC

BorisY · May 28, 2014

I have an old desktop that i would like to use for torrents and films,etc but currently it has a hard time with HD videos. I intend to install a lighter os - Lubuntu probably (i'm with windows 8 now), but i want to give it a boost with a bit of overclocking.

Here's the configuration:
Motherboard DQ965GFEKR µATX Mainboard, Intel® Q965: http://www.lynx-it.de/lynx/popup_details.php?prod=DQ965GFEKR%2FK&desc=
RAM:2x1GB DDR2 and 2X2GB DDR2 all four running at 667MHz
CPU: I actually have two, advice on which to use would be welcome. They are:
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6320 (4M Cache, 1.86 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)- I'm using this one now it's consuming 1.2V
Intel® Pentium® D Processor 925 (4M Cache, 3.00 GHz, 800 MHz FSB)
The GPU is sadly integrated it's an Intel GMA 300 with 256MB of memory (i'll see if i can get a new one later on-depends on the OC results)
and an Intel Q965/963 Express chipset family.

I don't need a huge improvement, because i'll like have overheating issues (the computer is working fine now, but it's going to be a hot summer). I need to guys to give me an idea of how to set the whole thing up (what would you do if you were in my place).

If i can get tge D925 and RAM to 1066MHz i'd be a happy clam, but if i can get better performance out of it i welcome suggestions on how to do so. I guess i'll find out myself soon enough, but i just wanted to see what i should expect and should i even bother.

Shodoman · May 28, 2014

Unfortunately having problems with HD videos is a videocard issue. So that need's an update. You can find a decent 512 mb dedicated card at very low money and it will be more then enough for your needs.
As for the CPU initialy i thought that the pentium D was better giving that
http://ark.intel.com/compare/29754,27517
but this
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/midlow_range_cpus.html
changed my mind a bit, maybe the core 2 duo is that more efficient (i wasn't that much into computers at that time so i don't know).
See if the ddr2 2gb arn't 1066Mhz sticks because if they are you can just put these 2 stick in dual channel and get 1gb sticks out. All ram lower their frequency to the lowest stick. For movies you don't need more the 4 gb anyway. Rember, keep them in dual channel, you can check that in bios.
If you want to overclock get a cooler. Stock, at least these days, is not good enough even for non-overclocked system.
You need to have your computer dust cleaned once every 3 months or so. It will keep it cooler and working better.
Also if you are using torrent they are awful for the hard-drives speed as the disk has to constantly spin between where the torrent is writing or reading and where your movie is. Close torrent when using computer; de-fragmenting can also help.
Also in windows disable Aero theme and it will free up some video resources (change theme to classic).

BorisY · May 28, 2014

Shodoman :

Unfortunately having problems with HD videos is a videocard issue. So that need's an update. You can find a decent 512 mb dedicated card at very low money and it will be more then enough for your needs.
As for the CPU initialy i thought that the pentium D was better giving that
http://ark.intel.com/compare/29754,27517
but this
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/midlow_range_cpus.html
changed my mind a bit, maybe the core 2 duo is that more efficient (i wasn't that much into computers at that time so i don't know).
See if the ddr2 2gb arn't 1066Mhz sticks because if they are you can just put these 2 stick in dual channel and get 1gb sticks out. All ram lower their frequency to the lowest stick. For movies you don't need more the 4 gb anyway. Rember, keep them in dual channel, you can check that in bios.
If you want to overclock get a cooler. Stock, at least these days, is not good enough even for non-overclocked system.
You need to have your computer dust cleaned once every 3 months or so. It will keep it cooler and working better.
Also if you are using torrent they are awful for the hard-drives speed as the disk has to constantly spin between where the torrent is writing or reading and where your movie is. Close torrent when using computer; de-fragmenting can also help.
Also in windows disable Aero theme and it will free up some video resources (change theme to classic).

If i get e better cooler and decide to clock the E6320 how much do you think i can get out from it?

The ram is 667 unfortunately.

I have my OS on one HDD and i have a separate one for torrents.

Smallfilou · May 28, 2014

Actually you can do a couple of things that would make your PC much more powerfull:
- Core 2 Quad 65nm like the q6600-q6700 are compatible and give you easily a factor 2 increase over your current model. Can find this on ebay for 40USD. I believe it makes absolutely no sense to buy an aftermarket cooler for your E6320, will cost you as much and will be far behind in terms of speed.
- You can add a graphics card (maybe GT630, no need to go higher I believe...but that depends on you in the end).

Check for your PSU... because this demands a few more watt (not much, about 70 more in total than your current built)

Totally agree with Shodoman about RAM, but your board goes no further than 800 Mhz anyway... so I advise you not to change anything there, provided it's dual channel.

BorisY · May 28, 2014

Smallfilou :

Ahh i didn't see that 800 MHz is the max. Well my current plan is to leave just 4 GB RAM (2x2GB) and try and up it to 800 and i'll try boost the processor to 2.2, see how that works.

Anyway thank you for the tips.Have a nice day.

Shodoman · May 28, 2014

BorisY :

Din't check the motherboard, my bad on the ram frequency. Place your ram to enable dual channel both black or both blue slots; i recommend the black because they are further from the processor (heat). Remember to check bios afterwards.

Tell us how it went in the end

Good luck

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Boosting an old PC

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