Socket 5: Tuning Old PC Systems

Tuning Instead Of Disposing: PCs With Socket 5

The most important news first. Old computers that are already getting a bit long in the tooth can be given a helping hand at relatively little expense. Increasing overall performance by 100 percent and more is no rarity! Many a PC system, long since fallen into oblivion and mouldering in the seclusion of a basement, can shine once more. In another scenario, many companies still have numerous old PCs that perform their work on the good old DOS operating system. In most cases, the existing hardware is even sufficient for their specific area of use. Nevertheless, if the equipment is to be upgraded to the graphically attractive and modern Windows 98 operating system, the PC system lacks the necessary performance to do this.

Both private users and small to medium-sized companies find themselves faced with this difficult decision: what does one do with computer hardware that was purchased a few years ago and is now unable to work with modern operating systems à la Windows 98 or Windows NT 4.0 as well as the appropriate application software? In this case, there are only two possibilities. Either new PCs have to be purchased or the old PCs are upgraded. From this it becomes clear that the latter is unquestionably the more cost efficient and less time-consuming method, although a decision has to be made on a case by case basis for each PC system. We have closely examined numerous older PCs and come to the conclusion that most systems up to six years old are suitable for an upgrade.

Too good to throw away: this PC system from 1995 can be upgraded at low cost.