Hey guys, I've been out of the hardware scene for a couple years, and am still running a machine I built. I've got XP Pro, and dont plan on vista until I am forced. I would like to make it a little bit faster as far as boot up time, and general operation. I've got a 300gb external drive and have all files on that drive and use it as a secondary with my WD 40gb as my slave I guess we used to call it. I'll list my current component list, and see what you guys think would hop this thing up a bit. I'm hoping to get a good dvd burner installed also. Let me know what you think! DFI UltraInfinity Mobo Athlon 64 3000+ 1.5gb Ram Saphire x550 Video Card SB Live Sound Card Secondary PCI Network Card As stated above WB 40gb HDD Dont know what else would be helpful, but let me know and hook me up with some stuff. I'm not into overclocking at all. I run at about 31.5 C most of the time. This is in a NZXT case so with a few fans. TIA!!

To decrease your boot up time, run msconfig. Scan the Startup tab and disable any applications that you don't need running all the time. While you are doing that you might run into some stuff that you don't want running at all. Check the following sites for help on determining what the ones you don't recognize are. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/sta... http://www.answersthatwork.com/Task... http://www.processlibrary.com/

Did you mean to say that your wd is your primary drive - its just that you didn't say what your primary one is. Post the model of the drive or find out the rpm of it; if its below 7200 you could considder investing in a new drive.

I guess I'm having a hard time saying what I'm trying to say. My WD is only being used for the operating system and programs, my external has all my files, music, videos, ect ect. I'll try to determine the rpm, ill go google the drive, its older so i know its not that fast.

You can try this, Disconnect the 300gb drive at startup, then see if XP boots faster.. Also disable indexing service...

XtC Instead of making it faster you may want to concentrate on making it safer. It doesn't sound like you have any backup plan in place. Eventually you will be back here pleading for help with file recovery. You should always maintain at least two copies of any files you wish to retain.

"I'm not into overclocking at all. I run at about 31.5 C most of the time" That's too bad...you could easily crank the 3000+ up to 2.2-2.5GHz depending on model & it would probably run at about 35C. "my WD 40gb as my slave I guess we used to call it" Actually, it would be the primary master. A 40GB HDD may spin at 5400RPM rather than 7200RPM & it's likely to have a small buffer. Try unplugging the external & see if the system boots any faster...do you leave it connected all the time? Try using MSCONFIG as was suggested: http://netsquirrel.com/msconfig/msc...