ok, i want to upgrade this computers cpu and memory for my girlfriend, it is an old compaq, i was wondering what steps should i take to ensure compatibility for cpu's and ram, i am looking to upgrade to the most economical processor, pentium or amd, preferably pentium also, i need to get more memory, what type would be compatible for this unit any responses here or via email would be deeply appreciated thanks darron

You can try the Memory Configurator in any of the Major Memory vendors' Webpage [Example: Crucial/Kingston etc] to find the type , total amount , availability, the way to install and the Price each of them charge for the suitable RAM for this "old compaq". You may need the Exact make and Model to get the RIGHT information and not just the name of the manufacturer of the PC.[ Compaq has a BIG Product Family and each member of this family is sold in a number of Series and one series may be significantly different in hardware specification from the other] For CPU upgrade , you may go to Compaq Webpage and check the pariculars about your Compaq Model and Series [ EX: COMPAQ Presario 5012 (US)]

amd-k6 is already pentium. if the cpu runs at 550 mhz speed, its maxed out already. don't waste any money on that computer. the technology is too old. any upgrades would be of little use . new hi-tech systems are too cheap today, to waste money on any old computer.

but couldnt i just buy a new cpu and more memory to make it more modern? i just want to spend as little as possible to make it be able to run XP, the processor right now is too low to run XP, i was thinking i could get a cpu and more memory and be ok ofr the time being, i dont want to put $600 in a new one, you see my point

Check www.tigerdirect.com or www.pricewatch.com. You can probably get a pretty good `Barebones' system for $250 US or less.

I see your point, but unfortunately, you may be stuck. Why do you need it to run XP, anyway (which would be a hefty start to that $600 you don't want to spend)? Why is 98 unacceptable? Is this a K6 or a K6-2? Either way, based on the motherboard that either would be on, you may be maxed out (K6 or Pentium MMX was about top of the line for standard Socket 7 and K6-2 for Super Socket 7). Also, with it being a Compaq, you may be unable to make the necessary changes to the system for a CPU upgrade (FSB, multiplier, voltage settings). If it's a K6, then you are probably about maxed out on memory, too. Even if it's a K6-2, you probably don't want to add any more memory than 220 Meg, due to L2 caching limits (which may be slowing down your system now, anyway, either the K6 or the K6-2, based upon the motherboards that generally associated themselves with these chips). You don't mention the speed of the processor it has now, which would hint at the aforementioned questions. As much as I'd like to see you continue to use this machine, if you insist on going to XP, then you will probably want to get at least a new motherboard/cpu/memory/video card (cause it's probably on-board now)/hard drive/case. Good luck.

i have XP, so i can install it on the computer, no problem, i got it for free from school, i was just interested in improving the computers performance, but i do see the limits thing. so to improve it i would just need to totally overhaul the whole inside, basically? so im at a crossroads, buy the stuff and do it myself or get a decent cheap copmputer, hmmm what to do, what to do