Computer "feels old"??

[evil jose]

Does this make any sense? I've owned my current computer close to 4 years now. I've been playing the same games for close to 3 years now. But my computer is just running very poorly now. Game frame rates suck and overall computer performance is down.

I've cleaned my case recently by blowing it out with compressed air and added another 512 MB stick of RAM for 1 GB overall but it really hasn't helped much. I have had some issues with playing games online that turned out to be an extremely slow internet connection but I've noticed that I'm still having issues when I just play against the computer (not over the internet).

Is it possible it's just my OS has become to clogged up with crap and I need to format and reinstall or is it a hardware issue? I did run some tests with SiSoft Sandra and on the report it compared my CPU (P4) to a slower AMD processor and it running slower than the AMD. It also told me that my processor was running really hot.

When I've cleaned out the case I've just blown out the MB and around the fans. I'm wondering if maybe I should take out the processor heat sink and fan and blow that out along with the power supply :confused:

Here is a link to my system specs.

HP 854n (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/genericDocument?cc=us&docname=bph08149&lc=en)

[usmcluke]

I build my machine and use it for about a week, then I use Ghost to make an image that will include MOST of what I need installed. I keep all data on a seperate physical drive. Then about every 6 months I format my OS and Programs hard drive, and put my image back on. It only takes a couple of hours if you have a good image and it will "feel" like a new machine. If you need help making an image after you format let me know.

For your heat issue make sure you check the contact shit between the cpu and heatsink. That is more important than most people know.

[BottleRocket]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]For your heat issue make sure you check the [SIZE=7]contact shit[/SIZE] between the cpu and heatsink. That is more important than most people know.[/QUOTE]

technical term?

[exlude]

It could be software and/or hardware related. Computers do have a sort of wear and tear from heat.

[DLinkOZ]

[QUOTE=BottleRocket]technical term?[/QUOTE]

Yeah, forget about thermal compound... all the cool kids are calling it contact shit (or CS) these days.

[usmcluke]

[QUOTE=DLinkOZ]Yeah, forget about thermal compound... all the cool kids are calling it contact shit (or CS) these days.[/QUOTE]

It was late and I couldn't think of the proper term but he got the point.

[BottleRocket]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]It was late and I couldn't think of the proper term but he got the point.[/QUOTE]


no, im sorry. i got a good laugh out of that, never heard it before

[Osiris]

Mine's doing the same shit. It will freeze at completley random times, usually when I'm doing something important, like porn.

I did a full system restore about 2 months ago, and it helped a tiny bit. I think it's time for a new one, but the thing that sucks, is that I have to run this same system untill it has an official heart attack.

[Hunt4m3x]

I say just go ahead and reformat. Also, what type of memory did you buy?

Where is the specs :)

[ceyko]

[QUOTE=usmcblown4.6]I build my machine and use it for about a week, then I use Ghost to make an image that will include MOST of what I need installed. I keep all data on a seperate physical drive. Then about every 6 months I format my OS and Programs hard drive, and put my image back on. It only takes a couple of hours if you have a good image and it will "feel" like a new machine. If you need help making an image after you format let me know.

For your heat issue make sure you check the contact shit between the cpu and heatsink. That is more important than most people know.[/QUOTE]


This is good advice.

However, a 4 y/o machine is still a 4 y/o machine. Mine is over 3 years and I know your pain. Reinstall, ghost and start thinking about an upgrade. :D

[I Stang U]

at that age you can also consider a hard drive going bad and the read speed has decreased... but damn man after 4yrs get a new one!

[evil jose]

Cut me some slack! I just dropped a grip on a new MacBook :D

Seriously, I've been considering a new desktop but wanted to wait until the new year (Christmas) and until I paid of the MB.

Not sure on the specs off hand. I'm seriously considering reformatting the system but I'm wondering if there is a way to check if my HD is going bad. I'm not getting any clattering coming from it like what I expect a dying HD to do.

Also what do you guys generaly do with old systems? Sell them online or what?

[8mpg]

[QUOTE=I Stang U]at that age you can also consider a hard drive going bad and the read speed has decreased... but damn man after 4yrs get a new one![/QUOTE]

Thats what Im thinking...writing, erasing and rewriting sections of the hard drive for 4 years is gonna be some wear and tear. Jose..just cut down on the porn and it will be ok :D

[ceyko]

The city of plano has a place to take old machines. Supposedly they re-use them where needed or "properly" dispose of them.

However, you could probably get more money then expected from someone. There was just someone wanting to pay 400 dollars for a machine that had technology that yours would have.

Take care,

[I Stang U]

i have an attic full of parts is what i do with my old ones.. i can't keep a new damn machine longer than about a year... but yeah eitherway dude if u plan on keeping the computer for an extended amount of time and play on reformatting anyway go get a new drive (cheap) and prolly help a shitton.

[ozzeran]

Yeah definitely wear and tear, mostly from the mechanical ways of the hard drive. And heat will also wear the components eventually.

My next computer will probably be Apple's new desktop whenever they release it.