Computer Check-up And Upgrade

[webfact]

My computer has to be checked for errors and I needs an upgrade as well.

So I am looking for a shop at Pantip which also should be reasonable in pricing.

I am looking for shop where the technicians really know what they are doing and of course are able to understand English.

Any recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

Edited December 1, 2008 by webfact

[Guest Reimar]

My computer has to be checked for errors and I needs an upgrade as well.

So I am looking for a shop at Pantip which also should be reasonable in pricing.

I am looking for shop where the technicians really know what they are doing and of course are able to understand English.

Any recommendations?

Thanks a lot.

If your computer contains original software, I would be carefull to use any shop if you didn't sit the whole time beside that technican and control what he's doing! Easy to "loose" your originals and get some "rubbish" on your machine.

Cheers.

[spacefruit]

Before taking in the machine, run an advisor program from belarc dot com and print out the result. this will give you all the software licence keys, as well as other useful info. DO NOT NEGLECT THIS STEP. I speak from bitter experience. And dont forget to BACK UP YOUR DATA!

By the very nature of a re-instal of the operating system, all software will be "lost", but just needs re-installing with the licence keys.

I am not quite sure what rubbish software the previous poster is refering to? Perhaps unlicenced pirated software replacing licenced origionals? Solution above. Otherwise simply instruct what software you want - no more no less, and check before leaving.

Lastly, you say upgrade. Do you mean hardware upgrade? If so, post your current model, with specs for better advice!

In my experience, prices are reasonable in Panthip and its quite easy (if time consuming) to do due dilligence, but you do have to be a little patient and ask several shops. I wouldnt bother sitting by the technician. If you cant do this yourself, I doubt you could tell the technician or spot him deviating from instructions.

If you have time, patience and another computer to access the net (for advice and drivers etc), this sort of thing is quite simple to do yourself if you have any desire, though I completely understand if you would rather have someone else do it.

Good luck.

[webfact]

Before taking in the machine, run an advisor program from belarc dot com and print out the result. this will give you all the software licence keys, as well as other useful info. DO NOT NEGLECT THIS STEP. I speak from bitter experience. And dont forget to BACK UP YOUR DATA!

By the very nature of a re-instal of the operating system, all software will be "lost", but just needs re-installing with the licence keys.

I am not quite sure what rubbish software the previous poster is refering to? Perhaps unlicenced pirated software replacing licenced origionals? Solution above. Otherwise simply instruct what software you want - no more no less, and check before leaving.

Lastly, you say upgrade. Do you mean hardware upgrade? If so, post your current model, with specs for better advice!

In my experience, prices are reasonable in Panthip and its quite easy (if time consuming) to do due dilligence, but you do have to be a little patient and ask several shops. I wouldnt bother sitting by the technician. If you cant do this yourself, I doubt you could tell the technician or spot him deviating from instructions.

If you have time, patience and another computer to access the net (for advice and drivers etc), this sort of thing is quite simple to do yourself if you have any desire, though I completely understand if you would rather have someone else do it.

Good luck.

I have posted my hardware specs here and appreciate an advise what would be the best upgrade for a motherboard/Processor/graphics card. I am not using my PC for gaming but graphic/design.

Thanks

Motherboard Manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer INC.

Model P5NSLI, Version 1.XX

Serial Number 123456789000,

BIOS

Vendor Phoenix Technologies, LTD

Version ASUS P5NSLI ACPI BIOS Revision 0601

Release Date 13-Jul-2006

CPU

Name Intel® Core™2 CPU 6400 @ 2.13GHz

Family P6, P2, P3, PM

Model - Extended model #0

Manufacturer Intel

Calculated Core Speed 2,133 MHz

CPU Socket Socket 775

Memory

Total Memory (RAM) installed 2,047 MB

Graphics Card

Adapter Name NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GT

Video RAM 256 MB

Driver Version 6.14.10.8421

Network Adapters

Ethernet Marvell Yukon 88E8001/8003/8010 PCI Gigabit Ethernet Controller - Packet Scheduler Miniport

Operating System

Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional

Service Pack 2.0

Build 2600

[spacefruit]

Ok here is my opinion. With a BIG proviso that I do not do a lot of graphic design work so not sure of the specific needs, however you made it clear that gaming ability isn't needed so thats enough to go on. Secondly consider buying a new machine built for you - upgrading often means replacing everything but the case.

Your motherboard is OK, as is your cpu. Changing them will not give a dramatic improvement. Both are good performing and quality items.

First I would always run a windows XP computer with two pairs of matched 1gb ram, giving 4 gb in total. Your motherboard has four slots and will support dual channel mode. This will make a HUGE difference.

Replace the graphics, I have a NVIDIA 9600GT which is not too expensive and so far hasnt failed to perform.

Have two (sata) hard discs, one 10,000rpm spinner (Western Digital Raptor drive, 74gb or 150 or if you are rich 300gb) for the O/S and programs and another 7200rpm HDD of 1 terabyte for storage.

Then make sure you have a clean install of XP.

Two years ago I wanted to upgrade my own computer and went into Panthip and found a shop called JEDI. There are now two of them, run by an energetic girl with good command of techincal English, who is quite bossy, usually on the phone and extremely knowledgeable. Both shops are on the ground floor, she is usually in the one on the right, a little further in from Bangkok Bank - sorry don't know her name.

Bottom line is I ended up buying a whole new computer, for a pretty good price with a spec suited to me after talking to her. It was much better than upgrading. I put it all together myself but mostly she builds up in the shop and installs and tests. Very good after sales too. I have since bought a lot of equipment there as she really knows the finer points, and I would check with her about which graphics card you should use- I think a better one would make a difference as yours is quite old and even when knew not especially well reviewed.

First step is do the memory and clean install of windows. You may be happy with that.

[webfact]

Ok here is my opinion. With a BIG proviso that I do not do a lot of graphic design work so not sure of the specific needs, however you made it clear that gaming ability isn't needed so thats enough to go on. Secondly consider buying a new machine built for you - upgrading often means replacing everything but the case.

Your motherboard is OK, as is your cpu. Changing them will not give a dramatic improvement. Both are good performing and quality items.

First I would always run a windows XP computer with two pairs of matched 1gb ram, giving 4 gb in total. Your motherboard has four slots and will support dual channel mode. This will make a HUGE difference.

Replace the graphics, I have a NVIDIA 9600GT which is not too expensive and so far hasnt failed to perform.

Have two (sata) hard discs, one 10,000rpm spinner (Western Digital Raptor drive, 74gb or 150 or if you are rich 300gb) for the O/S and programs and another 7200rpm HDD of 1 terabyte for storage.

Then make sure you have a clean install of XP.

Two years ago I wanted to upgrade my own computer and went into Panthip and found a shop called JEDI. There are now two of them, run by an energetic girl with good command of techincal English, who is quite bossy, usually on the phone and extremely knowledgeable. Both shops are on the ground floor, she is usually in the one on the right, a little further in from Bangkok Bank - sorry don't know her name.

Bottom line is I ended up buying a whole new computer, for a pretty good price with a spec suited to me after talking to her. It was much better than upgrading. I put it all together myself but mostly she builds up in the shop and installs and tests. Very good after sales too. I have since bought a lot of equipment there as she really knows the finer points, and I would check with her about which graphics card you should use- I think a better one would make a difference as yours is quite old and even when knew not especially well reviewed.

First step is do the memory and clean install of windows. You may be happy with that.

Thanks a lot for your advise. But there's something you mention I don't understand. 2 of the 4 mem lots are now occupied with 1GB RAM each. You recommend I use the other 2 as well, which means the maximum of 4 GB. As far as I remember XP can only use 3 GB of RAM and I need either the GB switch or XP, 64bit version. Any advise? Thanks

[spacefruit]

Oh dear, my OCD is really kicking in now. (and i appreciate the challenge in these turgid times!)

Windows XP service pack one (SP1) could use and read 4gb ram. When SP2 was introduced, one of the "fixes" was to limit the readable memory to 3gb. From what I can gather this was because some drivers were causing problems with the larger memory and getting "lost". I picked up the habit of using 4gb then and it stuck. Frankly its simpler to have 1gb matched sticks lying around than mixed sizes. The prices have fallen so much now it doesnt really matter.

My real world experience is that two sets of 1gb pairs in dual channel mode work better than three unmatched sticks of one gb (your system should recognize the pairs and switch to dual mode automatically). You could, if on a budget, install a matched pair of 512 sticks in your empty slots to raise your memory to 3 gb. Make sure you install the pairs in matching colour slots on the motherboard so as to take advantage of dual mode. If it were me, i would still use 4gb.

It is the dual chanel matched pairs that is the key.

Also should you want to use Vista (cant imagine why at the the moment, but windows 7 might be another matter), anything less than 4gb will make you want to smash your compter with a hammer.

[webfact]

Oh dear, my OCD is really kicking in now. (and i appreciate the challenge in these turgid times!)

Windows XP service pack one (SP1) could use and read 4gb ram. When SP2 was introduced, one of the "fixes" was to limit the readable memory to 3gb. From what I can gather this was because some drivers were causing problems with the larger memory and getting "lost". I picked up the habit of using 4gb then and it stuck. Frankly its simpler to have 1gb matched sticks lying around than mixed sizes. The prices have fallen so much now it doesnt really matter.

My real world experience is that two sets of 1gb pairs in dual channel mode work better than three unmatched sticks of one gb (your system should recognize the pairs and switch to dual mode automatically). You could, if on a budget, install a matched pair of 512 sticks in your empty slots to raise your memory to 3 gb. Make sure you install the pairs in matching colour slots on the motherboard so as to take advantage of dual mode. If it were me, i would still use 4gb.

It is the dual chanel matched pairs that is the key.

Also should you want to use Vista (cant imagine why at the the moment, but windows 7 might be another matter), anything less than 4gb will make you want to smash your compter with a hammer.

Mate, thanks a lot for clarification and advise. I will go for the 2x 512k solution and of course wait for Windows 7... :-)

Cheers

[TheJoker]

Only use SP1 on XP Pro. SP2 is more than problems as usefull. SP1 together with a good antivirus program like ESET will be fine. You can also Run Vista on your system if you'd like.

Edited December 3, 2008 by TheJoker

[jeffer]

Don't know if upgrading the RAM from 2GB to 4GB is going to make a HUGE difference. I have a similar set up and noticed only a small difference myself but depends on the programs you run I suppose. RAM is cheap so if you want to upgrade then go with an extra 2GB even if XP can't see it all as I doubt buying 2x512MB is going to save you much money. If you decide to upgrade to Vista 64bit later you can make full use of it then.

A cheap upgrade to your graphics if you feel you need one would be one of the new budget ATI cards like the 4670, approximately 3000 baht however what you have is probably okay if you're not gaming. Need to check if ATI cards will run with that board.

Edited December 3, 2008 by jeffer

[webfact]

My real world experience is that two sets of 1gb pairs in dual channel mode work better than three unmatched sticks of one gb (your system should recognize the pairs and switch to dual mode automatically). You could, if on a budget, install a matched pair of 512 sticks in your empty slots to raise your memory to 3 gb. Make sure you install the pairs in matching colour slots on the motherboard so as to take advantage of dual mode. If it were me, i would still use 4gb.

It is the dual chanel matched pairs that is the key.

A very last question. Now 2 slots have modules of 1GB DDR2-533 on DIMM A1 and B1. I also can run DDR2-667. If I upgrade, to I need to upgrade 533, or can I mix with 667 on DIMM A2,B2 ?

Thanks

[jeffer]

You can add DDR2-667. It will run as 533.

[webfact]

Don't know if upgrading the RAM from 2GB to 4GB is going to make a HUGE difference. I have a similar set up and noticed only a small difference myself but depends on the programs you run I suppose. RAM is cheap so if you want to upgrade then go with an extra 2GB even if XP can't see it all as I doubt buying 2x512MB is going to save you much money. If you decide to upgrade to Vista 64bit later you can make full use of it then.

A cheap upgrade to your graphics if you feel you need one would be one of the new budget ATI cards like the 4670, approximately 3000 baht however what you have is probably okay if you're not gaming. Need to check if ATI cards will run with that board.

I just upgraded from 2 to 3 GB (my Xp version allows only3GB) and I can confirm it is a huge difference compared to 2GB! Changed all Ram from 533 to 667. But I am talking about graphic/design, the multitasking with Photoshop, Illustrator and other memory eating graphic programs, not gaming. I am truly stunned how my PC performs now with only 1 GB more RAM...

[Guest Reimar]

Don't know if upgrading the RAM from 2GB to 4GB is going to make a HUGE difference. I have a similar set up and noticed only a small difference myself but depends on the programs you run I suppose. RAM is cheap so if you want to upgrade then go with an extra 2GB even if XP can't see it all as I doubt buying 2x512MB is going to save you much money. If you decide to upgrade to Vista 64bit later you can make full use of it then.

A cheap upgrade to your graphics if you feel you need one would be one of the new budget ATI cards like the 4670, approximately 3000 baht however what you have is probably okay if you're not gaming. Need to check if ATI cards will run with that board.

I just upgraded from 2 to 3 GB (my Xp version allows only3GB) and I can confirm it is a huge difference compared to 2GB! Changed all Ram from 533 to 667. But I am talking about graphic/design, the multitasking with Photoshop, Illustrator and other memory eating graphic programs, not gaming. I am truly stunned how my PC performs now with only 1 GB more RAM...

You can use in XP up to GB of memory if you've SP2 or SP3 installed. It use PAE for to access the memory above 3 GB.

Cheers.

[webfact]

Don't know if upgrading the RAM from 2GB to 4GB is going to make a HUGE difference. I have a similar set up and noticed only a small difference myself but depends on the programs you run I suppose. RAM is cheap so if you want to upgrade then go with an extra 2GB even if XP can't see it all as I doubt buying 2x512MB is going to save you much money. If you decide to upgrade to Vista 64bit later you can make full use of it then.

A cheap upgrade to your graphics if you feel you need one would be one of the new budget ATI cards like the 4670, approximately 3000 baht however what you have is probably okay if you're not gaming. Need to check if ATI cards will run with that board.

I just upgraded from 2 to 3 GB (my Xp version allows only3GB) and I can confirm it is a huge difference compared to 2GB! Changed all Ram from 533 to 667. But I am talking about graphic/design, the multitasking with Photoshop, Illustrator and other memory eating graphic programs, not gaming. I am truly stunned how my PC performs now with only 1 GB more RAM...

You can use in XP up to GB of memory if you've SP2 or SP3 installed. It use PAE for to access the memory above 3 GB.

Cheers.

up to how many GB - 4... ?

[Guest Reimar]

up to how many GB - 4... ?

4024 MB (4024 x 1.048=4217.xx (depend on translation of the BIOS maybe 4024 X 1024=4120.xx0)) 4GB

[webfact]

up to how many GB - 4... ?

4024 MB (4024 x 1.048=4217.xx (depend on translation of the BIOS maybe 4024 X 1024=4120.xx0)) 4GB

Reimar, do I have to enable /PAE by hand in the boot.ini? If DEP is enabled Windows will do that automatically or not?

Cheers

[Guest Reimar]

up to how many GB - 4... ?

4024 MB (4024 x 1.048=4217.xx (depend on translation of the BIOS maybe 4024 X 1024=4120.xx0)) 4GB

Reimar, do I have to enable /PAE by hand in the boot.ini? If DEP is enabled Windows will do that automatically or not?

Cheers

Normally it automatically detect the correct size. After installing the memory, right click on My Computer ->Properties and under the generals Tab it should show you the size of the installed memory.

But keep in mind that the most 32 bit apps working with max 3 GB memory.

Cheers.

[webfact]

up to how many GB - 4... ?

4024 MB (4024 x 1.048=4217.xx (depend on translation of the BIOS maybe 4024 X 1024=4120.xx0)) 4GB

Reimar, do I have to enable /PAE by hand in the boot.ini? If DEP is enabled Windows will do that automatically or not?

Cheers

Normally it automatically detect the correct size. After installing the memory, right click on My Computer ->Properties and under the generals Tab it should show you the size of the installed memory.

But keep in mind that the most 32 bit apps working with max 3 GB memory.

Cheers.

That was the answer I was waiting for

most 32 bit apps working with max 3 GB memory

Thanks!!!