[SOLVED] 13 year old computer, what to upgrade?

[L450i]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this question. I have a really old computer Dell Optiplex 755 or something, 2007 model that I am running Windows Vista. I understand that this is extremely old, but I have not had any issues with it at all. It still works perfectly fine and actually seems to load up faster than my work computer which is pretty much up to date with all the latest software/security releases of Microsoft. I am just interested in bringing it up to date with some of the current software. I did just purchase 2 new computers a few days ago, but I don't see any reason in getting rid of this one, so I'd like to refresh it and keep it as a back up, maybe even store excess files on it. I believe the RAM is 4 gb, and it has about 75 gb of hard drive storage total. I understand it's not a lot by today's standards, but I can add a hard drive for storage, but I don't want to bog it down with excess files if it won't be able to keep up. I was wondering if adding more RAM and then upgrading the OS is all that's needed to upgrade it, or is there more? I only use it to send emails and browse online. Thanks.

 

[darkdragon1142]

for the price of almost any upgrade to that old of a system it would be cheaper to buy a prebuilt workstation. i would say a better idea would be come up with a budget. and establish your priorities. if you just need a workstation you can spend 200-400$ and easily get a good computer for doing tasks. if your wanting to game its only a couple hundred more for a budget build.

 

[drea.drechsler]

Adding a little bit...that Dell Optiplex case and PSU would not make a good start for upgrading because Dell uses proprietary hardware. That means fitting ATX-standard motherboard probably won't work without doing serious case mods. The PSU probably isn't to latest ATX-V standards, so doesn't have the connectors for modern motherboards and GPU's. And is just too old anyway; capacitors and resistors age lowering effective power output capability that was already barely adequate for what it was.

That comes back to a modern pre-built probably is the best upgrade.

 

[geofelt]

The best upgrade you can make will be a ssd.
It will absolutely transform your performance.
Buy a samsung 860 evo of whatever capacity you need. 500gb is about $60.
Move your windows C drive to the ssd and replace the HDD.
Here is a link to the software and instructions:

Tool & Software Download | Samsung Semiconductor Global

Download various software related to your product, including Samsung Magician, designed for use with Samsung's memory products, and find related information.

www.samsung.com

See how you do.
I would not update the os unless there is a specific need.

4gb of ram may be all that your motherboard supports.
Go to crucial or kingston and access their ram upgrade app.
Enter the make/model of your pc and you will get a list of supported upgrades.

 

[L450i]

Ok, I see now. Well as I mentioned I did just purchase 2 new computers a few days ago both with 8gb RAM and 1 tb hard drive, but I see no reason to scrap the one I have, so I guess the addition of the SSD is the way to go...? That way I can have this as a back up in case of a crash and store excess files/archives. I likely won't be using it primarily, but I don't want to scrap it because it still works, nor do I like to keep things in my house that I don't use at least once a month or serve a functional purpose (oh the joys of being a frugal minimalist). You guys are very helpful on this forum. Thanks.

 

[Obiwancanabi]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this question. I have a really old computer Dell Optiplex 755 or something, 2007 model that I am running Windows Vista. I understand that this is extremely old, but I have not had any issues with it at all. It still works perfectly fine and actually seems to load up faster than my work computer which is pretty much up to date with all the latest software/security releases of Microsoft. I am just interested in bringing it up to date with some of the current software. I did just purchase 2 new computers a few days ago, but I don't see any reason in getting rid of this one, so I'd like to refresh it and keep it as a back up, maybe even store excess files on it. I believe the RAM is 4 gb, and it has about 75 gb of hard drive storage total. I understand it's not a lot by today's standards, but I can add a hard drive for storage, but I don't want to bog it down with excess files if it won't be able to keep up. I was wondering if adding more RAM and then upgrading the OS is all that's needed to upgrade it, or is there more? I only use it to send emails and browse online. Thanks.

best thing that might help is a little more ram just so it holds more memory when you are online browsing the web, the HDD storage might be good for backing up old photos or such but i wouldnt rely on it, the backups likely to fail before your newer drives 😛 which kind of makes it worthless. it will be good for a backup system should any of the newer stuff fail you know you have a fall back, i think we all keep more crap than we want when it comes to a PC but it cant hurt to have extra bits lying around you can salvage later. its not hoarding its useful 😀 im sure ill have use for my Phenom II some day

 

[mdd1963]

a 13 year old system is pretty much 'done for'...except for old games, it is likely relegated to slower surfing (albeit at compromised security what with an old/expired OS), along with Solitaire, and Notepad....

Nothing in there to 'upgrade'...; unless sentimental about the case, I'd just buy a new everything....

Buy new!

 

[xxscienceboyxx]

A 13 year old computer?
I think you'd be better off making a new computer. Because it might be hard to find components for a computer that old, and you might get more performance for the price if you make a new computer.

 

[SamirD]

Since no one really has an Optiplex 755 and can tell you anything from experience--I will as I have a 745, 755, as well as several Dells that are even older.

First, if it's running fine as is, you need to tell us what the specs are for the processor and memory (and memory slots) as well as if you are running vista 64-bit or 32-bit. Also if you have a gpu installed and what the form factor of the system case is. While these are not gaming machines by any stretch, they are pretty amazing at 'just doing the job' for regular tasks. And with the right upgrades, they can even fool users into thinking they are faster/newer machines than they are.

One of the biggest mistakes would be to upgrade the OS. This is usually what kills older systems since newer OSes are designed to work on newer hardware. Putting a newer and more demanding OS on older hardware basically just makes them run super slow. This is why I prefer to actually run the oldest OS supported on a system, because it will fly. This is generally not a good idea for Internet facing systems, but there are ways to avoid problems there too.

Post the system details I've asked for and I can give you very specific upgrades that will really breathe extended life into it.