DIY PC Upgrade Vs Getting IT Assistance?

Lrayallenfanau on 27/11/2024 - 12:11
Last edited 27/11/2024 - 13:24 by 1 other user

This is my current PC - HP Z240T ZH3.4 8GB/1TB PC Intel i7-6700, 1TB 7200 RPM SATA, DVD RW SM, 8GB DDR4, NVD Qdro P600, W10 Pro64 DG W7 64,

My use - General use. Nil gaming. Limited streaming.
Located Adelaide.

Only issues noted
- Slow loading of webpages.
- There is a lag when typing on Messenger.
- Very slow upload to Synology

Any particular upgrades I should consider to improve the above?

Would these be straight forward for a novice or save the hassle and get my local MSY to perform it?

• 

  oscargamer on 27/11/2024 - 12:14

  +7

  Swap out HDD for SSD and another 8gb of ram

  • 

    geekcohen on 27/11/2024 - 12:23

    +3

    and when you do the Hard Drive changeover, do a Fresh Windows Install.

    • 

      Twix on 27/11/2024 - 13:27

      +2

      and change to Windows 11.

• 

  kekw on 27/11/2024 - 12:24

  I did say just get this https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/879240

  • 

    bazingaa on 27/11/2024 - 12:45

    why ? OP's PC is much better https://www.cpubenchmark.net/compare/5157vs2598/Intel-N100-v…

• 

  geekcohen on 27/11/2024 - 12:27

  Here is a deal on Extra RAM

• 

  bazingaa on 27/11/2024 - 12:42

  Very slow upload to Synology

  are using wired or wireless connection ?

  • 

    rayallenfanau on 27/11/2024 - 12:42

    wireless.

    • 

      bazingaa on 27/11/2024 - 12:46

      +2

      what is the speed showing in the window when transferring?

      too many variables the, what is the router, what is the standard in PC, how far etc
      can you try with the wired connection for a benchmark?

• 

  futureminime on 27/11/2024 - 12:59

  +2

  Best thing is to troubleshoot through first and see if you need to change anything, or just rework what you have / fix wifi

  First check is to see if it's a network issue - try to move it closer to the router, run an ethernet cable if you can (moving right next to it for 10 minutes would do it). See if you're still getting the slow response times

  Are you running it as a server/ 100% uptime?
  Has it always been slow, or you've noticed it more recently?

  Asking above to see if temperature could be an issue, not likely with you in Adelaide but make sure there is enough ventilation and check your board temperatures when it's running.

  Agree with above that 8gb ram + SSD will probably show most improvements. To be honest, you shouldn't be seeing lag in messenger unless your capping your Ram/or throttling.

  You can check your ram utilisation in task manager to see if it's full. Lots of tabs open can be quite demanding depending on browser.

• 

  Boioioioi on 27/11/2024 - 16:04

  Your PC is not that bad, you probably have issues so getting help would be good. But yeah adding an SSD and having windows installed on that will speed things up hugely.

• 

  entropysbane on 27/11/2024 - 16:19

  -2

  I’d just get a laptop.

  But…if a noob like me can build a PC, anyone who knows how to wield a screwdriver should be Ok.

• 

  GordonD on 27/11/2024 - 16:58

  The problem is the wireless connection. That is what would produce those symptoms.

  Sure, its worth spending a few bucks on other things, like an SSD and a bit more RAM, and definitely update Windows, but its the wireless that's causing the problem.

• 

  woodwa on 28/11/2024 - 11:35

  I've just picked up a z240 off ebay without CPU for $30! (and then purchased a xeon CPU for +$30 on Ali for a that is identical to the i7-7700) (+my gtx1650 and ssd from my old system)

  All I can say is what a great system!!! These were HP's top of the range workstations… so quiet and great front panel access.

  The i7-6700 is close to the top CPU this will support(i7700k/xeon e3-1280v6) so I'd save the cash and use on parts that will go in the next build. AKA SSD and GPU.

  also be sure that you have dual channel ram. i picked up 2x4GB sticks of ram from CEX for $5.

  So I'd find out what the ram config is and get it up to 16GB (be it buying 1x8GB or 2x4GB) but being sure that you have dual channel. on one(2x8GB) or both pairs(2x4gb=2x4GB) of slots(Black pair and the white pair).

  FYI if you are looking at GPU's (if you did game..)the power connectors that HP supply are not you run of the mill ones.. my 1650 doesn't use external power so that's okay.

  another Edit: these systems only take ddr4 up to 2133mhz.. so you can save some cash used ram like i did..

  • 

    rayallenfanau on 03/12/2024 - 13:24

    cheers for the honest and personal suggestions.