Reply #5: I read that as PC2100, [View All]

[necso]

not PC100.

It's not really worth it to invest much in that technology. (But I run fine with a Celeron 800 and 512MB -- although there are things that I avoid.)

Carefully root out any unnecessary startup programs -- and almost all of them are.

Shop around for a inexpensive MBD and CPU online, then see if you can't get memory from the chain stores on some rebate deal (be very careful about terms). I've had good luck with Kingston and PNY and this would make for separate manufacturer rebates. Plus, some chain stores sell return memory at a significant discount. My last 256MB PC133 cost me like $20 (some time ago though).

There really isn't time to research this (one left), but

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=E-3000-K5&cat=MBB

The AGP could be a problem if you have an older card -- and I would buy a better PS. (Geeks has a bunch now. Also some inexpensive optical mice -- these make great gifts for folks who don't have. But buy quickly if you decide to -- putting in the cart doesn't reserve.)