On 01/18/2017 04:08 PM, Doug wrote:
On 01/18/2017 03:04 PM, David Christensen wrote:
On 01/17/17 19:00, Martin McCormick wrote:
I have an old Dell Enspiron 2600 which still works but it only
has 256 MB of RAM. I am of the understanding that the 128-MB
memory card under the little door on the bottom can be replaced
with a 512 MB card and that pretty much does it. There is another
128 MB block under the keyboard but I think for what I was
planning to do with it, 640 MB is sufficient.
/snip/
When discussing Dell, it helps if you enter your Service Tag into the
Dell Support site and post the components URL. For example, here is
my Inspiron E1505:
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/04/product-support/servicetag/C86YXB1/configuration
Here is the Dell support page for your Inspiron 2600:
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/product-support/product/inspiron-2600/manuals
The Specifications chapter of the Owner's Manual indicates:
Microprocessor (Inspiron 2600) Mobile Intel Pentium III processor-M or
Mobile Intel Celeron® processor
System chip set (Inspiron 2600) Intel 830MG
Memory
Architecture (Inspiron 2600) PC133 SDRAM
Memory module connector one user-accessible SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities 128 and 256 MB
Memory type 3.3-V SODIMM
Standard memory 128 MB
Maximum memory 512 MB
The Service Manual indicates:
Memory Module
HINT: This procedure covers removing and replacing the memory module
located under the memory module/modem cover on the bottom of the
computer. A second memory module resides on the upper surface of the
system board under the EMI shield. To replace the memory module under
the EMI shield, perform the procedure for removing the EMI shield.
Then replace the memory module.
Therefore, if you want to max out the memory, Dells says you can
install two 256 MB PC133 SO-DIMM modules.
I've never seen Dell provide information for CPU upgrades.
Note that the following applies to a Dell E1505, as I said in a previous
post. I do not know how it fits with the computer under discussion
here. --doug
The CPU upgrade I installed was not something from the Dell website.
You can replace the CPU with a T7600, and upgrade the BIOS to the
latest, and you will then have a 64 bit
machine that will run any 64-bit Windows OS and any 64-bit Linux OS. I
have PCLinuxOS KDE 64-bit on it right now. I have seen some reference
to adding something to the BIOS
that would enable the entire 4 GiB ram, but I have not done that. With
4 GiB installed, you can use 3.2 GiB. You should be aware that the
WIFI chip is Broadcom, and it will run
without a problem in Windows and in Mint 17 Linux, but will give you
fits to get working in PCLOS, altho it can be done. You can also
change the small HD to a larger SSD.
Whether or not this is all economically worth while, or you should
throw the machine out and buy a new one is up to you.
--doug, WA2SAY
Parts People has useful information and various parts for Dell
computers:
https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=141&subid=50&refine=cpu+processor
You could upgrade to a 1.2 GHz P3 CPU and 512 MB RAM for under $50.
This only makes sense if the computer has an Ethernet port. For
desktop use, you will be looking for lightweight desktops and/or
distributions (Damn Small Linux). With a USB drive, it would make
for a slow file/ backup server (even slower with encryption). With a
PC card or USB NIC, it would make for a basic firewall/router (no VPN).
Upgrading old computers is a double-edged sword. If you stay within
specs, you will spend time and money to end up with something of
limited use. If you do the research, get lucky, and can get
over-spec parts working, you will spend more time and money, to end
up with something of less limited use. Only you can do the
cost-benefit analysis and make a decision for your case.
I watch CL and eBay, and see some amazing deals now and then.
David
--
Blessed are the peacemakers...for they shall be shot at from both
sides.--A.M,Greeley
