[GingisK]

Junk it. Go buy a new computer. Check out the prices at:

http://www.pricewatch.com/

[Illbay]

If it TRULY uses the PC66 SDRAM standard, then you can just put PC100 or PC133 in it, and should have no problems. I have heard that there are some old motherboard chipsets that aren't truly "standard" and can't handle the newer RAM, but I've never actually seen that to be the case. Usually they are forward compatible.

RAM's so cheap now, I wouldn't hesistate to go buy a bunch and try it out (I recently bought 512 MB--that's right: A HALF-GIG--for about $70!).

The other problem you'll have to deal with is that it may have a disappointingly low limit on the amount of RAM it can handle--I've seen some machines that can only handle something like 352MB or even 256.

Finally, the BIOS is probably pretty old, and proprietary, and not susceptible to upgrading. The newer OSes, like Windows 2000 and XP, won't like that, as there are some things like ASPI compliance that they insist upon.

Good luck, and FReepmail me if you have any other questions.

[balrog666]

I have to agree with them other fellas...

Yeah, you can put a brand new carburator on the straight-6 in that '62 Ford pickup truck. Yall might notice a difference but no one else will.

[TomServo]

I wouldn't junk it. It's still pretty useful.

As a doorstop. ;-)

[mad_as_he$$]

Packard Bell isn't around anymore for good reason. junk it Dell has new stuff for incredilbe prices. If go ahead be prepared for a struggle.imo BTW I used to upgrade stuff along the way and have a great deal of tuition in on that process. I don't bother anymore...

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Assuming you only want the PC for basic use, memory and hard drives are fairly simple to upgrade. BE SURE to get the correct memory - there are several websites that can help you. Hard drives are pretty cheap these days and a snap to install. Note you can "daisy chain" hard drives if you have an available drive bay. This will let you KEEP the existing drive (and data).

Since you bought the PC used it may NOT have the original motherboard so the model number on the outside of the system may not be what you have "under the hood". This could change the type of memory you really need. You may want to take a look inside to see if you can get model/serial numbers off the actual motherboard.

Finally, Best Buy has stores all over the country and used to sell Packard Bells. They often have FREE INSTALLATION sales and always offer installations at a modest price. I suggest you let a pro handle the upgrade if you are "screwdriver challenged".

Good luck!

[alloysteel]

Use it for a paperweight, and get an old manual Remington Royal typewriter. It has greater memory and is way more reliable.

[Havisham]

That sort of memory is too expensive to upgrade. I got a Micron Celeron with everything except the cd burner for under $600 at Costco last Spring. You really don't have to pay more.

[Lazamataz]

Try a new woofer, it will improve the flow greatly. Also, make sure to replace the timing belt or you might lose some resolution at more than 200 yards.

[HamiltonJay]

JUNK IT and go bulid your own system, you can put together a system that is current generation of CPU etc for well under $500 (2-300 if you know what you are doing) Fighting to make that packard bell run well enough for you is not going to be worth your effort.

[Britton J Wingfield]

I have an old Packard Bell

I'm sorry to hear that :(

[PaulKersey]

Problem with upgrading what you have is the motherboard is way out of date. Any money spent supporting it is wasted. Best to hang in there and start over with a fresh one.

[rdb3]

Sounds like you need SIMM modules.

But I can't suggest where to buy any new ones. Maybe the 'Net can help.

[d3nny h4st3rt]

Build your own, it may seem intimidating, but its not. Its cheaper than any other option.
www.axiontech.com

[RightWhale]

Get a new motherboard, a new hard drive, and memory chips and cpu. The video and sound cards might not be plug compatible so check that, too. Be sure the parts come with mounting hardware. It shouldn't be expensive mailorder, and it's a lot easier than trying to find parts for an old design. The cpu will be the most expensive part, so don't look at the latest, hottest. A slower one -233- will be just fine.

[Squantos]

buildPC.net

Stay Safe !!

[lawdude]

You just devoted more time to it than it is worth. Gove it away, or better yet, junk it!

[haggissolo]

Here's the best place to buy RAM. It shows your model, and some of the lowest prices out there.
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?model=Pulsar+20&x=6&y=17

[I Believe It's Not Butter]

From one who knows,
Packard-Bells were notorious for two problems, one was poor quality HD, and the other was modem combined with a soundcard. HD’s were made in Korea by Samsung, their life-span was exactly 2 years after which they died with all your staff on them. Upgrading modems used to be geeks weekend activity until 3 years ago when all stopped at 56k. The PB modem –sound card thingy made it impossibile to upgrade the modem without tossing the whole thingy out of the machine, translated to countless hours wasted+a new modem + new sound card = big $$+aggravation. Other than that Packard-Bells were not so bad. You use PC66 RAM; I’m guessing your processor speed is between 200-300 MHz. It is a neat little machine worth a minimal upgrade. You can check the amount of RAM you have by right-clicking on My Computer and left-clicking on Properties. If your RAM is 32 get another 64MB of PC100, and you should be all set with 96MB. HD may cost you significantly more, first look inside who made it. If it’s not a Samsung or other Korean brand, then leave it in. Spend minimum on it.
You’ll have to forgive the FReepers who tell you to go get new machine they don’t realize the price differences between US and Ireland. Regards.

[I Believe It's Not Butter]

....all your staff and stuff on them.