A few upgrades plus drivers? 2

[shejna]

On what parts of my computer should I update the drivers? Since I am somewhat computer challenged I will stay away from the Bios. Just cheaply tweak it and add a little here and there in upgrades. Plan to buy new one in a year or so.
Any help appreciated.
Win98se
Scepter Monitor
AMD Athlon 750 MHz
MoBo Epox EP-7KX133+ 7200RPM
VIA VT8371-686A Apollo KX133
256 MB PC100 SDRAM (although one stick is 133 SDRAM)
Video Adapter Maxi Gamer Phoenix 2
3D Accelerator nVidia Vanta
Multimedia: VIA AC'97 Audio Controller
Want to upgrade to a better video card--AGP or PCI? Not a gamer but like to do photos & graphics and just pretty darn inpatient! Also increase ram-have 4 slots 2 taken-should I use one stick of 256 or 2 of 128s.

 

[franklin97355]

If you are upgrading in a year add the ram if you can get it at a good price and upgrade the video drivers. save your money for the new sustem as it will probably need all different parts anyway.

 

[Accessdabbler]

You can add 1 or 2 sticks of SDRAM. Years ago you had to add memory in pairs. "Everything old is new again" is a good quote that works here. Rambus RAM (the newest type) has to be added in pairs!

Your next computer will likely require DDRDRAM (double data rate DRAM). So, it may be worthwhile to buy a stick of 128 DDRDRAM to use in your current system so that you can add it to your next system. Check with your vendor to make sure DDRDRAM will work in your current system first, though.

I'm not familiar with your video card. If your mobo has an AGP slot (about half the size of PCI and brown) you'd be best to upgrade the video to an AGP card.

More RAM and a better AGP video card will certainly improve your system.

However, you may want to consider upgrading the BIOS and motherboard chipset drivers. Sometimes you need to when adding new/additional components. Upgrading them usually improves performance as well since the newest updates usually has bug fixes and efficiency enhancements.

The key to upgrading BIOS is to make sure you have the EXACT BIOS you need for your motherboard. When flashing, you must boot to a boot disk in Command Prompt Safe Mode and run the program at a DOS prompt. If given the option to save the old BIOS, do so. Be warned however! Flashing the BIOS can destroy the motherboard! This is rare if you follow the instructions properly. Always read the README file that comes with the BIOS update utility.

 

[wolluf]

I'd just add that you'll not see much (any?) difference going from 256 to 512MB RAM with win98.

 

[ANFPS26]

Yes, you can have TOO much RAM with WIN98. Read this FAQ:
faq615-1638
Some people get away with it just fine, though. Older motherboards sometimes don't like the 256MB sticks, so if you add more, I'd recommend the 128MB sticks.
Go to the WIN98 forum and click on the FAQ tab at the top and go down to "#15. Speed up your Win9x/ME machine". There are some tips on tweaking your PC. Please come back and let us know if your
problem is fixed and what fixed it!!

 

[shejna]

Thanks for your responses.
Will try some of your suggestions in a few days and get back to you-working long hours this weekend.