To buy new or upgrade...
 

Problem
My computer lags when I have multiple pdfs/words/browser (<10) open and when I'm switching between them. Also, the browser lags when I have multiple tabs with video loaded on each.

edit: It also won't be virus as I just did a fresh install on my computer, plus I always make sure I don't have unnecessary program running in the background.

Computer specs
ASUS LGA775 motherboard (http://support.asus.com/Specificatio...kwxUzJky3&s=22)
Windows 7 Pro 32bit
115/230V power adapter
2 GB DDR 2 ram
Overclockable Pentium D 2.8 Ghz
GeForce 6600

Parts that I have
Corsair liquid cooler for overclocking
GeForce 6800

Question
Should I keep what I have and add more to upgrade, or build/buy a new one instead? Money's most important, so I'm looking for the cheapest way to keep my computer going for another 5 years.

I don't do gaming/graphics or any high performance thing on my computer. I see myself using it for email, word, work, youtube videos, etc. for the next 5 years.

What would be your advice? Thanks!

if you don't game and money is a concern...just look for cheap duo core processors and RAM 2nd hand..although it maybe a little hard finding cheap DDR2 ram

if it was me i'd just save up a little bit more and just buy new...especially if you want it to last another 5 years right?

I'd say just upgrade.

A Q6600 system with 4gb of ram can be had for cheap. Heck, even an i7 based tower should be around 600~700 for a decent build (look it up on CL). Any of these two config would make a huge dif. comparing to your current system.

I don't really know if or how processor speed and lag is related, I just know I want to be able to open multiple pdf files and documents at the same time without lag.

I've always thought that ram was related to the number of programs you can run without having lag?

My brother's suggestion is to, overclock my Pent D with the Corsair cooler, get a larger power supply and slap on 2 more GB of ram. He said that would be sufficient for me for what I intend to do on my computer.

But what does he know, or I know, so I am looking for a few more opinion =)

Thanks

GET a SSD drive and set up your OS on it

Upgrade your processor and get some more ram. 2GB doesnt cut it these days if you want decent speed and an overclocked i7 is way more than enough to handle most day to day tasks.

CPU and memory is what you need for cheap. If you mobo can take it just upgrade to a Duo Core and get 4GB of Ram.. You can also check your task manager and see whats being used up the most.

Do a bit of maintenance using CCleaner. That should give you some performance back.