Any Computer Geniuses out there? I've got a question for the pros

Since my parents bought another computer for their work, I've made myself the self appointed master of this little PC. It's a Dell OptiPlex GX110.

Now, I've made some upgrades to it in the past year... I took it from 64 MB RAM to 194 MB. It was a 10 GBHD with windows 2000, now its 80 GBHD Win XP. And I substituted the CD ROM for CD RW.

Now, I have been thinking of more upgrades... more RAM, or perhaps an external DVD RW. The detail is this.

Despite all the upgrades it keeps being a 700 Mhz Intel Pentium III processor and there are many programs out there that are starting to require a minimum of 500 Mhz. My question is this: Is it possible to upgrade the processor, and how? Would I have to change the motherboard, would I have to upgrade the fan system? Or is it impossible to do such an upgrade? Because if so, then I shouldn't be making so many upgrades, as it will end up obsolete in a year or so.

Any answers?

Generally, if you upgrade the processor, then you have to upgrade the motherboard, unless you're upgrading to a processor within the same line (PIII, P4) and you have a motherboard that supports it. Since faster processors run hotter, you would also (likely) need to upgrade the cooling as well, which would mean a new heatsink and fans.

So, in a nutshell, it's not worth it.

You'd be better off buying a new case, motherboard and processor, then scavenging all of the drives (hard drive, CD, etc...) and putting together a new PC.

It's a tough call...occasionally, the RAM and power supply would be compatible, but not always. So it helps to know what you're doing if you go that route.

Dell often has deals where they offer a basic computer for $500-$600. Check FatWallet:

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/categories.php?catid=18

Do a search for "Dell" in their "hot deals" forum.

If it were me - and I needed a basic consumer PC without the work of putting it together, I would go that route. Otherwise, I'd buy the parts and do it myself. But the latter can get complicated when it comes to compatibility issues.

For example:

Got a new Dell Dimension 2400 P 2.4 Ghz, upgraded the RAM to 512 MB, 80 GB HD, 48X CD-RW, on-board graphics card (32 MB?), keyboard, optical USB mouse, etc. for about $459 after rebate and taxes--free shipping included. For my parents. I was going to built them one, but this will be perfect for them. Expired last night (1/28). Dell seems to repeat these deals often, though. And it only gets better and better for the consumer. Never feel rushed!

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Scott's right, it's not usually worth it. You could see if anybody has an upgrade program that would take the old PC in exchange for money off a new one.