Is there a computer processor requirement in order to use DSL service and have it work properly?

Question

I have an IBM PC, it's processor speed is 500mhz- it's rather old
by today's standards...

Answer 1

Doesnt matter, your PC is still faster then your online activities will need, however, keep in mind, the more applications you have running at startup and in the background, the slower your net will be.

Answer 2

No! DSL is the protocol that gets the signal from the central office to the DSL modem. The moden (if external) terrminates the DSL signal before the [usually] ethernet signal goes into the computer.



However the amount of data that can enter the computer can be large but a 500 mhz clock speed indicates that you probably have at least a Pentium quality processor.



If you are having problems with a DSL line it could be any number of things including the type and quality of the copper facilities between you and the Central office, including your inside wiring.



Another factor could be the distance between you and the place where the copper terminates. Most companies try to get as close to the neighborhood as they can with fiber, then put the DSL on "the last mile" over copper.



In short, I'll bet your problem is with the DSL service and not the computer.

Answer 3

Most anything now needs at least a 1.5-2.0 gig processor, and a memory range of 512 to 1 gig, mainly because the requied amount of processing of info is so high and rapid, but if you have a decent amount of memory DSL is obtainable, it is not so much the processor speed but the network card and the other capablitys of the computer, video, sound??



And with the newer based computer being so reasonable or find a retailer or off lease supplier, who refurbishes older office used units, sometimes you can pick up a unit for $150-200 and get something with at least a 1 gig processor, most computer store do this, take a look in you local YellowPages and see if there are place that handle this, it will be less frustrating and it is a small investment, but a bit off your shoulders and peace of mind.

Answer 4

No, you should be fine. DSL will work exactly the same for a 500mhz PC as a brand new one. There are lots of things that can impact your performance on your machine, and sometimes people think that slowness loading a web page or something is their internet connection. But sometimes it's a memory problem or other problem. If all you want is to surf the net and do email, your machine should be fine. If you want to play some of the newer games over the internet, you may have a problem.

Answer 5

Yes there is requirements but its different with each ISP. You should be ok. DSL uses the extra bandwith in the phonelines that a regular phone wastes. Which shouldn't be to much for a 500mhz computer to handle. I assume you know all about Internet security right? If not then I recommand you do a search for it so you don't get slowed down with spyware/viruses etc.



You might have problems running stuff on the Interent. But that will not be your DSL that would be your computers speed.

Answer 6

The processor of your PC doesn't determine its compatability with your DSL Modem.



However, I do recommend an upgrade if your only running 500mhz. Half a gig isn't good for your PC running broadband. Don't try to do 2 things at once like view streaming video and downloading a song, your computer will suffer......

Answer 7

Computer processor speed goes hand in hand with Ram memory. You can have the best processor in the world and it will bog down if you dont have good Ram. My old computer (which worked real well with high speed) had 650 mgz processor and 512 megs of ram. My Laptop has 1500mgz processor and 768 megs of Ram and it works great with High speed. However if you are talking a Gamers machine, you should go with at least 3500mgz and 1.5 gig of ram.



500mgz will work ok as long as you have at least 512 megs of Ram. You can get more memory at Best Buy, Circuit City or my favorite Fry's electronics. Find out what type of memory stick you need and bump it as high as your computer will accomidate, probably no more than 3 256 meg sticks for a total ram of 768.

Answer 8

NO, not specifically.



Sometimes there is a "minimum" SYSTEM capability requirement, because of your ISP.



I can still get "online" using an old IBM mini-mainframe, but I have to use a DIAL-UP as it is NOT compatible with the available DSL service! My win 95 on a 400Mhz CPU system, CAN use the DSL however.

Answer 9

Check with your local phone company. I had an old 366 computer and had to have an ether net connection and more memory installed to be able to benefit from DSL. Total one-time cost other than DSL service, $150.

Answer 10

Not really, your computer will only take data so fast, but I digress, they wold preferr you have a faster computer to use the speed available, but just so you know, I have an old laptop, that runs at 150 that i use on a cable modem and it works fine!

Answer 11

I don't thing that you are going to have any conflicts with it but it will be slow! So, see if it would be reasonably economical to replace your processor and if your mother board would allow you to do so. Otherwise, depending upon what you want to do with your computer, you could buy a new PC for as low as $400.00, these days.

Answer 12

no processor requirement in order to use DSL service but notice that you need a network card (LAN) to use DSL and this card may have processor requirements unless u got one built in your computer mother board but u said it is old so i think u have to buy one and in its manual you will find its hardware requirements

Answer 13

Depends how you use the internet. If your planing on downloading stuff, you may want a higher processor speed.

Answer 14

depends on the requirements of the dsl provider. you could usually check for the requirements for their service at their site.

Answer 15

Your good. DSL is just slow. Also if you have windows 98 then good luck. Otherwise just get broadband and/or disable your firewall and see if that speeds it up.

Answer 16

yes, there is. however, it won't affect you. Almost all computers are equipped. What Operating System are you on? (Windows 95,98,2000,XP, Longhorn) If you're not on 2000 up, it will be hopelessly slow. Good Luck!

Answer 17

and they say size doesn't matter. bigger processor and more memory is always better. if you can afford it.

Answer 18

upgrade or get a new computer

Answer 19

yes, i think so