Posted: 7/8/2008 11:21:18 AM EDT
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Ok I couldnt find a computer section so I am posting this in GD. I have a computer that was built by a small computer company (no longer exists) in my home town. Its a few years old and this is what it has. 950MHz AMD Athlon MP board, 496 MB Ram and 30 gig hard drive. My dilema. Wife does most of her work from brand new MAC laptop. Dont ask me what it is I am not a MAC person. I work alot on my Laptop Compaq POS soon to be upgraded to a DELL. The Main computer is ok but my hard drive is almost full even after cleaning it out. The CD writer is shot so it needs replacing. Probably need more RAM. I am wondering if I upped the RAM, installed a DVD burner and larger HD myself would it be better than getting a new computer? I am not sure if 950MHZ mother board is good these days. I am not a gamer and use the computer for surfing the net, spreadsheets and other basic office crap. What is the consensus. Thanks in advance for your input. |
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It depends. Do you notice the computer being too slow for your needs? If so, then its probably time to buy a new one. If the only problem you're having is a broken DVD burner and small hard drive space, I'd keep it. You can replace the burner and get a second hard drive cheaper than you can a new machine. |
+1 It all depends on what you're using it for now, or what you would like to do in the future. |
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I just bought a new PC for my father, who has very limited PC needs. Even though I'm a long-time computer geek, I was still amazed at what you can get for very little money. For $379, I got him a Compaq with an AMD 5000+ dual-core, 2 GB RAM, 500 GB SATA hard drive, DVD burner, integrated graphics, and Vista Home Premium (no monitor). Not what you'd want for a gaming machine, mostly because of the limited 3D video performance, but for general office work, it screams. He already had a decent 19" flat panel monitor that he is happy with. Your computer has to be at least 6 years old. That's too old to do anything with. None of the old parts are compatible with anything current except the monitor. And it wouldn't be price effective to upgrade such an old machine. It'd be like trying to install airbags and computer-controled suspension on a Model T. I *only* use my own hand-built PCs, but I'm a geek. Unless you're a geek or a gamer, or have some other specific need, pre-built computers have gotten good enough, and cheap enough, that it doesn't make much sense to build your own anymore. Hell, my case and power supply cost almost as much as that Compaq. To summarize: buy a new one. -Troy |
What he said. Six years old mobo probably doesn't even have PCI-E support (you're probably stuck with AGP) and you're not likely to have USB 2.0 either. If true, this is a serious restriction on your ability to use common peripherials (e.g. external hard drives) and simple upgrades (e.g. new video card so you can play games). Buy a new one (or build it). |
DVD burner - $30 (2) 512 MB sticks of RAM $30-40 (probably PC133) 80 GB HD - $50 You're looking at a shade over $100 from parts bought at newegg. The question you have to ask yourself - is it worth upgrading? Do you expect it to last a few more years or are the odds that the motherboard or CPU going out good enough that it might be worth your time and money to just spend the $300-400 on a Dell system. |
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It really depends on your budget. If you're just using MS Office you don't need a speed queen and could possibly get a lot more life out of your computer by taking the steps you mention. However, you could also get a two or three year old computer from your local Craigslist.com for less than $300. |
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Thanks for all your input it has opened up many conversations with my wife about our computer needs and budget. I am NOT a gamer so I don't need a super fast system. And money is tight.
I tried that with the POS laptop I am on. I have already had to buy a new wireless card and upgrade the memory and now I am having problems with the OS. So I am already into more money in fixes than I paid for it. I am not a computer builder but I have upgraded (plug and play items) on older computers. So I think memory and a new HD are easier and cheaper than a new system. |
| stay away from Dell and AOL services. Toshiba laptops from office depot, circuit city etc, allways on sale and perform very well (I have 6 now for my biz.) you can get them 5-600 bucks equipped relatively well. Last I knew Dell was being sued for not honoring warranty work. good luck. Oh the AOL thing is because once you run that on your PC, it takes it over and from then on your stuck with them. AOL takes over everything including security |
There's nothing wrong with Dell, good Lord.  We have thousands of them and rarely have a hardware issue. I've owned Dell's personally for years.
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I see three complaints 1) Full hard drive. This can be 'fixed' by adding a second HD. Say 100 bucks. 2) CD Burner died. You can replace this w/ a CD/DVD burner for 30-40 bucks. 3) Memory. Memory for an older board can be fairly cheep, but w/o details I can't guestimate a price with any accuracy. If the PC is otherwise meeting your needs, why spend more? If on the other hand you're noticing it just doesn't have the horse-power to do what you like, go for the upgrade. You did ask about the 950 MoBo. Are there better? These days, much, but if most of your applications are office stuff a 950mhz isn't the end of the world. |
I see three complaints 1) Full hard drive. This can be 'fixed' by adding a second HD. Say 100 bucks. 2) CD Burner died. You can replace this w/ a CD/DVD burner for 30-40 bucks. 3) Memory. Memory for an older board can be fairly cheep, but w/o details I can't guestimate a price with any accuracy. If the PC is otherwise meeting your needs, why spend more? If on the other hand you're noticing it just doesn't have the horse-power to do what you like, go for the upgrade. You did ask about the 950 MoBo. Are there better? These days, much, but if most of your applications are office stuff a 950mhz isn't the end of the world. You're talking over $200 - total waste of money on such an old system. Memory for the old computers isn't cheap, because it's a niche item now. That money would be WAY better served toward a new system |