Do I upgrade or buy a new computer?

Zkribbler · November 10, 2003, 01:39

Current:
Speed: 1.1 GHz;
RAM: 258
Harddrive: 80 GB.
Videocard: NVidia TNT2 (I believe)
Op. Sys: Windows ME

Urban Ranger · November 10, 2003, 02:45

You can use a better display card and a better OS

The rest is okay unless you are into doing something computationally intensive.

DaShi · November 10, 2003, 03:42

Get more RAM. You can never have enough RAM. RAM!

Nubclear · November 10, 2003, 04:52

All you really need is 512, no matter what everyone else is saying.
Windows XP is a great OS.
And get a video card

Flandrien · November 10, 2003, 07:46

What are you doing on that PC that makes you think you need a new one ?

Q Classic · November 10, 2003, 08:01

upgrade.

imho, you shouldn't buy a new computer unless your old case really sucks, or if the case doesn't match the motherboard form you might be replacing it with.

Skanky Burns · November 10, 2003, 08:03

As has been said, more RAM and a better graphics card.
Unless your motherboard is exceptionally crap, you won't be needing a new one for a while.

Check your power supply unit though, it may need to be upgraded if it is low wattage.

The case is cosmetic, and as such doesn't need to be upgraded. A new case makes it look like you have a great computer though.

Q Classic · November 10, 2003, 08:43

yeah. only change the case if:
the motherboard form factor does not match;
the case is poorly designed so that installing/removing anything is a major pain, as you keep scraping your knuckles or you have to remove most everything just to put a ram stick in;
if it has heat problems.

The Viceroy · November 10, 2003, 09:10

Don't think you really need more Ram, 256 is plenty.

The OS most certainly needs upgrading, and the video card .. but apart from that, Id stick with what you've got, unless your finding the set too slow ???

Cruddy · November 10, 2003, 09:44

To answer your question;- Upgrade will cost you less but is a lot more hassle than selling it and buying a new system.

Believe me - it took me over 6 months to iron all the wrinkles out of my system (starting with the PSU and upgrading everything bar the case and OS).

It works very well now - but if you need your computer on a daily basis, selling it and buying new is the easier option.

You get what you pay for.

Paul Hanson · November 10, 2003, 09:44

Get a new computer, and give me your old one.

Cruddy · November 10, 2003, 10:02

Come now Mr Hanson - I'm sure you don't want to be saddled with a CBM A500.

Richelieu · November 10, 2003, 10:33

More RAM, Win XP and a new video card? I'll second that.
I have basically the same setup (1Ghz) and changing from 256 to 384 did make a noticeable difference in speed. I'll go to 512 shortly and wait another year or 2 before buying a new PC.
By the way, what do you do with it?

SpencerH · November 10, 2003, 10:34

Upgrading can give you more 'bang for your buck' than buying a complete system. The downside is that you need to decide what you want and what you can afford and then do the research about what to buy. Because of the huge numbers of choices, that can be time consuming and confusing even if you've done it before.

A couple of points to consider.

You're using WinME. Although I'm not 100% sure for ME, I do know that win98se (virtually identical OS to ME) actually slowed down with anything over 96MB of RAM. So if you want to go to a minimum of 512MB you really need a new OS (so factor in that cost on top).

For a new MB (non-brand name) XP2800CPU w/fan and 512 MB RAM the minimum price is around $240. Throw in a Radeon 9600 pro $128. A better MB (say abit) and Kinston RAM would probably add about another $100 on top. Add shipping for $40.

So that works out to about $500 + WinXP Pro $100-150 (depending on how much risk you want to take). Of course, other builds could cost more or less.

The point is that you have to decide what you want to do with it. If you absolutely need a top of the line VC to play online shooters then plan your build around that..........

Mr. Harley · November 10, 2003, 10:47

Go to Sharkey's extreme to check the best midrange video card, and Pricewatch for some of the best prices. Typically Nvidia and Radeon based cards are best. As long as you aren't pushing the extreme edge, which frankly very few people do, you can pick up the previous hot video cards for under $100, and a good solid video card for close to half that. Right now a Pricewatch has a 64MB Nvidea FX 5200 for $59 (with shipping) or a Radeon 9000 pro 64MB for $52. While you are at Sharkey's, be sure to check out which game or game engines you'll be using. Usually the best card is a combination of the money you have, and the games you'll be playing. By the way, TigerDirect often has some really good purchases with rebates, you need to subscribe to their newsletter to keep up. Go to their site and check their videocards, and what their rebates of the month are.

Zkribbler · November 10, 2003, 11:09

Thanks all. A lot of good input there. I knew I needed at least more memory. And Window's ME is starting to disintegrate on me. I really hadn't thought of a new videocard, but that's an idea too.

For those who asked, I do mainly word processing but some gaming as well. I tend to stay away from the newer games, though, because I'm afraid my system won't handle them. There was an earthviewing system sold at Keyhole that I thought about getting, but I had to forget it when my computer didn't come up to the specs necessary.

Paul Hanson · November 10, 2003, 12:14

Quote:

Originally posted by Cruddy
Come now Mr Hanson - I'm sure you don't want to be saddled with a CBM A500.

Sorry, I was actually talking about Zkribbler's system. Hell, I've already got 3 Amigas; can't think of any reason why I'd want a fourth.