Build or Buy?

[mixi.mo]

I have an unused Compaq desktop about 6 years old
(I'm using a laptop) My kids are well into the Sims 2
and I'm a graphic designer. We'd like to upgrade the
old PC if possible to run the new software, but if not
can we put a new one together? - I've heard it can work
out much cheaper to build than buy fresh, and it'll be
such a waste to let the old one rust away...

Any suggestions greatly appreciated,

sincerely, Mich

 

[Chris Hill]

I have an unused Compaq desktop about 6 years old
(I'm using a laptop) My kids are well into the Sims 2
and I'm a graphic designer. We'd like to upgrade the
old PC if possible to run the new software, but if not
can we put a new one together? - I've heard it can work
out much cheaper to build than buy fresh, and it'll be
such a waste to let the old one rust away...

You can build a better expensive computer for less than you can buy
one, but as far as a good entry level system goes, forget it. Last
figuring I did I could save about $70 if nothing went wrong; if
anything did go wrong I'd probably be buying parts to test with. If
you have a Sam's or costco locally check their offerings; they give
you six months warranty, if there is any problem you can get your
money back if that is what you want. Your old computer likely has
nothing you'd want to use in a new one.

 

[John Doe]

I have an unused Compaq desktop about 6 years old
(I'm using a laptop) My kids are well into the Sims 2
and I'm a graphic designer. We'd like to upgrade the
old PC if possible to run the new software, but if not
can we put a new one together? - I've heard it can work
out much cheaper to build than buy fresh,

Maybe, if you use cheap components from unknown merchants. Good
components cost significant money even at discount online merchants.
And there are other factors, like convenience, risk, and warranty.

and it'll be such a waste to let the old one rust away...

Yes upgrade the old one, giving yourself and/or your kids some
experience at the same time.

If you want advice about that, I think you should provide the model
number and anything else you know about the components inside. Given
the model number, you might be able to find lots of information
about the old system on Compaq's web site.

Good luck.

 

[mixi.mo]

Thank-you both for your replies,

Gotta face it that I have a hankering to upgrade
tho I've been looking around for a bargain, I'm
just worried in case I blow the components up
in the process and trash my cash. I'll get the
old manuals out to this evening,

Best Wishes, Mich.

 

[John Weiss]

I have an unused Compaq desktop about 6 years old
(I'm using a laptop) My kids are well into the Sims 2
and I'm a graphic designer. We'd like to upgrade the
old PC if possible to run the new software, but if not
can we put a new one together? - I've heard it can work
out much cheaper to build than buy fresh, and it'll be
such a waste to let the old one rust away...

Any suggestions greatly appreciated,

Do you want a "project" for fun, or the best means to get a new computer? If
the former, rebuild; if the latter, an entry-level or mid-level home computer
will likely be less expensive if bought from Dell or similar.

I suggest you buy one, but keep the old one for tinkering. Upgrade/rebuild it
incrementally as you find cheap/second-hand parts. Use it to join a distributed
computing project such as Folding at Home (http://folding.stanford.edu) and put
it to work doing some good for science and medical research.

 

[Charlie Wilkes]

Do you want a "project" for fun, or the best means to get a new computer? If
the former, rebuild; if the latter, an entry-level or mid-level home computer
will likely be less expensive if bought from Dell or similar.

I suggest you buy one, but keep the old one for tinkering. Upgrade/rebuild it
incrementally as you find cheap/second-hand parts. Use it to join a distributed
computing project such as Folding at Home (http://folding.stanford.edu) and put
it to work doing some good for science and medical research.

Yeah, this is a good way to go. My experience has been that specific
parts to upgrade an old machine are available on-line at ridiculous
prices, but deals fall into your lap if you are patient and look
through dusty shelves at second-hand stores.

Aside from worthy causes, older systems are good for DOS/Win98, to
provide legacy support not available (natively at least) in XP/2000.

Meanwhile, what could possibly be more fun than building a new system
with your kids??? It's like a trip to Disneyland in your own living
room.

Charlie

 

[DaveW]

If the computer is 6 years old, there is not much to salvage from it that is
compatible with today's hardware.

 

[jaster]

I have an unused Compaq desktop about 6 years old (I'm using a laptop)
My kids are well into the Sims 2 and I'm a graphic designer. We'd like
to upgrade the old PC if possible to run the new software, but if not
can we put a new one together? - I've heard it can work out much cheaper
to build than buy fresh, and it'll be such a waste to let the old one
rust away...

Any suggestions greatly appreciated,

sincerely, Mich

I agree with DaveW.

There are some decent machines with software and warranty available for
$400-500 for Sims 2 and $800-1000 for graphic designers. If you don't
like it return it within 7-15 days of purchase but it should work day 1.

A 6yr old Compaq doesn't sound like a good candidate for upgrade, new
memory, new motherboard and cpu, new fans, new psu that may not fit the
case then a new case, new video, new larger hd. By the time you finish
its $400 and you don't have the software or system warranty!

 

[Jonny]

I have an unused Compaq desktop about 6 years old
(I'm using a laptop) My kids are well into the Sims 2
and I'm a graphic designer. We'd like to upgrade the
old PC if possible to run the new software, but if not
can we put a new one together? - I've heard it can work
out much cheaper to build than buy fresh, and it'll be
such a waste to let the old one rust away...

Any suggestions greatly appreciated,

sincerely, Mich

Compaqs are very, very poor in regard to using a base enclosure for an
upgraded board, power supply et al. You're much better off starting with
nothing.

Its very seldom less expensive to build, than to buy a premade PC. However,
some advantages are your own uses can be configured by choice of hardware.
Another is you won't have all the manufacturer's trash software loading down
your PC. You choose what to load with software that you buy.