Upgrade or Build?

[MonorailCat]

Hello to all...this is my first post, so bear with me

I'm currently using an emachines T2245, with the specs listed at the bottom of my post. It was great when I bought it in 2003, but now it just doesn't measure up. I am debating whether I should upgrade it, or sell it and go with something else alltogether.

What I want it to do:
-run many different programs at once without hesitating
-multimedia: movies, photoshop, music, music recording/editing...possible video editing
-download tons of stuff
-will NOT be gaming

Additional hardware that would be nice
-wireless
-I would also like a drive that can burn dvds, but that is not immediately necessary

I am not looking for a machine that is the be-all-end-all of performance, just something that can accomodate at least my immediate needs.

I have all the other stuff...monitor/keybrd/mouse...
So, what can be done on a budget of lets say $400 give or take?

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emachines t2245
Product MPN
MPN T2245
Key Features
Form Factor Tower
Processor Intel Celeron 2.2 GHz
Installed Memory 256 MB (DDR SDRAM)
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Recommended Use Home Use
Processor
Processor Type Intel Celeron
Processor Speed 2.2 GHz
Processor Manufacturer Intel
Max Processors Qty. 1
Motherboard
Bus Speed 400 MHz
Video Output Interface AGP
Memory
RAM Technology DDR SDRAM
Installed RAM 256 MB
Installed Cache Memory 128 KB
Hard Drive
Hard Drive Capacity 40 GB
Hard Drive Interface EIDE
CD / DVD
Optical Drive Type DVD-ROM
Optical Drive Read Speed 16x (DVD)
Other Drives
Floppy Drive 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy
Audio / Video
Audio Output Type Sound Card
Max. Video Resolution 2046 x 1536
Modem
Modem Type Fax / Modem
Networking
Networking Type Network Adapter
Data Link Protocol Ethernet • Fast Ethernet
Dimensions
Width 7.25 in.
Depth 16 in.
Height 14.14 in.
Warranty
Warranty 1 Year
Miscellaneous
Product ID 20791696

[Masaki 7-11]

I'd suggest going with a new build, even if you upgrade everything possible on the emachines, it will not make a huge difference in performance, here is a build list for around $400 with the OS (I'm assuming you don't have a windows disc since most emachines just give you a disc for recovery which works only on emachines computers):

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model LH-20A1P-33
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106249
$24.99

COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119115
$39.99

Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136113
$59.99

GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128328
$69.99

Antec Basiq BP-350B ATX12V Version 2.01 350W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371013
$19.99

CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT667D2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098
$35.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ Brisbane 2.1GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO4000DDBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103774
$58.99

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056
$89.99

Subtotal: $399.92

[Cricket]

You really can't upgrade an eMachine much and should consider building a whole new computer instead. Besides being a store bought computer it's also pretty old (5 years) and really not worth upgrading. Most people replace their computers every 3 to 5 years with upgrades happening after the first year or so or when they need more memory, data storage or speed/power.

Most name brand computers aren't upgrade friendly because a certain amount of proprietary components in them. A home built computer is easier to work on and easier to upgrade (as long as you plan it out well).

$400 is kinda tight but workable. $600 would be a nicer amount to work with and get you a very solid performer for what you would use the computer for.

Cricket

[Computer Hobbyist]

Cricket is right. You really should build new. How are you going to be using the computer? Masaki 7-11's proposed machine is a pretty basic internet cruiser. If that is all you are doing it will make you very happy. With an extra $200 you can add a decent (but not kick-ass) video card and upgrade some of the key components.

You really need to upgrade the memory (both Ram and HD) if you wanted to keep it. After you have spent the money upgrading you won't have much. Unless you want to keep it to play around you should either give your current box to charity or throw it away. Pull the HD in either event.

In fairness I recently upgraded RAM in a couple of secretarial machines that are very similar to yours. They are working well in their limited jobs. I wouldn't use them for anything else.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Computer Hobbyist Cricket is right. You really should build new. How are you going to be using the computer? Masaki 7-11's proposed machine is a pretty basic internet cruiser. If that is all you are doing it will make you very happy. With an extra $200 you can add a decent (but not kick-ass) video card and upgrade some of the key components. You really need to upgrade the memory (both Ram and HD) if you wanted to keep it. After you have spent the money upgrading you won't have much. Unless you want to keep it to play around you should either give your current box to charity or throw it away. Pull the HD in either event. In fairness I recently upgraded RAM in a couple of secretarial machines that are very similar to yours. They are working well in their limited jobs. I wouldn't use them for anything else.

I highly doubt you'll need more than 2GB of ram even if you use the computer for many years, 1GB is quite adequate actually for windows XP. 250GB is a big improvement over 40GB in the current rig, but if you really need more, you can get double the capacity (500GB) for an extra $30. Since the computer will not be used for gaming, there is no point in getting a video card, the integrated HD2100 is a lot faster than Intel counterparts and will do pretty well in terms of performance (Not good enough for modern gaming, but great for videos, apps and Vista if upgrading to that).

[MonorailCat]

So I take it that I can't just drop a new mobo into the emachines case...I actually like the case itself for its dimensions and colors.

[Katreat]

Maybe.... maybe not. The problem with store bought computers is you are never completely sure what is standard and what is proprietary. I would think there is a good chance the case is a standard ATX or mATX but I would be wrong.

Kat

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by Katreat Maybe.... maybe not. The problem with store bought computers is you are never completely sure what is standard and what is proprietary. I would think there is a good chance the case is a standard ATX or mATX but I would be wrong. Kat

The case is most likely mATX since that is the most common type used, but either way, the problem with these cases is that you can't put in different standoff arrangements, so you'll be very limited on the types of motherboards it will accept. Cooler Master has some really good cases which have good airflow and are relatively easy to work with.

[MonorailCat]

Thanks for the replies...good stuff here.

Originally Posted by Masaki 7-11 here is a build list for around $400 with the OS (I'm assuming you don't have a windows disc since most emachines just give you a disc for recovery which works only on emachines computers):

I have an XP pro CD that came with my laptop, but it says for use with Dell only. The laptop is a Dell, but it had no OS installed when I bought it used online, and I used the disk to install XP on more than one occasion on that machine. Think it will work on my build?

[Khalil]

You can't use that Dell CD with a new machine. The build Masaki suggested is a good build and will serve you very well. If you don't want to fork out the money for a new windows license consider this http://ubuntu.com its a great OS that is super easy to install and use and it is 100% free.

[MonorailCat]

Thanks for the replies.

Referencing the build suggested above, would there be any point in going for a slightly faster processor of the same series?

i.e.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103210

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what do you think of this: (OS will be factored in last)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128328
GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
69.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103210
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Brisbane 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
102.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136113
Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
59.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098
CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail
35.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106249
LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X
24.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811121039
hec 6K28BS Black / Silver 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
31.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833315041
EDIMAX EW-7128G IEEE 802.11b/g PCI Wireless Card Up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA, AES - Retail
22.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103485
SPARKLE FSP300-60PN ATX 300W Power Supply 115/ 230 V UL 1950, CSA C22.2 Level 3, IEC 950, TUV 60950, NEMKO (CB Report) -
29.99

[Cricket]

You've got the wrong speed RAM listed, you need DDR2 800 or faster with AMD systems.

And get a SATA DVD burner. Make sure to get a retail version with the included burning software, like this one.

Cricket

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by MonorailCat Thanks for the replies. Referencing the build suggested above, would there be any point in going for a slightly faster processor of the same series? i.e. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103210 . . . . . . . what do you think of this: (OS will be factored in last) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128328 GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail 69.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103210 AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Brisbane 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail 102.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136113 Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM 59.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098 CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail 35.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106249 LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X 24.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811121039 hec 6K28BS Black / Silver 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail 31.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833315041 EDIMAX EW-7128G IEEE 802.11b/g PCI Wireless Card Up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA, AES - Retail 22.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103485 SPARKLE FSP300-60PN ATX 300W Power Supply 115/ 230 V UL 1950, CSA C22.2 Level 3, IEC 950, TUV 60950, NEMKO (CB Report) - 29.99

Any particular reason for getting the sparkle power supply? The Antec PSU I listed above is good quality, $10 cheaper and provides an additional 50W. If you are not going to be gaming or doing anything that requires a lot of CPU power (such as video editing or video encoding), the slower processor will work fine.

[MonorailCat]

Originally Posted by Masaki 7-11 Any particular reason for getting the sparkle power supply? The Antec PSU I listed above is good quality, $10 cheaper and provides an additional 50W. If you are not going to be gaming or doing anything that requires a lot of CPU power (such as video editing or video encoding), the slower processor will work fine.

I was going by customer reviews on the PSU, but I guess I'll end up going with the Antec because it's cheaper.

So the updated build will look like this:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128328
GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
69.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103210
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Brisbane 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
102.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136113
Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
59.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820208283
Transcend JETRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
35.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072
LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner with LightScribe - Retail
32.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811121039
hec 6K28BS Black / Silver 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
31.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833315041
EDIMAX EW-7128G IEEE 802.11b/g PCI Wireless Card Up to 54Mbps Data Rates 64/128-Bit WEP, 802.1x, WPA, AES - Retail
22.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371013
Antec Basiq BP-350B ATX12V Version 2.01 350W Power Supply 115/ 230 V UL, FCC, TUV, CB - OEM
19.99

Any compatability issues?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by MonorailCat I was going by customer reviews on the PSU, but I guess I'll end up going with the Antec because it's cheaper.

That particular Antec is actually made by FSP, the parent company of Sparkle Power (and Fortron Source). It's a good power supply.

Cricket

[mattaggie]

just courious, why do you want a wireless card on your desktop? Wired connections are faster and more stable. Also, if you are going to be handling a lot of media (movies, music, pics) I would spend a few more dollars and get a 500GB hard drive.

[MonorailCat]

The way the LAN cables are run in this house, there is a splitter that makes me share 1 LAN cable with at least 1 more comp. The internet it about 4 times faster on my laptop which has wireless, than on my PC.

[MonorailCat]

Anyone else want to confirm the build before I place the order?

[Cricket]

Looks good to me, but I don't build AMD computers anymore so I'm not sure about the motherboard and CPU. They look to be compatible.

Cricket

[Katreat]

I have never heard of jetway ram but the price looks attractive so might be worth chancing it.

kat

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Katreat I have never heard of jetway ram but the price looks attractive so might be worth chancing it. kat

Transcend RAM has been around awhile, the quality is similar to brands like PNY, A-DATA, Buffalo, etc...decent stuff, just don't overclock with it.

Cricket