Thinking of upgrading my pc

[davids2004]

I am not a real gamer or anything, but just want a pc that is going to allow me to do more than what I can do now.

Here is the PC I have now

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c00211096

I was thinking of just using the same processor and upgrading to a new motherboard and here is the one I am looking at getting. Of course install the 4 gigs of ram as well.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/...t.php?S_ID=283

or if you would like to suggest another alternative. I want to still be able to use the same case I have now as well.

Also when I do this would I need to install fresh copy of xp, and would I be able to do this without a copy of an xp cd? I was thinking of just doing a system restore if possible.

Thanks.

[glc]

Bad news - name brand machines are not very upgradeable at all, and you won't be able to reuse the case with a generic motherboard. I would plan on buying a new PC, or better yet, building one from scratch.

[davids2004]

Originally Posted by glc Bad news - name brand machines are not very upgradeable at all, and you won't be able to reuse the case with a generic motherboard. I would plan on buying a new PC, or better yet, building one from scratch.

If the motherboard is the same type of motherboard as mine, why would you not be able to use the case? The size and setup of the mobo is the same, so what would cause a problem?

[Khalil]

A new motherboard won't help you, It will still be the same slow Obsolete processor. glc is giving you great advice, don't waste your money on this HP.

[davids2004]

I really do not want to build one and here is one I was looking into

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218068107386

[vtfanmv5]

Why wouldn't you consider building one, just out of curiosity? You can customize it more for your needs and it also comes out cheaper.

[davids2004]

Originally Posted by vtfanmv5 Why wouldn't you consider building one, just out of curiosity? You can customize it more for your needs and it also comes out cheaper.

Really do not have the time to do it right now. Just prefer to make it simplier and just buy one already built.

Also do not want to have to purchase the os cd so I can install.

[mjkovis]

Originally Posted by davids2004 Really do not have the time to do it right now. Just prefer to make it simplier and just buy one already built. Also do not want to have to purchase the os cd so I can install.

Even though you do not have the time to build, why not purchase a 'custom built PC' from someone else instead of purchasing a name brand PC from your local electronics store. Once you purchase an HP, Dell, Gateway, etc from the store you basically lose almost 100% of being able to upgrade for future use. Then in a few years you are back at this same point spending $600+ on a new machine. But, instead you could have something built that you may get 3,4,5+ years out of and be able to upgrade here and there to give your PC a longer life span.

Ultimately this is YOUR decision, but I am offering you my sound opinion and advice. Once you purchase a machine from a major manufacturer you are basically stuck with it or WYSIWYG. You may be able to add some extra RAM or replace the video card, then that PC is done. To be truthful, it is NOT that time consuming to build yourself and you may find it to be fun if you take the time to do it. I would highly suggest looking into other options if you can.

[davids2004]

What about this one?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...reg_R1002_USEN

[davids2004]

Originally Posted by mjkovis Even though you do not have the time to build, why not purchase a 'custom built PC' from someone else instead of purchasing a name brand PC from your local electronics store. Once you purchase an HP, Dell, Gateway, etc from the store you basically lose almost 100% of being able to upgrade for future use. Then in a few years you are back at this same point spending $600+ on a new machine. But, instead you could have something built that you may get 3,4,5+ years out of and be able to upgrade here and there to give your PC a longer life span. Ultimately this is YOUR decision, but I am offering you my sound opinion and advice. Once you purchase a machine from a major manufacturer you are basically stuck with it or WYSIWYG. You may be able to add some extra RAM or replace the video card, then that PC is done. To be truthful, it is NOT that time consuming to build yourself and you may find it to be fun if you take the time to do it. I would highly suggest looking into other options if you can.

I appreicate your response and do understand. I have built a couple of computers before so I do know what it takes. The reason I do not care to build one is due to the fact that all I really use it for is surfing the web and doing school work. I do not play games or anything with my pc. The only games I play are like yahoo type games.

So upgrading is not really a big deal, but this pc is old.

[Khalil]

What about this one? What are you asking?

[davids2004]

Originally Posted by Khalil What about this one? What are you asking?

Would it be an upgrade from the one that I have?

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by davids2004 I appreicate your response and do understand. I have built a couple of computers before so I do know what it takes. The reason I do not care to build one is due to the fact that all I really use it for is surfing the web and doing school work. I do not play games or anything with my pc. The only games I play are like yahoo type games. So upgrading is not really a big deal, but this pc is old.

Then you really don't need a quad core computer. a nice dual core machine for around $500 should do it for you.
If you don't want a custom that you can get US support and excellent warranty you can buy a ready made from newegg.com like this one and get limited support and virtually no warranty http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883107901

[Spools]

If you insist on buying prebuilt from a big box store and based on your usage, I'd tell you to buy this Compaq. The quad core you were looking at is overkill based on what you've told us.

Again, dollar for dollar you'd be better off building your own.

[Khalil]

Originally Posted by Spools If you insist on buying prebuilt from a big box store and based on your usage, I'd tell you to buy this Compaq. The quad core you were looking at is overkill based on what you've told us. Again, dollar for dollar you'd be better off building your own.

I agree, that is a cheap price, you won't get much in the way of support, you get what you pay for but it should work for basic computer use.

[glc]

I have built a couple of computers before so I do know what it takes. The reason I do not care to build one is due to the fact that all I really use it for is surfing the web and doing school work.

You are almost contradicting yourself here. What you use it for is not a valid reason for not building. Valid reasons are:

1. Not able
2. Too lazy
3. Want a comprehensive warranty

Whatever - if you must buy a prebuilt, get one out of the Dell online refurb outlet. Those are going to be the cheapest you will find that have a prayer of being reliable for a while. Buy a configuration that will satisfy you, because you won't be able to upgrade THAT one later either.