To throw it up for debate.

System specs are:

HP Pavilion 8766C
Intel Pentium IIIE, 900 MHz (9 x 100)
256 MB (SDRAM)
NVIDIA Vanta/Vanta LT (Microsoft Corporation) (16 MB)

Partitions
C: (NTFS) 38161 MB (27057 MB free)

ok, ok don't laugh. Question is to upgrade or not to upgrade? I know I need more ram but wondering if its worth it to add more ram to the current system or if I should dump system and buy new. <smirking> Would build my own but not sure how to go about doing that. So any suggestions?

 

I was going to reply to your other post. But I'll just do that here. From what you have said it sounds as if you might want to upgrade to a new machine. Adding more memory will help. But the machine is still slow by today's standards. You'd definately see more a performance increase buying a new machine.
Now, as far as building one yourself. It can be quite enjoyable building one yourself. And really not that complicated. You just have to make sure to take the proper precautions. Also, you have to buy the operating system. Which, if it is Windows, isn't cheap! If you decide to go this route there are plenty of people who will help you decide what hardware to buy.

 

I would say upgrade. You did it right though...you skipped the whole P4 mess and Willamette and such and get to go right into Core 2 Duo. you are going to love what you can get at a great price. The difference will be AMAZING!

 

roflmao I guess when you don't know any different. Got a taste of a faster machine fixing my sister in laws and now can't seem to go back to this typewriter.

Dawn - what are the proper precautions? Would like to try but a little chicken. No guts no glory I guess.

Was also considering MAC purchase. Mom said if I wanted to get into graphics would be better but I saw a thread here (can't remember where) that said that was just a myth. Husband said he thought they were more user friendly and stable than pc. He's no computer person though so where he got that I don't know.

 

Checked out that site. Ok wow am living in the stone ages 2.8 GHz!?!? Been out of it for too long... Here's to joing the real world again.

 

Build it
Try this site
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/build-a-computer.htm
Its not hard and the people on this board will be glad to help you
Set a budget and stick to it
stay to name brand
CPU Intel or AMD
Motherboards Gigabyte - Intel - Asus
RAM - Kingston - Crucial

Regards
Docktor D

 

I agree with Walter34 and the others, build a new one! Just take your time to spec it out right so everything is compatible. You could also consider a 'mid' level machine. By mid level I mean something like this:

CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103023 $56
Motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131069 $56
PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153028 $80
RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220037 $95
OS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116056 $95
Not too sure about the OEM requirements, look into that further.

Use your old case and hard drive, and buy a PCI video card later on. Not a screaming fast computer, but it should blow the old one away. Note, I did this quickly, I think everything is compatible, do some research. A little under $400! Or just add a little RAM in the current system, and get one of those sweet Intell Conroe machines later on when you have the cash.

Building the first one is intimidating, but we can walk you through it.

E

 

Doc - going to check out that site. Thanks for the info. I am always welcome to learning something new.

Fred - Thanks for those. I will look into them. I am interested in building one but not sure if hubby will wait long enough for me to do it! I really appreciate everyones willingness to help out a newbie. Would be my first build, as you can probably tell...

Will keep everyone posted and will probably be asking lots of questions in the very near future

 

Fred - bty loved your rant the other day. Oh forgot to mention video card on current pc is going bad I think. Shadows on monitor and occasionally a beautiful pink tinting effect. I plugged in a different (old but still works) monitor with a different cable and same think happened. So went to buy video card for old pc at best buy (friend told me it would be about $25) Kid there said cheapest one they have is $100 and wanted to sell me one for $169. That's when I decided didn't need to spend that much on this machine and looked into building one. Thanks for getting me started!

 

Glad you liked the rant. Here is a card for around $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814145143

Upgrading is great, but at some point it is time to get a new 'puter!

E