Computer upgrade vs new buy

[beer2337fl]

Hi everyone, I could use some advice. I built my own computer with this forums help back at the end of '04 and now my parents are looking for a new system. Right now the have a dell and the keyboard, mouse, speakers and monitor are perfectly fine for them. So the other parts are as follows based on the system information: P3 1.8 Ghz, 60 GB hard drive(probably enough space), 256 MB ram, Lite On CD Rom, NEC CD-RW, Soundmax integrated, Intel R 82845 graphics controller. It is a Demnesion 2350.

So basically what are the upgrading options if any? And if a new buy is the only way, then what is a good non gaming setup for 400 or less?

Scott

 

[piasabird]

Why not just get a new dell assuming they liked the last one.

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/...aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DB110RF1&s=dhs

 

[Matthias99]

The best thing you could probably do for that system would be to add some RAM. Taking it to 512MB, or even 1GB, would make it much snappier when running multiple applications. Other upgrades are going to make little difference for basic desktop use (web-browsing, document creation, email, maybe some light photo editing, etc.)

 

[furballi]

Yup...wipe the OS and clean install WXP. Bump the memory up to 1GB since this is NOT a gaming rig. You can also upgrade to a 160GB PATA Seagate HD at CC ($40 AR).

 

[Nick5324]

According to this , that model has a Pentium 4, not a Pentium 3.

As others have said, 1GB of RAM. If money is a big factor, buy a 512MB stick to bring the total to 768MB. If not, buy 2 512MB sticks to give them 1GB of RAM, and sell the existing 256MB stick on FS/FT.

Also, as furballi said, a clean install of Windows might be in order.

 

[Bobthelost]

The RAM is the most important bit, at least 512mb better yet 768 or 1GB.

Use the recovery discs that shipped with the machine (or ask dell tech support nicely if you've lost them and they might send you another copy) and then clear out some of the extraneous crap it shipps with.

 

[Jiggz]

At least the ram upgrade to about 1GB and a 200GB PATA hdd. If the CPU is a P4 1.8 that is more than enough for daily use on the net. Of course a clean install of XP. You might want to look into a spyware cleaner also. Malwares can slow a system down in a heartbeat.