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Should I replace my computer?

S

silicon

Senior member
My current computer is about 5 years old. Should i make plans to replace it based solely on its age or just replace it stay current with the latest hardware? I did buy a new case in preparation for this and another video card.
 
silicon said:
My current computer is about 5 years old. Should i make plans to replace it based solely on its age or just replace it stay current with the latest hardware? I did buy a new case in preparation for this and another video card.
Click to expand...

Well, even without knowing what's in the case, the simplest questions are:

1: What do you do with your computer?
2: Other than the itch, is there anything that you're trying to do that your computer can no longer keep up with?

If the answer to the second question is 'No', then you don't need to upgrade your computer.

That said, if you just want to, folks here will be happy to enable you 😉
 
silicon said:
My current computer is about 5 years old. Should i make plans to replace it based solely on its age or just replace it stay current with the latest hardware? I did buy a new case in preparation for this and another video card.
Click to expand...

If you've already started buying parts I guess the answer is yes?

Some people just replace older equipment. Phones, microwaves, cars, whatever. Could still be perfectly functional items, but, to them, it's one day away from failure. If you've got that kind of mindset a 5 year old computer is a dinosaur.
 
TheStu said:
Well, even without knowing what's in the case, the simplest questions are:

1: What do you do with your computer?
2: Other than the itch, is there anything that you're trying to do that your computer can no longer keep up with?

If the answer to the second question is 'No', then you don't need to upgrade your computer.

That said, if you just want to, folks here will be happy to enable you 😉
Click to expand...
============================

=1! My everyday machine is now in Stu's 2nd point area. Running XP Pro/SP3, but too old to upgrade the OS. The replacement is being planned. If "itch" (a.k.a. technolust) is the affliction, don't wait - replace. 🙂
 
Current specs and usage would help.

I still rock an ATI HD4870 because I simply have not played a came that didn't look nice enough (for me) or that was too slow. I don't generally go after latest/greatest, so this card has been in my PC for QUITE some time.

I recently upgraded as I needed better parts in my 'server,' so I figured to take my current desktop stuff and move it to the server, and go the Intel i5 route. I won't say I needed it, but I like it.

As for you, a five year old machine? If you're gaming, replacing it now would likely produce a big improvement even if you spent a mere $500-$600. If you're just browsing the web, I'd leave it alone.
 
TheStu said:
Well, even without knowing what's in the case, the simplest questions are:

1: What do you do with your computer?
2: Other than the itch, is there anything that you're trying to do that your computer can no longer keep up with?

If the answer to the second question is 'No', then you don't need to upgrade your computer.

That said, if you just want to, folks here will be happy to enable you 😉
Click to expand...

well i do have the itch to build a new computer and so I will go ahead with those plans and rely on some help from the members here for the build.
 
If its Core 2 definitely - what is the new GPU? If its Sandy I'd wait a touch until Broadwell seeing as its fairly close.
 
Blain said:
Save your $$, your rig is just fine the way it is.
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I think OP should do a cost-benefit analysis.

What is the old rig's specs?
What task(s) do you do that could benefit from a newer PC?
Is there a business or entertainment use-case for the upgrade (gets work jobs done faster, keeps up with the latest games), or is it strictly personal?
How precious is the money that you would be spending on the new PC? Could it be put to better use somewhere else in your life?
Has the current computer shown any signs of failure? (Slow/no boot, bluescreens, failing ports?)
 
VirtualLarry said:
I think OP should do a cost-benefit analysis.

What is the old rig's specs?
What task(s) do you do that could benefit from a newer PC?
Is there a business or entertainment use-case for the upgrade (gets work jobs done faster, keeps up with the latest games), or is it strictly personal?
How precious is the money that you would be spending on the new PC? Could it be put to better use somewhere else in your life?
Has the current computer shown any signs of failure? (Slow/no boot, bluescreens, failing ports?)
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with that said i think its time to update...intel will be the cpu and the PS will be a rosewill.
 
I am not trying to hijack the op thread but I have the same question. I have an AMD 965, 4 gigs of memory and 5850 video card. I have thought about just adding a new ssd to boot from. I really don't game on it any more but I do use it program.

I have been thinking about a jump to a 4770k and 16gigs of memory and the ssd.

You're hijacking. Make a thread for your question and we'll be happy to help.

mfenn
General Hardware Moderator
 
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Depends on what you're going to do, you're plans on what your sticking in there are a bit sketchy to say the least.

a 550 could handle most two GPU builds unless it's an AMD chip, an opinion atm would be shooting in the dark.

That said a 650 would handle most things nicely.

I'd still hold off rebuilding for a bit if the current one working ok, timing wise.

*shrug*
 
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silicon said:
So which seasonic series is the best?
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Their new XP2 Platinum series is the best, but that doesn't mean that you should go and buy one. "Best" and "best for the money" are two different things.

Anyway, the only time you should upgrade/replace a computer is when it no longer does what you want it to do. Is that the case right now?
 
mfenn said:
Their new XP2 Platinum series is the best, but that doesn't mean that you should go and buy one. "Best" and "best for the money" are two different things.

Anyway, the only time you should upgrade/replace a computer is when it no longer does what you want it to do. Is that the case right now?
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yes that is the case right now. i want a fairly high performance compuiter for some gaming and general use.And i won't lie i like to build computers and this one mau be overkill for my needs...but what can i say?
 
mfenn said:
Sounds good, can you answer these questions?
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1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

generaal gaming and computing

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

no budget whatever it costs

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

canada

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
intel,

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

current case

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

default speeds

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

the largest possible

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.

in the next few months

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

windows 7 pro
 
I noticed that in your original post you mentioned that you already bought a case and a new video card. I don't typically suggest that people who want to build a gaming rig buy the video card first and then go and ask for suggestions / help on the forums about whether they should upgrade their PC.

IMO: While there aren't expiration dates on video cards (or any other PC hardware), video cards come to mind as one of the few components that could have one. If there is a chance that you can still return that video card (unopened, still have the receipt, bought local, etc...) I'd start by asking about that component first.

As for your question. As others have stated, I too agree that it depends on if your PC doesn't accomplish your typical tasks the way you want it to. Of course, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, why not?!?

I'd like to point out that I think of two different PC upgrade methods:
1) Buy EVERYTHING new and get rid of practically every trace of the old PC.

2) Upgrade incrementally. Replace the things that will give you the biggest bang for your buck now, and replace the things that need replacing later, later.

A long time ago someone suggested that I buy really quality components in key areas and then just replace the other parts as they needed it. Sure enough, I've spent a large amount of money on my Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Case, and Speakers. I've also spent a bunch of money on my Video card, CPU, Memory, HD, etc... But, the point is, I really only 'interface' with the Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers, and Case. Sure, the case is only when I turn the PC on or off and maybe to load a disc. But, the Keyboard, Mouse, and Monitor and needed in just about every interaction I do with the PC. I don't need speakers to surf the web, etc... But try doing anything without using your monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse!

I have a good friend who just doesn't listen to reason. He spent over 3 grand on rebuilding his PC maybe 2 - 3 years ago. He bought a pair of G-Force 295 Video cards (IIRC, they were the best available at the time). Then, he calls me AFTER he made the purchases. I told him that he likely would have been better off buying one card, and then another when the next new line of cards came out. Just a few months ago, he bought a pair of Titans (yeah, over $1200 to replace a pair of 295's). My point is, yeah, he didn't buy a whole new system (so he learned something). But, waiting that long to change out the video cards (and then going straight to SLI'd Titans) was a waste. He likely would have gotten much more enjoyment and value out of doing a incremental upgrade on the video cards in between. To make matters worse, he's still using a 1080P monitor with that beautiful set of Titans... Facepalm...

Good luck with whichever path you choose. Upgrades can be fun!
 
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