Updating my Bro's Old PC

[Bonesdad]

In late 2003, I built my brother a desktop PC with an Athlon 2500+, 2GB PC3200 Buffalo memory, an Antec 350W PSU and I think an Radeon 9800 Pro 128M video card.

The computer works OK for what he needs it for, but I think he's having some driver issues or perhaps adware/virus stuff (he's 900 miles from me). We're going to try to get it running in top shape again with what he has, but in case we need to replace some components, I'll upgrade him to more current standards.

What are some good options for a low-med end motherboard, processor and memory that would come in at 200-300. Will the existing PSU do the trick?

 

[mfenn]

Hmmm, I don't think I would trust a PSU from the Athlon XP days with modern components. Luckily for you, integrated video these days is probably on par or better than the Radeon 9800.

Here's a combo with an Athlon II X2, a mobo with integrated video, and 2GB of DDR2 for $144. Throw in a new $40 Seasonic 350W PSU, and you'll be all set for $184.

Hell, if you wanted to be closer to $300, you could throw in a 5750 for $100 AR and up the PSU to the Corsair 430CX and he'd have some gaming capability again.

 

[Slugbait]

I'd say the first option would be to back up all the data and drop the image of the original install, and see if his "issues" suddenly clear up. Then install the criticals and L&G drivers, and if everything is cool, you know it was likely malware causing these "issues".

Otherwise, you're throwing good money after bad

 

[Bonesdad]

I'd say the first option would be to back up all the data and drop the image of the original install, and see if his "issues" suddenly clear up. Then install the criticals and L&G drivers, and if everything is cool, you know it was likely malware causing these "issues".

Otherwise, you're throwing good money after bad

That's what I intend to do, and I expect it to work, frankly. But in case he still has problems, or if he decides he wants to upgrade now, rather than wait until he does have some unrecoverable errors, I thought I'd be prepared with an option or two for him.