Upgrading vs New Computer

[SuperFreaky]

Assuming I have only one computer and have use for only one computer.... and that I would sell everthing I don't need

Is it more cost effective to
1. Slowly upgrade your system over-time never letting it get too outdated?
*Or*
2. Wait until you need a whole new system?

 

[dvch]

That really depends on what you have, what you can sell it for, and what you use your computer for. The main advantage of upgrading over time is the smaller $ outlay. The main advantage of a new system is that presumably every thing is better all at once. I am an upgradder my self.

 

[Goi]

Personally I do incremental upgrades, and then once in a while I just get a whole new system(except for stuff I can keep like FDD, keyboard, mice, case, etc)

 

[Ulysses]

That's an interesting question. I guess it depends on how up to date your upgrades are going to be, how comprehensive they'll be, and how often.

In my view it might be best to buy a new system with an eye to replacing it in 2 years or so but planning to maybe 'upgrade' it after 1 year or so with a faster CPU or maybe CPU and motherboard.

Also, highspeed internet access, like DSL or cable, may improve your PC 'experience' as much as upgraded hardware.

 

[Moonbeam]

If you're asking this question with a specific system in mind, list it and what you do with it so people can make specific recommendations, would be my suggestion.

 

[Modus]

I've often been asked this by customers and I've come to the conclusion that it's very difficult keep your hardware current by doing incremental upgrades.

We have a tendency to stick with what works -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it. So, when it comes time to replace that Celeron 333 in an LX board that is serving you so well, you find that you will have to change your motherboard as well. And since you'll be getting a newer PC133 motherboard, well, you might as well get PC133 memory and a nice AGP card that will now have enough power behind it. Maybe a new hard drive would be nice to hold all those games you'll be playing with the new machine. . .

See where I'm going? If you're going to be upgrader, you really have to stay on top of it. That means upgrading when you don't really need to -- when your system is already doing everything you want it to. Keeping your hardware current will often involve a small CPU upgrade, say, A/550 to A/700, or a quick video swap, say, TNT2 to GF256 SDR. It's pretty silly, when you think about it.

I'd say a better approach would be to build/buy a new computer every once in a while and get rid of the old one. The main advantage of this strategy is that it doesn't dismantle a completely good system leaving you with a handful of old parts. Your old system still retains its value and can be sold off or handed down to a friend or relative. And it's nice always having a new mouse or keyboard or monitor.

Modus

 

[Edwardo]

I agree with Modus financially speaking. However, look at the site we are at....I think most people here are obviously ALWAYS in the market for something new if it is sweet enough.
I think it woukd be best to describe the system we are talking about. Super TWeaky, list the system specs...

 

[SuperFreaky]

Well... I've been an upgrader in the past, and I'm wondering if its all been worth while or if I should have just saved for the new computer...

When I originally bought everything I had a
PII 350 on a SE440BX mobo w/ a 8MB rage pro
64MB RAM, 8GB w/ 32CD

I currently have a
PIII 450 on a SE440BX mobo w/ a velocity 100
128MB RAM, 2 8GB hard drives w/ 2x DVD

I just bought a new motherboard and when that comes I'm gonna overclock my PIII450 to 558...

I have a CDR coming in the mail....

Then in a few months I plan on getting a GF2 MX...

Then after that I plan on popping a new 700e into the new motherboard...

I'm just thinking I would have a much nicer system if I had just saved my money and bought a whole new one

 

[Ulysses]

Don't do that - it's way too expensive for just incremental improvements.

 

[SuperFreaky]

Well I buy used and sell the old stuff....
for instance going from a PII to PIII (guarenteed at 558) only cost me $45

Bought the PIII for about $110
Sold the PII for $65

 

[Ulysses]

Oh - keep doin' that.

 

[Goi]

Well I try to sell everything I have extra due to my incremental upgrades too, but its not always possible.
For example, I sold all of my old monitors when upgrading, my Global FAB24 Celeron heatsink, and 1-2 really old graphics cards, but while upgrading/buying/selling I'm left with an old Hercules TNT, CL Savage4 and a PCI Winmodem. Oh well, at least I have other computers to use them in.