Upgrage/Fix or buy new computer

In My Humble Opinion
1

I have a Dell 500MHz computer.
Last night the hard drive decided to stop spinning. I’ve had plenty of hard drive problems (with other computers), but this is the first time I’ve had one refuse to spin. (Its not the power supply, and I don’t think HDs are fused)

Anhow, I can get a cheap HD and reinstall stuff/restore backups.

BUT, I was thinking of gettuing a new machine anyway. I currently have a TNT2 video card and want to get a VC that does hardware texture and lighting (so I can play Star Wars: Galaxies)
and thinking that a 500 MHz might not be enough oomph for the game (specs are not known yet, except for the T+L)

So, should I just give up and get a new machine? If so, any recommendations for what to get? I am capable of building my own (probably), but am not sure I want to.

I’d use it mostly for e-mail, web browsing, EQ and SW:G.

thanks,

Brian
First my alternator died on my car, then my kitchen sink got clogged, now this…

2

Usual rule is this: 2 or more major parts to upgrade = just cheaper to buy a new computer on average.

Check out Dell, lots of good deals right now. I just replaced my PIII 800 machine (sold it for a decent amount of cash). Now have a PIV 2.53 Gig machine-- zoomy!

3

Yeah they are pretty cool. sign up at their website to get email & they send you discount codes. this is a real deal might not be acitve now but its just an example of what you can get:
Budget desktop deal of the week: Dimension 2300 P4-1.8Ghz 128MB SDRAM/40GB, XP Home MS Works $399 after rebate.

4

New PC’s are so cheap right now, I doubt any consumer could build one cheaper than buying a comparable new one.

A cheapie HDD will get you back to where you were, but for $350 or so more you could get a pretty impressive box.

If you have the difference, I’d shop pretty hard and buy a new PC. Otherwise, just replace the HDD.

5

The Dell 2300 looks decent, but I have a question: Can I put in a video card and override the built-in video?

I’m 99% sure I can do this, but just want to make sure. 9It doesnt say how many PCI slots it has)

Brian

6

You’ll want to know if it has an AGP slot (versus PCI slots). If so, then yes, you can override it.

About this time last year, I was looking at Gateway’s for my daughter. The cheapest ones had no expandability. Ended up getting a much better refurbished system for the same price.

7

Good call. I found the tech specs, the 2300 doesn’t have AGP
Cheapest I can get the 4500 is $948 (before rebate)

will ok into refurbished…

Brian