Upgrade-Old-Computer

Upgrade-Old-Computer is a more complex discussion, as the first step to consider your existing motherboard and processor. If the motherboard is too old, then upgrading would not be cost effective. This web page is designed to help you decide the most cost effective thing to do, that is upgrade or buy new!

1. It is more cost effective than buying a new Computer

2. It will meet your needs for at least 2 more years

3. If you cannot afford a new computer right now.

4. You need better performance than you are getting from your current system.

Example:  You have a 3.0 Ghz CPU,512MB Ram with a 40GB Hard drive. It is very slow now. You need your computer for your business, where you will be doing book keeping, marketing work, letters and correspondence, as well as some extensive use of the internet. Your wife is also doing a lot of e-mail and uses the internet.

The reality is that the PC can be repaired to run better, but it needs to be upgraded or replaced perhaps.

Option 1            Repair only.    (Estimated cost    $ 75 - $ 100)

After deleting unnecessary files, defragging, performance tuning. The system is much better, but  … still slower than the one you use at your regular job.  The hard drive is still pretty full, and you need to add more stuff.

Can you still live with the old computer?  

Option 2           Minor Repair and Upgrade  (Estimated cost    $ 75 - $ 250)

The system would be much more usable, and probably would last with the 2 year rule. But it's performance still would not compare well with your computer at work. Also, if you would need to upgrade to Windows 7, it would not be cost effective!

Option 3 -     Major Upgrade Motherboard and CPU ( Estimated cost $ 300 - 400)

Option 4 -     Replace System Unit Only   (Estimated cost    $ 300+ - $ 800)

You decide to buy a new system unit  ( No monitor, Dual Core Processor, 4GB memory, 500 GB hard drive and DVD RW drive and Windows7. Use your old monitor. No extended warranty. This option is looking much better today, because of the excellent stability of Windows 7.

This system will meet your needs for at least the next 2 years, and does match or beat the system at work.

Keep in mind …..almost all new systems will have Windows 7, (except for special orders) and there may be problems with old printers and scanners. Will your old printer work?

Windows 7 has some problems with older software. Do you have any important software that is not compatible with Vista? For example older versions of Quickbooks? These questions are more for home businesses. Most printers that I see now will work with Windows 7.

Note: Windows 7 has XP Mode available (Highest cost of all Windows 7 software) Which may make it possible to run your old software.

Do you know how to transfer the information, pictures, e-mail from you old computer to the new PC? Windows 7 has an easy transfer facility that can help.

For help with how to answer these questions see   New PC

Option 5          Buy Used PC  (cost $ 150 – 300)

 

Note:  Look for at least 3 Ghz CPU, 1 GB ram, 80 GB Hard Drive Windows XP and at least 90 day warranty.

This would satisfy 2 year rule, It would not have the printer or software compatibility problems.  However you still need data transfer, and to re-install all programs. Figure on $ 100 for professional help.  But, the nagging question…. Is this cost effective?

Option 6         All new system, with new Monitor, New Printer and some new software 

                $ 700-1500 !

 

Obviously, this will give you the speed you want! But, does this blow cost effectiveness!

Strangel I see this solution used frequently! It’s kind of like, I had a flat on my VW, so I bought a new Mercedes!  Well, I understand this one, because I had a minor problem with our main TV, so I spent almost $ 1600 for a 42” HDTV!  And, we love it!   Much cheaper now!

The reality, is sometimes you bite the bullet, go for the gold…. Cuz’ you wanna! But, more important, is that a new Windows 7 PC is in a whole 'nother league! I love mine, and would not go back to XP on a bet!

See New Computer for more details.

Option 6 Network your PC

You could fix or upgrade  your old computer, and then add a 2nd PC, with using a router. This option is not in lieu of the other options, but in addition to one of the options.

A 2nd computer would allow redundancy, backup capabilities, printer and file sharing, and most important, would allow 2 users at the same time.

A strange phenomena is that an old computer, properly tuned, can be almost as fast as a new computer on the internet!  Why? Because the speed of the internet is more of a limiting factor, than the speed of the PC.

I’ve had networked PC’s for some time now, and use one PC to back up another, share files, share printers, and have enjoyed the redundancy. We have upstairs and downstairs computers!

If you have any questions, or want technical support click Computer Support