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Old 01-09-2009, 10:00 AM   #1
MissKat
Watcher of Hockey
 
Join Date: May 2006
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Default Upgrade this desktop or scrap it and buy new one?

The computer is a Dell Dimension 4600, P4 2.8. Its an older computer, had it for 6yrs now but the HD is on its way out and the fans in the power supply and extra heatsink are just about dead too (even after a thorough dusting cleaning with canned air), barely spinning at all. This comp. is only used for web, email since it stays in the guest room.

Specs in detail
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/del...tag=mncol;psum

I figured even though Ive had it for 6yrs now, the CPU is still more than adequate for web and email. It only has 512MB ram, so I was thinking about just upgrading the parts.

- new power supply (approx $90)
- new heatsink (approx $50)
- new 320GB hard drive (approx $60)
- 2GB ram (approx $50)

total cost - $250 rough estimate.

What do you guys think? Upgrade with the parts I listed or buy new? If I do the later, I should be able to sell the old one for parts (even though it would be a hassle).

If you say I should buy new. Would any of you computer tech gurus be able to build me a more than acceptable desktop for the lowest price on www.memoryexpress.com?

If I do upgrade the parts...
1) How do I tell what kind of power supply I need for this specific model? How high in watts should I go?
2) This computer uses DDR 2700mhz ram, 3200mhz DDR sticks will work, it just clocks down?
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