http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...=B450-2340%20C
Complete dual core computer that is faster than yours for $199. Similar deals can be found in many places, even locally.
$250 to upgrade that old computer with outdated junk parts is ridiculous.
Also, memoryexpress is not cheap. It's one of the more expensive computer shops and they have a ridiculous monopoly in Calgary. I avoid shopping there as much as possible unless looking for higher end parts. If you are looking for an everyday simple computer, you can often find bundled or discounted OEM computer packages at Futureshop (especially Red Table or off the shelf in the corner often) or the website for much cheaper than Memex and they had superior parts and features too.
If you are intent on saving your old computer, it's better to ghetto mod it to working ability for under $100 than to spend $250 on it. I'd clean out the heatsink with a vacuum, rip out the old fan. Use twist ties to strap on a cheap 80mm fan to it. Get a super cheap harddrive from a sale, futureshop's red table, or your friends or other forums, etc. Cheap powersupplies can be found from forums and friends too. A $30 should be enough for you. I'd say 350 watts even. As for the ram - that's the hard part. Older ram is more expensive because of lower supply and higher demand. You would have to resort to ebay or something (about $60 shipped for 2GB PC2700) I doubt you would find it locally for a good price.