Upgrade/replace computer(pc)?

[V]

I think it's about time I think about upgrading or replacing my home computer. My current one is a basic Dell that I got in December 2009 with Windows 7. I added a video card(NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GT) so I could have an hdmi output as well as the ability to have dual monitors. I also leave my computer on 24/7(sleep mode when not in use) and at first Id notice the tower would get hot and the computer would run sluggish. I corrected that by adding more ventilation and two additional fans to move air. Worked perfect.

I'm not sure if Id be better off building a new computer or just getting another basic one and modifying it again if needed. I have no requirements other than dual monitors and hdmi output, both things which are really standard now. I assume I'll be upgrading to Windows 10 and that's fine. My internet connection is Ethernet so no wireless ability needed. I don't game so don't need a special crazy video card. I use my computer for picture storage, email, basic internet, Microsoft office(which I'll need to buy new too) and occasionally Autocad. I'm not sure if Id want a 4k video output since my tv is and eventually I may want to connect it as an optional monitor, but it is a smart tv too so not necessary.

[wretched73]

What's your price range? I've built the last 5 or 6 computers I have had and that is by far the cheapest route.

To save money I've just reused the same case 5 times and just recently bought a new one.

I like to spend the most money on mobo, ram and SSD. Then when the money or the need is there, I will upgrade my VC after the newest ones come out. When the new line of VCs drop, the prior model drops in price significantly and is always more than I really need.

[Blackbirdws6]

I built my last comp and while it doesn't have every bell and whistle, it's a great workhorse that should last me a while. I spent ~$500 to $600 all in which would have been easily a $1k unit if I bought it off the shelf. I had a buddy help spec the equipment so I won't be much help.

This website was helpful - http://pcpartpicker.com/

[V]

I'd like to spend under 600. The current comparable Dells are 500-550. My current one was like 500.

[6spdg37s]

I am a die hard apple person so I cant really offer any insight into the PC world except that my dad has bought multiple cheap (200-299) laptops and they suck, even if their advertised ram is high they cant process for ****....

[V]

My two laptops are Toshibas. Winxp on the one from 2005 and win7 on the one from 2009. Both were under 350 and still work fine for what I need them to do. I just prefer a desktop for use at home. I am a diehard apple hater lol.

I don't need anything cutting edge, just something newer and up to date. I have a Samsung smartphone that i got in Aug 2011 and it's still going strong, so best and brightest doesn't matter. If i got a whole new desktop id move my current one over to my garage for technical reference use.

[wretched73]

Personally I'd spend ~$700-$800 and build my own. You'll be further ahead than anything you can get off the shelf.

[ThoR294]

If you are around $500, pre-builts are decent and comparable to self built. The damn windows key alone is $100.

Custom built you can do a lot more at around $800. Ive built a ton of PCs myself.

+1 to PCpartpicker.com . I use it everytime.

[V]

I think for my needs a prebuilt would be fine and then mod as needed.

[ThoR294]

You can shop on Craigslist too. Lots of used gaming PC's on there

[V]

Originally Posted by ThoR294

You can shop on Craigslist too. Lots of used gaming PC's on there

Eh, I wouldn't buy one used. Even if I wiped it clean and reloaded all new software, I still wouldn't feel secure lol




Could I possibly upgrade my current case with a new mobo/processer/hd/video card/ram? and keep my current power supply? I don't know enough about the newer stuff to figure that out. Or are dell cases too specific and dont allow swapping mobo etc?

[ThoR294]

OEM cases are OK to use, as long as all your stuff fits :P. You can get a $20-$40 case and be decent, though.

What is the wattage of your PSU? pcpartpicker.com has a wattage estimator so it says what Wattage PSU you should get for the build you have.

[The_Bishop]

Using your original case depends on a lot. Most OEM cases won't take aftermarket motherboards, which will be necessary for the upgrades you want.

[V]

Honestly, I wouldn't know which specific components to pick. I look on that site and there's just so many options, lol. I'd really have to have someone help me. I feel I could easily put it all together though. I guess if I did build one, I'd leave an larger budget but for basic components, nothing high end needed. Even then if I end up at 800 or so it'd be ok. Keep in mind I'm looking to do this around end of July.

My needs/requirements:
-internet/email use(Firefox)
-photo/music storage
-itunes(for the wife)
-2+ monitor capability w/HDMI option(perhaps 4k)
-extra cooling/fans
-Windows 10(would need to buy)
-Microsoft office 2016(would need to buy)
-wired keyboard/mouse
-DVD optical drive/burner
-possibly video editing software(would need to buy)
-5+ USB ports
-Ethernet connection, wired



What I currently have....

[ThoR294]

Originally Posted by The_Bishop

Using your original case depends on a lot. Most OEM cases won't take aftermarket motherboards, which will be necessary for the upgrades you want.

Aye. Some are OK though. I strongly recommend an aftermarket case.

Originally Posted by V

Honestly, I wouldn't know which specific components to pick. I look on that site and there's just so many options, lol. I'd really have to have someone help me. I feel I could easily put it all together though. I guess if I did build one, I'd leave an larger budget but for basic components, nothing high end needed. Even then if I end up at 800 or so it'd be ok. Keep in mind I'm looking to do this around end of July.

My needs/requirements:
-internet/email use(Firefox)
-photo/music storage
-itunes(for the wife)
-2+ monitor capability w/HDMI option(perhaps 4k)
-extra cooling/fans
-Windows 10(would need to buy)
-Microsoft office 2016(would need to buy)
-wired keyboard/mouse
-DVD optical drive/burner
-possibly video editing software(would need to buy)
-5+ USB ports
-Ethernet connection, wired



What I currently have....

lol dump that case... hooo boy.

$800ish? Let me whip something up. You have a windows key you can reuse right?

$900 build

Software is a couple hundred. I also think a 500gb SSD is a must if you are doing a lot of stuff. You can use your old HD as additional space if necessary. You can go down to a 256GB as well, but the 500gb is just worth the extra $.

Here's a $570 build from someone on pcpartpicker

[Paul Huryk]

I think you should build something on your own - not too hard and you know exactly what is in your machine. Dell and others use garbage motherboards and power supplies that limit expansion.

I would recommend that you get an SSD when building along with a good motherboard (not much more, but will let you expand if necessary). You can reuse items like your old HDD (as data storage), DVD drive, case (if you want), and maybe even your power supply. You will definitely want a stand-alone video card (although you can add one in later), 8gb (or 16gb) ram, and nothing wrong with Windows 7 at this point either - most software works with it. I would suggest you get a quad core I5 processor as they offer performance to price ratio that cannot be beat.

The sky is the limit, but for $800 or a little more, you can get a butt kicking machine that can be expanded in the future and will keep you happy for at least 5 years.