Time to rebuild...

Back in '99 I built a PC with friends. Got a mid-size case. Put in an AOPEN
AX3L Motherboard. It was great then for W98; but needless to say, now its a dinosaur. For the fun of it, I wanna "re "-build... Can anyone suggest what I should put in? I'm not a gamer; just a "surfer ". I do store right much data for my remodeling business. I'll load XP-3. I have cable broadband. I'd love to have some speed. Dual-Core or Quad-core processor; at least 1G RAM (Maybe 2G?) It has a SunMax PW-330ATXE 12V Power Supply (115V - 10/5A - 60/50Hz.) Naturally I don't wanna spend too much p Duh...) I'll definitely take refurbed. (Used?) I'm using a 19" Samsung monitor. Where do I go for parts?

 

I get most of my parts from Geeks.com and NewEgg.com; but, you might come out better on the money looking for a used computer in the Pentium 4 variety. I'm running four P4, socket 478's in the 2.8- to 3.0-GHz range with 512 to 1-Gig of ram. I have even Vista Ultimate on one and I'm getting satisfactory performance.

A word about Vista--just one word: DON'T

I have vista on one of my systems because I have a small on-site service business so I need a copy for learning. Microsoft, in my experienced opinion, hasn't made an improvement on Windows since Windows 2000. XP is a good OS since they have worked out most of its bugs; but, it's not a better OS, only nearly as good.

There are some programs that will not run on 2000 so I had to put XP on, Adobe Acrobat 9 (the writer/creator). TurboTax as given notice that after 2008, it won't run on 2000.

If your case is of the 1999 vintage, it may be AT instead of ATX, in which case an ATX board will not fit and neither will the power supply connect.

If you choose to build on a shoestring, I recommend you use Pentium 4, get all the parts you can from Geeks.com and stick to boards with Intel chipsets. They're very stable.

 

If you like the case, that might be the only thing you can keep. The PSU seems reasonable at 330W, although you should check the Amperage.
http://www.journeysystems.com/?power_supply_calculator

A suggestion, ask or look around for somebody that has, or is going to upgrade from a similar machine. If the CPUs are compatible, select the fastest. Add the RAM from the other machine (if there are enough slots). Add the HDD, reformat it and there you have the extra space. You might get a better graphics card.

That would be the way I would rebuild that system. Cost, possibly zero. That should get you zooming around the internet at least (the internet only runs at the speed of the internet connection, so it should be easy for a basic system).

The OS you will need to consider. If you can catch a system with Win XP still on it, that would be nice. Win XP is being phased out, is it worth buying? Alex advises against Vista, I like it after "patches ". Are you going to wait for Windows 7? Are you going to put Windows 7 on a 1999 rebuilt system? Look for Win 2000?

If I buy new parts, they are either aimed at bolstering a basic system or can be carried over to a new system. A 1999 system, I doubt you will be left with much of any of the original hardware if you want a modern system. Zoom around the internet and save some files, I would keep any funds towards a new system. I would not spend money on a system more than 6 years old. Get two old computers and put them together to make a better one, I would do that any time

Matt

 

If it is really a 1999 machine, it predates Windows XP and Windows 2000, meaning it's probably a Windows 98 system, also meaning an upgrade would really have to be a total replacement.

 

Yes, but maybe no Alex. I agree with the mainstream of your information.

A 1999 system, not rebuilt, should run Windows XP easily. It's probably how you would need it to run.

Matt

 

Miracleman: You need to head down to Eden, grab a few beers and think this thing through. (Local Brewery for those light on their geography)

Your 1999 system is still serving your needs because it was probably state of the art when you built it. Ten years is a very very long time in geek speak and I would encourage you to reconsider your initial thinking. Having said that, I just bought a hand plane built in 1895.

Hang onto your 1999 machine and forget about trying to update it. You will get considerably more mileage and bang for your buck by not attempting to upgrade that machine but rather by building a brand spanking new one. Cost-wise, if you go 1-2 generations from today's "latest and greatest" you can save yourself a bundle without compromising much in terms of performance. The big question is, "what kind of hardware am I going to need 3,4 or 5 years from now" and that doesn't bode well for a rebuild of your 1999 machine, no matter what you do.

Alex has given you a couple of great spots to shop for components - check them out and weigh your options carefully. I'm not going to get into any component recommendations at this point in time but I would encourage you to think this thing through.

Regards,