Is building a computer better than purchasing a new already built computer?
82047
Yes.  Because you will most likely be buying better components to put in it.  Dell (and the others) will cheat you on several components like the network card, motherboard and possibly the memory meaning that they will use the cheapest and not necessarily best performing components out there.\n\nYou will also be able to buy better components and build it yourself for cheaper than you could get a Dell and I'm not talking about the $300 systems.  If you were looking at a Dell XPS in the $2500 range you could probably build something better for around $1400 to $1700.
609031
Yes upgrade the ram if you can get a really good deal on some used ram sticks. Otherwise consider upgrading to better system. I sell better used systems than this for what it would cost you to upgrade using new parts.
1005845
i wouldnt put anything from your old pc on it you have a new one just start fresh and use your old one aswell
381914
You might try approaching a large company about this.  Sometimes when they upgrade alot of computers they'll sell the old ones cheap or give them away.
210771
Well I think it shouldn't cost you a thing to upgrade or update your computer...\nI do it all the time for free and here is the site you go to for all that information...\nYou get to pick and choose which updates you want for your needs and you simply download them to your computer...
216713
You could, however, the speed difference would be negligable...you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. You'd be better off getting a new computer.
23625
A newbie to computers, go for branded. \nYou have tech support to blame for if something goes wrong.\n\nA clone PC if you are a computer major or have already disassembled a branded one.\n\nWith clone you do not expect much of a tech support, (the support, that is already terrible with branded ones)\n\nbottom line is If you can tinker with, look for help on internet to make your computer work in case things go wrong you can go for Clone. else stick to braded.\n\nIts your call!
1065073
I recommend buying all new.  Fixing that old computer means more trouble later.  If it is more than 3 years old, consider yourself lucky.  \n\nGet a Toshiba this time.  They are highly rated. \n\nLook at them at Wal-Mart or Costco.  Make sure that you LOOK before you BUY.   Also, inquire about their RETURN policy.  Stores that charge a RESTOCKING fee suck.
129297
I buy a new one every two to three years and spend between $800 to $1000.\n\nYou're never too old for a computer, although I think some adults are still too young for one ;-)\n\nEdited to add: \nI've been using computers since 1989 (DOS). My husband and I were regular visitors to a computer expo where you could have a computer built directly to your specs and for a long time we saved a lot of money this way and ALWAYS had the most up-to-date equipment, biggest hard drives, most RAM, etc.\n\nHowever things change and this is no longer true. Dell, Gateway, HP and others now sell computers with decent specs and at comparable prices to what you could do getting it built to your specs, or building it yourself.\n\nThe only time I would recommend doing a lengthy course of education to build computers is if;\n   ( 1 ) you want to do it as a business or you want to repair them as a business, \n   ( 2 ) you are an extreme gamer and want to push the equipment as far as you can.\n\nIn both of those instances you absolutely need to know what you're doing. Otherwise it's not necessary.
1104141
Can you be more specific on what you are trying to do?\n\nbuild  computer?\n\nget a bare-bone system and upgrade it yourself?\n\ntechnical problems?\n\nSomething else?
834375
About $400 max.  You can build a brand new computer with the twice the storage, twice the ram, and a more battery conscience processor for about $500.
932069
Well I would say go for it but if you are fairly ne this is what you might try. The biggest problem is with the motherboard and CPU that most new builders have. so I would suggest this\nGet a bare bones system this is just a case and powersupply with the motherboard/CPU installed  you decide on what memory video card operating sys. etc. then install those yourself. \nthis method is only slightly more expensive and avoids the major pitfalls but still lets you build your own system\nas for sites for buying hardware and software I would suggest you look at WWW.Pricewatch.com
1184477
To be honest with you, you can upgrade your entire 1993 pc to a new one if you'd like, it's very unefficient and unpractical.\n\nTo answer your question:\nThe choice of whether to upgrade or not depends on the condition of your PC and how old it is (do not look at software, that is unimportant when you decide whether to upgrade or not). Take a look at these factors and ask yourself each...\n\n-How old is the PC? (If it is Pentium II or earlier or year 1999 or earlier, I'd say forget about major upgrades and go for the new PC, the most you should add is perhaps a RAM stick)\n-Has my PC required a lot of repairs? (If the answer is yes, then I suggest you reconsider upgrading. This is because if you PC breaks often, upgrading for it is risky as in case your PC does break, these parts may not be needed if you were forced to buy a new PC).\n-What do I need for my PC? (When you upgrade, upgrade smartly. It is very foolish to through in a Pentium EE (extreme edition) if you only have 64MB of RAM and an integrated video card. At the same time, it is not going to help if you spend $10 dollars on a stick of 64 MB RAM when your processor is Pentium 4.) You have to think about what your computer lacks right now.\n\nThe following are the most common upgrades, their uses, and their price range.\n\n1. RAM (usually bought in 256MB - 526 MB DDR sticks for newer PCs) RAM is a good upgrade if you enjoy running several programs at once and would like to prevent frequent lagg due to too many windows open. Prices usually range from $30 - $100 depending on what brand you buy and what size you get. In fact, RAM could also be a decent investment for an older Pentium 2ish computer, spend about $20 and buy a 128MB SDRAM stick.\n\n2. Internal/External Harddrive (usually bought in 40GB - 250 GB sizes). An extra hard drive is good for those that enjoy storing large gaming files, video files, multimedia files; though it is useless if you just plan to store documents, usually your normal hard drive would be big enough for that. Prices range massively due to the large range of sizes and brands, I'd say usually $100 - $200. However a note of caution, do not upgrade hard drives for older PCs, their motherboards cannot recognize much of the drive and usually results in you only being able to use a fraction of the actual capacity.\n\n3. Video cards (usually in 128 -512 MB sizes, nvida or Radeon). Video cards are only good upgrades for newer Pentium 4+ pcs as they are used for high graphic programs (which can only be run on pentium 4 or highers). It is good for those serious gamers and movie watchers who want detail. Before buying, make sure you have available video slots and sufficient power supply. Prices range drastically from $130 to $700 dollars.\n\n4. Power supply - Not an often upgrade though if you want to throw in lots of extras for your PC, this $100 investment is crucial.\n\n5. DVD-RW drive - Usually around $200 max, this drive is good if you have an extra bay as it allows you to burn CDs and DVDs.\n\n6. CPU - The least common upgrade and probably the most expensive. CPU upgrades are really unpractical, though if you really like your system (quality, looks, etc, and the other hardware is fully loaded), a CPU upgrade may be an option. The processors range anywhere from $200 to $900, just make sure your motherboard can handle the CPU.\n\nAnd there you have it, what to consider if you upgrade and what to upgrade. If you find that none of these upgrades would help your system to the point where you are satisfied, I suggest you buy a new PC.
919588
no the hardware is fine but over the years your computer will inevitably slow as you build up addditional tasks for it to perfrom and basicallyslowly currpot and or personlize i, thi sis easily repared by system restoring it to its origional purchase date it will literally act like its brand-new
20972
Unfortunately this computer is so old, that even the case itself and power supply will not be compatible with new parts.\n\nAlso, it will be cheaper to buy a new computer.  If you don't need lots of tech support, then get a computer cheaply from http://www.pricewatch.com \n\nThere are lots of system builders out there that will sell you a basic computer with Windows XP Home or Pro for a pretty reasonable price.\n\nWhen getting a new computer:  Pay a little more (not too much more)  and get one with 512MB RAM, SATA Harddrive  (It will say SATA...if it doesn't say Serial ATA or SATA, then it isn't SATA).\n\nIf you aren't going to use it for games, then you don't really have to worry much about the video card.
1177153
You get the latest greatest(almost) technology, which you can attain at a far cheaper price a few months down the line by building in yourself.\n\nBuilding PC's is not hard at all.\n\nPS Dell bought out Alienware. It's only a matter of time before XPS gets slapped on an Alienware make or the technology is used vice versa....or as a whole new line all together.
918635
Upgrading your computer's memory (RAM) is one of the quickest, most efficient and most cost-effective ways to boost performance. Many new computers come with only a bare minimum of memory installed. Adding more RAM can add more zip to your system. And installation is not that complicated. Sometimes getting the case off takes more time than installing the actual RAM itself. \n\nMemory upgrade provides:\n  Smoother multitasking\n  Faster Web surfing\n  Enhanced printing\n  More efficient video editing\n  Optimized Windows XP processing\n  Spectacular gaming\n  Enhanced multimedia presentations\n  Efficient networking