What are the pros and cons of upgrading an existing computer?
547730
The only con is the money. The pros will out number the cons. Build it and it will run better.
23060
Depends what you want it for. I have a laptop, and I love it to death. It's awesome being able to take it to class, being able to move it around and network it on a moment's notice, etc.\n\nBut, at the same time, it's really difficult to try to upgrade a laptop, unless you really know your computers, and laptops tend to be more vulnerable to maintenance problems.\n\nPC's are going to be cheaper, more powerful, and more user friendly as far as upgrading and maintenance goes. Really, the only thing you lose on is the mobility, so I guess you just have to ask yourself how important that is to how you're going to use it.
302809
Wait - Computers become obsolete in 3 years. That means, should you buy now, your system will be obsolete in 8 months... Think about it - $1k (or more,) going to waste at 4x the speed! :)\n\nI'm waiting too. So are millions of us! :)\n\nZ
952930
All computer manufacturers have web sites and they will gladly sell upgrades.  It would be a good thing to go to PC magazine and check out the tech forums to ask questions.  Also try TechTV site or some of the Yahoo computer groups.  \nHP also has a toll free phone number so you can talk to a tech there, but remember, they are in the business to sell you their products.
219582
It depends on what you mean by upgrade.  There are a few things you can do to upgrade without opening it up.\n1.  Get a faster internet connection.  In most areas cable is fastest.\n2.  Get an external DVD burner that's faster than your existing one.\n3.  Get an external hard drive.  You probably wouldn't be able to boot off it, but it would give you more space for data.\n4.  Get a nicer monitor.  If you're going to stare at it all day, you might as well make it easier on the eyes.\n5.  Get better speakers.  If you watch DVDs or anything on your computer, it might be worth it.\n6.  Get a joystick or other video game pad.  If you play games this would come in handy.\n7.  Get a flatbed scanner.  Scan your old pictures and your dental x-rays (if you're weird like I am).\n8.  Get a web cam.  Let your distant loved ones see you.\n9.  Get a headset with microphone.  If you want to make free phone calls on the internet, a headset with microphone will make it work a lot better.\n10.  Get a better printer.  You might want to print out a photo once in a while.\nJust go to a good store and see what will plug into USB, FireWire, serial, or parallel ports.
382649
Hi. Having done both in the past (upgrading an old computer and then choosing to buy a new one the following time), I would have to agree with you, for a number of reasons:\n(1) although upgrading computers is a lot easier than it used to be, it is still time consuming, expensive and leads to a compouter that is NOT covered by a warranty. If the individual parts are new they will be covered, but not the computer as a whole. With a new PC you often get new software thrown in for a fraction of the cost of buying them separately, as well as a comprehensive warranty at least for 12 months. As most computers that have a problem usually fail earlier rather than later, having such a warranty gives you peace of mind.
6542
1: Increase Memory: Depending on your motherboard, you can probably add a lot more ram memory. Doing this can help a great deal.\n2: Better Video Card: If your main concern is playing games, install a better video card. ATI Radeons and nVidia cards are generally accepted as the best. Make sure to find out if you have an AGP or just a PCI slot for the card.\n3: Streamline your PC: Get rid of things that startup which you do not need. Also, a new hard disk with fast (7200) rpms, can speed things up, especially if you are low on disk space now.\n\nDoing all this will still cost less than buying a new motherboard and cpu. Overclocking is really not necessary.. However, you can only get so far without replacing your motherboard and cpu.\n\nNote: Do not close all the processes which you don't think you need through cntrl-alt-del menu. Many of those actually speed up your computer, since they run drivers for video and what not. Removing programs from the systemtrey and others that start up, such as spyware is still a good idea.
916296
Well to upgrade a processor in an old computer is not a small job. It can be tricky and your motherboard might not be compatible. \n\nIf you are talking about buying a new machine with an intel core duo, it will likely be faster, though a whole lot more expensive than just upgrading your RAM.\n\nHowever I can't really know how to make the call unless I know what you have now and what exactly you are looking to upgrade to.
520683
memory upgrades help. PCs are cheap now. The cost and effort of upgrading an old PC may not be worth it. Just buy a new one.
893031
Just get the installation CD and reinstall from scratch.  It will be a faster and healthier computer with a fresh installation.  \n\nGood luck and Happy Computing!
717144
it depends on the current status of the machine.  if you want to upgrade to a dual core machine you will need a new motherboard and processor which will run about 500-1000 dollars.  however, you can re-use all of the old parts (hard drives, CD/DVD drives, video and sound cards) which means you can defer the cost of the new machine over time.\n\nIt also depends on what level new computer you are comparing this upgrade to.  if you are comparing to a 400 dollar bargain machine, then it will be cheaper to get a new machine.  if you are comparing the upgrade to a 2500 dollar high end rig than it is cheaper to buy the parts and install/build the computer yourself.  Ill break it down:\n\ndual core processor/motherboard combo= 1000\nPCI-E Video Card= 400\n2GB RAM= 300\n200 GB Hard drive= 250\nDVD+/- RW = 50\nDVD-ROM= 25\nWindows= 200\ntotal= $2225\n\nthis would probably be more meat than the 2500 dollar Dell/HP/Compaq for $275 less.
1018280
It is time for a new computer.
65287
Hmmm not really... it depends on which applications you are gonna use with your computer, if you are gonna use it with newer applications then it may outweigh the benefits of it being a server computer. As the newer applications need more processing power. Which the new cheap pc's are available to do. But if you are going to use applications let say such as hosting for a simple dynamic website then it would still do the job. Also probably if it's a minor database... \n\nIt would be helpful if you know the specs too... that way you can know if it can handle the applications you bought it for
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...
992760
1. new comp\n2. more memory\n3. clean up hardrive(i.e. defrag)\n4. check for viruses\n5. check for spyware/spam
985877
If you have room, get a desktop. You'll have more power and more memory in general, plus it won't fry if you drop some crumbs on it.
292921
upgrading a cpu in an old PC makes little sense. costs you a lot of money and the result is not that great as you may think.