New computer

[Bahco]

Hi Again

Below colored red is my existing computer.

I am quite interested in THIS

Can anyone give me their opinion as to whether the JL one is a good deal compared to my existing.

Thanks

Operating System
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP2
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 @ 2.40GHz 40 °C
Conroe 65nm Technology
RAM
3.bn00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 332MHz (5-5-5-15)
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0K216C (Socket 775) 40 °C
Graphics
DELL SE178WFP (1280x720@60Hz)
Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset Family
Hard Drives
233GB Hitachi HDP725025GLA380 ATA Device (SATA) 25 °C
Optical Drives
HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GSA-H73N ATA Device

 

[enyam]

Don't know your current set up but I notice the JL one does not have wireless
connectivity,also no screen!

 

[chapeau]

It's got more memory (and a far better 64 bit OS so it can use the memory too), better graphics, larger hard drive.

Only you can say whether that's worth £350 and that depends on what you use it for.

Me, I'd buy a copy of windows 8 and a graphics card for a third of the price and get almost a functionaly equivalent machine.

If you only surf the net and do emails and word processing then what youv'e got is overkill already. though I'd dump the OS....

 

[AronSearle]

I'd somewhat second that, what you have is more than powerful enough for what you do and good for several more years.

I'd suggest you either clean it up as I suggested, or re-install as others have suggested (or get someone to do it for you).

If you don't learn to do these things, you'll end up buying new computers then possibly having the same problems a year or so after, and just end up frustrated or disappointed.




As to the upgrade path.

I wouldn't stick a graphics card in, my experience with dells is that the PSU will be to weak to support the extra power demand of a dedicated graphics card, and once you start replacing the PSU, sticking in a new graphics card, you might want more memory, but I don't think a 0K216C motherboard can support more than 4gb (according to the web).

And then dell cases can be notoriously bad for upgrades, I've seen some that won't allow you to install a graphics card even though the motherboard has a slot for one.

If you don't know what you are doing, don't bother, just keep it for another 3-4 years and replace it.

 

[Monkeh]

There's nothing wrong with the machine you have. Dispose of Vista in favour of Win 7 (I'm not going to recommend 8, it adds nothing useful), add an HDD if you need more space, the rest of it is fine for years.

That Compaq thing is utter pants for the money, it really is. About a third of the power of what I can build with that, and 8GB of RAM is such a complete waste on a machine of that spec.

 

[AronSearle]

If all he does is browse the net n stuff.

What benefit exactly do you think he will get out of win 7 vs vista, other than the hassle of reinstalling etc?

I suspect he's the kind of computer user that wouldn't know the difference (and that's not meant to be insulting).

 

[Monkeh]

What benefit exactly do you think he will get out of win 7 vs vista, other than the hassle of reinstalling etc?

Other than Win 7 simply being faster, less buggy, and supported for longer?

I suspect he's the kind of computer user that wouldn't know the difference (and that's not meant to be insulting).

Perhaps, doesn't stop me disposing of Vista at any opportunity. It's just a recommendation.

 

[AronSearle]

Other than Win 7 simply being faster, less buggy, and supported for longer

C'mon this isn't a nerdy tech thread were people like us can bash stuff, most people won't see any speed difference, or any less or more bugs with everyday programs, and support, hell my dad still refuses to get rid of a win 98 computer.

 

[Monkeh]

Other than Win 7 simply being faster, less buggy, and supported for longer

C'mon this isn't a nerdy tech thread were people like us can bash stuff

No, but it doesn't change the facts.

most people won't see any speed difference, or any less or more bugs with everyday programs

They will if it's set up right.

and support, hell my dad still refuses to get rid of a win 98 computer.

And I'm not even going there.


I made a recommendation. Deal with it.

 

[Bahco]

Thanks for replies.

I think I am going to back up my stuff and install Windows 7 as suggested.

I need to back up my stuff first on a USB. Is there a thread on how to do this or can someone take me through it pls.

 

[AronSearle]

Thanks for replies.

I think I am going to back up my stuff and install Windows 7 as suggested.

I need to back up my stuff first on a USB. Is there a thread on how to do this or can someone take me through it pls.

Do you mean save files, your porn folder and excel sheets ect?

Drag n drop onto the USB stick,otherwise windows 7 will have an upgrade option which will import your programmes and settings and saves.

You can either buy an upgrade option, or the full package, and then re-use it on a future computer (buy a computer without an OS), you can do that with the upgrade option as well if it's not an OEM version.

I made a recommendation. Deal with it.

 

[EddieM]

Thanks for replies.

I think I am going to back up my stuff and install Windows 7 as suggested.

I need to back up my stuff first on a USB. Is there a thread on how to do this or can someone take me through it pls.

Probably a safer option, I don't have anything good to say about windows 8, then again I dont have anything bad, apart from the fact I cannot get my laptop to upgrade to it, about windows 8

 

[securespark]

Arrrgghhh, just read back, SS do not buy a zoostorm, they are utter carp!! IMHO

Too late. Already got one.

It's been a star so far, rarely powered down and the PSU is going strong. No faults elsewhere, either.

 

[EddieM]

Arrrgghhh, just read back, SS do not buy a zoostorm, they are utter carp!! IMHO

Too late. Already got one.

It's been a star so far, rarely powered down and the PSU is going strong. No faults elsewhere, either.

oh well fingers crossed!!

 

[AronSearle]

Arrrgghhh, just read back, SS do not buy a zoostorm, they are utter carp!! IMHO

Too late. Already got one.

It's been a star so far, rarely powered down and the PSU is going strong. No faults elsewhere, either.

If the PSU gets hot and it starts shutting down, replace it immediately.

Often when the PSU blows it doesn't do any damage, but rarely it can fry the rest of the computer.