Should I just get a new computer or is this worth upgrading? Which would be chea

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msmorgan69

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Jul 6, 2011
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My computer is becoming much too slow since I now work from home and have to run several applications at once. Plus I download a lot of music and video and I also want to be able to use as a home theatre system. My budget is only $400. Would it be better and cheaper to just get a new computer or upgrade what I have? Here are the specs of my current computer. I really appreciate all the input and help...........



System Information Report

General
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Central Processor AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4600+

Graphics
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS
Video Memory 512.00 MB
Screen Resolution 1280 x 1024
Storage
Total Memory 3.25 GB
Free Memory 1.99 GB
Total Hard disk 419.19 GB
Free Hard disk 159.61 GB
I/O
Mouse USB Human Interface Device
Keyboard USB Human Interface Device

Operating System
OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Version 5.1.2600
Service Pack 3.0

Internet Explorer Version 8.0.6001.18702
Microsoft DirectX Version 4.09.00.0904
Registry
Maximum Size 120 MB
Current Size 7 MB
Status OK
Central Processor
CPU Name AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4600+
Code Name Model 11, Stepping 1
Manufactory AuthenticAMD
Current Clock Speed 2408 Mhz
Max Clock Speed 2408 Mhz
Voltage Unknown
External Clock NULL Mhz
Serial Number NULL
CPU ID x86 Family 15 Model 43 Stepping 1
Socket Designation NULL
Motherboard
Model
Manufactory
Serial Number
BIOS Name )Phoenix - Award WorkstationBIOS v6.00PG
BIOS Vendor NULL
SMBIOS Version NULL
BIOS Date 7/18/2006
BIOS Features
Memory Resource
Total Memory 3.25 GB
Used Memory 1.25 GB
Free Memory 2.00 GB
Memory Usage 0 Byte
Disk Drives
Name MAXTOR STM3200820AS
Media Type Fixed hard disk media
Capability 186.31 GB
Interface Type IDE
Partitions 2
Total Cylinders 25841
Total Heads 240
Total Sectors 390715920
Total Tracks 6201840
Tracks Per Cylinder 240
Bytes Per Sector 512
Sectors Per Track 63
S.M.A.R.T Support Yes
Current Temperature 0C (32F)
Disk Drives
Name WDC WD2500JB-00REA0
Media Type Fixed hard disk media
Capability 232.88 GB
Interface Type IDE
Partitions 2
Total Cylinders 30401
Total Heads 255
Total Sectors 488392065
Total Tracks 7752255
Tracks Per Cylinder 255
Bytes Per Sector 512
Sectors Per Track 63
S.M.A.R.T Support Yes
Current Temperature 0C (32F)
CD-ROM Drive
Name HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GH22LP20
Drive G:
Transfer Rate NULL
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Primary IDE Channel
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Secondary IDE Channel
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Primary IDE Channel
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Secondary IDE Channel
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Primary IDE Channel
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
IDE Controller
Name Secondary IDE Channel
Manufactory (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers)
Status OK
Video Adapter
Name NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS
Video Processor GeForce 7300 GS
Manufactory NVIDIA
Video Architecture VGA
DAC Type Integrated RAMDAC
Memory Size 512.00 MB
Memory Type Unknown
Video Mode 1280 x 1024 x 4294967296 colors
Current Refresh Rate 75 Hz
Driver Version 6.14.12.7533
Driver Date 5/25/2011 6:09:20 AM
Monitor
Name BenQ FP767-12
Screen Height 1024
Screen Width 1280
Status OK
Local Area Connection 3
Product Name NVIDIA nForce 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Service Name NVENETFD
Manufactory NVIDIA
MAC Address 04:4B:80:80:80:03
Sound Device
Name USB Audio Device
Manufactory (Generic USB Audio)
Status OK
Mouse
Name USB Human Interface Device
Manufactory KME Inc.
Buttons 3
Status OK
Keyboard
Name USB Human Interface Device
Description Enhanced (101- or 102-key)
Function Keys 12
Status OK
USB Controller
Product Name Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Manufactory (Standard USB Host Controller)
Protocol Supported Universal Serial Bus
Status OK
USB Controller
Product Name Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
Manufactory (Standard USB Host Controller)
Protocol Supported Universal Serial Bus
Status OK
 
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IH8U

IH8U

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Yes, it would be much cheaper to go with a new PC, as that socket is pretty outdated. If you have a budget range please post it, as well as preferences (AMD, ATi, Intel, nVidia, Asus, ect...), and what you are wanting to do with it (game, surf, movies, ect...).
 
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megamanx00

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Sep 3, 2008
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Depends on your motherboard and what you are looking to do. If you have an AM2 board it's possible to put a newer AMD CPU in there. Of course, only a few early AM2 boards will be able to accept a much faster Phenom II (such as a few performance boards from ASUS and ASrock )
 
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msmorgan69

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It was built for me.

And my budget is $400 at the most. I don't have any preferences as far a amd or intel etc. And I know that I can still use my hard drives so that should save me some money also.

I do not play any games but I do want to watch a lot of video and I do download music. But most of all I work from home and so I need it to be able to run about 5 or more somewhat resource heavy applications at once without any delays. And my current one is now starting to do that with my new job. I also will be needing to upgrade to win7 within the next 6 mos also. But thats another story. So I guess to answer the other person I want a combination between a workstation, and a home theater type computer and for it to be able to run multiple applications without slowing down etc.

I thank everyone for all their advice and input.
 
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msmorgan69

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I dont have any brand preferences. My budget is $400. and I want to be able to run multiple applications without any slow down as I work from home. I also surf, music, movies also. I want to be able to also be able to hook to a HD tv so I can use it as a home theater. I am assuming I can still use my current hard drives in case that will lower the price.

Thank you for you help
 
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IH8U

IH8U

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Lets see if I can spec out one for $400

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811815006
$30 Xigmatek ASGARD II B/O (cheap case)
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026
$45 CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 (430W, with MIR to drop it to $25)
MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138318
$65 BIOSTAR A870U3 AM3 AMD 870 (a little pricy, but has USB 3.0)
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103932
$80 AMD Athlon II X4 630 (OEM, so processor only $8 off with promo code)
HSF: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233081
$25 XIGMATEK LOKI SD963
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231423
$33 G.SKILL Value Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
DVD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
$19 LITE-ON DVD Burner 24x
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148699
$37 Seagate Barracuda ST3250312AS 250GB 7200 RPM
Vid: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150543
$70XFX HD-657X-ZHF2 Radeon HD 6570

Total no OS: $404 + S&H (not including MIR, or Combo/Special)

(srry, forgot the Biostar had no vid)


Later get another stick of RAM
 
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msmorgan69

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Thank You. Also I wanted to ask I have a brand new PSU that I had bought so I can just substitute that for what you recommended correct? Its the same brand as what you said except 600w. And I also have a DVD drive/burner from a previous computer so I can use that as well? Also, is this computer going to last me for a few years without needing to upgrade?
 
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msmorgan69

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LOL ok. I had a feeling you would say that but I am quite sure you are correct. I probably will order what you recommended then this weekend. Oh and do you think this will be hard for a newbie to put together or should i have someone else do it? I can pay a shop $45 to do it unless its easy. I am scared to mess it up.
 
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msmorgan69

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Ok is that board comparable to the one recommended? I am open to the AM3+ but would want it to be usb 3.0 like the other one also.
 
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msmorgan69

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Ok thank you so much. And the extra $30 is fine because I am not having to get a DVD burner/drive or a PSU so this will still keep everything within my budget. Again thank you so much for your help and advice. I really do appreciate it.
 
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