Upgrading old prebuilt

[Barrelmaker85]

I am a first time poster to TH. I searched around the site but couldn't find anyone in my shoes as far as old prebuilt systems go. Here is a link to my current system
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&docname=c01485424#N90

I know it is old. I use it primarily for basic computing (word processor, web surfing, etc) and occasionally some low level gaming (WoW on low settings, not raiding). The thing is starting to pass away and my I am trying to decide what to do about it. I have looked at building my own and buying a new prebuilt, but until today I had not considered trying to upgrade some key parts and getting a couple more years out of it. Is it possible(worth?) to upgrade this archaic mess and breath a little more life into it? Or should I just forget that altogether and buy/build new?

 

[bigshootr8]

The only 2 things you could upgrade with your current computer would be memory and storage. Other than that I wouldn't touch it. You only have a 160w PSU Which will not get you far. If you did decide to build your own computer what would you spend?

 

[Barrelmaker85]

Eventually $1000. I don't have the funds to do that now. I can't find a decent prebuilt for less than $500 so guess I would do a home build if it were worth it to build cheaper than that.

 

[C12Friedman]

I've got to concur here that building a new PC will be the way to go but in the meantime here's how to get some more life from your current machine...

Disassemble and clean it really good to include removing the heatsink and applying new thermal compound (about $10) also clean out your PSU really good. I think it'll help you current machine's health plus the reassembly process will be good preparation for your build IMO. Then, after thoroughly clean, follow the steps in this guide http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/242796-44-simple-free-guide-removing-malware
You should be running a little better then

 

[Barrelmaker85]

Thanks for the information. I will try out those suggestions and see if they help.

I have been searching newegg for components over the last couple weeks. Out of curiosity, when I run the power supply calculator, is that the recommended psu wattage or the wattage the PC will require? I am of the understanding that a certified psu works best at 50% capacity so when I get the result I double it and that is the wattage of psu I should get. Is that correct?

 

[C12Friedman]

Newegg's PSU calculator is a recommendation for the PSU not the actual power draw of the system - I've found it to be quite generous. A better one for determining your actual power draw (IMO) is here http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
~50% load is the sweet spot for current PSU designs, this link is excellent for finding legitimate reviews of PSU's http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page541.htm I pretty much treat the information there as gospel

This link may make configuring your build a little easier http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/

Enjoy

 

[Barrelmaker85]

Thanks again. I am getting an external hard drive soon so I can clean all the pictures and music off my computer. I am hoping that will help also. I really appreciate all responses. All my questions have been answered. Glad I asked here first.