Need advice for new desktop computer

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synthetic_crazy

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Our current computer(a 10yr old Dell 8200 running XP with 1GB of RAM) is becoming so slow at running any program that a new desktop purchase is on the horizon. For example, it takes about 20 minutes from a restart for the computer to be ready to click on a program. Sometimes, even then it can take about 5 minutes to open the internet browser
mad.gif
. All we use the computer for is internet/email and word processing. No digital media editing, gaming etc.
So ... I have been looking at a Dell Inspiron 660s with Windows 7, 6GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz - 2 DIMMs, 1 TB hard drive, and a 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i3-2120 processor (3M Cache, 3.30 GHz).

I need some advice, would this system be adequate for our usage?
 
Sometimes reformatting the drive and re-installing the Operating System fresh will really speed things up, over time your registry can become corrupted and the PC spends a lot of time searching for files and programs that have long since been deleted or uninstalled but they remain in the registry.

I'd say that is a bit overkill for what you are using it for, I'd look at something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103455 and you maybe can save quite a bit of cash over a dell.
 
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Originally Posted By: Scotty1981
Sometimes reformatting the drive and re-installing the Operating System fresh will really speed things up, over time your registry can become corrupted and the PC spends a lot of time searching for files and programs that have long since been deleted or uninstalled but they remain in the registry.

I'd say that is a bit overkill for what you are using it for, I'd look at something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103455 and you maybe can save quite a bit of cash over a dell.


This.

The computer you are looking at looks nice; however if you are only doing email then old isn't bad....I've always had good success with spybot search and destroy...it removes lots of [censored] that slows down your computer. It's free and worth a try before you put out cash on a new rig.
 
you have three option going to list them in order of cost

1) format cost depend son if you own a disk
2) upgarade ram / hard drive
3) buy new one

your machine is VERY old and an 250 dollar labtop will give you much more convinence , less power usage ( irrelevent ) , and be a million times faster
 
If you're not in a hurry, the holiday shopping season should have some good deals.
 
Your current computer sounds like it has bad motherboard caps along with "WinRot".

The system you spec'd will be absolutely fine for what you're doing. Any of Intel's "i" series CPU's that have 4 digits just like you spec'd will give you the best performance. 3 digit "i" series CPUs are starting to age, I wouldn't buy one of those any longer unless the deal is too good to pass up.

I have a client running a database server on a single PC for a line of business app on that same CPU, performance is real good.
 
Thank you everyone for your insight and advice. I'm not very tech savvy--at least not enough to uninstall the OS and then reinstall it. We had thought about adding some more RAM and a new HD to our current system, but since all the components are 10 years old AND the fact that XP is becoming a thing of the past, I think a new system would be the best choice.
 
A totally new system is in order IMHO.

I would not buy a Dell. You have had one for 10 years, so you may wish to stick with them.

However if I wanted to buy a new Windows based desktop, i'd stick with the brands Asus or Acer.

With that said, for your use a Desktop may not really be wanted. Today's technology has much to offer.

Laptops are really becoming the norm for your intended use.

Since you have stated your not to "tech savvy", you may want to check out the laptop offerings. Very simple, all in one, design. You can use it anywhere. And you are really no longer sacrificing performance when you move into the mobile platform.
 
Originally Posted By: synthetic_crazy
Our current computer(a 10yr old Dell 8200 running XP with 1GB of RAM) is becoming so slow at running any program that a new desktop purchase is on the horizon. For example, it takes about 20 minutes from a restart for the computer to be ready to click on a program. Sometimes, even then it can take about 5 minutes to open the internet browser
mad.gif
. All we use the computer for is internet/email and word processing. No digital media editing, gaming etc.
So ... I have been looking at a Dell Inspiron 660s with Windows 7, 6GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz - 2 DIMMs, 1 TB hard drive, and a 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i3-2120 processor (3M Cache, 3.30 GHz).

I need some advice, would this system be adequate for our usage?


More than enough computer for your needs.
 
PS... too bad you think you're not tech savy. There are plenty of videos on youtube for computer noobs on how to assemble a computer.

you can build a system for a little more (not much more) than what Dell charges you AND you get an extra 2 GB RAM
 
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Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
you can build a system for a little more (not much more) than what Dell charges you AND you get an extra 2 GB RAM

And if anything in such a self-made PC happens to malfunction, it can be a PITA to try to figure out which component or driver is to blame. And if you can't pinpoint the culprit, getting something fixed/replaced can be frustrating. On the other hand, if you buy a PC as a whole, you only have one throat to choke should you encounter any problems.

IMO, if you enjoy assembling PC, then do it, but don't do it simply to try to save a little money.
 
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
you can build a system for a little more (not much more) than what Dell charges you AND you get an extra 2 GB RAM

And if anything in such a self-made PC happens to malfunction, it can be a PITA to try to figure out which component or driver is to blame. And if you can't pinpoint the culprit, getting something fixed/replaced can be frustrating. On the other hand, if you buy a PC as a whole, you only have one throat to choke should you encounter any problems.

IMO, if you enjoy assembling PC, then do it, but don't do it simply to try to save a little money.


When you DIY... you rarely save money compared to a big box PC.

Plus there are money small computer repair shops you can use (sort of supporting the local economy)
 
Originally Posted By: UG_Passat

When you DIY... you rarely save money compared to a big box PC.


I disagree. With my Home build, I have a much more powerful computer, with better quality parts than the mass produced big box stuff, at a lower cost, and the knowledge to know if something took a dump I know enough about what I have to effectively troubleshoot it.
 
Originally Posted By: Tim H.
Originally Posted By: UG_Passat

When you DIY... you rarely save money compared to a big box PC.


I disagree. With my Home build, I have a much more powerful computer, with better quality parts than the mass produced big box stuff, at a lower cost, and the knowledge to know if something took a dump I know enough about what I have to effectively troubleshoot it.


Without going AMD, what would you spec out a much more powerful than Intel Core i3-3120 computer, with Win 7, Premium 64-bit for less than $499?
 
Originally Posted By: Tim H.


I disagree. With my Home build, I have a much more powerful computer, with better quality parts than the mass produced big box stuff, at a lower cost, and the knowledge to know if something took a dump I know enough about what I have to effectively troubleshoot it.


You have to qualify your statement.

It is a sliding scale. On low end stuff, just the basic system/integrated graphics/4gig RAM, it is impossible to compete with OEMs. Just the cost of the OS kills the deal. (No Linux talk here please). I still spec out systems for clients, and it just cost more to build it yourself.

Now, when you start moving away from the bottomfeeder systems, then you start seeing savings doing it yourself. OEMs hurt you when you want more RAM/i7s and quality graphics cards. Look at Dell/Alienware prices, and then price the components, and it hits home how much the consumer is getting reamed.

If you just need a basic system, wait for a sale and grab what you can.
 
Originally Posted By: punisher

Now, when you start moving away from the bottomfeeder systems, then you start seeing savings doing it yourself. OEMs hurt you when you want more RAM/i7s and quality graphics cards. Look at Dell/Alienware prices, and then price the components, and it hits home how much the consumer is getting reamed.

If you just need a basic system, wait for a sale and grab what you can.


Maybe I'm accustomed to something other than a bottom feed then.

Passat: AMD is what I was thinking..
 
Originally Posted By: Tim H.

Passat: AMD is what I was thinking..


That's why I limited you to AMD... because I know you can get a better bang for the buck CPU/Mobo combo.

I got my parents a AMD A4-3400 CPU & Biostar Mobo for the same price as the i3-2120 CPU alone
 
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