Need an inexpensive source for a computer.

[John Schmidt]

I only want the CPU, the keyboard, mouse and monitor are quite new. The CPU is over five years old and I'm running out of space on the hard drive, the RAM is only 1gb, and the entire unit is beginning to give me fits....running slow for one thing, especially if I have a number of things going on. I've considered upping the RAM to 2gb(not sure it's worth it) which is the max this unit will handle....Dell Dimension 3000, Win. XP, w/Intel Pent. 4 at 2.8 ghz with 1mb cache and an 80gb hard drive.

I've started looking around a bit at just replacing components....larger hard drive, video, upping the RAM, etc., and it appears the first thing I'd have to do is upgrade the Motherboard. When I started adding the cost of all the components, I'd have a bigger investment than if I simply bought a new system, and it would have a warranty. Buying the components and upgrading myself would basically be a "build-it-yourself" computer....with no warranty except factory on the individual parts.

I looked on Ebay just for kicks....over 11k hits on it so didn't spend any time there. Does anyone know of a good source for just the tower?

[GreenLantern57]

Tiger Direct for bare bones and New Egg also! Computer Parts USA used to be real good on a bare bones. CompUSA for discounted sytems that is the tower only, not even a monitor for some.

[donaldcc]

  I have bought 3-4 at Costco.  Good prices, quality computers and unbeatable warranty.  IMHO if it is over 5 years old, junk it or donate it somewhere and get a new one.  You can get a new one for $500 and will not have to worry about breaking down/warranty.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11599145&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|84|90366|56671|78519&N=4045265&Mo=16&pos=1&No=1&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=78519&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&ec=BC-EC10600-Cat56671&topnav=

Dell Inspiron 580 Desktop $499, 3.06 Ghz, 4 GB Memory, 500 GB hard drive

[R J]

That new one you are directing him to, WHAT DO IT HAVE FOR AN OPERATING SYSTEM?

Think on that one before ya jump in with both feet.

[FLAVALK]

John, there are a ton of cheaps on Ebay and Craig's List. Some new, some refurbished, some used. I've purchased two on Ebay with no problem. I've also purchased two refurbished units and wouldn't hesitate to do so again. Here is one example.....just depends on what you need/want

[John Schmidt]

That new one you are directing him to, WHAT DO IT HAVE FOR AN OPERATING SYSTEM?

Think on that one before ya jump in with both feet.

RJ, it has Win. 7 Home Edition....or something like that. I looked it up, think I'll go out to Costco tomorrow and see what they have in stock....it's about three miles down the road. The next thing will be transferring all my stuff over. I have a 250gb external I'll probably move it to, then when I get a new one set up, just move it back.

[Valker]

refurbdepot.com