I have had a custom build tiny little PC for over 10 years that I just use for Work from Home and some personal use (No Gaming or heavy processing involved). Unfortunately I had to wipe it recently and lost the Windows Key so have had a ripped copy installed ever since which keeps giving the annoying counterfit windows message. The computer runs very slow even after wiping most programs and defragmenting drives etc. Can anyone suggest whether it is worthwhile upgrading to a new tower to improve boot speed and general use without lag at a minimal cost? Looking at spending no more than $1000 and not after anything amazing but just want something that runs quick as it can get really annoying having lag whilst working.
Desktop Tower Upgrade
shaughan12 on 28/07/2020 - 11:05
Comments
I have 2 monitors, wireless keyboard and mouse I want to reuse with the new tower where possible
What connectors do the monitors use?
I use a HDMI and VGA cable as tower only has one of each.
You could probably get away with putting an SSD in it and it'll feel like a new machine for you.
Do you know the specs? Assuming you're on W10, https://www.windowscentral.com/how-check-your-computer-full-…
I am still on Windows 7.
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2100 CPU @ 3.10GHz 3.10 GHz
Installed memory (RAM): 8.00 GB (7.73 usable)
System Type: 64-bit Operating SystemThat is still a very capable system for what you want to do. Change your hard drive for an SSD (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/553323), just check that it is a SATA connector (most likely is).
You'll be amazed at the difference in speed for under $100.
Could get an Asus PN50 but need to add either an m.2 ssd or 2.5" drive and RAM. And it only has one hdmi and one displayport.
3.5" HDDs would need to be external.
Instead of upgrading it you may also consider getting a refurbished PC with better specs, such as this:
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/202706862875
It is only $199 and comes with an i5 4570s CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD and 2 DisplayPorts.
You will also need 2 DP-to-HDMI cables if your monitors don't have DP but arguably you will get a better picture than VGA.
Add an SSD as suggested, and install windows and most programs on it. Or even better (depending on current drive size) you could try cloning the drive, and not have to reinstall anything.
I have been using a slower PC than yours for the last few years with an SSD that makes it feel quick enough. And with an equally old graphics card it has even been a decent gaming PC.
And if it still feels slow later on, you can keep using the drive, so it won't be wasted money.
10 years in computer terms is ancient, the chances of failure of any part increases considerably past 5 years old.
I recommend getting new everything, some people are saying to upgrade to the ssd route, but its just a matter of time before you have a major failure.
yeah nah
computer i built in 2008 is still going strong haha.
Refurbished ebay i7 optiplex or HP desktop for ~$400 or ex cad/graphics designers desktop for ~$600 with stacks of ram.
After a fatal motherboard/processor crash on 12 year old PC last week achieved much better performance by replacing quickly with a very clean recycled ex corporate Dell Optiplex i5 4590 from rebootit.com.au. $240 including postage. Windows 10 Pro, 500gb HDD, DVDRW, 10 USB ports, separate graphics card with DVI output as well as the graphics outputs on the motherboard - so connects monitors with DVI, VGA (dsub) and Displayport. 3 month warranty. For HDMI, we are buying a converter cable for the Displayport. Very quiet and stable so far. Lots of other Optiplex sellers on eBay too but this Melbourne refurbisher looked established and reliable
Much appreciated!
Can you reuse your monitor / kb / mouse?