Build a new PC or not?

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TopGun

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Apr 28, 2009
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Hey guys,

I've got a really tough decision to make.

My 2nd PC that I let my girl use won't start windows after installing whatever software was needed for the Kodak Playsport Zx3. I'm not certain that the new software is the issue, but it would be quite the coincidence if it wasn't. I have several options to choose from...please help me decide the best one.

1.) Try to determine and correct the issue on my own. I can follow directions on forums and whatnot, but it would probably be very time consuming and a big pain in the rear trying to troubleshoot what is wrong and how to fix it.<--cheapest alternative, but very intimidating/bothersome...although if I could be pointed to the correct path/forum/site to begin that would be a huge 1st step

2.) Take the PC in to a local PC care store and have them fix the issue.<--probably 2nd cheapest alternative depending on what exactly the issue really turns out to be...guessing in the $80-$100 range just for the diagnosis...maybe more if they need to wipe the drive or w/e, I don't know...may be better to put this $$$ towards option #3

3.) Build a new cheap PC that has got to run better than my 10+ year old 1.3 GHz HP Pavilion. I haven't started researching, but I bet $200-$300 could buy a much better PC than what she's using now...rather spend the $100 from option #2 on myself than on a PC diagnosis. The HD is only a couple/few years old and is 80 GB, so I could probably keep that, but if that or a program on it is the problem...I would still need to include option #1 or #2. I might possibly have a XP pro upgrade disk to use to just reformat the drive, but I'm not 100% sure it will work.<--this option just seems like an excuse to upgrade while potentially not even dealing with the real problem...but maybe it's time to upgrade anyway?

4.) Build a new not so cheap PC ($1000ish) and give her my 2 year old build. I was wanting to do this at some point anyway, but I was thinking next year would be the year for the awesome value on Sandy Bridge parts (or the next newest one with a die shrink?) and possibly graphics card too. Right now seems like great parts, but not the best bang for the buck value just yet.<--this option again doesn't deal directly with what I'm guessing is the main issue (HD or a program on it)...and like I said, I think next year would be the year for the best value for parts...also, if I do this, I probably will not get a 55" HDTV we were thinking about using our taxes for

I'm leaning towards #1 or #3 with #2 being the least attractive option to me (I hate spending something for nothing, especially when I could possibly do it myself).

I would really appreciate any and all comments/suggestions/opinions.

Thanks,
-TG
 
Solution
You can remove that 80GB HDD from the HP and attach it to your other computer. Even the new computers have the old IDE ports and 4 pin molex power connectors. Your new system might not have one of those flat ribbon IDE/PATA cables but the old cable on the HP should also work. The computer should 'see' the new hardware when you boot up again and you'll be able to pull off what ever files need to be rescued.

If you're not going to resuscitate the old HP you could use that 80GB HDD as your backup drive and save your files there.

You should be able to check for the recovery disks with your computer too. The right one will boot up and offer to install WinXP.

Personally, I'd never use a partitioned HDD for backups. The HDD is...
I found some reviews where it showed it has a place for a front fan.

Any recommendations for cheap/cool-looking/high cooling/low noise/led case fans? 120mm and 140 mm

Also, I read that it can only accommodate up to 10" GPU cards...will this be an issue with any of the "bets bang for the buck" cards I'd be looking to get?
 
Both the GTX 460 and HD 6850 run between 8.5" and 9.5" (maybe 9.6) depending on the model and how it's cooler is set up. Check the MFGR's websites just to be sure.

Probably a good idea to wait on ordering fans & mod kits till you have the case in hand, your parts installed and then figure out what else you want to do.
Two of the better mod shops are:
http://www.frozencpu.com/
http://www.xoxide.com/
 
Ya, I think it looks cool too (talking about the antec 300 illusion in another forum here), but...I would want to paint it, put in a window, and a bottom screen to turn my PSU upside down. I'd also want to add 1 120mm led fan. That = $69.99+$8 (fan)+a TON of work ($30ish for research, elbow grease, time, and parts seems on the cheap side of an estimate) = $108 + $8 (for led rear fan)=$116

If I didn't do any mods it would be $69.99+$8+$8=$85.99

I don't need to do anything to the NZXT to get it how I want it except add 2 140mm led top fans ($12ish/each) and 1 120mm led fan (maybe 2 if want the rear fan led too...$8ish/each). This would cost me at the most $45+$24+$16=$85 with no extra work and everything I want.

I don't know though...paying almost 1/2 the cost of the case for additional fans seems less than good value. I might try to hold out for a sale on the illusion (if it goes on sale again for $40-$55 I think I'd have to get it) and just do the mods...or get the NZXT and hope for a sale on good fans. Nothing is ever easy is it? I was all set to go with the NZXT...you guys were supposed to reinforce that, not make me totally question it. I'm so confused now.

I found 4 decent priced fans, but not sure at all about how they would look, function, or sound.

1. APEVIA CF12SL-UBL 120mm Blue LED Case Fan $6.79 each for 2 + $1.99 S&H.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998121

2. Cooler Master 120mm Blue LED Case Fan - (R4-L2R-20AC-GP) $8.35 each if you get free super saver shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0026ZPFCK/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

3. Thermaltake Thunderblade 120 mm 4 Led Case Fan 3 and 4 Pin AF0032 (Blue) $7.00 free super saver shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B003819S8S/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

4. Yate Loon CLEAR 120mm Low Speed Silent Case Fan with Blue LED
http://cgi.ebay.com/120mm-Crystal-Case-Clear-Fan-4-Blue-LED-/140500923374?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20b681f3ee