Do It Yourself Computer Upgrading

[Jonathan David]

Can anybody recommend a site useful for upgrading my computer (apart from here of course! )

[Gareth]

You can get some good advice from the Overclockers forums... just don't expect them to be impartial about where to buy the components

[Halcyon]

This site http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/ has some good advice for fitting different parts.

What kind of upgrade did you have in mind ?

[Jonathan David]

Basically everything that i can do i'm gonna try and do!

[AbyssUnderground]

www.ebuyer.com is a great place for computer bits. Their prices are very very good too although it can be a bit misleading in the description sometimes so keep your eyes wide open.

[David F]

Originally Posted by AbyssUnderground

www.ebuyer.com is a great place for computer bits. Their prices are very very good too although it can be a bit misleading in the description sometimes so keep your eyes wide open.

I would only use ebuyer as a last resort.

Originally Posted by Jonathan David

Basically everything that i can do i'm gonna try and do!

you rebuilding ? ie new mobo gfx ram cpu around current hard drives? or less of an upgrade?
Have you considered selling or passing on the old machine and building new? upgrading older hardware can only improve them a limited amount sometimes new is better and in the end better value

[AbyssUnderground]

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

I would only use ebuyer as a last resort.

I use them for all my PC stuff and Ive only ever had 2 issues in the 40 odd orders Ive made, both issues were resolved quickly. I only find their descriptions a bit misleading at times. Its often made me think twice about buying something. Usually for the best too.

[Jonathan David]

you rebuilding ? ie new mobo gfx ram cpu around current hard drives? or less of an upgrade?
Have you considered selling or passing on the old machine and building new? upgrading older hardware can only improve them a limited amount sometimes new is better and in the end better value

I'm looking at making my computer as good as i possible can get it. Hopefullu future profing it for a few years until i can afford a new pc.

[Halcyon]

If you post the spec of your current computer, we can advise you on what would be the best upgrade.

[David F]

Originally Posted by Jonathan David

I'm looking at making my computer as good as i possible can get it. Hopefullu future profing it for a few years until i can afford a new pc.

you can not futire proof a pc full stop. The only way to cover some time will be to build new and build around a new Intel chipset capable of running a quad core cpu

[Gareth]

yeah, it's like painting the Forth Bridge... just when you think you've got to a stage where you can relax, you find you need to start over again.

[ldc2710]

tbh pc building is pretty easy as long as your confident about what your doing and not scared to touch things,ask around what ppls spec are and if they work well together and you will get a rough idea of rig setups cos comatability can be a big issue

www.misco.co.uk

www.rlsupplies.co.uk

i use them as there pretty good on price and they use paypal which is always a good thing if u sold ur old pc bits on ebay

[ADd]

Depending how old your PC is (the specs), and what you use it for.

If just normal browsing etc, one of the cheapest, and easiest upgrades is RAM, and usually quite effective. This is particualrly true of XP - you can run it on 128MB RAM, but it is very slow. M$ recommend 256MB minimum, and on a 500Mhz chip, it is resonable, but just ensure you disable the unnecessary startup items. Ideally you want 512MB or more in my experience. Choosing programs that use low resources (like firewall, AV and anti-spyware) is a prudent route to take. Basic things like a good clean-up with a program like CCleaner can help, and defrag

I wouldn't spend too much if you are thinking of getting a new PC if the future, as you will not get much of your money back.