Should I upgrade what I have or buy a whole new PC?

EdTittel said:

Here's what I would suggest:
1. replace your monitor
2. make a backup of your system, then perform a clean re-install of Windows. If you are somewhere in the spectrum of "I'm happy with the re-install" to "I can live with it," keep it and be happy. If you're unhappy, it's time to think about replacing your system, or using it as a second system.

I must admit I'd try that number 2 (backup and clean install) first.

I don't see there's much to lose by trying it, except the time taken to do the clean install and reinstalling enough software to see if the speed is liveable with. If not then just restore the backup and shop for a new computer.

I'm currently typing this on a very nearly 10-year old laptop which has given good service and running Windows 10 32 bit. Admittedly I just use it for basic tasks, but it does the job.

clam1952 said:

If you don't want to roll your own rig in the UK, you can't do much better than a PC specialist build, you can customise them to whatever you want, build quality and after service is excellent. They even customise laptops.

Can you recommend a PC specialist builder in the UK, ideally near Oxford/Reading/London?

Like for like, how much more expensive are they likely to be compared to a brand? (e.g. HP, Dell, Lenovo etc)

EDIT: Thanks I shall investigate "PC Specialist".

dalchina said:

Read your PM- doubt I can add much...

I can't fain any PM on this forum. Or did you email me??

margrave10 said:

I have to agree with the posts early in this thread. Upgrading is a waste. Your old motherboard won't handle the new, faster RAM. And it might not take a newer processor. And it will likely have USB 2 ports, not the faster/newer USB 3. So you generally replace motherboard, CPU and RAM as a set. So now you're close to $300.

Anyway, if you're not technically inclined, DIY is out of the question. Just buy a new box.

For the graphics card ... if you're playing high-end games or if you're doing engineering graphics, you need a high-end graphics card. For anything else the motherboard / integrated graphics is all you need. If you're an office user with no special high-performance requirements, you can find a box for well under $1000 USD.

I've avoided Dells for years. I've had good luck with HP desktops.

If you decide to go with a laptop, avoid the home/small office stuff. Those are pure junk. Instead, go for a business laptop. You'll pay a lot more, but it will last.

There are small-name computer companies that come recommended. But I've always bought name-brand.

Re graphics card, I definitely don't want to play games, and then engineering requirements will only be moderate. Nonetheless I just want a reasonably large screen with reasonably accurate colours - ideally 4K - ideally with the ability to run 2 of them side by side. What sort of minimum graphics card spec would that demand?

ship69 said:

Can you recommend a PC specialist builder in the UK, ideally near Oxford/Reading/London?

Like for like, how much more expensive are they likely to be compared to a brand? (e.g. HP, Dell, Lenovo etc)

EDIT: Thanks I shall investigate "PC Specialist".

From about £400 upwards to silly prices depending on what you want. You can get ready built PC Specialist PC's from PC World, Maplins and BT Shop (Used to be Dabs) and Ebuyer
It's one Company located in Wakefield PCSPECIALIST - Top Spec Custom PCs & Laptops Built to
Order

I'll second PCSpecialist. They built a laptop for me last year. Great quality. I've not had to contact support so I can't comment on that part.