Desktop pc cheap as chips?

Mumstheword

I just need a desktop unit, to replace one which is very slow and always has been. It's one which has been added to and messed about with over the years. I used some great advice on here and went thru a lengthy process to speed everything up, which helped, but it's still terribly slow on the net. So - I have a monitor and keyboard, I just want a pc.

Does this look any good? http://www.ebuyer.com/251310-zoostorm-desktop-7873-1036

I dont even want to spend that much if I can help it, but realise you get what you pay for!

My son can put an OS on for me, so I dont need to spend extra on that. I dont really need 1TB hard drive - it's only for internet browsing and storing some basic admin files, but I'd like something that can start up and change web pages fast!

fwor

Mumstheword wrote: »

it's still terribly slow on the net.

If it's just internet access that's slow, there's probably nothing wrong with your existing PC, and it's either your browser or (more likely) your ISP's connection that is not working well.

But if you must change it and want "adequate but cheap", I'd be looking at one of the companies like Morgan Computers that do ex-corporate refurbs. You should get something perfectly adequate for £100-120.

Mumstheword

Thanks fwor, I'd be quite happy with a refurb if it's from a reputable source. I dont think it's the internet - I'm running that one and another alongside it, and the other one is fine. I also have from time to time an xbox and a laptop running. It just seems to be that one pc thats slow. Could that still be the problem tho, only affecting one pc?

Thank you!

Mumstheword

ps, to get something reasonably fast for the use it will have, do you have an idea of the optimum spec I should look out for? Thanks!

closed

post a fresh hijackthis log, commit charge, and peak commit charge - xp should run fine on a 2.5GHz processor with 1.5GB of ram

If it's just the net that is slow, a new machine may be the same.

Test your net connection speed http://www.speedtest.bbmax.co.uk/

Where is your son getting the OS from?

fwor

Mumstheword wrote: »

It just seems to be that one pc thats slow. Could that still be the problem tho, only affecting one pc?

There are a few factors - e.g. if it's wireless and not getting a good connection to your router, or if the browser has helper objects installed that you don't need.

If you're going to trash it anyway, I'd stick a Linux install on it and see how it runs.

No, I'm not suggesting you move to Linux - it's just a test to see what it's capable of with a nice cleanly installed OS.

gonzo127

what are you planning on doing on it, (also i would second the Linux suggestion - probably Linux Mint LXDE) there is very little optimum spec without an idea of the usage

fwor

Mumstheword wrote: »

ps, to get something reasonably fast for the use it will have, do you have an idea of the optimum spec I should look out for? Thanks!

Without knowing ~exactly~ what you're going to use it for, I'd suggest that anything equivalent to or better than a Core 2 Duo running at 2.6GHz or better with 1GB RAM (2GB if running Vista) should be adequate for general purpose (i.e. non-gaming) use. Can't think right now what the equivalent AMD based would be, but anything mid-range from 2-3 years ago should be fine.

gonzo127

for around £200 this seems pretty good http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zoostorm-3370-6100-Desktop-PC-Intel-Celeron-G530-Dual-Core-Processor-3370-6100-/140658256802?pt=UK_Computing_DesktopPCs&hash=item20bfe2aba2

Mumstheword

Fab advice, thanks all.
Closed - You very kindly helped me thru all of that in about March this year. Your help sped it up slightly - but it's still a slow pc. So after following all of the instructions on the 'how to speed up your pc' thread, and some other things people suggested, I dont think it should have anything stray on there should it? I will test the speed thanks. I dont know where the OS would come from - he might use the code from the old machine to load up the new one?
gonzo and fwor - that machine is used for net browsing and storing the occasional file for admin. No gaming. But I do like it to be able to turn an internet page quickly..... if only to stop the users of it nicking my seat and using mine which is faster!!!

Thanks all, I knew I'd get good advice on here!

Oh, ps, when I replaced it with my new one (it's other people who now use the old one), it was formatted and freshly installed. That was after first trying all the steps to speed it up. But it's just always been a pants pc!!

fwor - it's wired in to the net. Thanks for the Linux idea, DS likes to play at that sort of thing so if I do replace it, he could have the old one to test things like that and have a general play about with. He could even get it going so it's ok for his younger brothers to use.

Mumstheword

Thanks gonzo, is that better than the ebuyer one? It seems to have lower numbers - processor, ram and hard drive. But I know sometimes people on the techie board know that lower numbers can still be better if its a better machine.