Looking for a new PC

Miroslav

I'm typing this on a 256mb RAM pc that keeps freezing, so i'm hoping I get through the end of this message!

My PC's power supply has died - i'm hoping it's not taken anything with it. I don't know how to fit a new one and what one to get, so i'm waiting on a friend to help out there. I may also be getting a new PC tomorrow from a family member but the specs are unknown.

Just incase none of the above works out, i'm on the lookout for another PC - I was thinking of getting a second anyway as often the PC is needed by more than one person.

The old banger that has just decided to pass on is

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FUJITSU-SIEMENS-ESPRIMO-P4-3-2GHZ-80GB-WINXP-PRO-/150583663477?pt=UK_Computing_DesktopPCs&hash=item230f7c5b75

3.2 Ghz processor.

Only my version has 2GB RAM and DVD/RW added to it.

It's going to be a basic PC - no heavy gaming - Mainly used for light gaming (Football Manager etc) and for watching Sky Go, TV Catchup etc so needs to be able to do those things without Lagging etc and basic internet browsing, so heavy websites being browsed need to load up without slowing the whole pc down.

So, similar specs to what I already have but at a low price as possible - refurbed ideally as money is tight.

I've looked on eBay and found a few, but are their any 'names' I should avoid?

For instance i've never heard of Asrock or advent? Lenovo? and I know nothing about processors.

Can anyone give any advice? I don't want to buy a duffer.

Thanks.

penrhyn

Why not try a Dell?

https://www.dmxdimension.com

The Inspiron 660 is a decent PC, if you want a desktop.

macman

A PSU is a very easy part to change, at a cost of about £20 for a generic one. Just replace it with an ATX PSU of the same or higher rating. If you can use a screwdriver, you can do the job in 30 minutes. Certainly not a reason to bin an otherwise working PC.

colin79666

If you can stretch to £300-400 you can get a new Zoostorm Core i5 machine with Windows 7/8 on Amazon.

As above you could replace the PSU in your current machine - this would probably be worth doing if its under 3 years old but I'd avoid cheap generic ones personally after seeing the results of too many PSU failures (think fire and melted plastic). A 400W Corsair or Antec shouldn't break the bank (< £40).

Miroslav

Thanks for all the replies. I will reply to your points later.

As it stands, I have a new PC - Vista, 2GB Ram, 290GB HDD.

My only problem - it won't install my modem drivers, so I can't get online on that machine!

I've used the CD with the drivers on and downloaded them via this machine and tried transferring, but they won't work

It's an old BT Voyager 105.

I have a new router somewhere, but had nightmares trying to install that on my old PC - so i'm stuck!

Not even sure my modem is compatible with Vista.

Help!

penrhyn

Miroslav wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I will reply to your points later.

As it stands, I have a new PC - Vista, 2GB Ram, 290GB HDD.

My only problem - it won't install my modem drivers, so I can't get online on that machine!

I've used the CD with the drivers on and downloaded them via this machine and tried transferring, but they won't work

It's an old BT Voyager 105.

I have a new router somewhere, but had nightmares trying to install that on my old PC - so i'm stuck!

Not even sure my modem is compatible with Vista.

Help!

Modem Drivers? A USB modem? Shirley its about time you got a free router of your ISP.
Routers don't need installing just set up and go.

Miroslav

penrhyn wrote: »

Modem Drivers? A USB modem? Shirley its about time you got a free router of your ISP.
Routers don't need installing just set up and go.

I do have a router too, I just don't have a CD - I have Belkin F5D9630-4 - No CD or manual - I am looking around on the net for some sites for help as when I plug router in, it doesn't connect - I don't know what settings I need

EDIT - I found a manual online - i'm just so stupid at these things I doubt I can get it going.

penrhyn

You'll need your ISP's user account name and password, unless the router is preconfigured for the ISP. You'll also need the IP adress user and password for the router itself, but that should be in the manual.

Then You'll need an ethernet cable to connect the router to the PC.

Miroslav

penrhyn wrote: »

You'll need your ISP's user account name and password, unless the router is preconfigured for the ISP. You'll also need the IP adress user and password for the router itself, but that should be in the manual.

Then You'll need an ethernet cable to connect the router to the PC.

It didn't come from my ISP (AOL), I bought it seperately and google isn't providing me any information on user/pass for AOL, unless you mean my own user/pass.

I have the IP address for the router and the ethernet cable is connceted.

May have to call it a day and get someone in as it's too confusing for a technophobe. Thanks for your help, i'll just have to go without for a while...although I will keep trying and causing myself a headache.

macman

Yo don't need a CD. All you need to do is hook it up and enter the details via the router's configuration page as stated above by penrhyn. All the CD does is install a load of bloatware that does nothing useful at all.
Your username and password are not 'on Google'-they're confidential and known only to you (or supposed to be)! If you've forgotten them then you'll need to go through TT security and have them supplied or reset.
Getting someone 'teccy' in won't help, as they won't know them either, unless you employ a clairvoyant.
If the router is faulty, you can buy a perfectly good Netgear wireless router for less than a tenner on ebay-or blag one off TT for free.

penrhyn

I meant your user name and passwrord, the one you use to acess your ISP using your USB modem.