Repair or replace?

Spudnik_2

Hi guys,

My main computer gave up the ghost a while ago. It's nothing special - my brother built it about 5 years ago for gaming - but it did the job. I emailed the person offering to repair it for details and this is what I got in response:

'We have checked you computer specification and it is the following:
AMD 3000 Socket A CPU
Asus A7NBX Motherboard
Radeon 9800 128mb Graphics Card AGP
Samsung DDR type 1 Ram

The CPU Has over heated and show clear signs of sweating. Due to the age of the CPU they no longer make this type. We also believe that the overheating has affected the main board and this is the main reason it keeps blowing power supplies. Again they no longer make the type of board.

The graphics card and the ram seem to be working correctly but would have to be replaced as the new boards no longer support them.

We would recommend replacing them with the following:
AMD 3600 CPU
1GB DDR II Ram
Asus M2M Plus Main Board
Radeon X1550


Total Price = 175.96

You could also go for a dual core type CPU and taking the price to 205.05 for a Athlon 4400 Dual Core CPU

To increase the ram to 2GB would cost 17.99 extra. '

Given the prices that you can get machines now, I'm unsure as to whether or not I should pay out around £200 to repair this one, or whether I'd be better to purchase a new one?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

ABH_3

Those old processors 'sweat' do they? I was under the impression that they only 'sweat' when placed in an environment that maybe damp, which could be the reason for your psu's failing. Where do you use your computer? Is it usually damp in that room?

As to the cost, I suppose it comes down to whether you can meet the cost of a new computer? If you can, then it's not really worth upgrading a relic, you may as well purchase something new with a guarantee so you know you've invested your money wisely. Old computers like yours are only really worth upgrading if you have the knowledge and time to do it yourself. Well that's my opinion anyway, others may dissagree.

Also, before you go and ask advice on here or the pcadvisor forums on which new computer you should purchase, you may like to mention what you're actually using it for as it will give everyone a better idea of the kind of specification to sugest. If you're only using it for email, a little web browsing and not video processing or playing games it alters the budget considerably.

HTH

Spudnik_2

Hi,

Thanks for your response. The computer was used in the dining room, and as far as I am aware damp is not an issue in here. I'm sure that we can raise the funds to purchase a new computer if it is going to work out more economical in the long run. I have used the computer for gaming, watching videos, listening to music, along with general web use and word processing. It was used fairly heavily as there are 4 people using it in this household.

Once again, thank you for your help.

Blacksheep1979

The CPU Has over heated and show clear signs of sweating RUBBISH. Due to the age of the CPU they no longer make this type True but you can still get them. We also believe that the overheating has affected the main board and this is the main reason it keeps blowing power supplies Highly unlikely. Again they no longer make the type of board Can still get socket A motherboards.

The graphics card and the ram seem to be working correctly but would have to be replaced as the new boards no longer support them RUBBISH.

They Sound like they are trying it on . If the cpu has overheated it's either dead or not (pretty much). It sounds like you may have a dodgy mobo or been using cheap psu's if the psu's keep failing. In your position I'd buy elsewhere (if going to replace) if I was you as these guys sound like scam artists or don't know what they are on about.

Spudnik_2

The original reason that I called them out was because the computer turned itself off and then just wouldn't power up. They replaced the PSU and within 24 hours it had blown again, which is why they took it to their shop. Before then, I'd had no problems whatsoever with the power supply since the computer was initially built. Thanks for the help - any suggestions as to where I should start looking for a new computer?

Blacksheep1979

They've probably replaced it with an el cheapo underpowered psu - not saying they did it on purpose but....

If you've had no problems whatever before that I really would be getting away from them, if your brother built the pc before could you maybe ask him to replace the psu for you? The only trouble with this is when a psu goes it can damage the motherboard and other components.