Upgrading my computer?

[kjmz]

Hi,
I am looking to upgrade my computer. I was wondering if it would be cheaper for me to upgrade each part or just get a new system here are the specs:
Dell Optiplex GX110
15GB Hard Drive
Pentium 3 733mhz CPU
2 slots for ram (1. 128MB 2. Empty - Max 256MB in each slot)
DVD-RW (Only one slot - I got another DVD-ROM)
2 USB Ports (I got a usb adapter which gives me more ports)
The original sound and video cards.
3 PCI Slots
1 AGP Slot (It being used to give me 3 pci slots.)
Floppy Drive
10/100 Network Card

Here's what I want:
About 40-60GB Hard Drive
Pentium 3 1.2ghz cpu or faster
1GB of ram
Windows XP Home
Maybe a better video card.

I got a good monitor, speakers, mouse, and keyboard.

Can you please give me an estimate on how much I will pay for an upgrade or just a new computer? Also which idea you think is better.
Where could I get cheap parts or a cheap computer?
Thanks!

[LooseChippings]

You will not be able to do much to upgrade with your Motherboard.

So you will need a new Motherboard, that will then will need a new CPU and RAM and possibly a Graphics Card.

You will probably find it difficult to find anything like a P3 or even a low end P4.

You haven't put your location on your Profile so it is difficult to point you in the direction of a good retailer.

[kjmz]

I live in Canada. I heard that TigerDirect.ca has pretty good prices. Also I wouldn't mind using ebay since I have an account there. So which things should transfer to the new motherboard.
Should I just buy a barebone kit and a new motherboard, then make it myself?

[LooseChippings]

What exactly do you want to do with the PC?

If it is just surfing the net and bits of administration you are probably just as well keeping your current machine.

[kjmz]

-Surf the net
-Talk to other people
-Word processing
-Burn cd's and dvd's
-Listen to a lot of music

I don't play any games and if I do I rarely do. I have a lot of programs running at the same time and my computer always freezes up also I am running out of space.

[Overclocked Doc]

try "Bigfoot" computers. I have bought several things there with no complaints...Eh!
BIGFOOT CANADA

[Overclocked Doc]

MDG builds a pretty decent computer using quality hardware. Their prices are hard to beat if say you wished to build it your self. However they use Intel motherboards which cannot be overclocked (generally speaking) This may not be something you wish to do at present but, should certainly consider if and when you purchase.

[kjmz]

What have you purchased from BIG FOOT Canada?

[kjmz]

Here are the parts I need:

Case
Motherboard
CPU: Pentium 4 2.0 or higher
2 X 256MB of ram or 1 X 512MB
40GB Hard Drive or higher.
Video Card
Sound Card

I would like to get all these parts together so I can get a deal. Where would be the best and cheapest place to get all of this.

[kjmz]

This good for my new computer:

TigerDirect:
Case: $40.00
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...&Sku=B452-1018
Motherboard: $57.00
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...40&CatId=1368\

eBay:
CPU: $67.00 right now (Are OEM processors alright?)
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...sPageName=WDVW
RAM: $54.00 Buy It now
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...sPageName=WDVW
Hard Drive: $40 Right Now
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...9057 470&rd=1

Total about $250.00

Is everything good and compatible?
What kind of ram would I get PC????. Is the ram correct?
I will worry about the video card and sound card later. If anyone knows any good deals on for them please tell me.

Thanks!

[Overclocked Doc]

Well like anything else ..."you only get what you pay for"!
If you want a really cheap computer that works fairly well...."get a Dell"!
For $250.00 Canadian you are buying crap (parts as listed) and nothing more.

[kjmz]

I go to dell and the computer only have 128mb and celeron processor instead. Why are the parts crap? At least do you know if they can work with each other?
Thanks

[s7p9a2m4]

Check your PMs kjmz.

[kjmz]

Does it matter if the P4 2.4ghz is oem? What does that mean?

[Overclocked Doc]

I wasn't trying to insult you by using the word "crap". If you are serious about buying parts to build a "decent" computer that's not a waste of money then you really need to do your home work as to what components to put in it. I personally would stay away from the low end boards such as you mentioned because while they will work (technically), they tend to be very poor in performance. Building a computer is a lot like building a house. You really have to have a "solid foundation" on which to build from. Without it every thing else just crumbles.

Buying a P4 2.4 in itself isn't a problem (although this one only has the 400 FSB as opposed to the 512 FSB version), but through E-Bay...not so sure you really want to do that. If you buy a "boxed CPU" from Bigfoot or whom ever it comes with a heat sink and fan as well as a three year warranty.

Are you sure you really want to buy a "like new" harddrive? from E-Bay? A personal friend..sure, why not, but E-Bay?

The "box" seems o.k. (spec wise) but seems a little on the cheap side considering a Pentium rated power supply start at around $50.00 for just a 350 watt. A 450 watt as it states it has will run you over $100.00 for a good quality version.

The stick of kingston ram seems like a good buy (kingston is well known for quality)....but if you have issues with it...then what?

The last computer I built was a replacement for my Dad. He wanted a good quality machine but wasn't looking for the "ultimate" either. He doesn't game with it but uses it for everyday things (e-mail,surfing) and runs Microsoft Office 2003.
I built him a solid computer at the cheapest price I could get and here's whats in it:

865 PE lite Albitron Motherboard
Western Digital 40 GB Harddrive
ATX formatt case with 350 watt Pentium rated power supply
LG CDRW
Standard floppy drive
Celeron 2.6 CPU (Boxed with heat sink and fan)
Geforce 4 mx480 video card (64mb)
256 mb Kingston Ram

Total cost $ (not including O/System or software) = $700.00 Cdn.
The Motherboard and CPU both have a 3 year warranty.