How I Got a Better Computer for $75

My old computer was dying. The motherboard was old and the power supply was failing. Before long I would not have a computer at all. Using my valuable expertise and experience I used the Internet and my knowledge of computers to find a solution. In this article I show you how easy it is to upgrade to a better system and not spend a fortune.

I cannot guarantee you will pay as little as I did but its not as hard as it looks. With a little patience and looking around you can achieve the same results.

Whats still working

Before you begin looking around you must determine whats still working on your computer and what is failing. If you don't have any parts failing and just need to upgrade you must determine which parts you can still use and transfer over to the new box. These parts would be video card, hard drive, memory, and any other boards. If your monitor is still good than you can use it with the different computer you have when your done upgrading. If your memory, hard drive, etc is still adequate than you can use them in the new box. Memory depends on motherboard of the newer computer we will be putting together.

Backup your hard drive

With the different computer we will be putting together its a good idea to back up any files you want to keep. If you will be using the same hard drive you will be reloading it. The reason being different hardware will make it easier with a fresh install. You won't need to reinstall until you have your new box put together.

Auction sites

You want to look on the auction sites like Ebay. What you will be searching for is used computers. In this case used desktops. There are a few vendors on Ebay who buy desktops from businesses and sell them very cheaply. I bought a Dell GX260 with a P4 1.8, 512MB memory, CDRW, and 40GB hard drive. I took the 40GB out and put my 120GB in it. I also transferred over my video card. It didn't need it but I would rather use it than the internal video. This Dell only cost me $75 plus shipping. These kind of deals are available on the Internet you just have to look.

You may have a bigger budget and can purchase a barebone. Most barebones come with case, motherboard, power supply, and CPU. You just need to buy memory, video, CD drives, or hard disk. If you can used components from your old machine than you save yourself extra money. Barebones usually begin at $169 for what I mentioned here. Prices vary depending on motherboard and CPU that you want.

The used computer worked out best for me cause I did not have a ton of money to play with. Depending on what you want and need you could still do it all for under $200 if you spend the time looking and planning.

No matter what you end up doing to get a better computer you just have to make a plan. Decide what you need and you absolutely have to have and can't afford to do without.