This question from lbenetier came in for ExtremeTech editor, Loyd Case:
Is it possible to update an old Compaq computer? It's about 9 years old--I bought it in 1999. I added memory to its max of about 500MB. The operating system is Windows 98 2nd edition; I want to move to Windows XP SP2.
I would also like to update the computer with a newer microprocessor and new memory--up to 2GB if possible. Are plug-in parts and circuit boards still available?
See Loyd's reply after the jump:
Loyd's reply:
Yes, but why would you want to?
With a budget of $400, you can pretty much build a complete system to replace that Compaq--and it will be faster, and run Windows XP better. Not long ago, PC Mag Online carried an article on building a "Mother's Day" PC, which ran around $400 (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2293305,00.asp) for the case, power supply, motherboard, CPU, memory, graphics card, hard drive, and optical drive.
Invest in something a little newer, whether you buy it assembled or build your own. A new system will run your software better. You can always donate that Compaq.
Stumble
Digg
del.icio.us
Slashdot
July 14, 2008 3:28 PM
Definitely replace the older rig as Loyd suggests, donate it to charity.
Loyd, what is the best price for the OS, I saw that it wasn't listed in the $400.00 price tag.
July 14, 2008 4:51 PM
Not to mention you'd have a 9 year old power supply, which is a good place for a failure by now. Just buy a new system!