I built this PC in 2012 with an Intel Core i5-2500, Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870, 8GB of DDR3-1333 memory, an ASUS P8H67-V PRO motherboard, a 256GB Samsung 830 SSD, a 2TB hard drive, a Corsair 650W power supply, and a Corsair Carbide 400R case. It ran well for several years, but after being stored in a basement and shipped across the country, it developed age-related problems. The operating system is also outdated and no longer practical to keep using on this hardware.
Is any of this computer worth salvaging, and where would my money be best spent if I upgraded it? My budget is ideally as low as possible, with an absolute maximum of about $800. I mainly need a smooth system for writing, browsing the web, and using Microsoft Office. I do not need a gaming PC or any peripherals. Would it make sense to repair or upgrade the old machine, or would I be better off building or buying something newer?
3 Answers
The case could potentially be reused if it is in good shape and you do not mind its older design, but check compatibility and airflow before committing to it. The old computer would also make a decent retro-gaming system, but for a dependable everyday machine, replacing the core components is more practical than upgrading this platform.
Another option is to install a lightweight Linux distribution. It can keep older hardware useful, receives current security updates, and includes free productivity software. That said, if you specifically need the full Microsoft Office desktop applications, a newer computer running a supported version of Windows will be the simpler choice.
Since your needs are limited to browsing and productivity software, you do not need to spend anywhere near $800. A modest newer system with an integrated GPU, 16GB of memory, and a small SSD would feel much faster and be easier to support. Something based on a Ryzen 5 5600G or a comparable modern processor would be plenty, though a refurbished business desktop could also be a good inexpensive option.
That kind of system is probably more than enough for Office and web browsing. I would prioritize a new or recently manufactured power supply and SSD rather than trying to reuse every component from the old build.