Building a Computer

[LurkingBettor]

Guys and Gals,

I inherited an old Gateway ATXSTF Nos Select 1200. Supposedly the motherboard has gone bad. Other than a possible memory upgrade at some point in the past, can only assume that everything else is stock.

Is it worth ANY time or money to mess with this thing and get it to semi-current standards?

Can anyone suggest a website or book on building a computer from scratch or troubleshooting a tower like this? I'd need the "Dummies" version.

Thanks,
LB

[headhawg]

Nope not worth it as it's probably a proprietary MB. Here are some links:

http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_cdrom.shtml

http://www.kitchentablecomputers.com/

http://www.digitgeek.com/how-to-assemble-and-build-a-pc/

http://www.pcstats.com/ Look at the Beginner's Guides.

[russowen77]

Nope not worth it as it's probably a proprietary MB. Here are some links:

http://www.mysuperpc.com/build/pc_cdrom.shtml

http://www.kitchentablecomputers.com/

http://www.digitgeek.com/how-to-assemble-and-build-a-pc/

http://www.pcstats.com/ Look at the Beginner's Guides.
Agree 100%. Lord the prices are so low on desktops now that almost any rebuild, unless you just want the tower to build a screamer and trash everything else is not worth the money.

[tupper]

Is it worth ANY time or money to mess with this thing and get it to semi-current standards?Test the machine with a live CD first. Depending on whether or not the machine boots, tries to boot or does nothing, the problem can be diagnosed fairly easily.

If the motherboard is shot and if you can find another that takes the same CPU, memory and cards, then I would say it is worth it.

You might also consider installing this mobo/cpu combo for $60: http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4842001#

The combo can run a monitor without a video card, and the OS is included. Here is an article about the combo: http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS5305482907.html

Building computers is as easy as plugging-in your stereo, except you sometimes need to use a screwdriver on a computer.

However, be mindfull to pull the power cord from the wall before you plug/unplug anything to/from the motherboard -- not doing so usually fries the motherboard.

[OTM Al]

I love building machines, but Russ is right. Unless you want to build a real custom job, its just not worth it given today's prices. If it looks like you have to spend more than $100 to fix it, just buy a new one.

[njcurveball]

Best value for you would be to donate it to a local school and get a receipt to claim the donation on your taxes. :ThmbUp:


Jim

[Dick Schmidt]

Best value for you would be to donate it to a local school and get a receipt to claim the donation on your taxes. :ThmbUp:


Jim

PLEASE don't do this. Schools just don't need another broken computer. Most do not have the money or expertise to fix old, broken down computers that would be marginal even if they worked. My wife's school has taken in several of theses and I wind up trying to fix them. Most of the time, I take them to recycling and dump them. If you want to help a school, at least make sure the computer works.

Dick