Upgrade Recommendations for 2003
Article ID: NN11
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2003
SUMMARY
Non-profit organisations face a difficult task
every year: which computers to keep, and which to replace. This article is
designed to help make the decision easier, by looking at the financial impact
and remaining longevity of older computers.
DISCLAIMER
Notorious Networks Inc. can not provide
warrantees or guarantees as to the materials written herein, and will not be
liable for any failure or misuse of the materials, and will not be liable for
any resulting financial/emotional/spiritual loss or any consequent damages.
CONTENT
I. Three options
There are three available options when deciding
the fate of an old computer: to keep, to replace, or to upgrade:
1. Keep: to keep the computer, with no changes.
Computer still satisfies all needs.
2. replace: computer no longer meets the needs
of the organisation. Computer is discarded and replaced with a new model.
3. Upgrade: computer can't meet the needs of
the organisation, but with upgrades to some of its hardware and/or software it
can serve for several more years. Upgrading extends the life of the computer
and is more cost effective than replacing the entire unit.
II. 2003 Decision Chart
This chart presents various common computers,
based on processor speed. It also lists an estimate of the current market value
of such a computer. The depreciated value may be greater or less.
| Type of Computer |
Processor Speed |
Market Value |
Decision |
| Intel 386 and 486 |
|
$0 |
replace |
| AMD 586 and K5 |
|
$0 |
replace |
| Intel Pentium |
< 200 MHz |
$50 |
replace |
| Intel Pentium MMX |
< 233 MHz |
$100 |
replace |
| AMD K6, K6-2 |
all speeds |
$100 |
replace |
| Intel Pentium II |
< 450 MHz |
$200 |
upgrade |
| Intel Pentium III |
< 600 MHz |
$200 |
upgrade |
| Intel Celeron |
< 600 MHz |
$200 |
upgrade |
| AMD Athlon |
< 600 MHz |
$200 |
upgrade |
| AMD Duron |
< 600 MHz |
$200 |
upgrade |
| Intel Pentium III |
> 600 MHz + |
$300+ |
keep |
| Intel Pentium 4 |
all speeds |
$500+ |
keep |
| AMD Athlon |
> 600 MHz + |
$300+ |
keep |
| AMD Duron |
> 600 MHz + |
$300+ |
keep |
| AMD Athlon XP |
all speeds |
$500+ |
keep |
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As can be seen in the chart, computers worth
less than $200 are in general due to be replaced.
In general, many computers with less than 600 MHz CPU speed may be worth
upgrading.
Computers with CPU speed above 600 MHz are still adequate for 2003.
III. Upgrade Path
Most computers can be upgraded, but some manufacturers build less
upgradeability into their systems. Every computer must be treated on a
case-by-case basis. This table presents the most likely possibilities for CPU
upgrade.
| Old Processor |
Upgrade Processor |
| Pentium II up to 450 MHz |
Celeron 766 MHz |
| Pentium III up to 600 MHz |
Celeron 950 MHz |
| Intel Celeron up to 600 MHz |
Celeron 766 MHz |
| AMD Athlon up to 600 MHz |
Athlon 750 MHz |
| AMD Duron up to 600 MHz |
Duron 1.3 GHz |
IV. Other upgrade options
Other than CPU there are two other major factors to consider: hard disk size,
and RAM.
First we must decide that our computer is worth upgrading. Use the Decision
Chart from Part II above. If it is worth upgrading, then we will consider
upgrading the hard disk and RAM.
1. Hard Disk
If the hard disk is less than 10 GB in size, then we can consider upgrading
to a large and faster hard drive. In general, a 40 GB, 7200 rpm, drive is the
standard. An upgrade of this type can make a large difference in the overall
performance of the computer. Hard disks greater than 10 GB are likely to be
adequate.
2. RAM (memory)
If the computer has less than 128 MB of RAM, then we can consider increasing
the amount of RAM to at least 128 MB, and preferably 256 MB. Windows 2000 and
Windows XP need at least 128 MB for acceptable performance.
CONCLUSION
The acceptable computer for 2003 is one with a CPU at least 600 MHz,
128 MB or more RAM, and a hard disk greater than 10 GB. This computer
will run Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
Many older (but not obsolete) computers can be upgraded to remain
current and capable of meeting modern needs. This is an affordable
option that may be the best one for organisations that want to get the
most out of their technology budget.
We are available to help organisations make decisions on replacing or
upgrading computers.
END
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