Is it even worth it?

vonfeldt7

New Member
Background Info below, if you want to skip it, go below the dotted line.

About 6 months ago, I purchased a Dimension E521 from Dell for around $1000 (stupid). I debated building my own computer, but decided that I wasn't ready to do so. Well half a year has passed, and I've learned a lot (about computers...and unfortunately Dell). I think that I'm ready now to build my own computer (it'll cost around $1500). This is all great, except for the fact that I would want to sell the Dell...and I'm [obviously] not going to get too much for it.

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Should I sell my Dell (hopefully for...at least $600) and buy (build) a new computer? I'll lose some money out of the whole thing...but I believe that the performance gain I would get from the new computer would be worth the monetary loss.

If I could sell my Dell for around $800(yeah right) I would buy(build) the new computer in a heartbeat...but if I could only get $550 out of my Dell...the new computer would be out of the question. Losing $400 just isn't worth it (or is it?)

The Dimension E521's Specs are as follows:
-AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (2.6ghz)
-2 Gigs 667mhz Dual Channel
-260gb hdd 7200rpm
-ATI Radeon X1300 Pro
-Vista Home Premium

Anyways, if you guys could give me some suggestions, tell me opinions, and maybe what you would do in my situation, that'd be great. Thanks

*EDIT* Not only how much in YOUR eyes...how much would it [the Dell] be worth in...say a computer-illiterate persons eyes?
 
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What specs does it have? That should affect the price.

Also, what do you use your computer for? You could possibly upgrade your Dell.
 
What's the rush for a new computer? It looks like the specs on your system are still pretty decent and can handle much more than just simple surfing and word. Unless you're doing some insanely hard-core gaming I would say just to stick with the PC that you've got now. And why not look into upgrading some parts? Maybe a new graphics card, faster RAM (if available), etc.
 
^^ I have already upgraded the graphics to an 8800gt (not here yet).

One of the deciding factors (on whether or not to buy a new computer) will be when the gfx card gets here. If I score decent in 3dmark06 and get decent fps in games, I will probably not upgrade. If I get bad scores/fps I will look into upgrading.

I was (and still am) under the impression that this computer can never be a "gaming" computer because it's Dell, the motherboard, ram, etc are cheap.

For example, I used to have an 8600gts with this system, and I got a little under 5,000 in 3dmark06, while other people with similar systems (built, not from Dell, HP, etc) were getting two times that. I asked around and most people agreed it was because I had a Dell. (Maybe they're wrong?)
 
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if you put xp pro on it you might get more $$
or just keep the hdd for the new comp

Doubt that...

I would sell it for about $750... They say on Ebay that "P4's are high-end" and they sell them for ~$500-600 and these have like 9600's. You would run into no problem selling for $750...

What I would do on the ebay page, is this... Post up Dell's configured spec page of that PC with their price.. Some ppl might think it is too good to be true but, there are more dumb ppl on Ebay than smart ppl.
 
*EDIT* Not only how much in YOUR eyes...how much would it [the Dell] be worth in...say a computer-illiterate persons eyes?

I trust you'd not try to take advantage of someone who doesn't know too much about computers...

Look into donating it to charity. You'll be able to claim it as a tax write-off if you have original receipts and documentation, you may get close to your OPP.
 
I trust you'd not try to take advantage of someone who doesn't know too much about computers...

Look into donating it to charity. You'll be able to claim it as a tax write-off if you have original receipts and documentation, you may get close to your OPP.

I have no intentions of taking advantage of anyone. I'm saying that a computer-illiterate (not an idiot, but someone who doesn't want to build their own because they're lazy/don't have time/dont know how) would pay more for it than someone who knows how to build their own would.
 
You're asking for rational opinions on a board where people buy two graphics cards for $700 each and plug them into a $250 motherboard, wait six months, and repeat when the newer version of the card is out.

No, it's not worth it. Unless that's your thing.
 
You're asking for rational opinions on a board where people buy two graphics cards for $700 each and plug them into a $250 motherboard, wait six months, and repeat when the newer version of the card is out.

No, it's not worth it. Unless that's your thing.

:D:P:) I so want to use that as part of my sig!
 
You're asking for rational opinions on a board where people buy two graphics cards for $700 each and plug them into a $250 motherboard, wait six months, and repeat when the newer version of the card is out.

No, it's not worth it. Unless that's your thing.

Uh huh... :o :P
 
You're asking for rational opinions on a board where people buy two graphics cards for $700 each and plug them into a $250 motherboard, wait six months, and repeat when the newer version of the card is out.

No, it's not worth it. Unless that's your thing.

Judging by looking at mep916's sig... you pretty much described him ..haha
 
You could easily get $500 for that PC from the right person. Maybe as high as $650. You should put an ad on Craigslist in your city. Many people use that site when looking for a used computer.

Try selling it @ $650 for a week or so. If you don't receive any interest, lower the price a bit.
 
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