I don't currently have a PC At home but would like to get one. I only require something cheap and basic which I can surf the internet and send/receive emails etc.

I have seen this ad on the forum. Can anyone advise whether it would meet my needs?

"Good condition:
Pentium 4 1.5Ghz, 256MB rambus, 40GB hard disk, 64Mb Geforce vedio card, 3Com network card, sound card, Dell mouse, Keyboard, Win XP, Microsoft office, 17" CTR monitor, Free HP scanner and Canon BJC-1000 printer."

Obviously, once I start using it more I'd like to upgrade for downloads etc.

I'd be grateful for any advice.
Thanks:)

The only issue with that for general surfing use would be the low amount of memory.

The video card is outdated, but that wouldn't matter much.

How much are they asking for it? You could pick one similar up for about £80.

Thanks mrmist. Could I buy more memory? the guy only wants £40 for the Pc, scanner & printer & I didn;t think it would be a bad buy as a starter:confused:

However, the ad doesn't state CD-rom/DVD etc either does it?

Is the memory really really low?

Doesn't say which operating system either, and that has a big effect on needed memory. If it's Windows 98 or ME (which are very outdated), or Windows 2000, then 256mb would be enough. If it's XP, then it really needs 512mb.

Rambus memory is more expensive than other forms of memory - about £50 for 256mb, which is a lot when you consider I've just bought 2GB of very fast DDR2 memory for the same amount!

I would imagine the PC already has a CD-Rom - it's pretty much standard for any PC these days, as you need one to install software.

Thanks mrmist. Could I buy more memory? the guy only wants £40 for the Pc, scanner & printer & I didn;t think it would be a bad buy as a starter:confused:

However, the ad doesn't state CD-rom/DVD etc either does it?

Is the memory really really low?

For 40 quid it's fine. The only issue you will have is because it is XP and it will be a bit slow with 256MB.

I'd be surprised if it doesn't have a CDROM at least built in. I'd check that out though because if not it would depend if there is space for one to be added as to whether or not it is worthwhile.

Doesn't say which operating system either,
Win XP <- there's your clue ;)

To the OP...if you get a bit more RAM (memory) added it will be fine for your needs. You will want to go up to 512Mb and if the machine will support it, a full Gb would be good.

Just weigh up the upgrade costs before you buy. It's a good PC for the price, but if you want to do more with it, the costs of the new parts may work out dearer than buying a more powerful spec PC, especially considering the RAMBUS memory.

the problem with getting more memory, is its whats known as RAMBUS, you have to buy them in Matched Pairs (2x 128, or 2x 64, or 2x 256 etc) and can be quite hard, and expensive to get hold of....

at a quick glance, 512mb (2x 256mb) is £50 on ebay.. ( http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/512MB-Kingston-PC800-RIMM-RAMBUS-RDRAM-ECC_W0QQitemZ220160365782QQihZ012QQcategoryZ172QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem )

i'd say get it, dont worry about upgrading it, just use it until you can afford to buy a better one.

Best of luck:)

Thanks everyone - as you can tell I'm not very clued up on the subject so your help is much appreciated.

I think for £40 its worth it for the time being. :)

256MB RAM is not a lot when you're running XP BUT if you don't load too much crap onto the system - and keep it clean - then it'll be more than adequate for web access.

Now, 128MB RAM, that's when XP is really slow...


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Well, I've just had a PM from the guy & it's been sold!

Let's try a different approach - As I'm looking for something basic to start with, can you advise of an appropriate spec?

Thanks All :)

Based on the info you have given on your requirements....
Web and email, pretty much any box would do the job. I would suggest you look for a Windows XP system (rather than Win98/Vista/Linux that you may be offered).

Around... (note, these are base specs. if you can afford to push up from here then the system would be more adaptable as you find more things you want to do with it - which you will!)

1.5Ghz processor
512Mb RAM
80Gb disc
possibly a cd writer
check the USB ports are USB 2 not USB1.1
I'd recommend a 17" monitor as a minimum if you get the choice, may well be worth buying sparately to the base system (main box).

If you're not planning on games, don't worry too much about what graphics system it has, though given the choice avoid integrated systems (where the graphics circuitry is built into the motherboard rather than on a dedicated graphics card).

Based on the info you have given on your requirements....
Web and email, pretty much any box would do the job. I would suggest you look for a Windows XP system (rather than Win98/Vista/Linux that you may be offered).

Around... (note, these are base specs. if you can afford to push up from here then the system would be more adaptable as you find more things you want to do with it - which you will!)

1.5Ghz processor
512Mb RAM
80Gb disc
possibly a cd writer
check the USB ports are USB 2 not USB1.1
I'd recommend a 17" monitor as a minimum if you get the choice, may well be worth buying sparately to the base system (main box).

If you're not planning on games, don't worry too much about what graphics system it has, though given the choice avoid integrated systems (where the graphics circuitry is built into the motherboard rather than on a dedicated graphics card).

And genuine XP would be a bonus

...which is what dafoot said at the start of his post. :)



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OMG, it's all a bit confusing!
I currently use my work computer for everything including downloading all my photos etc. & i'd just like to be able to do it all at home.:rolleyes:

Thanks again & i'll keep looking in the classified, unless one of you has one hidden and feel like selling it to me.:)

Sorry, I've cleared out all my computers and bits - missus was getting annoyed with the rows of them stacked up taking space!