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Not exactly sure what category this fell into, but was looking for opinions on buying second hand computers..... a company is updating their equipment, and they are selling all their old (Dell Desktop) computers for $20.00 each........ Cheap,, but is it worth it? Thanks..................;)
Depends on the model numbers. Really old, not worth it much except as a second computer for a kid maybe, young ones to learn computers on.
1 GB or faster cpu, you can make a file server out of it and network it.
A back, just in case type of thing, it could be worth it.
As PL stated, how old the model is makes a big difference.
Two simple questions. Two simple answers and you'll be sorted
what's the spec of the machines?
what do you want to use them for?
This info came from a friend all excited about the deal. Saving Big Bucks, dont you know. I guess for the most part from their end, general computing... some internet usage. Information and such... school, etc... I would assume gaming would be in issue...... I had some experiences years back with a banking institution, and 2nd hand p/cs...... Had issues with the BIOS for one........ went booted it kept looking for other computers,, possibly a mainframe? I was able to remove the BIOS chip, wrap with foil for several minutes, and this cleared the BIOS. But I still never had an OS for it.....
AH, boot from network. Should have been able to change that in the BIOS.
So the system specs on the computer is most important then the model number of computer.......which stands to reason.. Are there any certain models to steer away from?
1> if the Windows OS key tag is on it, I would stay away from any with 9X, WinMe and maybe 2k on the tags.
Plug make and model into google and check out what they say about a computer.
For example if the cpu is a AthlonXP 2500+ Barton, I know that is much faster and runs much cooler than anything older and that includes a 2600 that is not a Barton. The Barton is where they changed the insides of the cpu to work better.
The difference between a 2000 and 2500 Barton while doing video work is a hour and a half.
Aquiring used computers such as Dell, and getting no OS system? Are their any issues with installing a new OS on a Dell p/c?
You are definitely going to have to get a little more info on those systems. If the company is willing to depart with them for just 20 bucks each, I would be suspect. From some of the Dell's I seen in government offices here in DC, I wouldn't trade a spitwad for them. Old, filthy dirty and hard drives/processors almost burnt out from heat damage (a lot of them I've seen have passive cooling only). Buyer beware.
And passive cooling only would be No cooling fans within the tower?
Maybe, one case fan if that.
Sounds like you might be buying a doorstop. If they're too old their not worth the bother.