Used cheap computers

[JBH1876]

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..................

[photolady]

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.

[Train]

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.

[saturdaygig]

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?

[JBH1876]

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.....

[Train]

AH, boot from network. Should have been able to change that in the BIOS.

[JBH1876]

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?

[Train]

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.

[JBH1876]

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?

[bistro]

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.

[JBH1876]

And passive cooling only would be No cooling fans within the tower?

[Train]

Maybe, one case fan if that.

[jmtjet]

Sounds like you might be buying a doorstop. If they're too old their not worth the bother.