Rys,
I'm really going to go where I know I shouldn't.

You might consider replacing the computer.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=

That's a Dell system available at Costco.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=

This is a ZT system from Costco.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=

This is another ZT system from Costco

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.asp...671&topnav=

This is from iBuyPower, and may actually be your best bet. It has an Asus mobo (which I use in my computers), a bigger power supply, only a dual core processor, but you really don't need anything else. All of these run 64 bit OS's, and as long as you can get drivers, you should be fine. Lots of companies offer 64 bit drivers for products now.

In any of these choices, you can move the 160 gig hard drive from your old computer, and you'll have to use the monitor you have now. I wouldn't trust to update the BIOS in your old computer, I'm sorry to say. You could, easily, leave yourself in a situation where you'll not be able to use the computer at all until you physically replace the CMOS chips. I don't trust ECS/PCChips at all, I've known too many people who have had issues with them. It is even possible that the 80 gig is still good, and you may be able to save that, as well.

I trust Steve Gibson, but if you have a BIOS issue, then Spinrite can get screwed up. My opinion is that a newer computer will save you a lot of hassles.

I know, I'm sure, that price is an issue, but it's the best solution I have right now.

I went out to iBuyPower's website, and they also have Weekly specials, like this one:
http://www.ibuypower.com/ibp/store/configurator.aspx?mid=69

Plus, you have the ability to custom configure the system. The only things I would do to this system would be to be to put a 500 watt power supply in it for $30, spend an extra $50 to install a second 320GB hard drive, and if you wanted a 20" widescreen monitor, spend $170 more for that. Without the monitor, you're still under $600.

Gary

Last edited by Gary Curran; 05/06/09 01:02 PM.
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!