Looking to buy used computer
 

I would be interested to know your experience with computers. I am looking to by a used computer: p4 and would like to know which brands or models would be good to look at. Some of the ones I've seen are: Compaq, Seanix, Dell, Hp. I would like a computer that's quiet and one that I can change/add parts to; so I'm probably looking for a tower. Also want to use linux for an operating system.

Why not just build your own machine? You would probably end up paying the same (if not less) to build your own system than to buy a used one; and the new one would likely be much more powerful.

I don't have experience with building computers. That's why I was thinking about buying used; also want to save money. I'm trying to keep my options open.

I have a Seanix TCO series
Model: 1004-0003
I was also considering changing the motherboard and cpu if I can find a deal. The Power Supply in this computer is an Enermax, model EG301P-VB. The total power output is 300 watts DC. Would this be enough to run a P4, or would I run into problems when I add graphics and sound card?

If you have no experience building computers, why then do you want to change the motherboard and cpu? You need at least some basic knowledge for that. E.g. about sockets, motherboard size (ATX/BTX), memory speeds, processor placement. It is good fun to learn though. But be careful to buy the right equipment.

What are the specs of your current PC? Post for example the output of
$ cat /proc/cpuinfo
$ cat /proc/meminfo

300 Watts is minimum but sufficient for P4, as long as you dont have a high-end videocard with it - or multiple harddrives. Soundcard power usage is neglectable.

As MS3FGX remarks, new desktop pc's are very cheap nowadays. For 600$ you have a powerful system (not for 3d games). I'd like to refer to hardware sites for that. Example

I'm not too sure what your goal is then; you say you want a computer you can change and add hardware too...but then don't want to build one because you don't have the experience to change or add hardware?

processor : 0
vendor_id : GenuineIntel
cpu family : 6
model : 8
model name : Pentium III (Coppermine)
stepping : 6
cpu MHz : 996.831
cache size : 256 KB
fdiv_bug : no
hlt_bug : no
f00f_bug : no
coma_bug : no
fpu : yes
fpu_exception : yes
cpuid level : 2
wp : yes
flags : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 mmx fxsr sse up
bogomips : 1995.04
clflush size : 32

MemTotal: 384976 kB
MemFree: 34540 kB
Buffers: 14852 kB
Cached: 236020 kB
SwapCached: 0 kB
Active: 146524 kB
Inactive: 179948 kB
HighTotal: 0 kB
HighFree: 0 kB
LowTotal: 384976 kB
LowFree: 34540 kB
SwapTotal: 1951856 kB
SwapFree: 1951856 kB
Dirty: 4 kB
Writeback: 0 kB
AnonPages: 75600 kB
Mapped: 48696 kB
Slab: 18776 kB
SReclaimable: 10444 kB
SUnreclaim: 8332 kB
PageTables: 1132 kB
NFS_Unstable: 0 kB
Bounce: 0 kB
CommitLimit: 2144344 kB
Committed_AS: 299128 kB
VmallocTotal: 638968 kB
VmallocUsed: 2732 kB
VmallocChunk: 636008 kB

I use a second hard drive for backup.
video card Rage xl AGP 2x (3.3v)
I might have to change the video card if I don't find an AGP slot that
works with the voltage.

I'm sorry for the confusion. I meant that I didn't want a computer that
I wouldn't be able to add regular size parts to (dvd burner sound cards,
etc.) From what I understand some brands/models have their own parts to fit.

I was hoping to find a used computer that I could use, but if I can't find
what I like I thought I might try and upgrade this one, if it's not hard to learn.
I would appreciate help on this.

Thanks.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.


Mod Note: More of a general survey question than a specific Linux technical question, so moved to General