Well the main computer is dead, at the moment we're running some Pentium 3 Piece of junk for internet browsing and work. The old computer's motherboard has killed itself after 7 years and Im wondering weather we buy a new computer, or buy a replacement motherboard thats compatable with ATG (or whatever its called) Graphics Cards (the brown ports) and PCI/PCI-e Hard Drive/CD/Floppy cable support and upgrade to DDR2 RAM Slots. Taking it to college tomorrow to double check that that is the problem, but other then that which options should I look at. We're also paying off a crpload of bills so we cant buy a $1500 machine either... not yet anyway.

A decent machine doesn't cost that much. You should go for a new one while keeping the same keyboard, screen, anything other than the computer itself, it will cost less that buying everything. I think you can find a decent machine for $500 nowadays, if not build one for that much.

you can get a laptop first,and then you can upgrate your old computer.

HP G60 Intel Dual Core 2.1GHz 16" Laptop + mouse, backpack for $500

http://www.[Link removed]/searchdeals.php?type=id&q=d77382&ru=2780178

CORSAIR XMS2 DHX 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145217&cm_re=ddr2_ram-_-20-145-217-_-Product

MSI Media Live DIVA 7.1 AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX Combo Kit of Mobo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130212&cm_re=mobo-_-13-130-212-_-Product

At College atm, yes the Motherboard is dead. We're seeing if we can swap motherboards and pray it works.

Usually when changing the motherboard, you also have to change most of the parts. Why not upgrade to a new computer?

Because Im stuck at home at 19, Its extremely difficult to find a job here and we have craploads of bills, mostly caused by my idiot sister. eff you Australia's Lack of compassion!

Because Im stuck at home at 19, Its extremely difficult to find a job here and we have craploads of bills, mostly caused by my idiot sister. eff you Australia's Lack of compassion!

 

A new motherboard for such an ancient computer would likley cost as much or more than a new one. Check dell and HP, they often have deals on towers for three hundred dollars or less that should work just fine as a basic computer.