Argh.

As some might know, my CPU got fried by an errant USB hub.

I brought it to a shop (a neighbourhood type), and they charge $180 for an athlon xp 2000. However, it's about $140 on average at Sim Lim and supposedly they'll install it for free, and I can bring my motherboard manual down to ask if it's compatible with the chip.

Meanwhile my father's going on about how a new computer will break down less and have a 1 year on site, 2 year carry in warranty. He is also gloating about how he warned me not to upgrade 1 1/2 years ago, and how it was very expensive.

So far: the fan's fallen out last year, and the motherboard exploded when I installed a new power supply. So. Do I get a new one?

If I can get one with a tower unit only, without external peripherals I already have, it should be cheaper, but I'm not sure how many companies offer that service. I thought they only sell bundled systems. And then what happens to my old data? I suspect the warranty will be voided if I install an extra hard disk.


I'm leaning towards going to a shop and buying a new system, asking them to install my old hdds and selling off my old parts for a pittance. My sister brings up a good point - it might be worth the money just to forestall the bitching and nagging.

I don't know why I've run into so many problems with this custom built system. Everyone else seems to be having few or no problems with their DIY rigs. I think money wise I haven't been too short-changed, as compared to if I'd gotten a new computer. In terms of frustration, though...