Flash Gordon

I have an older desktop pc with os 8.?. What are recommendations for rebuilding it into an awesome photo editing machine. Parts and source suggestions appreciated.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

This was posted today three hours before you posted your topic.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-567586-1.html

Sorry about your computer crash. Good luck. Hope you get some form of desktop system sorted out.
Sometimes computers can be worse than “Ming The Merciless”.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

Just by a new one would probably be a more economical option.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Buy New. Suggest Apple. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1342540-REG/apple_mpxt2ll_a_13_3_macbook_pro_mid.html

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

THis holiday season, Big Box stores will be practically giving away PCs. Suggested specs: Intel Core 7 CUP, 16 Gb min or 32 Gb RAM, 2 Tb SSD HD and enough USB ports.
Taking a Windows 8.x era mainboard and making it work with updated OS and software will be a PITA.

therwol Loc: USA

Don't waste your time or money. After a point, you can't add the most current features or adequate memory to an old motherboard. I have nothing against building a computer from scratch.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Tend to agree with the previous posts, but tell us more about the machine. CPU? How much memory? What size HD? Manufacturer and model of the motherboard, etc.? Impossible to recommend without more information.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I have built about 4 or 5 computers. By the time you buy a new motherboard, processor (i7; i5 Minimum,) memory, SSD drive & a graphics card you will have spent more than it would cost for a decent computer already built. The only plus is that you will have satisfaction knowing you built, or updated your own computer.
Hope you backed everything up.

jonjacobik Loc: Quincy, MA

Rebuilding an old computer just doesn't work. You could build a new one from scratch or purchase a new computer.
There is nothing in a pre 2010 computer that is compatible with state of the art in 2018 short of the CD drive and new computers - the cd drive is an option cause most folks never use it.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

No reason to believe it is pre 2010. Windows 8 was released in late October 2012, pushed by Microsoft in mid 2013, and finally superseded (Thank God) in mid 2015 by Windows 10 (8, by most people’s judgement, including mine, was awful). The point being that the computer, if shipped with Windows 8, is between 3 and 6 years old, and Intel’s I-5s and I-7s (and Xeons), SSDs, USB-3, Gbit Ethernet, 6Gb SATA and DDR3 & 4 have been available during that entire period, so without knowing more, it’s not possible to tell if the machine is worth fixing or not.

Having said that, until the OP provides other details, I’ll have nothing more to add. Always surprising to me that a general question is posted, and when basic questions are asked to assist in providing an accurate answer, there isn’t a timely response, if at all, and the OP (if he reads the answers), is left with guesses. It happens daily - I hope this thread ends differently.

ggab Loc: ?

I have been building my own PC's since the mid 80's, here is my $0.02 worth:

OS 8 or Windows 8? There is a huge difference!
If Windows 8 or you choose to go windows:

Windows 10/64bit
I run 16GB ram and it works great. If the ram is cheap enough get more, however 32GB is not at all necessary.
All SSD's except for external USB 3 or USB C drive. That should be as large as you feel comfortable, 7200rpm. Upload your photos to it, then disconnect it. This practice will extend the life of the drive.
Determine which graphics card your software is designed to take advantage of and get it. If you have GAS, this is where you can really get relief.
3Ghz, multi core CPU's are what you should be using. I run AMD FX-8350, however that is on the older side. Many will say Intel is the only way to go. Again, boloney. Newer CPU's use less energy and run cooler. I however, will not be upgrading until it dies.
I have used Gigabyte Motherboards for the past 10+ years and have been very happy with them.

Regarding sources, Google is your friend. No one place will have the best prices for everything.

Good Luck
George

JerryOSF Loc: Bristol, VA

Install linux. If you aren't happy with that you can still buy the new one. The old computer can still be used with linux and will run faster than it does with Win 8.

BebuLamar

That's why I built computers for used at my work place but never built one for myself.

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

That statement about cost between buying your own components verses buying a pre-built machine is wrong. I have built custom computers compared to any Dell or HP specs for less. As an example I have built big box store computers that would set you back $2400. for $600. to $800. less easily using top of the line components many times. It mainly depends on knowing which and where to buy top of the line components and how much profit you want to make off of someones computer.

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Anything will run faster than windows 8. Windows Vista was better than windows 8.