Which computer upgrade did you regret the most?

[Dopious]

Sometimes you upgrade your computer with a new component – and realize it wasn't the right choice. It's completely normal to regret and want to change things. In this week's weekend chat, we wonder if there's any computer part you regret picking off the shelf.

Did you get a cheap power supply that then fried your computer from the inside? Did you spend way too much money on a used gadget that you could have gotten cheaper? Or did you get a processor or graphics card that didn't live up to your expectations?

Maybe you later found another product that suited you much better?

 

[UnusualSubstance]

Not an upgrade but I spent months trying to fix an issue with my set up.

Literally months.

Windows kept crashing and I couldn't figure out why.

Turns out, after resetting windows multiple times, it was a faulty CMOS battery...

 

[Gogol]

Buying a windows mini pc recently and getting a genuine windows 11 license. It's pretty useless and I wasted $200 for no good reason.

 

[TheMarquis]

Turns out, after resetting windows multiple times, it was a faulty CMOS battery...

You just learned a big lesson.

A trick I learned many years ago (it require a 2nd hdd/ssd) and a similar (but clean) OS installation. If you mount that and you get the same error, mostly it will be from a hardware fail. If not, there are big chances to be from a software fail. It takes 1-2 minutes to do that.

 

[indianmojojojo]

MAC Book was my worst investment. Bought it and sold it for 60% of the value within a year. I couldn't get around to learn and figure out how it works. It was all different from windows which am used to from the late 90s

I then purchased 3 lenova monitors and 2 custom assembled CPUs for the balance I got back from selling the MAC Book.

ps: MAC is ridiculously priced.

 

[tazarbm]

not sure if this fits into the "upgrade" aspect, but I hate the RGB lights on my RAM sticks more and more each day. I never shut my computer down when I go to sleep (although, lately I've been putting it to sleep too), so the RGB lights remain turned on 24/7 and their brightness dissipates EXACTLY into my eyes due to the position of the bed (and the position I sleep in) in relation to where the RAM sticks are (oh, by the way, I am forced to keep the computer case opened to avoid overheating, that's why I am able to see the RGB lights).

I swear to God, I would trade these sticks for non-RGB ones even if it meant that I'd have to pay a small extra fee to be gotten rid of them. I don't remember why I've purchased RBG memory sticks (probably a whim of the moment), but now I hate this with passion. Damn it! I always wake up dizzy and depleted of energy, and part of this is because of RGB lighting on these RAMs

But other than this, I'm pretty happy with the 1st ever computer that I've researched and assembled myself (ok, with help from Reddit, Toms Hardware, and other forums and sites, but still, it was my own doing mostly ).... so yeah, I've got no complaints...

 

[Gogol]

MAC Book was my worst investment. Bought it and sold it for 60% of the value within a year. I couldn't get around to learn and figure out how it works. It was all different from windows which am used to from the late 90s

I then purchased 3 lenova monitors and 2 custom assembled CPUs for the balance I got back from selling the MAC Book.

ps: MAC is ridiculously priced.

Exact opposite in my case. I spent almost 4 lac rupees for the macbook pro I bought a couple of years back. It has never failed me. Absolutely a freaking beast.

I guess it depends on the type of work more than anything.

 

[nakamura]

The Macbook Pro 2020 with Intel chip

Now I have the Macbook Pro 14" with M1 Pro and its perfect

 

[indianmojojojo]

Exact opposite in my case. I spent almost 4 lac rupees for the macbook pro I bought a couple of years back. It has never failed me. Absolutely a freaking beast.

I guess it depends on the type of work more than anything.

Most likely because you are used to using a Macintosh and iphone

I wanted to try to get my first MAC book to see if it increases my productivity. However I couldn't really unlearn windows. Hence I sold it and got 3 lenova monitors and 2 CPUs for that one MACBook. Which helped my productivity.

I am happy with my 2 one plus phones and windows PCs. Nothing against Apple though

 

[RK]

Exact opposite in my case. I spent almost 4 lac rupees for the macbook pro I bought a couple of years back. It has never failed me. Absolutely a freaking beast.

I guess it depends on the type of work more than anything.

I've been using MacBooks since 2016. My first was a simple MacBook Air, and now I’m on the MacBook Air M3 15". I never felt the need to switch to a Pro model as they are more expensive and a bit bulkier. I really appreciate how lightweight and portable the MacBook Air is.

Before the MacBook, I went through four different laptops, not high-end but mid-range, and none of them came close to the performance and experience of a MacBook.

 

[back2form]

For the first time, Bought Mac book & still learning things.. imao .. I thought it's difficult for new users like me

 

[Dopious]

Bought a tape drive some 30 years ago when empty cd`s was $15 each and the burn process was not that reliable, used it twice, worst investment ever by price. Expensive mthrfckn thingy back then for warez.

 

[Builder Dave]

None of them! Never ever! Even my 450MHz Celeron from back in the day was a huge step up!

I usually upgrade my equipment only when I actually need it and it's always worth it as it solves a pain point. And this is not only about my computer. I'm always happy when I upgrade my tech as I tend to replace equipment that is already giving me some kind of trouble or is not enough anymore in some way. I do the same with cars, smartphones, tablets, TVs, mountain bikes, cameras, music equipment and so on.

I recommend this approach wholeheartedly as every single upgrade feels really big and worth the money. If you upgrade often, you experience only marginal gains. If you wait as much as you can, the step up is huge and it feels like...

 

[Adeelalam]

 

[WarLords]

not sure if this fits into the "upgrade" aspect, but I hate the RGB lights on my RAM sticks more and more each day. I never shut my computer down when I go to sleep (although, lately I've been putting it to sleep too), so the RGB lights remain turned on 24/7 and their brightness dissipates EXACTLY into my eyes due to the position of the bed (and the position I sleep in) in relation to where the RAM sticks are (oh, by the way, I am forced to keep the computer case opened to avoid overheating, that's why I am able to see the RGB lights).

I swear to God, I would trade these sticks for non-RGB ones even if it meant that I'd have to pay a small extra fee to be gotten rid of them. I don't remember why I've purchased RBG memory sticks (probably a whim of the moment), but now I hate this with passion. Damn it! I always wake up dizzy and depleted of energy, and part of this is because of RGB lighting on these RAMs

But other than this, I'm pretty happy with the 1st ever computer that I've researched and assembled myself (ok, with help from Reddit, Toms Hardware, and other forums and sites, but still, it was my own doing mostly ).... so yeah, I've got no complaints...

I know your pain bro …. My Laptop has that shitty RGB Surrounded it really pains my eyes and after a bit long time using it I have finally gotten rid of it

 

[tazarbm]

I know your pain bro …. My Laptop has that shitty RGB Surrounded it really pains my eyes and after a bit long time using it I have finally gotten rid of it

of course! I see no other option either

And yes, I did check in UEFI every setting that could potentially have anything to do with this bloody RGB, I managed to turn the RGB for the mobo off, but for RAMs - from what I've read on the internet - the only option is to install some software but which either doesn't exist for Linux (cause I'm using Linux) for my Intel GPU, or I didn't know how to install it, or I installed but didn't work. There was a time some months ago when I looked into this, I don't remember what the problem was and why I couldn't make it work, but I didn't. Oh well, I guess I'm doomed to be awake 24/7

 

[Elvlin]

hmm... the most is probably mouse advertised good but filled with problem, in the end by no brand mouse and work fine with no problem.

 

[WarLords]

of course! I see no other option either

And yes, I did check in UEFI every setting that could potentially have anything to do with this bloody RGB, I managed to turn the RGB for the mobo off, but for RAMs - from what I've read on the internet - the only option is to install some software but which either doesn't exist for Linux (cause I'm using Linux) for my Intel GPU, or I didn't know how to install it, or I installed but didn't work. There was a time some months ago when I looked into this, I don't remember what the problem was and why I couldn't make it work, but I didn't. Oh well, I guess I'm doomed to be awake 24/7

Best option is to swap them rams for a better option without RGB

 

[tazarbm]

Best option is to swap them rams for a better option without RGB

well yeah, but no cash

 

[WindizlA]

aLIEXPRESS !!!! I had a bitter experience purchasing motherboards and RAM modules. The quality is 2-3 times lower, and the system stops working after a short time. Buy components from local dealers with a warranty.