XPS 8930, upgrade vs new analysis

I don't think there is a 'right' or 'wrong' answer. 

Your base system is still an older Intel CPU and chipsets. Also, the 'new' price would have included some of your upgrades, like the video card.

Other items you could have installed into the new PC as well, like the network card. Could have probably not used the RAM though, older systems use different types.

Two other parts to consider... the 1 year warranty and longer 'support' of new files from Dell.

A lot of that is intangibles I'd say, but what you did do will extend the 'life' of your PC. Only at that time, when it is no longer a viable system (like when MS no longer supports your OS, I assume W11 now, but W12 might not support older chipsets at some point possibly) or some original parts 'wear' out?

You did what you did, a little late asking now, but it does seem like a better overall PC now.

My two cents:  it is not a proper comparison as the heart of a computer, the CPU, can't be upgraded to the latest one.  A more accurate method is comparing to a used system with similar specs and determine the value.

Your GPU upgrade with an RTX 4060 can be done without  cost of a power supply upgrade.

Your SSD replacement can be lower since 2TB is a bit much for boot drive, and storage does not need gen 4 NVMe SSD.

Your extra RAM and network card may or may not give you any return in performance that you can see.

The biggest flaw in your calculation is counting the original price.  Today value of an XPS 8930 is around $200 USD, more or less depending on components and condition.

When you need to get a high cost video card, you can get a whole (used) system with the video card for the same cost or less.

It doesn't make sense to include the original cost. The systems that you are comparing against now did not exist when you purchased the 8930 (and there's  no point second guessing your original decision to buy the 8930 6 years ago). Also, there's no point comparing your upgrade to a used 8930 system out there (the easiest comparison) because it's  rather unlikely to have the new components you have installed and cost less than $682.

So, basically, the only assessment possible is whether you can get a better system for the $682 you spent on upgrades and the answer is likely "no". If so, then there's no point looking for a "newer" used system since even an equivalent 8930 is difficult to find.

I think you did a great job!! One of your main purposes was "for the fun of working on upgrading my computer". . . something for which you cannot place a price. I had fun with you too! Everything does not have to be logical, practical, cost effective. Some things you do for the enjoyment of the challenge and satisfaction of accomplishment. I upgraded an XPS 8930 and an Area-51 R5 . . . neither were practical or cost effective, and I enjoyed both projects, learned a lot, and have no regrets.

Agree with ProfessorW00d good point of enthusiasts experiences, it's priceless.

Just pointing out the comparison method, not meant to dissuade OP from the project.

@Chino de Oro​ care to post the link? item number? I have a costco membership and they sell the processor for $400 alone.. I see an i5-13400 system for $650, no nvme.. no way.

This is not a competition for me to prove. 

@Chino de Oro​ yes, I understand, but, I disagree with your assertion that there are "way better" systems out there for $650. There are always exceptions and maybe a new system can be found. But, it's been my experience that the new systems are typically bate and switch traps, whose actual costs are much greater than planned budgets.

I should not point to different systems and pricing as they are not relevant to OP and don't want our discussion further from hijacking OP topic.

Good discussion and love the varying opinions.  This upgrade project started due to 2 reasons. 

1. The C: drive started failing
2. I retired

I had the choice of getting a new machine at Costco and sell this 8930 for parts or fix this 8930. I took the upgrade path.

Before this 8930, I have always built my desktops for 20+ years! It was so much fun to put a system together and have it work to my needs. Every 4 years I'd build a new one and give the old system to a family member or friend.  After 2016, my work responsibilities took off and I started getting into heavy photoshop work .  So, when the last build became inadequate for my needs, and with no time to dedicate to a build, I bought this 8930

Having retired and with time in hand, I decided to take on this upgrade. The goal was to extend this 8930 with some enhanced capabilities and have fun tinkering. The discussions with y'all regarding my issues IS very stimulating.

My wife exclaimed that she hasn't seen me working on a computer in a long time and how happy I was opening up a computer case and taking parts off!

So, as @ProfessorW00d said, the fun factor tops all comparisons.

I see @Chino de Oro 's point but I was not going to buy a used computer for my needs. However, that opens up an opportunity to tinker/upgrade and sell it back for more! Hmmm...

I tend to agree that adding the original cost may skew the discussion. It is a sunk cost anyways.

@Chino de Oro​ Not bad, but, it's not quite as good as the OP's full upgrade (e.g. the new system has pretty lame storage, less memory and there's mention of usb 3.0 - for connectivity? why bother mentioning usb 3.0? kind of a lazy listing.. i.e. what about specific network features?). Well, the upgrade path is still an easier/better decision (so far). Anything else?

Anyway, it isn't hijacking the topic at all. OP asked if assessments were made before going ahead with upgrade or new purchase - and whether this particular assessment was correct. This is all very relevant.

The primary goal was to fix the failing 2TB HDD with the OS (and all my 2024 CY photos) in it (backed up) and to upgrade the graphics card from the 1050 Ti. Secondary goals were to update the ethernet card to get over the 1 Gbps limit and max out the RAM.

I did all of that and am very happy to see these performance benchmark scores.  IMHO, the $642 spent was well worth it. I'm pretty sure a  those new machines with a much better processor will score higher, but the improvement over the stock 8930 from 2018 is huge and makes me happy.

@Hokie_Shankar​ "So, if you're a 4K gamer — or you're planning to become one with a new 4K monitor upgrade — you'll generally want to get the fastest, most expensive graphics card you can justify before worrying about your CPU." - CPUvsGPU, tomsHW 2024-06-26T14:23:48Z