Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

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Major_A
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Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Major_A »

My brother in laws parent's computer was messed up so they called me (aka Computer Guy). I fought with the thing to get Windows (Vista x86) to load for about 4 hours. Finally I told them I was taking the PC with me to my house and would continue to look at it there. I assumed it was a spyware/virus problem that was keeping Windows from loading properly. I could boot into Safe Mode without issue and run scans, etc... Finally after starring at my pinstriped monitor for a while I grabbed one of my video cards and put it in the PC. Tried to boot Windows and all was right in the universe. Turns out the video card is bad and was causing driver errors when trying to load Windows. I called to tell them that it was a hardware issue and they would need to buy a new video card. Since the phone call I have ordered a HD 5450 to fix the computer. They will reimburse me for the price of the video card when I take them their computer back.

Here's the moral question. I have a HD 3450 and would REALLY like to have that HD 5450 to put in my HTPC. Would it be wrong to put the HD 3450 in their computer and keep the HD 5450 for myself? They don't play games and would never be the wiser. I guess since I'm even asking for your opinions means that it probably isn't the right thing to do. If this weren't a family PC then I would not consider doing this. Thoughts?
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by stopthekilling77 »

Could just talk to them, try to convince them to scratch your back for scratching theirs. What are the chances that the card you don't want anymore has less power draw than the other? Might be a good place to start!
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by vbironchef »

You already know the answer to your moral question. Would I do it? No.

+1 what stopthekilling77 said.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by KnightRid »

Nope, bad bad thing to do without asking first.

You could tell them that you have a card lying around that you could get their computer up and running right now but it is a little less powerful than the one you ordered. They may be okay with that to get the computer back sooner.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by kenc51 »

Just don't do it
Get their permission first.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Major_A »

I knew it was a bad idea, I suppose I wanted some of you to say go for it. I see that most of us share the same moral compass that says don't do it. Surprisingly the installed Delta 350W PSU in the machine is running my older 8800GTS without incident. I imagine that if it can handle that then a HD 5450 isn't going to be a problem.

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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by novicegamer »

I would just let them know that the upgrade is for your labor :)
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Darkstar »

I would just ask them too, chances are if they arent gamers or heavy users they wouldnt care.

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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Major_A »

I'll get to play with the HD 5450 and evaluate it for myself. That's all I really wanted to do anyway, but in my HTPC. If it's any good I'll pick one up at a later date when I have a spare $50 laying around if I like the card.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by GI-JOE »

Major_A wrote:I'll get to play with the HD 5450 and evaluate it for myself. That's all I really wanted to do anyway, but in my HTPC. If it's any good I'll pick one up at a later date when I have a spare $50 laying around if I like the card.
You could always do what I do. I offer my old part + labor in exchange for the new part. I'd say 95% of the time they accept.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Major_A »

Good point, that thought never occurred to me.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by slugbug »

GI-JOE wrote:
Major_A wrote:I'll get to play with the HD 5450 and evaluate it for myself. That's all I really wanted to do anyway, but in my HTPC. If it's any good I'll pick one up at a later date when I have a spare $50 laying around if I like the card.
You could always do what I do. I offer my old part + labor in exchange for the new part. I'd say 95% of the time they accept.
Sounds like a fair deal to me.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Major_A »

I'm going to email her this proposal tomorrow and see what they say. Otherwise they are going to have to wait until next Wednesday/Thursday to get their PC back.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Sparky »

Yeah, making that offer and being up front equals a good karma kind of thing for you.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Eikast »

Ya definitively talk to them about it.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by techking13 »

Unfortunately I have to say don't do it. As was previously said though, you could try to convince them they won't see a difference between the two and to let you have the better one.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by Major_A »

Moot point. Offered them my old HD 3450 so they could get their PC back today and they went for it. HD 5450 is on the way, next Friday or Saturday.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by camaroguy1998 »

Major_A wrote:Moot point. Offered them my old HD 3450 so they could get their PC back today and they went for it. HD 5450 is on the way, next Friday or Saturday.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by RBIEZE »

You did well ,it never pays to be dishonest.
Especially when it comes to family and friends.
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Re: Family Computer Repair - Moral Question...

Post by NAiLs »

Major_A wrote:Moot point. Offered them my old HD 3450 so they could get their PC back today and they went for it. HD 5450 is on the way, next Friday or Saturday.
Good man! I would have never just gone ahead without asking myself! You did the right thing, that's for sure!
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