Buying a Desktop Computer

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SeanoffShotgun

16 posts

Geek

#127151 31-Jul-2013 19:06

Hi there. I am looking to purchase my first desktop computer, however in all honesty I know nothing about them. So I am looking for any information you guys can share with me to help me make my purchase!

Basically the computer will be used for things like Email, Facebook, Browsing Internet, Youtube, Torrent Downloads etc nothing crazy like hardcore gaming. However the odd game of Minecraft will be played from time to time.

So I just want something that won't freeze up on me all the time.. Will allow me to watch videos without buffering.. And won't cause minor games to "lag". Are there any particular brands that you suggest? Or a particular model? Money is not an issue, but as I said I don't need a really expensive computer.

Cheers guys any help will be appreciated

P.S. excuse my n00b thread!

Digmarx

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#869530 31-Jul-2013 19:48

In a situation like this, it's best to set a budget first and compare machines from different companies around that price point

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#869535 31-Jul-2013 20:01

if that's all you want to do can i ask why you really want a desktop? i'd get a lugtop if i were you

Phexx

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#869540 31-Jul-2013 20:08

From your post I'm gonna say you're looking for a fairly entry level desktop. As Digmarx said, set a limit to the amount you're prepared to pay. $1000 should be fine if you need monitor, mouse, keyboard etc.

I'd give the guys at Computer Lounge a call and see what they can do. If you let them know what you'll be doing they can put a list of parts together and should be able to give you a good price.

Cheers

Lias

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#869547 31-Jul-2013 20:16

Much though I highly recommend Computer Lounge, a CL built system is probably overkill for your needs.

Virtually any new brand name desktop will suffice for what your talking about. Pick a budget, shop around for machines in that budget and pick one you like.

I'm a geek, a gamer, a dad, a Quic user, and an IT Professional. I have a full rack home lab, size 15 feet, an epic beard and Asperger's. I'm a bit of a Cypherpunk, who believes information wants to be free and the Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it. If you use my Quic signup you can also use the code R570394EKGIZ8 for free setup.

Hammerer

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#869554 31-Jul-2013 20:34

SeanoffShotgun: .. Will allow me to watch videos without buffering.. And won't cause minor games to "lag".

If you are sensitive to video issues then it is worthwhile checking that a PCs video subsystem will give you the sort of performance you want. Some entry-level PCs may not.

What sort of video are you talking about? BluRay? Full HD?
What are some of the games you are thinking of?

networkn

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#869609 31-Jul-2013 22:07

Lias: Much though I highly recommend Computer Lounge, a CL built system is probably overkill for your needs.

Virtually any new brand name desktop will suffice for what your talking about. Pick a budget, shop around for machines in that budget and pick one you like.

This. Personally I'd forgo bells and whistles and get a better warranty.

PaulBags

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#869655 1-Aug-2013 00:11

If your not gaming then personally I'd look for something small, quiet, and with low power usage.

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robjg63

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#869730 1-Aug-2013 09:27

Virtually any new brand name desktop will suffice for what your talking about. Pick a budget, shop around for machines in that budget and pick one you like.

I'd say this is about right.

Decide what your budget is - thats going to be the main factor. The only thing that I would add to that is often to keep prices cheap they sometime scrimp on memory.
Make sure it has at least 4GB of memory. I would expect most have at least that much now anyway.

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timmmay

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#869745 1-Aug-2013 09:55

Dell desktop, including an all in one PC, one has a touch screen and Windows 8.

Dell desktops (monitor not included).

Or any HP, Lenovo, or custom built desktop. Around $1000 for the case and internals is probably about right, i3 or i5, 4GB RAM, and ideally pay a little more to get an SSD - solid state disks have no moving parts and are much faster, but are smaller, helps your computer and applications boot quickly. Dell make good, reasonably priced monitors.