buying computer

Forums › Desktop computing › buying computer

vdanzo

31 posts

Geek

#242905 19-Nov-2018 16:34

hey guys been looking for a cheap computer

been eyeing this up https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/EXWKSDEL3011/Dell-Optiplex-3010-Desktop-PC-A-Grade-OFF-LEASE-Bu

just need for surfing the web and might run a few emulators on it, any other computers i should look at budget $200

SpartanVXL

1306 posts

Uber Geek

#2129575 19-Nov-2018 17:01

What kind of emulators? Just general web browsing or going to do more on it? You can get away with mail and web on a mobile or tablet nowadays.

This isn't the first time somebody has asked about these reconditioned machines. The problem I have with them is they're pushing 6 years with a paltry 4GB of memory and a old spinning disk. There is a reason why pbtech only give a 3 month warranty on them.

With $200 I can't think of anything short of finding throwaway machines on trademe, otherwise I would put together something low-end, maybe a ryzen apu with the money spent on getting that Optiplex up and running.

A Raspberry Pi could even suffice if all you needed was available on ARM.

amiga500

1484 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2129726 19-Nov-2018 18:15

Most business computers are set up for power saving but they tend to be kept on 24/7 so people can access them quickly.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
13765 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2129808 19-Nov-2018 20:54

Ive got a Dell Vostro 410 sitting in the garage at the moment, 10 years old, and still working fine :) Dell makes their systems to last ;)

Ive got a Pi as well, which seems to run most emulated games fine, if thats what youre wanting to do.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

LinkTree

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2130055 20-Nov-2018 10:11

$200 budget , just get the best spec you can find.

Keeps in mind, it will be old, it wont be worth fixing if it fails
HP,Dell, Lenovo will have non-standard parts , so even a dead Power supply will make it a write off.
But its only $200 , not loosing that much IF it dies

Ex lease PC's will be a business class PC , could last a very long time . They tend to be very reliable on average
Plenty of places selling off lease PC's , just do a google search

tripper1000

1617 posts

Uber Geek

#2130142 20-Nov-2018 11:51

It's the kind of machine I'd give to an elderly relative. If all you are doing is browsing the web and running some old game emulators this machine will be OK.

It isn't going to run 3d games or professional applications very well, but if that is of no consequence then go for it.

nzkc

1571 posts

Uber Geek

#2130914 21-Nov-2018 11:12

PB Tech daily deal today (so get in quick) is worth looking at for you: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/EXWKSLEN0721/Lenovo-Thinkcenter-M72-Desktop-SFF-A-Grade-OFF-LEA

Its just $114.

Specs are:

CPU: Intel Core i5 3470 3.2GHZ
RAM:4GB
HD:500GB
DVDRW
Win 10Pro

linw

2849 posts

Uber Geek

#2130931 21-Nov-2018 11:18

I'm a fan of those SFF ex-lease boxes. Great value for money. Especially at $114!!

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

vdanzo

31 posts

Geek

#2131111 21-Nov-2018 13:47

Damn missed out

yitz

2074 posts

Uber Geek

#2131112 21-Nov-2018 13:54

Plenty of similar listings on Trade Me.