New computer - Auckland Recommendations

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turneg01

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#255694 24-Aug-2019 08:46

I am wanting to buy a desktop computer (ideally today). It will be for business use. Ideally less than $1000.

Previous laptop was an i5 which worked well until it crapped out so want a desktop instead. Would be good to use my existing hard drive but open to transferring files later.

What shops in Auckland do people recommend?

Is it easier and cheaper to just buy a dell?

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#2305019 24-Aug-2019 08:53

you dont have enough information in your post

what bits do you need?

do you need a monitor? keyboards and mouse?

what do you use the device for?

turneg01

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#2305045 24-Aug-2019 09:22

I have a monitor keyboard and mouse. If it’s easier to buy a whole package I would be okay to do.

I like it to be capable to do programming email videos, general activities . I do some photoshop but not to much.

lNomNoml

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#2305051 24-Aug-2019 09:43

Go to pbtech and ask them to help,

Something like this should do the job: https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/WKSACN95322R/Acer-NZ-Remanufactured-UDVPYSAP53-AcerLocal-1yr-wa

make sure your monitor has the connect connection to the PC, VGA / DVI / HDMI ect

I can help you transfer your files from the existing hard drive to this PC , I'm in Manurewa.

turneg01

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#2305055 24-Aug-2019 09:59

Thank you. I have always thought Acer was meant to be a sub par brand?

Which brands are recommended?

lNomNoml

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#2305109 24-Aug-2019 10:31

turneg01: Thank you. I have always thought Acer was meant to be a sub par brand?

Which brands are recommended?

At this price point there isn't much options, if brand is important you can look at Dell or HP but I'm my experience they all have their ups and downs.

I'm not in front of my PC so can't have a good look as of yet

Jase2985

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#2305117 24-Aug-2019 10:44

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/computers/pcs/upgrade-boxes

Have a look through the upgrade boxes, they should be sweet for what you are looking for and your not paying for an OS as you are with the ex lease stuff.

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toejam316

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#2305118 24-Aug-2019 10:44

If you're after good support, you'll probably need to spend a little more and get a in house brand from a local PC supplier, who won't then be sending you off to a third party if you have equipment issues.

A bit more info would also be nice - do you plan you use the computer's built in storage, or do you already have some external storage (USB drives or networked) setup? Do you need much storage in the computer at all, or just enough for your programs?

Also, when you say programming, do you mean writing code and compiling it on the computer? Because a faster processor is valuable if that's the case.

My personal preference is to invest in some networked storage so you're not tied down to a single device, and able to make backups and move your files around easily, paired with cloud storage (Office 365 comes with a good chunk of One Drive, which would probably suit if you don't have anything currently), and a Intel NUC computer, because they're little zippy things that don't have a ton of moving parts.

Something like https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/WKSPB34215/PB-34215-Intel-8TH-GEN-NUC-Ultra-Compact-PC-Intel

Make sure that your current monitor takes in HDMI, and maybe get a USB Hub for your accessories if you need more than just the 4 USB Ports.

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turneg01

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#2305119 24-Aug-2019 10:44

Much appreciated. If it’s worth paying a little bit more to get quality I could do it. Windows pro installed

Saw this at dell that might work.

https://www.dell.com/en-nz/work/shop/dell-business-computers-business-desktop-computers/vostro-small-desktop/spd/vostro-3470-desktop/c240508nz

turneg01

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#2305124 24-Aug-2019 10:54

Yes programming as in compiling. I7 might suit my needs better then?

Storage wise I would like to save files on the computer. 1tb at least would be nice. I use Dropbox currently but still requires files to be on computer.

I do have a hard drive out of my laptop. Solid state drive I think it’s 500gb.. I think the easiest would be if I start fresh with a new HD with windows and either add it as an extra hard drive in pc or get a connector that will connect via USB. What would recommend?

toejam316

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#2305174 24-Aug-2019 11:23

turneg01: Yes programming as in compiling. I7 might suit my needs better then?

Storage wise I would like to save files on the computer. 1tb at least would be nice. I use Dropbox currently but still requires files to be on computer.

I do have a hard drive out of my laptop. Solid state drive I think it’s 500gb.. I think the easiest would be if I start fresh with a new HD with windows and either add it as an extra hard drive in pc or get a connector that will connect via USB. What would recommend?

If the 500GB suits and it's a laptop drive, I'm sure you could talk to PB Tech about fitting that drive in the NUC I linked, as it supports 2.5" drives. It comes with 240GB of storage already, so that'd give you a reasonable bit across drives.

Like I said, I'd recommend adding storage OUTSIDE of your computer rather than into it, so I'd say adding a basic network drive would be a fantastic option, like

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/HDDWDX8242/WD-My-Cloud-Home-4TB-Personal-Cloud-Storage

As for compiling, unless you're working on big projects, you won't notice too great a difference, but a faster CPU is always valuable.

I wouldn't dive off the deep end unless you noticed things choking up on your older system, in which case certainly try and shoot above where that was. The modern (Series 9) i5s are 6 core while the i7s are 8 core, versus the series 8 being 6 core on both, so keep that in mind too.

The upgrade boxes are certainly worth a squiz, and I'd say if you're going to go with one of those options, but they will require you put in a bit of work to get it up and running, or you'll need to pay them to help you get it off the ground. If you're going with them, I'd recommend one of the AMD 2400G options.

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#2305250 24-Aug-2019 14:01

For $1000 can get a decent machine if willing to build it. But otherwise, PBTech/Playtech can prob sort you out.

XPD / Gavin

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turneg01

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#2305372 24-Aug-2019 16:59

Have decided to change my mind and get something better so i wont need to keep updating.

budget $1200 to $2000

I7, 16mb ram, ssd plus 2 tb hdd, dedicated graphics card or option to add later, windows 10

I have screen that uses hdmi but later may want another screen so need this option.

What else should i look for?

Any recommendations?

SirHumphreyAppleby

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#2305418 24-Aug-2019 17:21

Based on the information you've provided, I recommend you save your money and get a cheap i5. Dedicated graphics is needed for gaming or specialist activities requiring a GPU. The only distinction between current generation i5s and i7s is hyperthreading. If that's still the case when I next upgrade, I'll be moving from an i7 to i5 because the cheaper CPU is more than capable of handling my daily needs, which are quite similar to yours; programming, e-mail, watching videos and general activities.

I recommend a custom build from PB Tech rather than one of the upgrade boxes.

toejam316

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#2305419 24-Aug-2019 17:32

SirHumphreyAppleby:

Based on the information you've provided, I recommend you save your money and get a cheap i5. Dedicated graphics is needed for gaming or specialist activities requiring a GPU. The only distinction between current generation i5s and i7s is hyperthreading. If that's still the case when I next upgrade, I'll be moving from an i7 to i5 because the cheaper CPU is more than capable of handling my daily needs, which are quite similar to yours; programming, e-mail, watching videos and general activities.

I recommend a custom build from PB Tech rather than one of the upgrade boxes.

Honestly, pop into a shop and have a chat with one of them regarding your needs, they'll be happy to help you scope something out.

If gaming isn't a concern, then you'll be fine with just an i5 and the integrated graphics. If you DO want gaming to be an option, maybe look at getting a dedicated GPU then. The big concern would be a motherboard with multiple video outputs, so you can add an extra screen. You shouldn't really need to spend more than $1200, spend the extra on some networked storage.

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turneg01

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#2305462 24-Aug-2019 20:06

I went into two shops today and they weren’t that helpful and things were getting over my head.

It would be great if someone could do a custom build.

Anyone in here can help with that or know of someone in particular I should visit at a shop.

Your help is much appreciated

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