To buy a desktop computer/Related Q's

[Al18]

I don’t understand the getting slow comment. What’s getting slow, the hard drive or CPU? Both can be easily fixed by backing up the hard drive, reformatting and reinstalling the OS. Run a benchmark program to determine how your computer performs to results posted online for the same new model. If your benchmark result shows your computer is running slow, then the CPU fan is either loaded up with dust causing it to overheat and slow down, and/or heat from the CPU is not being dissappaited by the heat sink. Clean the fan with a can of compressed air. Remove the heat sink, clean the old thermal paste and reapply fresh thermal paste and reattach the heat sink. Cost for a new hard drive is $50, a can of air is $10, a new CPU fan is $30 and thermal paste is $10. The computer should perform faster than it was new.

 

[MC Rider]

Whatever you buy, future proof it as best you can.


Upgrade the RAM, the SSD(s), etc. If not a gamer you may not need to upgrade the video. I am still running one I where did that when I bought it about 10 years ago.
It is still plenty fast for me. I did replace the original HD with an SSD a few years ago, and demoted to HD to extra storage in the box.

 

[Sunset]

If I was going to buy a new computer, it must have an SSD (could be the newer type that look like memory cards and are faster).

Amazingly, I still see new computers sold with the old HD's.

I'd also want 16 Gig memory at a minimum. I do see many sold now with 32 Gig as memory is cheap.

 

[MC Rider]

And if you can get 64GB, future proof it!

 

[Sunset]

And if you can get 64GB, future proof it!

Seems like a lot, I've been running on 12 GB of memory for 11 years now, and that includes being able to run VM's on it.
Of course I run linux, which is pretty efficient.

Since most folks just email and surf the internet, and watch cat movies , the needs are small, and I wonder if they would ever use the 64 GB before the processor was obsolete.

 

[Sunset]

I don’t understand the getting slow comment. What’s getting slow, the hard drive or CPU? Both can be easily fixed by backing up the hard drive, reformatting and reinstalling the OS. Run a benchmark program to determine how your computer performs to results posted online for the same new model. If your benchmark result shows your computer is running slow, then the CPU fan is either loaded up with dust causing it to overheat and slow down, and/or heat from the CPU is not being dissappaited by the heat sink. Clean the fan with a can of compressed air. Remove the heat sink, clean the old thermal paste and reapply fresh thermal paste and reattach the heat sink. Cost for a new hard drive is $50, a can of air is $10, a new CPU fan is $30 and thermal paste is $10. The computer should perform faster than it was new.

With some processors, there was a hack that was a security risk, so all the OS's had to re-write some software that stopped using some part of a processor's code that made the processors faster.

In effect slowing down the processors as a side effect.

This affected all the Operating Systems, but now Windows does not want to continue to be crippled by this, so for Window's 11 they are not going to upgrade those processors.

 

[MC Rider]

Seems like a lot, I've been running on 12 GB of memory for 11 years now, and that includes being able to run VM's on it.
Of course I run linux, which is pretty efficient.

Since most folks just email and surf the internet, and watch cat movies , the needs are small, and I wonder if they would ever use the 64 GB before the processor was obsolete.

Your advice on that is likely better than mine.


My system is a core i5, 16 GB of RAM, and video card only because I wanted 3 monitors for w*rk. Still does good for music videos and whatnot with Win 10. Nothing has failed on it, and I don't see it going obsolete in a way that matters to me anytime soon. Could be wrong there too.

 

[Graybeard]

6-7 years is getting old for a computer, I would not spend money on an SSD or memory cuz the internals are still 6-7 years old.

I never owned an Apple product, always used desktop pcs at work and home. While you can't go to the place I've used, see if there is a local computer stop that builds pcs in your area. This one is my 2nd from them and they have been excellent machines. I tell him what I use the pc for and he makes it without a lot of extra software and options that I'd never used (like if you were a gamer). I've been using the same speakers and sub woofer from the 1st one, I did replace the mouse and KB a couple of years ago as they wore out and I wanted a better monitor a few years ago.

I paid about $1000 in 2008 and about $650 when I got this box only about 4 years ago. Never had any issues as his builds are quality. When I need to replace this one, I'll go talk to him again. Also, he sets the machine up by transferring all my files, bookmarks etc so I never had to do that, just install the printer when I got it home. I wouldn't buy a pc from a big box store or a company online.

 

[easysurfer]

The starter question is "What will the computer be used for?" and then work from there.

 

[GalaxyBoy]

I switched to Mac in 2017 and would never go back! My 27” iMac runs as fast now as when it was new. That said, I did have a slowdown last year and connectivity issues, but a full restore of the OS and restoration of the backup solved that.

 

[MC Rider]

The starter question is "What will the computer be used for?" and then work from there.

Best advice.

 

[brett]

IMHO there is no 'right answer' or best choice.

What there is what you are comfortable with and what you use your desktop for. And of course your personal preferences.

I use a desktop and an ipad. I was in the same boat a few years ago. My desktop was slow, I needed to replace the hard drive, and my windows version was well out of date. Eight year old system. Now close to 11. I decided to buy a new system. I use the desktop for mail, surfing, taxes, and accessing personal financial accounts.

Then I changed my mind. Did a little research, watched some youtubes. I ordered a new hard drive and managed to install it myself (after backing up data to the portable HD that we back up our photos on and store in a safe deposit box. I had nothing to loose and it was a nice diversion. Incredibly I managed to do that quite easily. So glad that I decided to tuned up the old melody to a rock and roll version. I am anything but a techie. If I did it, anyone can.


Next, PCmag told me how upgrade from W7 to W10 gratis on the new sytstem disk. It was a snap.

I was amazed at the system tranformation. Speed increased substantially. It was performing like a new system...as it should. Now I do routine disk clean ups. And make sure that I keep the back of the unit clear so the fan does not get dirty and works as it should.

Money was not an issue....but my upgrade cost was less than $50.

As an aside, when I first started looking at a replacement I quickly came to the conclusion that I did not want one of these all in one units. I wanted a desktop that could easily be changed, upgraded, repaired, etc.

Hp desktop......Intel I3 3.3Ghz, 8GBMemory, 2TB hard disk, W10 home. 64bit o/s

 

[RetiredAndLovingIt]

YES - that is what the meant to convey, I was being sarcastic.

Loved the sarcasm..
I also have an old PC, now only used for TurboTax and Quicken with expired subscription. I think the PC is about 8 years old, just wondering if you think a new SSD might help speed it up. Seems to me that I read somewhere Pentiums are very slow but it wasn't when the PC was new, I was happy with it then. I will say I have never reset the operating system since I got it so maybe that would help as well. I really don't want to buy a new PC for the little use it gets these days and it has a lot of old financial data that I'd like to keep.

Aspire XC-603G
Intel Pentium CPU J2900 @2.41ghz
4 GB RAM 3.88Gb usable
915Gb Hard Drive.
64-bit operating system, X64-based processor.
Windows 10 Home Edition - does not meet Windows 11 requirements.

I have 2 Chromebooks for regular web surfing and games.

 

[Katsmeow]

If you are a long time Windows user I would not get a Mac computer. I certainly would not do it if I wasn't going to get an iPhone. I personally have a Windows desktop and an iPhone. About a year and a half ago I bought a Macbook Pro notebook. And, I have to say that I am not happy that I did it. Yes, it does work well with the iPhone which is its main advantage. If I have a problem I guess I can contact the Apple Store which is nice. But, as someone who has used Windows since 1988 I just find it tedious to use. I don't know how to do everything on it. I have to look up everything. I don't find it easier to use than Windows. I am frustrated by how you can't really customize it to your needs. I know the Apple fans will disagree with me. And, that is fine. I've given it a real college try and I just can't get with that program. I am actively thinking about buying a cheap Windows notebook so I will have something I can actually use when I travel. Yes, yes, I sure that if I spent the rest of my life learning it I would probably be proficient. But, I don't want to do that....

I personally like the flexibility of a desktop. Notebooks are fine but every time I've tried to just have a notebook I've been unhappy with it. I would not buy a computer from Best Buy or probably any bricks and mortar store as there is usually not enough selection. For a desktop I would do one of two things. First, if I have no idea what kind I want then I would just go to newegg and search all the different options. You might find something you want to buy. Alternatively (and what I usually end up doing) would decide on a brand and then go and buy direct from the manufacturer. I currently have a Dell Alienware (above your price limit and probably more than most people need). I might also check out HP and maybe some of the brands that Newegg has on its website.

 

[EastWest Gal]

I'm a Mac person, ever since we bought a Mac 30/SE in 1988. I don't have an opinion regarding Mac vs PC. if you end up deciding to go with a PC, check out Newegg. They have a wide range of computers, peripherals, and parts. One of the advantages of going to Best Buy or a computer store is that if there is a problem, you don't have to ship the computer anywhere.

 

[USGrant1962]

It's that time again - to replace an aging desktop computer. Mine is a Dell Inspiron 3650, 6 or 7 years old, and has slowed down to the point that I've just purchased an external SSD, to offload my data before it's too late.

Last year I bought an Asus laptop, and while it's OK...there's something about a desktop computer, with big screen, good speakers, and power that suits me.

I'll happily entertain serious suggestions for a replacement under $2000.00.

...

I'd be interested in more specs on your PC because modern computers don't age very fast. A few upgrades like an SSD, GPU, or CPU can give great results for small dollars. I looked up your PC and it has specs that support everything but the most hard core uses.

https://dl.dell.com/manuals/all-pro...spiron-3650-desktop_reference guide_en-us.pdf

So are you an i3, i5, or i7 CPU? Are you on integrated graphics or do you have a discrete video card? How much RAM do you have?

Unless you have some hard core use case, you can probably do a few upgrades for $300 to $500 and keep on with your current system.

 

[W2R]

I'm not going to say much in this thread, because I am not the right person to recommend a desktop computer - - I am a diehard laptop fan and haven't had a desktop for decades.

These days I get Dell laptops with 17" screens, and I use an adjustable swivel laptop table, so that I can sit in my recliner and position the laptop exactly where I want it to be. Just right for me.

 

[Amethyst]

Yes, I am aware of this. I would like to future-proof my set-up by assuming that I am going to want to do more than "send emails and watch cat videos."

I would definitely like to run more artistic and creative software, and it's not impossible that I could get into gaming, although at the moment I don't have the time. [-]And then there is the pursuit of world domina[/-]....oh, wait, I didn't mean to say that. Just scratch that, la de da de da....

The starter question is "What will the computer be used for?" and then work from there.

 

[DrRoy]

For many years I have bought desktops from Cyberpower. Flexible configurations and good pricing.

 

[jollystomper]

Bias alert: I have been building desktop systems for myself, family and friends for almost 30 years, so I prefer the hardware flexibility that I do not see in the MAC world. Rather than look first at a specific desktop brand, you should first consider what hardware capabilities you desire. In my view a minimum of 16GB memory, 500GB boot drive (SSD is best but I can steal deal with HDD), ability to add additional internal drives, and lots of USB 3.x ports is the minimum desktop hardware platform.

To answer the questions:

In addition, here are some random questions I'd like to throw out there:

• I really like the looks of the Mini MACs. Is it difficult for a lifelong PC user to switch to a MAC? I'd still have an Android phone and a PC laptop.
• What are the downsides to an all-in-one desktop?
• Are there advantages to buying locally (e.g. Best Buy) rather than ordering from Amazon?
• Can my external SSD accept applications, as well as data?

1. With an Android phone and Windows PC stick to a Windows system (or the hardware that can support either Windows or Linux). There are mini desktop PCs with similar form factors as a mini MAC these days.

2. The main downside (like laptops) is less flexibility for repair and expansion.

3. Buying locally gives you easier access to support, if so desired - either bringing in the system or a home visit. It may be a bit more expensive, but that is the main tradeoff.

4. If what you mean is "can I connect my external SSD to a desktop and install applications on it as well as data", the answer is yes.

 

[Jerry1]

4. If what you mean is "can I connect my external SSD to a desktop and install applications on it as well as data", the answer is yes.

I thought the question was asking whether or not she could off load an application to an external SSD. Since she’s transferring her data to her external SSD, I thought she wanted to do the same with some or all of her programs. To my knowledge (limited) you cannot do that. It may be possible, but I’m not sure there’s anyway to transfer your applications to a new computer. If you have the original disk or a license you can certainly reinstall the application, but I’ve never read about the ability to transfer the applications.

 

[Amethyst]

Yes, that is what I meant, thank you.

I thought the question was asking whether or not she could off load an application to an external SSD. Since she’s transferring her data to her external SSD, I thought she wanted to do the same with some or all of her programs. To my knowledge (limited) you cannot do that. It may be possible, but I’m not sure there’s anyway to transfer your applications to a new computer. If you have the original disk or a license you can certainly reinstall the application, but I’ve never read about the ability to transfer the applications.

 

[Midpack]

I have an Android phone and a Mac, there's nothing wrong with that configuration, you just don't get the full integration experience that an all-Apple setup would give you. Apple gives you 1TB of cloud space and Microsoft 365 gives another 1TB, so I save things in one of those places and when we go on vacation, the MacBook I travel with can see any files I stored.

Except she said she’s keeping a PC laptop. Having a Mac desktop and a PC laptop is the worst of all worlds IMO - I wouldn’t recommend that to anyone.

 

[jim584672]

You don't need to spend a ton for a great desktop. Last year I got a refurb HP ProDesk 400 8th gen i7 8700, put a 500gb SSD in it, bumped the memory to 16GB. Getting brand new machine will not gain you much these days, besides a higher price. It may be a bit lower on power consumption and perform slightly faster, but not noticeable really.

 

[target2019]

Yes, I am aware of this. I would like to future-proof my set-up by assuming that I am going to want to do more than "send emails and watch cat videos."

I would definitely like to run more artistic and creative software, and it's not impossible that I could get into gaming, although at the moment I don't have the time. [-]And then there is the pursuit of world domina[/-]....oh, wait, I didn't mean to say that. Just scratch that, la de da de da....

Amethyst,
I have an older Dell, and listed the specs below. I purchased it in Dec. 2014.

About two years ago it became very slow. I looked at newer computers with Windows 11. Because I am very experienced with systems, I decided to try different upgrades.

1) Maxed out the System memory at 32 GB. Turned off Virtual Memory.
2) Uninstalled Norton AV and made sure Windows defender was running.
3) Looked at the performance control panel and uninstalled some older software that was bogging down startup (took about 3-4 minutes).
4) Cloned the old spinning disk to a new 1 TB SSD drive.

That's a lot to do, but I'm kinda techy and did not mind. I am pretty sure I'll get another 5 years life from this desktop computer.

If I focus on your "future-proof" desire, you should get a middle-of-the road desktop from Dell. Maybe even go a bit higher.

Now if you can get someone reliable to make the upgrades, you'll have a desktop that is much better, but it will be future-proof only up to some un-predictable date to come.

Do you have Windows 11 on that notebook? If you're going to keep that, then it will be wise to stick with one OS.

This is what I have now, with a 1-TB SSD.
Device name XPS-8700
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4790 CPU @ 3.60GHz 3.60 GHz
Installed RAM 32.0 GB
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Edition Windows 10 Pro
Version 22H2