Hi, I'm looking for a basic desktop computer that will last a long time without breaking down or being too outdated too quickly. Minimum 8gb RAM and 1Tb hard drive, relatively fast processor, windows pre-loaded and probably around 27 inch monitor. No gaming will be used on this pc.. only internet browsing. If anyone could please help me.. i'm looking to purchase this week. Warranty is also handy to have on the computer.
Thank you in advance
So you want a complete package?
For actual PC use/non-gaming?
And it's gotta be under $1,000 total?
-Keyboard
-Mouse
-Speakers
-Webcam
$120
-Monitor
$190
-mini Tower
$690
Target Specs for Sub-$600 PC:
- Intel Core i5-6500
- 8GB DDR4-2133
- 240GB SSD + 4TB HDD
- 600W PSU
- No GPU
MSY, eBay, and Gumtree are good places to start.
But if I was you, I would try to extend the budget to see if I could go with RyZen.
In particularly, the AMD r5-1600 chipset. And bump the memory storage to 16GB DDR4-2667 and 1TB SSD for quicker application storage.
But that would require an extra $200 budget, but would be well worth it.
where are you getting pricing for the mini tower?
$1,000 - ($120+190) = $690
So it's a sub-$600 PC, could be quite decent without a GPU. Ryzen 1600 would make it much better like I said, but you will have to extend your budget a bit. Or maybe wait until there's more stock/deals on it.
If you want a decent GPU for something on the side, the AMD RX470 is very good value for money.
Thanks.. I mean where do you buy it from for that price? :-)
@kimba88:
Well, that's what is left in your budget.
And for that kind of money, that's the sort of PC you can build/find.
Here's some online places you can check out.
- Umart
- MSY
- eBay
- Gumtree
- PC Part Picker AUS
I'll help list the parts you should focus on:
CPUs: (worse) Core i5-6500, or Core i5-7400, or AMD r5-1500X, or AMD r5-1600 (best).
RAM: (worse) 1x 8GB-2133 speeds, or 2x 8GB-2667 speeds (best).
SSD: (worse) 256GB Crucial MX300, or 1TB Samsung EVO 850 (best).
HDD: (worse) 2TB 5400rpm, or 4TB 7200rpm (best).
PSU: (worse) +80% Efficiency Bronze 450W, or +80 Gold 650W (best).
OS: (worse) Official Free Win10, or Windows 10Pro OEM key (best).
The difference in the budget from the "worse specs" (>$600) compared to the "best specs" (<$1,000) is a sizeable difference.
Of course, you don't have to choose a "worse" or "best" and might get something in between.
I didn't include a GPU because you didn't request it.
If you want a GPU for gaming, this would mean increasing you budget or severely limiting the specs/performance of the overall system to make room for the budget.
We're talking G4560's, no SSD, just to fit in a GTX 1050… which is quite low-end if you ask me.
@Kangal: That's an awesome list that helps so much! Please excuse my ignorance, but i'm still confused on how you can build that kind of pc with all the 'worst' parts on the websites you listed for a cheap price. I have a MSY local to me.. so that would probably be the best option to find a pc. Is there a function on the website where you can build the pc.. have it quoted up.. purchase it then pick it up? I also tried emailing MSY yesterday.. but i haven't had a response yet :-(
@Kangal: I've found this.. https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/acer-aspir… it has some of the specs you mentioned.. what do you think? Or can it be had cheaper?
@kimba88:
Nah, not that great of a value… but okay-ish.
The thing that kills the value of this machine are:
- Cheap Mobo (no OC, but that's to be expected)
- Cheap PSU (not modular, but that's to be expected)
- GPU GT730 is a worthless addition… the new Intel HD 630 integrated GPUs are already acceptably fast for most tasks the GT730 was designed for. So the only reason to upgrade the graphics would be for games or 3D applications. At which point you might as well skip the old GT730, and go for a new GTX 1050Ti or RX 470.
- Slow spinning HDD only (I think a 256GB SSD for the OS Boot drive is a minimum these days).
To give you an idea, Aldi was selling a very similar PC:
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/108767/45849/img_20170…
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/288215
But they got rid of the GT730, and added a 256GB SSD for the OS.
And it kept the slow 2TB spinning HDD for extra storage. Also it came with Windows 10 Premium rather than the Base version. All for $799. So simply comparing the two, I can say there are more bargains out there to be had.
Personally, I would knock off $200 from the list price…. hence $647 is the max you should pay for this machine.
You probably can get something Better AND Cheaper if you built one for yourself.
@Kangal: Oh man.. I really thought I was onto a good pc.. Well out of all the big stores like the good guys, officeworks, Jb Hi Fi and Harvey Norman.. This one surely would have to be one of the better value ones? I understand you could build one for cheaper.. But I dont know how and all the pc stores that do like my have said it'll be up to a 2 week wait.
Do you think aldi stores might still have some stock laying around?
I bought my own pc from aldi 4yrs ago and it's still going strong. Aldi computers usually have a longer warranty and they also have their 60 day money back guarantee.
Shopping Express is selling a 27" FHD monitor for $199
http://www.shoppingexpress.com.au/buy/acer-k272hle-27-full-h…
as for the desktop, MSY can build you a machine. Just have to factor in the $80 dollar build fee.
You can also visit UMART's system builder https://www.umart.com.au/umart1/pro/build_computer1.phtml?id…
and then select the parts you want
If there will not be any gaming, and just for internet browsing, get a NUC or perhaps a netbook and plug it into a monitor.
You don't need anything too powerful for web browsing, maybe even a chromebook will suffice provided you don't need windows.
Thanks for everyone's suggestions so far. I'm happy to buy the desktop and monitor separately if need be. Just looking to get something that does come pre-installed with windows.. and something that can be returned to a store if there is a problem under the warranty period. So i do need a store local around the Fairfield area of Sydney.. whether its a computer shop or one of the big guys like Officeworks, Harvey Norman, JbHiFi, etc
what does everyone think about this one? http://www3.lenovo.com/au/en/deals/current-offers/deals-of-t…
Take your pick:
http://www.msy.com.au/viconline/content/31-system-packages