New desktop. Budget $2500

nickbose on 23/10/2016 - 17:00

My 8 year old Dell XPS 430 is giving up. Ethernet stops working, it restarts itself often for no reason. This has had its mainboard replaced few years ago but I think it's time for a new one.
(Is 8 year reasonable or should I expect more life from a $2K plus desktop?)

Beside Dell and Lenovo, any other good brand I can buy direct? Asus?
I plan to get a top i7 with at least 16GB RAM. I don't play games so any video card will do. I also want a compact case but still with many bays available. Can I buy one without OS as I want to use the current windows 10 Pro licence?
Recommendation?

Computing

Comments

  • altomic on 23/10/2016 - 17:11

    My dell desktop lost its Ethernet. I bought a $2 usb adapter from ebay. Extra RAM, SSD. Have you the desire to install those? Undertaken a good clean up of the motherboard? Fans? New thermal paste? Etc

    Will use reuse your monitor or after a new one as well?

    What will you be using your computer for primarily ?

  • currentfad on 23/10/2016 - 17:11
    +2

    2K+ for what exactly if you don't play games? Hard to give recommendations without context.

  • nickbose on 23/10/2016 - 17:18

    The PC is the main one for me for banking, email, surfing, spreadsheet, occasional movie watching, photo/video editing and graphic designing.
    Basically it is mission critical. I will reuse the monitors (dual Dell monitor plus a 52 inch Sony TV as 3rd monitor via a USB display dongle)
    I want a powerful system so in 10 years time it's still usable - like the Dell XPS Core Duo Quad with 8GB RAM now is still quite fast after I upgrade the HDD to a 256GB Crucial SSD.

    The thing is it started with losing ethernet connection but now it is also restarting itself randomly. So I think probably it's time.

    • altomic on 23/10/2016 - 17:31
      -1

      2nd hand? I'd be suggesting a ~$500 box of eBay. You can get some pretty good rigs. They should easily last 5 years and still be relevant for what you are doing. Then spend another $500 on a newer machine. $1000 for 2 boxes over 10 years compared to 1 box over 10 years for $2500….

      The random shutdown could simply be a CPU heat issue which could be rectified by more thermal paste. But hey, I'm a keep-a-pc-till-it-is-completely-unfixable guy.

      • scrimshaw on 23/10/2016 - 19:05

        I sell a lot of used computer parts on ebay and due to eBay and GayPal taking 9.9 percent of revenue, sellers tend to overprice their stuff.

        For e.g I recently sold a Sandy Bridge Core i5-K unlocked processor on the 'bay for a whopping $200 dollars. On OCAU forums, these CPU's wouldn't be worth more than a $120 at most.

        Want to know how much I bought it when it was brand new? $225 bucks from ARC Computers back in 2012.

        • altomic on 23/10/2016 - 19:40

          Of course, do your reasearch prior.

  • Diji1 on 23/10/2016 - 17:37
    +1

    $2500 sounds like overkill for what you want to use it for unless you get an enormous monitor.

  • nickbose on 23/10/2016 - 17:45

    That's the budget. I don't HAVE TO spend 2.5K. However I quickly look and a reliable workstation with i7 from Dell or HP can be 2 or 3K easily. I already have a 52 inch monitor and 2 other 23 inch Dell monitors. 52 inch - not sure if that's considered huge but big enough for me :-)

  • DarkOz on 23/10/2016 - 17:59

    $2.5K is the budget to buy 2 PCs, not 1!

    • Baebs on 23/10/2016 - 20:50

      He's buying a pre-build system too..

  • nickbose on 23/10/2016 - 18:03

    No one has commented on their buying experience yet or given any recommendation?

  • nickbose on 23/10/2016 - 18:06

    Lenovo P310 workstation i7 already $1700 + with no upgrading options yet
    http://www3.lenovo.com/au/en/workstations/thinkstation-p-ser…

    Dell Precision starts at $2592
    http://www.dell.com/au/business/p/precision-t3x20-series-wor…

    • scrimshaw on 23/10/2016 - 18:55
      +2

      you don't need a dell precision for what you're doing. They all come pre-equipped with overpriced and underpowered Nvidia Quadro workstation GPU's, which are okay-ish for video and photo editing but your everyday, normal Geforce desktop GPU's will be much better and cost you less.

      There are a few ways you can get your desktop:

      1. Custom built PC from a computer shop — it's what most denizens of Ozbargain would recommend, although it's not neccessarily the best choice. Some examples of this are: MSY, UMART's system builder page, MWAVE's custom build page and PCCG's pre-assembled systems

      2. Buy another Dell XPS or Inspiron desktop direct from Dell, but from the Outlet (this saves you a tonne of money vs buying from their normal store). The outlet is empty right now but will be fully stocked every monday morning

      3. The last and final option is to just buy a second hand desktop, many of which will suit your needs, but this is probably the least attractive option to you since you've alloted yourself a pretty big budget.

      The pros and cons of each choices are

      1. Custom built PC's Cons: the warranty is provided by a computer store, and they can only offer fairly basic warranty support (return to base) and no tech support. Pros: It's a relatively money efficient way of building a very high spec computer, and with the large number of choices of parts, you can build a desktop that's tailored exactly to your needs. Need lots of storage? You can buy a case that supports 7-10 drives and a motherboard with 10 SATA ports and M.2. Need it to be silent? You can buy a case that muffles sound and a fanless cooling heatsink.

      2. Buying from Dell or Lenovo: Cons: you can only pick from a select few choices, and some upgrades can cost you a lot of money. If you want a high end desktop, this is one of the most expensive ways of getting one. Pros: You can get extended warranty support, as well as Next Business Day warranty, allowing you sit back and home and watch TV while a repairman fixes your PC at your place. But it'll cost you extra $$$.

  • Nexo on 23/10/2016 - 19:35

    My recommendation would be to get one custom built as the ones you would buy at a retailer are overpriced for what they offer.

    https://www.mwave.com.au is a good place to start. Google search 'custom pc aus' or 'build computer aus' and it'll give you plenty of resources to work with.

  • alvian on 23/10/2016 - 19:59

    Which "top" i7 are you after? The consumer (mainstream) or the enthusiast (HEDT)? There is a massive difference in price between the two product platforms.

    The top consumer i7 is the 6700K ~$465. Top enthusiast i7 that might fit into your budget are the 6800K ~$600, the 6850K ~$865 and the 6900K ~$1500.

  • nickbose on 23/10/2016 - 20:17

    6th gen i7 6700 is good enough. I used to build my PC long ago but now that I have no time, I haven't really followed tech news much any more (a lot of readings on CPU, RAM, video cards, case, coolings, …. to build a good PC) and I prefer the reliability / durability of brand name PC I will look at those options only.

    Dell Outlet is a very good tip

    Again, question was: besides Dell, Lenovo what else should I look at for direct buy, did I miss anything ? HP?

    I am looking at workstation as I believe they have superior reliability/durability in comparison to consumer desktop - I think you get what you pay for.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/10/2016 - 20:24

    Go for a Dell, can't beat the warranty. I would normally recommend something cheaper like $1000-$1200 but it sounds like you have a little more money than most people. Definitely get the 5 year onsite (they come to you) Next Business Day warranty, it's the entire reason for getting a Dell.

    http://www.dell.com/au/p/xps-8910-desktop/pd?ref=PD_OC

    Other providers who have aus wide warranty that I'm aware of HP and Lenovo. Just make sure it's coming with 5 year NBD warranty before purchasing, you might have to order over the phone.

  • Brucet on 23/10/2016 - 20:56

    I suggest you go for HP desktop.
    ( myself got one over 4years now & still working well. )

  • Brucet on 23/10/2016 - 20:56

    2nd suggest is ASUS.

  • Axelstrife on 23/10/2016 - 23:31

    screw buying dell hp etc go to mwave or any pc store pick your parts 6700 etc and they will build it for you.

  • Manh on 24/10/2016 - 03:10

    If you don't play games, a video card would be overkill. Just use the integrated graphics in the i7.

  • nickbose on 24/10/2016 - 19:24
    -1

    I think I would skip the XPS - the one I have is just 8 years old. I was expecting a 2K plus machine to run much longer - as long as you feel comfortable with its speed for the current apps/softwares.
    So I am getting workstation now, hoping the quality is higher and it would last longer.

    • Noblejoker on 24/10/2016 - 20:49
      +1

      Honestly 8 years is a lifetime for a PC
      If you have gotten 8 years from your current set up you have good value for money
      Make your choice from Dell range and get the 5 year warranty
      5 years is the best guarantee you will get
      I would go consumer/prosumer rather than workstation
      All Over priced and underpowered - there is no need if you have the warranty anyway
      On a laptop the Pro items have build quality advantages etc
      On desktop this is not a concern
      Likewise XPS is just overpriced for the name

      • klaw81 on 25/10/2016 - 10:04

        Totally agree - 8 years is very decent for a desktop, especially if it's worked pretty hard its whole life.

        If you want a pre-built workstation, something like the XPS Tower is ideal. It's a bit expensive, but with a long warranty and on-site service it's good value.

        You could build the same thing for probably $300 cheaper, but you'd only get 12-24 months warranty and you'd have to self-diagnose and self-service. Up to you….

  • MentalJewellery on 25/10/2016 - 16:04

    Hate to say this but you won't be able to reuse the win 10 licence. It's linked to the motherboard. You can upgrade most other components but as soon as you change the board all bets are off. You might get a compassionate Microsoft call centre member to provide a new code but don't like your chances.
    Buying a name brand is paying for the name brand. If you go to reputable dealer, they will build you one at a fraction of the cost. Eg. Look at the msy system build page and you'll have an idea as to what you can/should be paying.

  • nickbose on 26/10/2016 - 11:57
    -2

    I decided to go with Lenovo M900

    It says on its webpage:
    CUTTING-EDGE COMPUTING FOR LARGE ENTERPRISE
    Powered for productivity, the ThinkCentre M900 small form factor pro (SFF Pro) is a great choice for large organisations that need the utmost in reliability, power, and data security, including the Intel® vPro™ technology for efficient enterprise-level manageability
    Engineered for large enterprise, the reliable M900 boasts innovative productivity features, iron-clad security options and includes the Intel® vPro™ technology to optimise remote manageability — all in a compact form factor.

    ThinkCenter M900 - Small Form Factor
    Processor : Intel Core i7-6700 Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.00 GHz)
    Operating System : Windows 10 Home 64
    Form Factor : Small Form Factor 85% Power 210W
    Rear USB Ports : 6 USB 3
    Front USB Ports : 2 USB 3
    Memory : 32GB(16+16) DDR4 2133MHz UDIMM
    Video Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce GT 720 1GB DP Low Profile
    First Hard Drive : 256GB Solid State Drive, 2.5", SATA3, OPAL2.0 - Capable
    Optical Device : Slim DVD Burner / CD-RW, SATA
    Networking : Integrated Intel Gigabit Ethernet
    WiFi Wireless LAN Adapters : Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8260 (2x2) with Bluetooth 4.1, no vPro
    Memory Card Reader : 9-In-1 Card Reader
    Keyboard : USB Fullsize Keyboard Black - English
    Mouse : USB Optical Mouse Black
    PS2 Port : Dual PS2 Port
    Dust Shield
    Optional PCI Slot
    Vertical Stand
    4 years On-site NEXT BUSINESS DAY warranty

    This config comes to $1750.08 on Lenovo Affinity
    I hope I'm set for the next 10 years or so with this box!
    How much would the same cost in MSY or CPL? I don't know how to do the system building with them.

    • iforgotmysocks on 26/10/2016 - 13:34
      +1

      Probably around $1300, excluding keyboard and mouse (i assume what you'd get included with lenovo would be cheap shit anyway).

      This is an equivalent system, but definitely not the best system for the money (the onboard graphics on the cpu is better than the graphics card in this build, for example).
      http://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/v9m38K

      Plus $50-100 for system assembly (e.g CPL is $70)

      • Manh on 26/10/2016 - 13:52

        I like your $1300 system and maybe cut the video card out and use the IGP in the i7 which is powerful enough for the OP's use. Sure the Lenovo has 4 years on-site warranty but the quality parts in your $1300 will work for more than 4 years :)

        • iforgotmysocks on 26/10/2016 - 13:54

          Completely agree, I was just matching the lenovo system.

    • iforgotmysocks on 26/10/2016 - 13:48
      +1

      Also looks like CPL offer a 3 year warranty for systems they put together if that helps some of your concerns.

      I haven't had any experience with them though, I usually source parts from the cheapest places and build myself.

  • nickbose on 26/10/2016 - 15:10

    Let's say they charge about $100 for the labour to build the pc, another $50 for small things like card reader, mouse, keyboard, dust shield, PS2 ports (so you can use your old favourite peripherals), extra USB (the M900 has 8 USB 3). It then comes to $1450.

    For $300 more I got home delivery, 4 years of ONSITE NEXT DAY WARRANTY for a near top of the range box with no worry about compatibility issues, no time wasted on installing stuff (whole day at least IMO), and peace of mind on RELIABILITY. I'm happy.

    • scrimshaw on 26/10/2016 - 16:21

      Lenovo affinity, is that a special work discount?

      • nickbose on 26/10/2016 - 20:00

        It works with uni student email and maybe certain work emails I guess. I reckon it will help you save maybe $100 or $200 depending on system.
        For the usual Lenovo online shop, you talk to a sales rep, tell him/her you have bought many Lenovo and want to be rewarded for your loyalty, they will give you discount.
        On Affinity store the discount is already there, they just display the lowest price they can go so no further haggling!

  • bob19 on 28/10/2016 - 01:25
    +1

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Acer-Aspire-TC-710-Desktop-PC…

    This one will cost only $1119 after current Bing Lee Ebay 20% discount.
    Has all the bells and whistles you are after.

  • wantphp on 03/11/2016 - 23:12

    Sorry for jump in.
    Is this good enough for photo editing and browse internet?
    http://www3.lenovo.com/au/en/deals/current-offers/desktop-de…

    Is it good price $899?

    • iforgotmysocks on 04/11/2016 - 10:15
      +1

      Yeah it's fine.

      Price is about par for the bits in it.

      If you want some other off the shelf options, this is also plenty for your needs, and comes with free microsoft office, for $750.

      http://www.dell.com/au/p/inspiron-3250-small-desktop/pd?oc=z…

      • wantphp on 04/11/2016 - 10:58

        Thanks, I can get Microsoft office for free as Husband works for uni.

        • iforgotmysocks on 04/11/2016 - 11:26
          +1

          You can onsell the office licence then :-)

          It's a better buy at $750 regardless, you don't need an i7, the i5 is more than capable. The discrete graphics card in the lenovo is more useful as a paperweight, the built-in cpu graphics on both the lenovo and dell performs ~25% better.

        • wantphp on 04/11/2016 - 11:38

          @iforgotmysocks:
          Are you saying i5 is good enough for my needs, but graphics on lenovo is better? My son occasionally play games.

        • iforgotmysocks on 04/11/2016 - 12:00

          @wantphp:

          i5 is good enough for your needs (e.g. my gaming PC runs an older i5).

          The graphics on the lenovo and dell is essentially the same. Either PC won't be much good for any more than basic games.

    • scrimshaw on 04/11/2016 - 11:38
      +1

      wait for ozbargain 10th birthday. Lenovo will be a part of the sale too, considering that Scotty is like it's brand ambassador around here!. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/pages/ozbargain10

      • wantphp on 04/11/2016 - 11:47

        That's great! Thanks

  • Wizz Kidd on 04/11/2016 - 03:56

    Well the "top i7" is $2,365. Unless your heads is not on right just go for a i5.

  • yoshan on 06/11/2016 - 14:48

    Hi,

    I've got a brandnew HP server with below spec to sell for $2150.

    http://www.gumtree.com.au/m-my-ad.html?adId=1128948174

    HP ProLiant ML110 G9 Tower Intel E5-2620V3

    HP 16 GB [759934-b21] 2x8GB Dual Rank X8PC4-17000P-R (DDR-2133) Registered CAS-15 Memory Kit

    2 x HP 1TB 657750-B21 6G SATA 7.2K rpm LFF (3.5-inch) SC Midline

    Hardware RAID - B140i

    I you are interested please let me know. Price is negotiable..

  • nickbose on 06/11/2016 - 23:15

    Still waiting for my Lenovo M900 SFF.
    My thought is to go for the top you can afford, don't go for the "good enough" one as the top one can last you much longer and help you save money in the future. Like my Dell XPS, it's a Core 2 Duo beast at the time and as I said 8 years later, after a RAM upgrade it still runs Windows 10 very smoothly, Chrome can cruise a long with 20+ tabs open - no hassle.

    Back to my soon-to-arrive M900, I just read a bit about new technology and I wonder why Lenovo doesn't put M.2 SSD in it being a rather pro configuration? Would a SATA3 be too slow say 8 or 10 years later?

  • 0FoxGiven on 09/11/2016 - 10:51

    I got this brand new [iMac] (http://www.apple.com/au/shop/buy-mac/imac?product=MK482X/A&s…) for a little over 2800 on an ebay deal after using a coupon and it came with 16Gb RAM. I expect to use it for at least 5 years :)

  • nickbose on 09/11/2016 - 20:14

    An update: it's been 2 weeks since the order. I chose to pay by direct deposit right after placing the order.
    There's been NO acknowledgement of the receipt of the money, NO update on the status of the order.
    I chat with someone on Lenovo website who said s/he did not know anything after the order was placed and gave me a number of "post-sales people" to call which I did.
    The guy with British accent from "post-sales" did not know a damn thing either and said I should call "payment service" to see if they got my money.
    After I asked him if it was a joke, he said hold on so he could call them himself then he came back to say they "did not answer" and promised to contact me by email tomorrow.
    I AM NOT IMPRESSED!
    I did buy 2 Lenovo laptops before, I also bought 2 Dell laptops before as well. It's been a while, could not remember very well what those transaction were like but I did not recall any major problem.
    What was your recent experience with buying from Lenovo, and from Dell?

    • scrimshaw on 09/11/2016 - 23:56

      Should have paid by Credit card, as it is much faster.

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