Basic Desktop Set up for under $1000

joozbragain on 29/03/2017 - 18:27
Last edited 30/03/2017 - 08:36 by 1 other user

I need a desktop set up with dual monitors but my budget is around $1000.

I'm wondering if there is a setup (building a tower i.e. putting in a graphics card, RAM, SSD etc.) and include two monitors in there to do basic operations like internet browsing, watching lectures.

Because currently my Macbook Pro 13 inch retina keeps restarting more and more frequently out of the blue (possibly due to using up the memory) even though I'm only using Chrome for uni and just regular browsing it takes up about 7.5GB out of 8Gb of memory which I'm not sure how to fix but I need a replacement for when I'm at home for the time being as my Mac is just way too unreliable.

Any suggestions?

• 

  scrimshaw on 29/03/2017 - 19:27

  +2

  Are you a windows person or a Mac person?

  Mac Mini's start at $750, and you'd need to spend roughly $300 to get two 22" monitors. That would get you a 'basic' desktop setup. They have weak-ass specifications though and only offer dual core options.

  If you want the build-it-yourself route, you can potentially build yourself a powerful rig with discrete GPU (e.g RX460), a budget 240GB SSD and still have two monitors.

  Parts list (MSY)

  CPU:
  Intel Pentium G4560 $72 — currently the best dual core processor on the market. Sufficient for most people, unless you happen to be high-end gaming or do video editing.

  Motherboard:
  ASUS PRIME B250M-K motherboard $102

  RAM
  8G Single 2133 Patriot RAM $74

  Storage
  WD M.2 Green SSD (M.2) 240GB $119

  Graphics —- this is optional, but having this GPU lets you run a 4K display in 60hz, as this supports HDMI 2.0. And of course, run mainstream games.
  2G RX 460 Sapphire $135

  Case and Power
  DeepCool USB3.0 Tesseract Black or White $49
  Antec VP 500P watt power supply $59

  Subtotal $610

  As for the rest of the $400 budget, you'd have to procure a copy of Windows… (search on Ozbargain for some options) and you'd need two identical monitors if you want them to look 'good'. IPS displays are fairly cheap nowadays and you'll have no issue getting one for less than $200.

  • 

    Diji1 on 29/03/2017 - 21:39

    -2

    Intel Pentium G4560 $72

    That thing is absolutely insane value for money. It's the value for money champion for gaming as well ATM.

    Also I haven't looked very recently but I think you can knock $25 off the RAM price as well easily.

    Consider using 1 ultrawide 21:9 monitor but make sure you are happy with the vertical height.

    And don't forget that second hand from eBay is an option for all computer parts (except those that move - usually) but make sure the seller has high numbers of feedbacks and score obviously.

    • 

      elusive on 29/03/2017 - 22:15

      Ultrawide monitors tend to be not as great for work, cause the whole window-snap thing doesn't work quite as well. It's pretty good for gaming though.

  • 

    joozbragain on 30/03/2017 - 00:23

    I'm using a mac and have been for a few years but honestly for the stuff I want to do (watch youtube and go on the internet to do uni work) it really doesn't matter.

    Whichever gives me more bang for my buck.

    I had a look at the mac mini and honestly those things are so outdated…

    I have no idea about building a tower and all these parts so I'm going off by the good feedback from others this is as good as you can get quality and price wise right?

    so I'd roughly end up spending about $1200 for the whole thing incl. OS and monitors?

    • 

      scrimshaw on 30/03/2017 - 02:47

      There are loads of cheap windows licenses floating around as posted bargains on Ozb. Whether it's 'legit' or not…its a bit of a contraversial issue I'd rather dodge (too tired to participate. well, given how cheap they are you could take a punt.

      The graphics card I mentioned is completely optional — it won't do anything for you if you're not going to be gaming.

      You might want to add in a wifi AC card (or USB Wifi dongle) if you need wireless.

      There's also some good LCD monitor and computer case bargain on MSY that was recently posted that you could take advantage of to shave a few dollars off your build. Ends saturday.

      • 

        srhardy on 30/03/2017 - 09:14

        If it registers with M$ then it legit

• 

  elusive on 29/03/2017 - 19:31

  +1

  Well, two basic monitors will run you about $300, more for good ones. If you need a proper Windows licence, that's about $120 for Home or $200 for Pro, maybe cheaper if you get an OEM one (can't be transferred). I'd personally recommend staying away from the dodgy ones posted here now and then. Or you can use Linux if you prefer.

  If you aren't planning on gaming, you won't need a separate graphics card. Internet browsing and watching videos work fine with integrated graphics.

  With those assumptions (please correct me if I'm wrong), that leaves you with about $500 for the computer itself.

  Now, a couple more questions:

  • Any preference for Intel or AMD? I know some people who dislike Intel as a brand.
  • Do you prefer to build yourself, get one built by a small shop (from parts you select) or buy a pre-built from Dell etc.?
  • Which OS? Windows (Home? Pro?), Linux? If you want macOS you'll need Mac hardware too, to use it legally.

  A pre-built machine tends to give you the best support as a whole, while you only really get parts warranty if you self-build. But self-build can be cheaper if you're willing to put in time and effort to hunt down bargains across different shops.

  If you can confirm those assumptions and answer those questions, I can suggest a more specific build.

  • 

    joozbragain on 30/03/2017 - 00:30

    I don't know a thing about computer parts and value for money etc. so this a whole new ball game for me but I can answer your questions in the most computer illiterate way possible.

    I can confirm those assumptions are all true.
    Yes I am planning to just use it for internet browsing and watching videos

    1) No preference for Intel or AMD I mean if they do their job and they last longer than two years I'm happy.

    2) Whichever method is cheaper to build or buy.

    3) Whichever makes it easier. If it's windows as it requires less hardware and it's cheaper than yes.

    If I can get a warranty that would be good but I mean, I'm a total noob at this and have never built a computer myself so if it's easier and cheaper than that can be it.

    Overall my criteria is if it's easy and/or cheaper then go for it but not at the expense of quality (as budget allows).

    • 

      elusive on 30/03/2017 - 02:15

      +1

      Hm. Windows is probably easier for most people. Linux is cheaper (cause you don't need to pay for the OS).

      Self-built is cheaper. Pre-built is easier.

      Honestly, for your uses, most basic modern systems would work fine. I'm actually leaning towards suggesting a Dell pre-built for you. But their cheaper builds tend to be rather poorly-configured. Self-built is good if you're comfortable doing so.

      @scrimshaw has already suggested a pretty good build, though I'd say you can drop the additional graphics card as long as you are not gaming. You can always add one later for the same cost anyway. I'll try to get a pcpartspicker list up for you tomorrow.

• 

  nicholasfrawley on 29/03/2017 - 19:44

  +4

  I suggest doing a factory reset of your mac, i have the same one but with 4gb of ram and it runs super smooth. I use mine for my setup too, all you will need to buy is two monitors and a keyboard plus mouse

  • 

    joozbragain on 30/03/2017 - 00:30

    I tried three times and the same problem keeps arising.

    Tried taking to Apple and they couldn't find any problems software or hardware. This mac is cursed :(

    • 

      srhardy on 30/03/2017 - 09:15

      tried a clean install?

      and reset pram

• 

  chinezejew on 30/03/2017 - 02:33

  Gumtree a used gaming machine.
  Y might find a k series cheap.