Hey guys,
Looking for help on buying a basic desktop that could handle a GTX 1050ti from the get go. Saw mention of Optiplex on eBay, do those look like best option.
Just recently bought my first new graohics card but it doesn't work in my hp as they didn't update bios to boot into uefi apparently. I've got 8gb ram I can pop into the PC and I'll further upgrade as time and finances allow.
Thanks for any help.
Yep, 8gb DDR3
here is my recommendation. You should get an older motherboard (they sell them on ebay) but one that's branded from the main vendors (Gigabyte, Asus, Msi etc)
The dell optiplex is nice and a great option but down the line you may have issues with upgrading because of limitations like very few sata ports, no extra fan connectors, and weird proprietary or customised power plugs. You may also run into the same issues you have with your current desktop where they don't update bios after the desktop is released which isn't a problem with standardised motherboard brands.
I think in the long term you will be much happier (and possibly save more money) getting something that is not prebuilt and highly customised like HP and Dell desktops but rather something that follows the standard.
I see in a reply below you already have an i5-2500; you can get an old P67 or Z68 motherboard and call it a day; the i5 2500 is still very good
Here's an option
The dell optiplex is nice and a great option but down the line you may have issues with upgrading because of limitations like
You're completely correct but prebuilt Dells, HPs, Lenovos, etc are so much cheaper than regular prebuilt systems. If it breaks and you cant find parts then throw it out and buy another - its a shame but old desktops are disposable. Most of them have 4 SATA ports and theres nowhere to put more fans anyhow so i cant see it being a huge problem.
I was contemplating replacing the motherboard as the components I have with this hp seem pretty good. I was deterred that when I started to read about it as many stated its really hard and if not careful cause easy excess damage; I usually follow DIY but I have a bad record with electronics, especially soldiering. And so I'm looking for a prebuilt machines because as Presence put it, their so much cheaper than to make one.
You sound like you've got experience making pc's. How hard is it, might of shunned to easily cause of past mistakes wen fixing pc components.
Done this, makes a great cheap gaming rig. I run EVGA 1050ti (single fan) in an old HP tower (i7 2600). Added the new card and it works fine.
Make sure the card fits! Measure available length in the case. You might have trouble with a longer card in some of those Dell/HP towers. I had to get the EVGA for mine as any other brand card was too long and clashed with the CPU cooler. What model card is it?
You usually can't upgrade the PSU without some serious cable modification (proprietary mobo connectors, etc) plus they're not often standard ATX so make sure it meets the minimum wattage (mine is 320W, but some are 250W which probably won't work). As you can't change the PSU you can't upgrade to say a 1060 later (no 6-pin PCIe power)
I have one like this, they don't mention the PSU rating.
Haha, mine was the same plan, I also have an HP tower (i5-2500) and a MSI 1050ti.
Graysonline may be worth a look, when they are selling off Lenovo and Dell. They do sell them pretty cheap.
do you have a particular budget in mind?
you might be able to afford something new (condition, not generation) and skin most of the components from your current system
is the ram you have DDR3?