When Best Time to Buy Components for a New PC Build?

DealsBoy on 05/11/2018 - 00:43
Last edited 05/11/2018 - 00:47

Hi looking at building a new PC desktop. Looking for a best value/future proofing PC so can upgrade in future.

When is the best time to buy components?

Do components get much cheaper in Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sales, Boxing Day Sales or any time Conputer Alliance or eBay have a 20% off sale or doesn't really matter?

What advice for a new PC that will use mainly for online use with multiple 30+ tabs open on chrome, word processing and maybe excel opened at same time.
What processor would you get for this Intel vs AMD (many seem to like Ryzen 5 2600)

What is the best way to future proof your PC build to use for as long as possible?

I won't be using for gaming etc.
Motherboard advice and guess don't really need anything special with graphics card if only doing web browsing and using Office products.

Currently have a Surface pro 3 i7 but want to be able to use multiple screens 2 or 3 etc hence new build.

Would you build own or get built by store such as MSY or just order from Dell/Lenovo etc in sales

Looking at spending under $900.

Thanks for all your advice

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • Richardc on 05/11/2018 - 01:01
    +1

    2400g with 32gb ram.

  • AdamFury on 05/11/2018 - 01:05
    +1

    Honestly the best time to buy anything technology related is always tomorrow.

    As far as components go there's not a huge difference in price. If you're not in a rush try and target components and get it together slowly.

    CPU's everyone has a different opinion I believe AMD is better value however I use Intel as I believe it has the advantage in performance and compatibility.

    • garetz on 05/11/2018 - 03:17

      If you keep putting it off to tomorrow, then you will end up with nothing. So basically you are saying the best thing to do is never buy anything.

      • AkaMoka on 05/11/2018 - 05:03

        While I agree the best time to buy is when you need it, there are exceptions.
        If you know a new release is coming soon and you're able to wait the few weeks to check out the release.

        But yes, in general, I believe you should just buy it when you need it.
        The days of huge performance increases with every new release is long gone.

    • HighAndDry on 05/11/2018 - 12:11

      If you're not in a rush try and target components and get it together slowly.

      This isn't necessarily the best either, because you can end up paying more for the components you buy first, which then loses value as you wait for other components. Need to do this in moderation - so have a set list of parts, aim for a specific sale period (EOFY, Xmas/New years), and then buy all the components within about 2-3 months.

      That way, you're not in a position where by the time you get the last of your components, the first parts you got are now out-dated, on clearance, or have been even further discounted.

  • Prizm on 05/11/2018 - 01:38

    If I wasn't playing any high-end games, I would buy an all-in-one. It takes up less space, only needs one power socket, usually comes with webcam and mic built in, and sometimes is even a touchscreen.

    But since you need multiple screens then you'd have to go with a separate box. I would go with an Intel i5 processor and 16gb RAM for your usage. Intel's 9th generation CPUs have just been released, along with the motherboards to match (Z390 series). You will need a separate graphics card to power multiple monitors.

    I would suggest going with a mini ITX case and motherboard to keep the box nice and small. Try to find a motherboard with USB C for a little future proofing.

    • AkaMoka on 05/11/2018 - 04:52
      +1

      Since the OP is looking for best value and future proofing, AMD's Ryzen platform is the way to go.
      I doubt Intel's Z390 will support their new 10nm architecture while AMD's AM4 has support up to 2020.
      Also, since it won't be used for gaming, in productivity, AMD has better price/performance.

  • ozhunter on 05/11/2018 - 04:38

    2400g with 16gb ram

  • iforgotmysocks on 05/11/2018 - 05:52
    +1

    2400g with 8gb ram.

  • Godric on 05/11/2018 - 07:12

    Very unique query, I'd suggest
    2400g with 64gb ram.

  • User2049 on 05/11/2018 - 07:14
    +1

    Ryzen 2600
    16gb
    GTX 1030/750ti/1050
    Asus B450m-a
    250gb 970evo
    1tb HDD
    Corsair 550w gold semi
    Cheap case

  • KoNpHuSeD on 05/11/2018 - 07:44
    -1

    8GB RAM is all you need.

    I know because I am using Windows 10 64bit right now with "multiple 30+ tabs open on chrome, word processing and maybe excel opened at same time".
    It only uses 4GB of RAM.

    I don't know why so many people are recommending 16GB RAM.

    • FireRunner on 05/11/2018 - 09:15

      8GB is generally sufficient. 16GB is for gamers and maybe video editing.

    • sheamas88 on 05/11/2018 - 09:16

      Because OP explicitly said he wanted to future-proof his PC and most people would recommend more than 8GB ram for future proofing.

      I'm sitting here with 10 tabs in Firefox and a dozen other applications open and I'm at 7GB of ram, so that's why people said get more than 8GB.

      • KoNpHuSeD on 05/11/2018 - 09:25

        Well to me RAM is kinda like storage. Only useful if you use it.
        Personally it doesn't make sense to future proof RAM.

        For your instance, having a dozen applications open would mean you would need a lot of RAM.

        • sheamas88 on 05/11/2018 - 09:34
          -1

          My reply was more to your remark of "I don't know why so many people are recommending 16GB RAM.". I don't think its unreasonable for people to be using more than 8GB of ram these days, so that's why people recommend 16GB for future-proofing.

          Also ram is more difficult to upgrade than storage, as ram compatibility is a thing especially if you go for a Ryzen processor. So it's generally better to have all the same type of ram than a bunch of random sticks, which means its harder to add more in the future.

  • AlienC on 05/11/2018 - 18:11

    Best rule of thumb I use is what is the items historical lowest price and usual sale price.

    Obviously never buy at normal retail price unless you absolutely have to like last minute purchases.

    Wait for the next historical lowest price or if the buy is urgent then wait for it to come very close to the lowest price.

    Lately for pc's the prebuilt is not too bad albeit most geared towards gaming or very low end.

  • N1NJ4W4RR10R on 05/11/2018 - 19:45

    Intel is technically superior tmk. But AMD absolutely has superior value. Cheaper, a vastly better cooler with only a 10% or so performance difference.

    Ok this topic however…20% discount? Does that happen on Ebay for all stores during black friday?

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