Need a PC in a hurry. Is this good value?

Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 14:38
Last edited 18/03/2019 - 14:43

During the recent electrical storms in Brisbane, a lightning strike decided to send a power surge through my modem and PC, basically destroying both.

Just wondering your thoughts on the following I found at Harvey Norman (of all places).

https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hp-pavilion-690-0025a-gaming…

Manufacturer specs:
https://support.hp.com/au-en/document/c06195223

I know I could probably do better from a proper computer store or even online, but as I said, I need something in a hurry.

While I'm not a gamer, the kids do jump on Minecraft and Roblox quite often.

My main uses are video editing/converting (not professionally) and of course general day to day stuff.

I'd rather something with enough grunt not to annoy me with slowdowns etc.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • hawkeye on 18/03/2019 - 14:48
    +13

    No

    • Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 15:26

      Thanks.

      Is there anything specific that should ring alarm bells?

      • myusername on 18/03/2019 - 15:41
        +4

        maybe invest in some surge protectors

      • hawkeye on 19/03/2019 - 13:24
        +3

        Is there anything specific that should ring alarm bells?

        Yeah Gerryatric is a axse hole

  • Donaldhump on 18/03/2019 - 14:51
    +4

    harvey norman would be a rip off

    your family cant cope for a week without a pc?

    • Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 15:28

      Usually we could but (of course) it's all happened at the worst time… :(

  • geech on 18/03/2019 - 15:10
    +1

    Spec-wise, it's a decent system which sounds like it will suit your needs quite well - however you're definitely paying a premium for the "needing it fast" aspect.

    An equivalent system from a place like techfast will likely cost you around $1000, but there will be a delay.

    You could ring around a few reputable retailers like Computer Alliance or Umart (I have no affiliation with either, but have bought from them both in the past) and see what they have in stock.

    You could get it cheaper, but it depends how long you want to wait, and how much stuffing around you want to do to save a few hundred dollars. If you've got access to things like a Windows licence from your old PC, that will definitely help you to save costs if you go down the path of buying from a smaller computer store.

    • Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 15:25

      Thanks mate.

      I priced up a build with similar specs from Computer Alliance and it came to pretty much the same price.

      I know we're definitely paying a premium for the "need it now" aspect but unfortunately with kids assignments, work and upcoming travel plans etc, we're kind of stuck.

      I noticed that Harvey Norman have it priced about $500 cheaper than anywhere else (HP sell it for about $2k) and thought it might be good value.

      It's been a while since I've taken any real interest in computer hardware so I'm not savvy regarding certain components I should steer clear of.

      Thanks again.

      • geech on 18/03/2019 - 15:30

        No worries. I priced one up from Computer Alliance as well, and like you I found the Harvey Norman pricing to be not as outrageous as you'd expect.

        Spec wise it seems fine. I run a slightly lower spec CPU (Ryzen 2400G) and an older version of that vid card (RX480) in my wife's PC, and it performs more than adequately for the tasks you mention

        You'll get people saying outright that HN is a rip off, and you could get it for much cheaper - but unless you're willing to wait for a pre-built complete system from techfast or similar, or you're willing to shop around from multiple places for different components - I don't think you're likely to save a significant amount to get a similarly spec'd PC to the HN one.

      • scrimshaw on 18/03/2019 - 15:34
        +5

        There will be a big 20% off sale tomorrow that includes the usual big brands like Techfast, Lenovo and Dell ebay stores
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/444993

        For something that you absolutely need today, I recommend going to a computer shop like UMART or MSY and buying an elcheapo laptop, connect it to a spare monitor or television and you'll have a good homework pc for the kids. Most places will also sell basic prebuilts.

        • Micko179 on 19/03/2019 - 10:05

          Except in true Feebay style, they inflate the prices by 30% just prior to the sale beginning!!!

      • Cheaplikethebird on 18/03/2019 - 20:34

        I would pick up a cheap ~$500 laptop and a monitor. Run the laptop on the monitor for a week while your tower is being built. For the same price you then have a PC and a cheap laptop for travelling.

        EDIT: Looks like I missed the above comment where they've already suggested that.

  • dcep on 18/03/2019 - 15:33
    +2

    CA ain't exactly reasonable with their pricing either. They are not marked to market.

    Go to your local MSY or phone them up. Pick the same spec for near half the price.

    https://www.msy.com.au/mspec-gaming-pc/22602-knight-rx-580-g…

    • geech on 18/03/2019 - 15:37

      No OS, and only 8GB of RAM. That would bring it up to at least $1100 - which again shows the HN one isn't as bad as you'd think.

      Also, I'm not sure what math equation has 900 as half of 1500 - but whatever.

      • dcep on 18/03/2019 - 15:40
        +2

        i guess you're blind on the word "NEAR" , but whatever

        you can pay 1500 for 2600+580 build

        but i sure won't

    • Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 15:57

      Thanks, but looks like the HP has:
      - extra 8gb RAM (and 2400 vs 2666)
      - extra 1tb HDD
      - optical drive
      - windows 10

      Would that close the gap somewhat?

      • geech on 18/03/2019 - 16:15

        Pricing them up, you'd probably be looking at:

        • extra 8gb RAM (and 2400 vs 2666) - $70
        • extra 1tb HDD - Another 1TB drive would probably cost you at least $30-$40
        • optical drive - $20-30 maybe?
        • windows 10 - $150

        Also, the HP has AC wifi & Bluetooth. Probably looking at another $30 minimum if that appeals to you

        Assuming you need all of the above extras, you're paying a $300 HN tax to get something quickly and easily. May or may not be worth it to you

      • dcep on 18/03/2019 - 16:22

        Do you really need them ? This is not about justifying yourself to pay $1500 for 2600+580 build, but rather scoring a good deal on what's readily available that's still absolutely capable of same/similar performance and usage.

        You are already paying premium for ready stock, yet you want to pay more premium for extra optical drive, retail win10 license, extra 1tb/8gb ram that can be had for peanuts or free ? You can legally use Win10 infinitely at full functionalities without activating it, if you're ever so reluctant to go with $5 ebay route.

        Mind you base build 2600+580 has gone as low as $599 in the past.
        You can upgrade shit loads with the $900 difference, heck you can even buy 2 of them with $300 cash left to spare for upgrades.
        https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/442344

        It's up to you if you have the money to splash then so be it.

        • Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 17:47

          Yeah I definitely see your point.

          I guess I'm stuck. Really need something ASAP and not sure if I'll have the opportunity to get to a computer shop due to work, kids etc etc.

          Harvey Norman is somewhere I can get to after work and noticed their special on the HP.

          I suppose it's a case of knowing I need to pay a premium but minimising the gouging…

          • spackbace on 18/03/2019 - 19:24
            -1

            @Cheapo Moose: If you can get an ebay/computer store one delivered to your work address, even better I guess

  • myusername on 18/03/2019 - 15:41

    didn't click on the link, saw hardly normal and any educated fool will say NO

    • dcep on 18/03/2019 - 15:42

      there will be some fool that says otherwise

      • myusername on 18/03/2019 - 15:43

        and i agree some fool will

    • Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 15:49
      +6

      Thanks, you've posted 2 replies, both unhelpful while calling me a fool…

      • HighAndDry on 18/03/2019 - 16:33
        +3

        That's not what that comment said at all - it said: "an educated fool will say NO to if it's good value".

        And it's true. It's not good value. Your problem is that you need it in a hurry.

        My advice would be to go to a computer shop - any computer shop, most will have a system or two that's already built, either on display, a demo model, or a cancelled order. Will be much better value.

  • daleyboy79 on 18/03/2019 - 15:42
    +1

    Did a quick comparison from msy - $1256 for everything included from HN (based on lowest price parts which is generally what you get in a pre-built)
    $1081 if you exclude Windows OS and K/B n mouse which you probably dont need. That gives you almost an extra 400 to seriously upgrade.

    If you've never built a pc before … its surprisingly easy if you take ur time and read the M/B manual

  • iforgotmysocks on 18/03/2019 - 15:48
    +2

    Ask your landlord to replace it.

  • ajr5k on 18/03/2019 - 17:58

    What a horrid PC for the price

    • [Deactivated] on 19/03/2019 - 07:29
      +1

      Isn't that what HP stands for? Horrible Product.

  • Axelstrife on 18/03/2019 - 19:30

    So what's stopping you tomorrow when Umart is open (i checked there is a store in Brisbane) and buying your parts, going home and building it. It will only take a couple hours to build and you will end up with a much better build. i just put together one on the website which beats the harvynorman with Ryzen 2600x and a GTX 1660 for $1411 (with identical parts or as close as possible to Harvynorman ) i just got the build down to $1153

    • Cheapo Moose on 18/03/2019 - 20:50

      That'd be ideal, however I'm at work 7:45 - 5:00.

      Could always chuck a sickie….. :)

      • Axelstrife on 18/03/2019 - 21:54

        Wife/GF go for you?

        Go during lunch if possible?

        • Zachary on 19/03/2019 - 22:58

          Wife/GF go for you?

          …probably a loner like all of us….hahahhaa

      • Kangal on 19/03/2019 - 02:06

        The PC Build really depends on your needs/budget. You could separate them into classes like so:

        BUDGET

        RX 460 (or iGPU, or GTX 1050 or lower)
        AMD Ryzen r3-2200g (or 1200 to 1300x, or 2400g)
        8GB DDR4 (2400MHz or lower)
        256GB SSD (Cheap/No Brand)
        1TB HDD (5400rpm or lower)
        Windows10 Free (or AndroidOS-x86)
        …

        LOW-END

        RX 570 (or 470 to 580, or GTX 1060 to 1660)
        AMD Ryzen r5-1500x (or r3-1400 to r5-2500x)
        16GB DDR4 (2400MHz)
        256GB SSD (WD Blue3D)
        2TB HDD (7200rpm)
        Windows10 Home (or Linux Distro)
        ….

        MID-RANGE

        GTX 1660 Ti (or RX 590, or GTX 1070 to RTX 2060)
        AMD Ryzen r5-2600 (or 1600 to 1700)
        16GB DDR4 (3200MHz or better)
        512GB SSD (WD Blue3D or better)
        4TB HDD (7200rpm or better)
        Windows10 Pro (or SteamOS)
        …..

        HIGH-END

        GTX 1080 (or Vega56 to Vega VII, or to RTX 2070)
        AMD Ryzen r7-2700x (or 1800x to 2700x pro)
        32GB DDR4 (3200MHz or better)
        512GB nVme SSD (Samsung 960 Pro)
        4TB SSHD (7200rpm or better)
        Windows10 Pro (or Hackintosh)
        ……

        FLAGSHIP

        GTX 2080 Ti (or better)
        Core i9-9900k (or better)
        64GB DDR4 (3800MHz or better)
        1TB nVme SSD (Samsung 960 Pro or better)
        Dual 4TB HDD (7200rpm or better)
        Windows10 Pro, Debloat/Spyware Removed
        ……..

        • HeWhoKnows on 19/03/2019 - 12:44

          The PC build depends on ones individual requirements.

          OP has stated his requirements as follows:

          the kids do jump on Minecraft and Roblox quite often.
          My main uses are video editing/converting.
          I'd rather something with enough grunt not to annoy me with slowdowns

          Hence budgets aside any recommended PC should match OPs requirements and so some guidance in this regard should be given.

  • magic8ballgag on 19/03/2019 - 08:03

    You never explained why you need it in a hurry.

    • Micko179 on 19/03/2019 - 10:07

      Yes he did, because he has kids… Oh & going on a holiday soon…

      Edit: spelling…

      • magic8ballgag on 19/03/2019 - 13:13

        I fail to see the necessity in that.

        • Cheapo Moose on 19/03/2019 - 13:32

          Nor should you, however I think I have a better grasp of my current circumstances than you (no offence).

          • magic8ballgag on 19/03/2019 - 16:50

            @Cheapo Moose: That's true, you probably do, whether they're exaggerated or not is a different story though.

            • Cheapo Moose on 19/03/2019 - 16:56

              @magic8ballgag: I wish they were exaggerated.

              Thankfully we've found a solution that'll get us through until we leave (see below).

  • pformag on 19/03/2019 - 16:26

    What does in a hurry mean. 1day, 2days, 1 week etc? You could get a decent system off eBay with express shipping in a couple of days.

  • Cheapo Moose on 19/03/2019 - 16:54

    All sorted.

    Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.

    A friend has kindly allowed us to borrow their laptop this week which has saved us in the short term.

    Once we get back I'll have the time to source a better value system.

    It all couldn't have happened at a worse time but thankfully we can get through this week.

    Thanks again.

    • Micko179 on 20/03/2019 - 10:58

      Heaven forbid you lose your phone, or something else as drastic! I mean, how would you post on OZB?!

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