Prebuilt systems - quiet and reliable.

[explrsport]

Like most people on this forum, I used to build every machine myself. Been out of the super technical side of it for some time, and I need to just purchase my next computer pre-built.

Looking for a 90% work machine with some light gaming (maybe the new SimCity, etc.). No case windows, lights, etc. So I want something reliable and super quiet for my office. Perfectly happy with a Dell XPS or something like that, but it seems the major OEMs don't let you custom configure much anymore.

Budget between 800-$1000 or so. Any recommendations?


thanks!

 

[Sleepingforest]

Are you just feeling overwhelmed by the advancement in tech, or do you genuinely not want to bother with building? If it's the former, I can suggest a build for you, and a guide (possibly a video version too, if I can find it) to go along with it:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Scythe SCKTN-4000 55.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.00 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro4-M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($189.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 620W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
PSU Cable: 1 Meter PSU Cable (3.21 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $935.09
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

This is much better than anything you'll get from an OEM in terms of power (particularly in graphics power) and features. However, if you're dead set on an OEM build, here's some reasonably good valued ones. They're very unbalanced in terms of CPU power vs GPU power, but it's definitely strong enough for casual use.

 

[explrsport]

You're correct, it's a time/expertise thing.

I will check the Dell Outlet a bit. I really am looking for the ability to customize a bit more if possible though.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

If quietness is the most important thing, go with Dell. Its the one thing they really put a lot of time into and pretty much every Dell model you can be certain will be whisper quiet.

 

[Ketchup]

This Alienware X51 is small and quiet and comes with the GTX 660 for the light gaming:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...&model_id=alienware-x51&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

 

[Sleepingforest]

If worst comes to worst, you probably have enough expertise to take out a GPU and replace it with a better one, right? Any maybe buy a more powerful PSU? The page I linked to should have computers with an i7 and a 7770, which is reasonable for light gaming and perhaps even overpowered for general office work.

 

[lakedude]

"Here's" link does not work for me.

Says: "The system was not able to process your request.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please try again. If this error re-occurs during business hours (M-F, 8am-6pm CST), you may also call 1-800-WWW-DELL for assistance from a Dell Outlet sales representative. Thanks for shopping Dell Outlet!"

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Specific Dell Outlet links cannot be shared because each system is one-off. As they get sold and moved, the links all change.

Just stick with the main page: https://www.dell.com/content/segmenter.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dfo

Or outlet.dell.com

 

[Sleepingforest]

Oh yeah, sorry. I linked to XPS 8500s (I believe). They run i7-3770 CPUs (no K!) and a Radeon 7770. Some may have a caching SSD drive; most have HDDs running between 500GB to 2TB.

 

[frozentundra123456]

Oh yeah, sorry. I linked to XPS 8500s (I believe). They run i7-3770 CPUs (no K!) and a Radeon 7770. Some may have a caching SSD drive; most have HDDs running between 500GB to 2TB.

The XPS line I believe has a variety of i5 cpus and graphics cards. They all have a decent power supply though, so you can buy a lower end model and add a better graphics card.

I got one on close out for 600.00 at Microcenter with an i5 2320, added a HD7770, and am very happy with it. Not sure what is avalilable on the Dell outlet. Best buy sometimes has an XPS on sale for less than 700.00, but with a weak video card.

For office work and light gaming, even a Dell Precision with an i3 and an added HD7750 might be sufficient and a couple hundred cheaper.

 

[Eureka]

See this discussion:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2297349

That's a really good deal for $1000, all you'd need to do is add a better GPU and a SSD to have an insanely good system. You could sell the monitor if you don't want it or keep it and use it.

 

[mirno]

Asrock pro series aren't the most relieable. They got lower than avarage capicators.

And the samsung 840 SSD got TLC NAND, the 830 got MLC.
MLC has a longer lifespan than TLC. -> http://www.anandtech.com/show/6459/samsung-ssd-840-testing-the-endurance-of-tlc-nand

The weaker capicators of the Pro series from Asrock aren't really bad, but there were better ones. The most importanceness of the capicators is by overclocking.

 

[RossMAN]

You're correct, it's a time/expertise thing.

I will check the Dell Outlet a bit. I really am looking for the ability to customize a bit more if possible though.

Unfortunately the Dell Outlet offers zero customization but if you're patient you could find some incredible deals.

Every 3-4 weeks they offer coupon deals like this, unfortunately the current deals are geared towards laptops. You could always just purchase from the Dell Outlet at regular prices, I recommend the Dell XPS 8300 and upgrade the video card.

If you need a new monitor or don't mind selling/gifting it, here's a great deal for $999, this is a brand new Dell and you can customize it.