Recommendation?

jcapital

Junior Member
Jun 23, 2013
5
0
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I keep going back and forth between a laptop and desktop, and I wonder if anyone can give me a recommendation for a desktop?

I don't do any gaming. I need it for general computing, however I am starting to get more involved in graphic design as well as stop-animation video creating. So I want something that would be powerful enough for that.

I'm not looking to create something, just buy a ready to go desktop. Its difficult to me figuring out how much graphic related power I need for these objectives, as well as which generation and processor. I'm hoping to keep it no more than around $700.

Complicating things for me, it seems like win 7 is a better bet for something that's not touch screen.

Thanks in advance
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,572
10,208
126
I think Microcenter will sell you a PowerSpec (tm) computer, with Win7 Pro pre-installed, with a Windows 8 (Pro?) license included. Basically, they're selling you Windows 8 Pro, with downgrade rights to Win7 Pro, but with Win7 Pro already installed. It's a way of getting around Microsoft's restriction to only sell Windows 8 computers these days.

Anyways, you can get them with an i5-3570K, although the one I looked at was using an H77-chipset motherboard, which cannot overclock, which makes the usage of the "K" unlocked CPU even more curious.

But that's an option. I think I recall seeing one around $600-700, with ample RAM and HDD space.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/409157/B639_Desktop_Computer
 
Last edited:
Aug 11, 2008
10,451
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I think Microcenter will sell you a PowerSpec (tm) computer, with Win7 Pro pre-installed, with a Windows 8 (Pro?) license included. Basically, they're selling you Windows 8 Pro, with downgrade rights to Win7 Pro, but with Win7 Pro already installed. It's a way of getting around Microsoft's restriction to only sell Windows 8 computers these days.

Anyways, you can get them with an i5-3570K, although the one I looked at was using an H77-chipset motherboard, which cannot overclock, which makes the usage of the "K" unlocked CPU even more curious.

But that's an option. I think I recall seeing one around $600-700, with ample RAM and HDD space.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/409157/B639_Desktop_Computer

I was going to suggest microcenter as well. I actually live only a few miles from that one you linked to.
Only thing is, I can't believe the power supply. It is only 250 watts.
 

DSF

Diamond Member
Oct 6, 2007
4,902
0
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Considering that it's using the integrated graphics that's really all you need. However, the computer doesn't come with a display so that would be an additional expense. There's probably a better deal to be had somewhere like Dell Outlet.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
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www.mfenn.com
Considering that it's using the integrated graphics that's really all you need. However, the computer doesn't come with a display so that would be an additional expense. There's probably a better deal to be had somewhere like Dell Outlet.

Dell Outlet is a good call if you're not physically close to an MC. The best deal I see with Windows 7 is an Inspiron 620s with a Sandy Bridge i5, 8GB of RAM, and 500GB HDD for $560. You can add a Dell S2340L for $140 and be right at $700.
 

jcapital

Junior Member
Jun 23, 2013
5
0
0
Thanks for the help guys.

Question on what you said: what is better (for my purposes mentioned, like making simple videos) Intel Core i5-3470 or Intel Core i7-3537U? The i5 has a higher Ghz. (sorry if i'm messing up the technical terms).
 

OBLAMA2009

Diamond Member
Apr 17, 2008
6,574
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the lenovo outlet sells i5's for less than $400. im going to order one myself just to see what the quality is
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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www.mfenn.com
Also, what do you guys think about this Dell 8500 Recertified (http://www.microcenter.com/product/408771/XPS_8500_Desktop_Computer_Recertified) now that Windows 8.1 Desktop was released?

Seems like this machine packs a punch, but CNET gave it mediocre reviews (http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-xps-8500/4505-3118_7-35248869.html)


[I found it on the MicroCenter website that was recommended above]

The XPS 8500 is in-store only. They'll ship the Thinkcentre, but it is about $100 over your budget before shipping.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
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www.mfenn.com
Thanks for the help guys.

Question on what you said: what is better (for my purposes mentioned, like making simple videos) Intel Core i5-3470 or Intel Core i7-3537U? The i5 has a higher Ghz. (sorry if i'm messing up the technical terms).

The i7 3537U looks like a laptop part to me. It's not socketed and has a 17W TDP. Given that, it is going to be slower than the desktop i5 for sustained workloads.
 

jcapital

Junior Member
Jun 23, 2013
5
0
0
THnaks for the info regarind the i5 vs i7 (in a laptop i had seen).

I actually live in PHilly, so I could go to the store.

I found a way use an old monitor so I would be willing to go for the higher priced m82. It seems like its significantly better... what do you think?
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
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www.mfenn.com
THnaks for the info regarind the i5 vs i7 (in a laptop i had seen).

I actually live in PHilly, so I could go to the store.

I found a way use an old monitor so I would be willing to go for the higher priced m82. It seems like its significantly better... what do you think?

In terms of specs, the XPS is actually better (bigger HDD, Nvidia graphics).
 

mannox

Junior Member
Jun 30, 2013
20
0
0
I keep going back and forth between a laptop and desktop, and I wonder if anyone can give me a recommendation for a desktop?

I don't do any gaming. I need it for general computing, however I am starting to get more involved in graphic design as well as stop-animation video creating. So I want something that would be powerful enough for that.

I'm not looking to create something, just buy a ready to go desktop. Its difficult to me figuring out how much graphic related power I need for these objectives, as well as which generation and processor. I'm hoping to keep it no more than around $700.

Complicating things for me, it seems like win 7 is a better bet for something that's not touch screen.

Thanks in advance

portability vs power. the age old question.