What's these All in one computers are?

[ithehappy]

Well this definitely sounds dumb, but I was looking for a solution to find a low powered PC, for my downloading purpose and I was looking for a laptop, Notebook etc, but suddenly my eyes got stuck with these All in one computers! Some Lenovo C430 or something....looks cool. But I just couldn't find any mention of the power consumption of the same. Anyone knows? Do they consume more power than a laptop or Notebook? or same? or much more?
And just to be sure, everything is inside the monitor right, I mean all I need to buy a keyboard and a mouse?

Thanks.

 

[vbuggy]

They're basically a notebook / SFF PC with a screen stuck on the front. So power consumption is on those lines.

If you ask me (and I own flagship iMacs and Dell XPS 27's) they're great computers to have in the kitchen - low-use, basic needs, no particularly desperate need for performance or reliability. Outside of the kitchen, you could do better. I only use iMacs outside that environment as until recently I had no choice - but even the i7-4771/780 flagship iMac is basically a glorified kitchen PC in terms of how it handles those components (something that some reviewers conveniently glosses over every time, I note. Hi Anand).

I think a lot of people get hung up with the (as usual for Apple) total BS of this image, as well as other makers who have latched onto the bandwagon:

If you use a computer at all aside from the aforementioned kitchen type of use, you will have more than a few wires coming out of the back of the computer anyway, making a totally clean look impossible - unless you invest in cable management. And the same effort in cable management could make a proper desktop/SFF look just as tidy while being more versatile.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Why do you have a computer in the kitchen?

If the computer is unreliable, you're doing it wrong.

How does an AIO "handle" an i7/780M?

 

[vbuggy]

Why do you have a computer in the kitchen?

For kitchen stuff. Looking up recipes, ordering groceries, internet radio, Tivo bridgehead, etc. Which is why I love the XPS 27 - I can prod controls with a knuckle or elbow.

Why, don't we all have computers in the kitchen?

If the computer is unreliable, you're doing it wrong.

I didn't build it.

How does an AIO "handle" an i7/780M?

Not very well.

I can throw together a DIY in a noise-deadening case with near-zero care over parts layout, and even then not only will it run a hell of a lot cooler, but at deskside the noise-to-operator will be very similar in idle (even compared with a non-M GPU).

In fact, look at something compromised to fit a small space like the Gigabyte Brix Pro where you can get objective reviews - unlike the iMac, where the best you can expect in most cases is faux-objective prostration - and you'll see the same problems that manifest with the iMac (less so with the Dell, but not really that much better and with a consequential acoustic penalty since both are cooled in a very similar way).

 

[ithehappy]

Thanks. So any suggestions for a low power consuming and most importantly a low cost all in one? I am not a fan of portability, nor of wireless when it comes about PC. I don't have the latest and greatest, just a X58 based system (i7 950) and a GTX580 and all, but that's for gaming, and yes it looks pretty messy, loads of wire coming out from everywhere. I just wanted a secondary rig/laptop/notebook/all in one for simple stuffs, like downloading and surfing and all. That's about it.

 

[vbuggy]

I'd say build an ITX system, or if it's something truly undemanding the Gigabyte Brix's actually looks pretty good. This way you can have your compact PC but also match a screen to the role without being hamstrung.

http://www.gigabyte.us/products/list.aspx?s=47&ck=104

If you're not like me and upgrades stuff on a regular basis or buys hardware specifically for a role (and dumps it when it's no longer needed), I would lean towards ITX - it'll give you options while being still able to put together a compact system - and just pick carefully based on the power consumption level you're aiming for.

 

[Sheep221]

Most all-in-ones are just regular x86 desktops but the parts are installed behind the screen just like on iMacs, they are often equipped with regular quad core CPU with IGP and no overclocking capabilities. The low power versions exist as well and are called nettops, just like netbooks are low power equivalents of conventional laptops.

Although even higher grade all-in-1s still do not use much power. They oftenly even don't have internal PSU and are powered via external adapter just like laptops.

 

[ithehappy]

I'd say build an ITX system, or if it's something truly undemanding the Gigabyte Brix's actually looks pretty good. This way you can have your compact PC but also match a screen to the role without being hamstrung.

http://www.gigabyte.us/products/list.aspx?s=47&ck=104

If you're not like me and upgrades stuff on a regular basis or buys hardware specifically for a role (and dumps it when it's no longer needed), I would lean towards ITX - it'll give you options while being still able to put together a compact system - and just pick carefully based on the power consumption level you're aiming for.

BRIX are indeed very attractive, but it's almost 500 pounds! Nah, I guess I am better off with a laptop :|

 

[vbuggy]

BRIX are indeed very attractive, but it's almost 500 pounds! Nah, I guess I am better off with a laptop :|

Looked at the specs of the '500 pounds' Brix? Are you telling me you can get a 4770R laptop for '500 pounds'?

 

[ithehappy]

Absolutely not, lol. I just said I am not finding any lower spec rig, I don't need a powerful machine, an i3 3rd gen will be more than enough for me, with whatever Intel or even AMD on board graphics.

 

[vbuggy]

Lots of different specs available. I'm assuming by 'pounds' you're in the UK. Look on Scan.co.uk.

I still would say ITX is the better way to go, but from the vibes I'm getting you're not comfortable building. That's OK - it's definitely smarter to buy a decent prebuilt than build an unstable piece of crud because you don't quite know what you're doing. A lot of dumber guys would go ahead anyway, build a POS, then blame Windows for everything that goes wrong.

 

[ithehappy]

Lol, I can build one, just don't have the time. Any simple guide how to start? I mean I have 0% idea about ITX to be honest.
I am located in Calcutta dude, pounds don't mean I am in UK

 

[vbuggy]

Post separately on General Hardware about a build! You'll get all the advice you need (or can take)