I am currently looking at buying a desktop tower. Any opinions on what I should buy? I don't game, just casual web surfing and youtube. Looking to spend $250-$400. I have mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Thanks
OT computer
- Thread starter NUHuskerfan
- Start date
If you really only want something for web surfing and YouTube, I would seriously consider a Chromebox, which is basically a desktop version of a Chromebook. For your stated purpose of using this computer, a Chromebox would be more than enough; plus Chrome OS is being made more robust all the time, and is gaining the ability to run Android apps, so it would be able to do pretty much everything you need. Chrome OS isn't quite as robust as a full operating system like Windows, but for your purpose you wouldn't really need that, and it would really be better in some ways. Updates are automatically streamed to the OS, so no need to download an update and go through that whole process, it just downloads and installs in the background.
Yep and cheaper. I use to work at a computer store, have built hundreds of computers. Really isn't that hard.
I recently priced out a gaming computer that I built versus one bought through a professional and it was like $2k more. I've never built a computer before but to get a super high end computer, I just might.
Sorry forgot to add I use it for my business. Quick books etc. I currently have a chrome book for Web surfing and youtube as well. Thanks for replys.
Certainly if you have the want and ability to build a computer, that would be the best way to go; you're going to get the best computer for your money that way, especially if you already have a monitor, which is generally one of the biggest purchases when building a computer. If that's not something you would consider, I would go the Chromebox/Chromebook route. Like mentioned above, you could get a Chromebook/laptop and hook up your keyboard, mouse and monitor and use it as a desktop, and still have the ability to take it with you.
If you're using it for business purposes, you would maybe want a more full fledged OS like Windows, although with the ability to run Android apps on Chrome OS now, you could probably get by (I checked, and there is a Quick Books Android app). For that purpose, like stated above, if it was an option, building would be your best bet for getting the most for your money; being that you don't need it for gaming or anything, you wouldn't need a particularly high-end GPU or even a high-end CPU, which is generally where your biggest costs come in with building. If you would rather buy one, I don't really know much about what would be best, it's been years since I looked into buying a computer like that. Any major brand name would probably serve you well, I would look for something that had a good warranty on it, for peace of mind with any issues down the road.
Trouble right now is graphics cards. Anything halfway decent has had the price run up by cryptocurrency miners to where to buy just the GPU you'll pay more than an entire pre-built desktop. Same problem with some processors.
Cool article here. Blows my mind how tiny some of these are. I have my old XP machine from circa 2003 collecting dust on a shelf in here (I don't know why I keep it sitting around) and some of these can probably do as much or more than that small-to-mid tower.
https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2474036,00.asp
Won't let me link the amazon page, but paste this into the search on amazon:
Dell OptiPlex, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.9GHz E7500 Processor, 4GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive, DVD, Windows 10, WiFi (Certified Refurbished)
Dell OptiPlex, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.9GHz E7500 Processor, 4GB Memory, 160GB Hard Drive, DVD, Windows 10, WiFi (Certified Refurbished)
I'm glad I bought my 1070 two years ago. First time it actually pays to be an early adopter
I'd probably encourage you to use Quickbooks online along with a chrome book or tablet.
Anymore, a regular desktop isn't needed unless a person is editing video, audio, CAD drawings, or something processor heavy.
I cannot fathom having one of those heavy clunky power hungry machines in my home.
Anymore, a regular desktop isn't needed unless a person is editing video, audio, CAD drawings, or something processor heavy.
I cannot fathom having one of those heavy clunky power hungry machines in my home.
I kinda bought my current GPU in a lull between gigantic run ups in price because of mining. I was wanting a new one, because my old one was starting to get quite long in the tooth, but I was starting to look right at the time prices were going up because of mining stuff, so I held off a little and things died down and prices went more normal for a short bit, before shooting up again; I managed to get in there in a lull and get a decent price.
get rid of QuickBooks and go with wave. it's web-based and totally free. Google Wave bookkeeping. Then get yourself a tablet or chromebook. jmo
Ha! This is exactly what I was thinking. But I still think The Bends is their best album. Not a big Radiohead guy, but The Bends was very good.