A great new desktop PC wanted

Lmgrogan on 26/04/2013 - 09:31

It seems my existing PC is starting to die - it decides when it wants to power up, rather than me.
It is unknown brand AMD Athlon64 2.40 gigahertz Intel Core2 Quad Q6600 with x2 SAMSUNG HD321KJ 320 Gb hard drives, 8 Gb RAM (x4 2 Gb).

Benq Keyboard and Logitech marble mouse are OK.

I would like a new desktop CPU to have:

  • Win 8 Pro (I need to be able to run Virtual Windows XP for volunteer Access programming that I do)
  • a good video card which can handle my two existing monitors for the time being - 1 VGA and 1 digital of 19" monitors, BenQ G900 and Samsung SyncMaster and to handle 2 HDMI monitors when these monitors fail
  • at least 2 USB 3 ports
  • bluetooth (for hearing aids and headphones)

I use my PC a lot during the day for video editing, image editing, web page design, …. (I do not not play games) but I want something with oomph so I'm can quickly render movies.

I'd prefer an assembled unit - I'm getting too old to put one together for myself :)

I'd appreciate any recommendations.

Many thanks
:)
Margaret
PS. I live on south coast of NSW so its a long drive any computer shop.

Computing

Comments

  • _Bruce_ on 26/04/2013 - 09:51

    This is a good starting point:
    http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    It is fast and can run three monitors off HDMI, VGA and Display port. Display port can be used to drive DVI or HDMI screens (and HDMI can be used to drive a DVI screen).

    For bluetooth just get a USB dongle like this:
    http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&p…

    Finally getting an SSD is a great idea and will make everything work much better.
    http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    Note that as you didn't specify a budget this is pretty much the best system for your requirements. There are many ways to cut down this cost of this but they all have a variety of trade offs.

    • mgrogan on 26/04/2013 - 10:18

      Thanks so much _Bruce
      Would it be better to go for i7 rather than i5?
      I like the idea of SSD :)
      Budget preferably < $1000 but I figure that I buy a PC about every 7 years or so :)

      Thanks again
      :)
      Margaret

      • _Bruce_ on 26/04/2013 - 11:42
        +1

        i7 is almost no different to an i5, save your money.

        SSD is the best thing you can do for end user experience.

        Ways to cut cost out of this solution:

        1: Get a system with a less powerful video card. This is far more than you need, but it has the three outputs, where as most cheap systems only have one. There is middle ground, but not in a lot of prebuilt options. This is $83 cheaper:
        http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

        2: Get a cheaper case/power supply. If you get a low power video card you can get away with a cheaper setup like this ($76 cheaper):
        http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

        3: You could drop down to this CPU (saving around $74):
        http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

        Of course you can also save by building yourself. PC Case Gear will build any list of components, but it will be a bit more expensive than if you pick one of their standard builds. If you have a Windows licence around you can save $100 here (note that Window 7 Pro (not home) also has the XP VM feature).

        • roddiw on 26/04/2013 - 12:32

          Bruce's suggested system looks good, and pccasegear is a good supplier.

          re 2) I'd stay with the more expensive power supply though - it's 80 PLUS silver, so it'll be more efficient. Over 7 years the power saving should add up to be more than its $69 cost.

          re 3) if you downgrade to the AMD-6100 you'll have to choose another motherboard as well. Personally I'd stay with the i5-3470, it's definitely faster than the 6100.
          http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/amd-fx-8120-610… found it 50% faster, but your mileage may vary. Still, it you were thinking i7 rather than i5, maybe CPU isn't what you want to skimp on.

          Bruce is dead right about a SSD will make a big difference to how fast the PC feels. Much more than putting an i7 in. I'd go for an Intel (or maybe Samsung) 120GB or 240GB, they have a good rep for reliability. Use the SSD as your C: drive for windows + programs, use the HDD as a D: drive for your data files if they don't fit on C:.

        • mgrogan on 26/04/2013 - 14:30

          Bruce,
          I can go over $1000, so I would stick with your original suggestions.
          Thanks.
          :)
          Margaret

        • mgrogan on 26/04/2013 - 15:32

          Thanks Roddiw.

          I will take up your recommendation for SSD drive, as that is how I have my existing C: drive.

          :)

          Margaret

        • _Bruce_ on 26/04/2013 - 18:16

          Given all this information I would order that $849 system and request that they install an SSD for you. I stand by my SSD recomendation, it is generally better value for money than intel or Samsung, be careful about the confusing samsung product names.

        • mgrogan on 26/04/2013 - 19:27

          Thanks Bruce, will order with SSD.

          Wondering if I should as far as
          http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…
          $899
          or one more step of
          http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c… $999

          This system has to last me a few years ;)

          Appreciate the feedback as I'm totally confused by the graphics cards (eg Radeon HD7770 and ASUS GeForce GTX 650).

          :)

          Margaret

        • scrimshaw on 26/04/2013 - 20:09
          +1

          Get the 7770 system. Save a hundred bucks, and no real performance differences (in your case anyway since you don't play games).

        • mgrogan on 27/04/2013 - 11:41

          scrimshaw,

          May I clarify which 7770 system you mean?
          PCCG Radeon HD7770 Gaming System 2 $899
          http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…
          or
          PCCG Radeon HD7770 Gaming System 1 $849
          http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

          Many thanks everyone

          :) :)

          Margaret

        • scrimshaw on 27/04/2013 - 12:25

          There are no real differences between the 2 systems (only slightly different motherboard and a different branded graphics card, both of which have no impact on performance)

          So you can save money by buying the cheaper $849 system. Put the extra cash down on the SSD as recommended earlier.

          You might also want to order a Bluetooth dongle from eBay for BT support.

        • jennkei on 28/04/2013 - 19:07

          Unfortunately, not so true! PCCG 7770 ended up to be $128 more than parts, and 7870 $236 more than parts. Of course, I checked that a few weeks ago, and some part prices were estimated/probably have changed in price.

          I was buying a computer and checking out package prices. Sadly, nothing was a really good buy. :/ If you're interested in breakdowns, though, PCCG 7770 and 7870 are on sheet 5 here - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtZpVULtNwLkdEJ…

  • drjoe27 on 27/04/2013 - 19:28

    Hi, can I hop onto this topic as I am also looking for a desktop replacement and I'm in Melbourne so was wondering about this choice Aldi Opening special Forest Hill Medion all-in-one PC MD8806 for $599.00

    Refer to OP text at top of screen:

    http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/101262#comment-1357925

    My teenage sons play Counter Strike and also do music editing with Ableton - how do you think this desktop would cope?

    Many thanks

    • Cielescha on 27/04/2013 - 20:49

      All-in-one desktops are generally a bad idea for anything more than word processing. If even one component stops working, you have to go to great lengths to get it fixed up or replace the whole thing. It's better to buy a pre-built desktop like the ones discussed in this thread or choose your own specs and let the guys at MSY or Centrecom (or MLN, I think) to build it for you. If your sons play Counter Strike: Source, Intel HD 4000 definitely won't cope, you'll need a dedicated GFX. I'm not sure about the music program, but they may need a dedicated sound card if it's anything intensive.

      • _Bruce_ on 28/04/2013 - 11:35

        I'm not sure about the music program, but they may need a dedicated sound card if it's anything intensive.

        No, this really isn't needed. The main problem with the Aldi unit is the HD 4000.

    • scrimshaw on 27/04/2013 - 21:32
      +1

      The All-in-one has worse specifications than the Dell Vostro you mentioned in the other thread. The Vostro would actually be a better buy than the Medion-all-in-1.

      Since you're in Melbourne, I would recommend a system from PC Case Gear.

  • Medrad on 28/04/2013 - 16:45
    +2

    If you are after a PC aimed primarily at movie editing, you need as many CPU Cores as possible, this is where the AMD chips excel! You can purchase the 8-10 core CPU's for a fraction of the price of an Intel!

    Check out PC CaseGear and other major Australian online retailers (Centrecom, MSY etc) for prices. Since your budget can go over $1000, should have an amazing video editing computer. Graphics card as mentioned doesn't need to be the super duper brand new. Find a 1-2Gb video card such as the 7770 mentioned above and you'll be fine.

    SSD is great to run heavy intensive video editing software with storage room to move some files across to a larger HDD ready for burning, compiling etc.

    This, sadly, is the only time I would recommend the AMD chips in the current market as this is their niche market that scores them the win. Multi-core to the extreme, perfect for video editing, not great for gaming.

  • Yanoflies on 28/04/2013 - 17:43

    I've got a spare Microsoft Windows 8 Professional retail key I could sell ya if you're interested. Enable your private messages and message me if keen!

  • jennkei on 28/04/2013 - 20:10

    Apparently nVidia cards (GeForce) have CUDA which is good for video editing? Something about GPU acceleration in Adobe Premiere Pro CS6, if you use it? Unlike Radeon cards. I don't video edit much, unfortunately, so not too sure. :/ And it's not that important, I think they're going to OpenCL in future anyway.. ^^"

    I've compiled a build that you could have a look at - http://au.pcpartpicker.com/user/toriayl/saved/1wFX

    AMD FX8350 based on this benchmark: http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/cpu-charts-2012/-34-Adobe… But an i5 or baby i7 would probably be fine too.. With assembly, it would probably hit just a little above 1k. :)

    In terms of where to buy from, I just purchased a system from Maco Technology that offered me a very fair price (email them for a quote, site prices a little higher), including free delivery. I'm sure a lot of places would be more than happy to assemble any build for you and deliver to you. :) I wanted a package deal too, but couldn't find any that fit me (reusing HDD, didn't want optical drive, wanted cheapo case lol) and that was a good deal. :(

  • Nazy on 28/04/2013 - 22:34

    Just my input in addition to what has been said.

    For video editing, it would be better if you get a 6-8 core AMD cpu instead of an intel, it will perform better with regard to editing, and be cheaper.

    SSD are very lovely to have, snappy performance, quick boot-times, and once you use you can't stand HDDs.

    nVidia cards are better in video editing due to having CUDA cores, or so I believe so, but not 100% on this one.

    here is a custom parts selection for $1090 + Shipping (Though buy case from area to reduce shipping cost) + pay some tech shop about $70 to build it if you don't want too.

    CPU: AMD FX-8350 8 Core Processor $209 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    MB: ASRock 970 Extreme4 Motherboard $104 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    RAM: G.Skill Ares F3-1600C9D-8GAO 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 $75 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    Case: Corsair Carbide 400R Black Mid-Tower Case $115 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    GPU: ASUS Radeon HD7870 DirectCU II 2GB V2 $269 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    PSU: CoolerMaster Thunder 600W Power Supply $85 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    SSD: Samsung 840 Series 120GB SSD Retail Box $99 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    HDD: Seagate Barracuda 2TB ST2000DM001 $99 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    CPU Heatsink: CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO CPU Cooler $35 http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&c…

    Ofcourse this is quick and many changes regarding the RAM preference, GPU, PSU, etc selections can change according to what you want.

    Oh and no bluetooth so you will need a dongle from ebay.

    • klumsybot on 29/04/2013 - 02:24

      Ummmm is there windows in the build?

  • klumsybot on 29/04/2013 - 02:24

    How's this, I am right on the budget.

    PCCG Custom System Assembly Service $99.00
    Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 $72.00
    Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB SSD Retail Box $145.00
    Western Digital WD Green 1TB WD10EZRX $72.00
    Silverstone Precision PS08 USB 3.0 Micro ATX Case $49.00
    Corsair VS450 Builder Series ATX Power Supply $49.00
    EVGA GeForce GT 610 1GB $45.00
    Intel Core i5 3570 $215
    Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H Motherboard $68.00
    Tiny Bluetooth Adapter $12.00
    Lite-On IHAS324 24x DVDRW $25.00
    Windows 8 Pro OEM 64bit $149.00

    $1000, before shipping. If shipping really wrecks your budget, you can downsize the hdd. You may be able to drop the graphics card too (EVGA GT610) as the motherboard hosts VGA, DVI-D (DVI-D cannot adapt to VGA though!) and HDMI. DVI-D can be later adapted to HDMI with a simple cable if desired.

    However, your video editing and photo editing programs may leverage CUDA so it would be beneficial to keep the graphics card, if you can afford it.

  • mgrogan on 20/05/2013 - 10:39

    Thanks to everyone for their great advice.

    I've had my new desktop from http://pccasegear.com/ and just love it.
    pccasegear were great in checking that I wanted the SSD as my primary drive with Win 8.
    They kept me updated as to likely date I could expect it, when despatched.

    I got the Samsung 840 120GB SSD
    https://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&…
    - great how it boots in < 12 seconds.
    Thanks to all who recommended it, as I thought these were really for ultrabooks.

    I got the ASUS GeForce GTX 650 Ti DirectCU II Boost 2GB
    https://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&…
    Rendering a 1 min movie: it just flys as compared to going away having a cup of tea, … :)

    I got Win 8 - it was the most painless of any "upgrade my stuff" from an old PC to a new one. As I do lots of image editing - Win 8 is a bonus in that it updates the thumbnails (when using Windows Explorer) something that drove me mad in Win 7.

    Many many thanks again.

    It was a little over my original budget, but I'm so very, very happy.

    Thanks again

    :)

    Margaret

  • SAAZ on 20/05/2013 - 11:15

    if you can wait for a couple more weeks till the end of financial year you might score a better bargain!

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