Help HD Fail - Any Suggestions Desktop PC Sub 1k?

Lsniagrab on 07/01/2015 - 21:29
Last edited 07/01/2015 - 21:34

I haven't bought a new PC in years - and up until an hour ago running XP….

As tech has moved on, would appreciate any advice on a general purpose PC and possible vendors (syd).

I want to stick with a desktop but wondering whether to go with win7 (if still available) or 8.

PC will be used for general computing (browsing, no gaming, some image and video work, office etc) but would rather buy something reasonably fast so that it won't date too quick.

Any configuration suggestions would be most welcomed and any reasonable deals going.

Oh and any thoughts where I could take a failed (and only partially backed up) drive :(

Thanks in advance

Computing

Comments

  • iridiumstem on 07/01/2015 - 21:37

    Just before you do anything, unplug the HDD and stop using it. As soon as you use it, the chances of recovering data decreases more.

    In terms of general purpose PC, I am sure other people will recommend you places, but don't use PCmeal. I used them because of my brother telling me, "it's decent value", I had to send them the unit twice because of power supply failure and GPU failure. They even tried to change the GPU with worse one because they didn't have the GPU model in stock. I told them to give me something that is at least on par with mine or I will seek legal advices, and around afternoon that day they had the GPU unit that is same one with mine became suddenly available.

    Be fair, they were prompt with helps, even though they've told me that I can reuse the return slip with post office, resulting in me travelling back and forth. The PC has been running without any problems since then.

    • sniagrab on 07/01/2015 - 21:46

      Thanks for the advice - really appreciate it.

      • iridiumstem on 07/01/2015 - 21:47

        If you want general improvement on your PC performance without drastically changing everything, SSD probably would be a reasonable investment.

        Though, it would be better if you post your spec so people can comment on what to change.

        EDIT: Also, sorry about slight raging on my previous comment :S

        • sniagrab on 07/01/2015 - 22:20
          +1

          Sounds like they made a meal of it!

  • sniagrab on 07/01/2015 - 21:56

    That's ok interested in any recommendations.

    As for the PC as it is over 6 years old, I'm looking to replace the whole rig, just not sure who to go to and what to ask for.

  • sniagrab on 07/01/2015 - 21:59

    BTW been reading about placing HD in the freezer for 15min (as last resort) - anyone had any success with this?

    • Cobalt_ on 07/01/2015 - 23:28

      Is it a mechanical failure? Do you hear clicking or grinding sounds coming from the drive, if not then the freezer method will not help you. In fact it may make it more difficult to recover files if you decide to take it to a professional data recovery service which means more $$$ to recover your data.

      • sniagrab on 08/01/2015 - 07:00

        Thanks Cobalt_ - no there was no sound prior to the shutdown so I'll forget that option.

  • iridiumstem on 08/01/2015 - 08:12

    In terms of Windows 7 vs Windows 8, as a person who experienced both and gotten used to Windows 8, I actually say Windows 8 is not that bad.

    In terms of UI, it is horrendous, removal of start button confused a lot of people. There are UI elements that were made with touchscreen in mind that translated horrendously to desktop environment. They fixed it a little in Windows 8.1 (which you get as update if you get Windows 8) but still it's horrendous. I've gotten used to it, but before you get used to it, it's confusing.

    But, in terms of performance, because of tablets as well as other low spec stuff, they actually optimised it quite well (At least, compared to my horrendous experience with Windows 7 that made me downgrade). Also, some metro apps are half decent, I often split the screen into 2 and type stuff from PDF viewer app that Windows 8 came with.

    I think it might be because of the XP to 7 transition, but I found Windows 7 to be really resource hogging. Well that is from my memory, so I might be wrong, but that is how I felt. Though in terms of UI, XP -> 7 wouldn't be that much of a jump, at least compared to XP -> 8.

    Waiting for Windows 10 might be better option, with Windows 10 coming out this year.

    Also, I might suggest you to wait, since the introduction of USB Type C this year would mean that you'd need to change your motherboard to support it properly.

    • sniagrab on 08/01/2015 - 10:06
      +1

      Thanks AznMitch - I've used 8 on a couple of occasions and hated it so yes as you suggest the move from xp to 7 would be more easier. My original plan was to wait until 10 before upgrading and making a OS decision but the hard drive failure has unfortunately forced my hand.

      Not that familiar with what's happening in the PC world so your information on USB type C is interesting and will need to do more research.

      Thanks for sharing your experience.

      • iridiumstem on 08/01/2015 - 21:37

        Btw, I just saw a news article saying that there will be no more updates on Windows 7. (5 years support is ending soon, there still will be security updates for 5 more years)

        So wait for Windows 10 or use Windows 8.1, I think those will last you longer.

        Also, as I said, if you get used to Windows 8, it's not that bad. 8.1 does allow options like start on desktop and such which makes it tad bit better.

  • Ramrunner on 08/01/2015 - 08:50

    If you want something small you can't go past the Intel NUC with SSD. Love those things.

    • sniagrab on 08/01/2015 - 20:19

      Thanks - wow it's tiny!

  • [Deactivated] on 08/01/2015 - 13:45

    I use windows 8 with Classic Start Menu installed (Free) and it is just like a windows 7 start menu.
    It can even boot directly to the old fashioned desktop.

    I also use ModernMix from stardock to put the win8 apps into a 'window'.

    I have always used 2 HDDs in my PC
    Disk 1 = OS + Backup of disk2
    Disk 2 = ALL my data

    This firstly saves a ton of time if I need to re-install the OS, but also provides peace of mind in case my data HDD crashes. I also use crashplan as my cloud backup, as well as rotating some exernal USB storage disks so that I have an easy to use off site backup. I rotate the USB disks, so worts case is that I lose 1 or 2 months worth of data - assuming I can't recover it from the cloud for whatever reason. I work from home, so data recovery is important.

    Back to the original question - for less than $80 get a new HDD and re-incarnate your existing PC until you are ready to upgrade on your own terms.

    • sniagrab on 08/01/2015 - 20:16

      Thanks bradn, this is good advice not only for me but others that find themselves in this predicament. Didn't know of Classic Start Menu - sounds like a good option and will investigate.

  • pparth on 08/01/2015 - 23:28

    Given your usage requirements, I'd highly recommend not buying windows but trying Ubuntu instead:https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation

    It's free so it'll save you some money, it's fairly easy to use and very accessible even for non-tech people. This way you get to support the open source community.

    If things don't work out with Ubuntu then you can always buy Windows. But I'm not sure if Windows OEM licence can only be bought when you build the computer or not.

    If you're considering buying pre-built machine then you might find that there are some with Ubuntu already on them or the shop building your computer support installing Ubuntu as well.

    • sniagrab on 11/01/2015 - 09:30

      Thanks pparth

  • WatchNerd on 11/01/2015 - 16:42

    Check out the Whirpool PC suggestions page for build your own -
    http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join