Low Cost (<$500) Family Desktop with Windows

andrewm71 on 20/10/2015 - 08:21

I lost my job last week. This week whilst sending out applications for jobs the family PC suffered a disk error and now won't boot up properly. Most material was stored on an external hard drive thankfully.

Money is tight so I need to score a job as soon as possible and not having a working PC with Windows and MS Office (I can still access the work $15 deal) grinds the job application process to a halt.

I would like to spend less than $500. Much less if possible but realise that may not be practical with software added.

I often read that spending a bit more will get you something better, but I just don't have it.

Any guidance or suggestions (yes, I can go to the library) would be most welcome. I live in Melbourne south east. Thanks

Computing

Comments

  • lost69 on 20/10/2015 - 08:55
    +1

    Replace the HDD with either an HDD or SSD and reinstall Windows if you have the key. Or alternatively have MSY whip you up a $500 special with everything you want included. I wouldn't drop below an i3 if you want longevity - MSY has an i3 base build (Value Upgrade) for $425, up the RAM to 4GB for $19 and use the rest to swap in an SSD; reuse your Windows key.

  • andrewm71 on 20/10/2015 - 09:07

    I am not at all techy, so would have to bring it in to get them to replace the HDD. Good suggestion, re MSY. But I don't think that I have the key. I have upgraded it from Windows 8. Will go and have a peep.

    • ESEMCE on 20/10/2015 - 09:34
      +3

      If you can control a screwdriver, you can replace a Hard Drive.
      Open the case up, unscrew the Hard Drive and pull out the plugs (maybe label them if there are a bunch of loose one's in the case)
      Take the drive into MSY and ask for a replacement.
      Go Home plug the cables back in (they only fit one way)
      Screw the drive back onto the case and reinstall Windows (or even better, take the opportunity to upgrade to Linux and add it to your Resume)

      • andrewm71 on 20/10/2015 - 09:57

        Lol.

        I can control a screwdriver. Thanks for the tip.

        • andrewm71 on 20/10/2015 - 19:42

          @Cheap Charlie: you're right. I will take the back off it tomorrow and head to MSY. I will need to buy the Windows discs as I can't find the originals and go from there.

        • andrewm71 on 20/10/2015 - 20:04

          @Cheap Charlie: Thanks for the heads up on that CC

  • Edsanwong on 20/10/2015 - 09:32

    Have you checked Dell Factory Outlet? I bought 1 laptop and 1 desktop Dell Factory Outlet. Its refurbished.
    Many people here will give you guidance about the specs vs $.

    • andrewm71 on 20/10/2015 - 09:55

      No I haven't. I will go and do that now. Thanks for the heads up.

      I am also wondering if I would be better off with a laptop, as I can hook the speakers, printer and large monitor up to that?

  • installthismelb on 20/10/2015 - 10:46

    You can connect speakers, large monitor and a printer to any desktop. Just need to make sure the laptop / desktop have the correct port. either HDMI / VGA. Some desktops have DVI as well but laptops don't.

  • tonyjzx on 20/10/2015 - 17:07

    man, if it was me i'd be hitting ebay on ex lease dell lenovo hp whatever shitboxes

    i cant stand paying $100 for windows whatever so i'd had no problem acquiring those thru other methods

    fark, if you were in syd. i do it for ya

  • andrewm71 on 20/10/2015 - 19:45

    Thanks everyone for their helpful views. Really appreciate it. As per my comment to CC above, I reckon I will just replace the HDD and buy another Windows licence.

    The machine was assembled in 2011, so I imagine even the low spec MSY would be much better. Cheers

    am

  • andrewm71 on 26/10/2015 - 18:14
    +1

    For anyone that was interested, I successfully replaced the HDD. Now just got to get the reinstall of Windows 7 to work, then upgrade back to Windows 10 and everything will be great….

      • andrewm71 on 26/10/2015 - 20:57

        Now, couldn't get it to work. Have struggled to find the drivers for the motherboard to be honest. Think I am getting there now. Need Ethernet controller, PCI simple Comms Controller and USB controller drivers. Downloading them from Intel site and hope I have the right ones for my H67. A desktop that won't connect to the Internet makes for a nice ornament.

  • andrewm71 on 26/10/2015 - 23:22
    +2

    No wifi CC. Not sure. Seems to be working ok, other than the two USB 3 slots.

    Great advice all up though. Cost me $69 for the HDD from MSY. And about 12 hours of my own labour… Good thing I have plenty of time on my hands.

  • andrewm71 on 27/10/2015 - 15:22
    +3

    All working (bar iTunes, but far from essential).

    Can't believe that you guys saved me the best part of $500 at a time when my family and I need it the most.

    I have saved plenty of money on OB, but this is the most rewarding of all.

    • ESEMCE on 27/10/2015 - 15:46
      +5

      Glad we could convince you.

      Now to update the resume
      - Controlling a screwdriver
      :D

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