Will This PC Meet My Computing Needs?

• 

  vid_ghost on 29/03/2016 - 21:10

  http://ark.intel.com/products/53426/Intel-Core-i3-2120-Proce…

  This PC you listed above comes with a sandy bridge based CPU with a HD2000 GPU built in. It is more then powerful enough to run any video or web content you want.. it will do full HD without issues.. and if you add a video card that doesn't require extra power connectors like the Nvidia GT750 with a display port connection it will even run 4k video on a 4k monitor easy.

  About Intel HD 2000 http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-2000-100.3799…

  Mind you a GT750 costs round $150 so I was just using that as an example.. not recommending you spend that kind of money :)

  Reinstalling windows 7 clean would improve the performance… getting a PC that has had years of install and uninstalls can run like a dog in the end.. just make sure its a new re-install of the OS at the least.

  • 

    scrimshaw on 29/03/2016 - 21:37

    Windows 7 qualifies you for a free upgrade to Windows 10.

    Windows 10 is basically a free performance upgrade, as it boots quicker and has better memory management.

    If he's going to upgrade the machine, the first thing I'd look into is getting an SSD drive. On the front page there's a 480GB SSD going for a low-low price of $140 AUD.

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 29/03/2016 - 22:31

      So when they say has licence key, that doesn't mean I can do a clean install?

      • 

        scrimshaw on 31/03/2016 - 15:50

        +1

        Uh, you can.

    • 

      Davros on 31/03/2016 - 23:18

      scrimshaw on 29/03/2016 - 21:37
      Windows 7 qualifies you for a free upgrade to Windows 10.

      My old laptop got a free performance upgrade by shit-canning them both and installing linux mint instead.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 29/03/2016 - 22:31

    Thanks, that gives me confidence this would meet my needs.

• 

  scrimshaw on 29/03/2016 - 21:35

  That's pretty good. Dell Optiplexes are pretty reliable systems.

  As far as oomph goes, the Core i3 sandy bridge is still plenty good for a basic office system and even without a dedicated graphics card, the iGPU is enough for 1080p video playback.

  You can drop in a cheap graphics card but it's mostly unneccessary.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 29/03/2016 - 22:34

    Thanks for comment. Are you able to tell me if this is much better for $40 more? Does this have a separate graphics card given it doesn't say onboard?

    Lenovo ThickCentre M81 SFF
    Intel Core i5 2400 Processor (6MB cache, 3.10Ghz) Up to 3.40 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
    4GB DDR3 System Memory
    250GB SATA Hard Disk Drive
    DVD RW (Burns CD/DVD Disks)
    Onboard Network Card
    Onbaord Sound Card
    Intel HD Video Card
    6 x USB 2.0 Ports (2 Front, 4 Rear)
    Windows 7 Professional pre-installed with license key

    • 

      scrimshaw on 29/03/2016 - 23:40

      That's good as well.

• 

  donnot on 29/03/2016 - 22:20

  Pretty good deal at that price. Consider this though: http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/Dell-Optiplex-790-SFF-i5-2400-3-10G…

  Same Optiplex 790 and an extra $25+ depending on postage, but you're getting an i5 2400 (quad core as opposed to the dual core 2120), and a 500Gb hard drive. Definitely worth the bit extra IMO as you're getting a far more capable system.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 29/03/2016 - 22:36

    Ok, ill look into it. The one I specify is local, which I am happier with given no postage costs and any issues I may have can be dealt with easier.

    • 

      donnot on 29/03/2016 - 22:43

      Oh okay, that's not bad for local stock! The 2120 and its iGPU are definitely sufficient for what you're using it for, and if you need a bit more power you can just pick up a Radeon 5450 (something like this and this to go with it.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 29/03/2016 - 22:45

        Cheap upgrade if needed. Thanks.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 31/03/2016 - 22:57

    Found basically your suggestion locally for $180 with no DVD drive, and still 250GB hard drive. Thinking ill pick one up tomorrow. Thanks.

    • 

      donnot on 31/03/2016 - 23:13

      Probably one of the best options at that price point. As lost69 said below, you'd struggle with HEVC decoding, but you likely won't encounter that with camera footage (depending on the camera you're using). Most (or all) other 1080p60 content should have no troubles at all playing.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 01/04/2016 - 15:29

        Very pleased with it. Can handle my pics and video perfectly. Not bad at all for $143 when using a targeted 20% off eBay offer. Thanks to all who helped.

• 

  lost69 on 30/03/2016 - 07:36

  Both are poor. No USB 3, no SSD, and that iGPU will die under HEVC. A 5450 is so ancient its as fast as the iGPU. Look at Gumtree I saw an ad for split parts that had a mobo, CPU, and PSU for sale.

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 30/03/2016 - 18:52

    Thanks for your comment. I'm not expecting too much for $200. I don't think I'd assemble a pc (that's what you are suggesting?). Do you have any suggestions for a pc with specs you think are acceptable that doesn't cost too much?

    • 

      lost69 on 31/03/2016 - 07:08

      -1

      http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sydney-city/components/assort…

      That has most of what you need minus a case. Only a basic dual core for the CPU but its Haswell and its a drop in replacement in the future if you decide to upgrade. I still wouldn't spend $200 on old crap with an old chipset. Even that CPU in that ad has HD 4600, slightly cut down which can do 1080p60.