New desktop time. Basic unit, for simple video editing, documents and spreadsheets

Euphemistic on 22/04/2017 - 19:27
Last edited 22/04/2017 - 19:37

Hi all,

I'm a bit out of touch with computers, been a while since I played with them and my current home built unit is so slow it's not funny. I did have an idea what was decent when it was built, but that is now probably over 5 years ago.

I'm after a new unit that will predominantly used for word processing, spreadsheets, cutting and splicing video footage from GoPro, and cropping and sorting photos.

What sort of specs should I be looking for? At this stage I'd prefer to buy off the shelf rather than build again. No need for a monitor, although a bigger one might be nice if a good bundle can be found.

Thanks in advance.

Edit for clarity: don't really have a budget yet, but I don't want the best computer on the planet, rather something that will cope with what I do. Is $500 going to cut it? don't want to spend heaps, def not over $1k.
Using Windows, and comfortable with that for now.
Happy to by in store or online, but want a reputable Aussie outlet.

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 22/04/2017 - 19:34
    +1

    New AMD Ryzen 7 processors would be great for creative media editing, plenty of cores and up to 16 threads depending on your budget. Though Ryzen 5 might be more desirable if you want to keep it under a grand.

    Start off with how much money you are willing to spend, including operating system and postage costs

    • Euphemistic on 22/04/2017 - 19:37

      Updated OP.

      • scrimshaw on 22/04/2017 - 19:46
        +2

        Looking at the Ryzen 5 Lineup, you'll probably want the Ryzen 5 1600. It provides 6-cores and 12 CPU threads.

        It'll cost you $299. That's already 3/10 of your budget, but it's worth it.

        Next question. Storage.

        Do you already own a large number of bare drives (that is, desktop HDD's) that could be carried over to your next build? If yes: you could save money by transferring your current drives to your new system.
        Do you also already own an SSD?

        Parts Cost
        Ryzen 5 1600 299
        G.Skill F4 RAM kit (16Gb) 129
        MSI B350M GAMING PRO AMD B350 120
        Crucial MX300 (CT275MX300SSD1) 275GB Solid State Drive 135
        Antec VP 500 59
        Corsair Carbide CC100R 69
        Total 811
  • MITM on 22/04/2017 - 20:47

    Just upgrade a few parts. If you find the motherboard model number and go to the manufacturers website - often they will recommend what components you can upgrade - chip, ram etc.
    Next I'd recommend installing a new SSD and migrate/mirror the existing HDD to it (the SSD will come with the software to do so). -this will add massive speed.

    • altomic on 23/04/2017 - 01:00
      +1

      Yeah, ssd with clean windows install. Extra ram. Use old HDD as storage. Sweet

      • Euphemistic on 23/04/2017 - 21:37

        Thanks, but I'll get a complete system. The current one seems to over heat if it is ever asked to do any serious work, like converting video. I can't even remeber the specs on it but Tia was half decent at the time (but not a gaming rig)

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