Desktop PC. All in One or Tower Type?

Euphemistic on 16/06/2017 - 17:46

Looking at a new computer for my desktop. Don't want a laptop as I want a bigger screen for photos, videos etc.

I've looked around and am now wondering whether I should go for an all in one or a traditional tower PC. In reality it doesn't get used that much, partially becuase our current one is painfully slow. I want to be able to cut and paste video clips and burn DVDs for grandma to watch what our kids are up to kids on her TV. Other uses are pretty basic, word processing, spreadsheets, occasional invitation designs etc.

I thought about just replacing the tower and using the old keyboard and screen, but after seeing some all in one units am not sure.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Computing

Comments

  • KitchenSink on 16/06/2017 - 18:54

    If you don't care so much about its upgrade ability like CPU, GPU, they work fine like buying another laptop, just more permanent and blown up in scale.

    HP and Dell have some nice ones. Do your research on models, you may be limited in upgrading the RAM or storage.

    • Euphemistic on 16/06/2017 - 21:20

      I can't be bothered upgrading anymore. Got more to do with my life! Once upon a time I'd be keen to upgrade, or keep up with the technology, but that was back when upgrades meant serious improvements in what I was using a PC for. These days most will do exactly what I need out of the box so why bother.

  • Kangal on 16/06/2017 - 19:17

    Don't get a Small Form Factor (SFF) or Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) desktop unit.
    Get a regular Mini/Full-sized Desktop Tower (mATX/ATX) OR get a All-in-One (AIO).

    The ATX are plain-jane and will service you no problems, and could be upgradeable to be very relevant in 5 years time.
    The AIO's are a sleek, simple solution… but usually have cheaper components and will age worse.

    Really up to you if you want the function, or the form.

    • Euphemistic on 16/06/2017 - 21:22

      When you put it like that, I think I prefer function. I guess with an ATX case there is no reason to cut back on function to make it fit in a pretty form. Seems to make sense. ATX it is.

  • alvian on 17/06/2017 - 04:39

    AIO are hard and expensive to repair. It is next to impossible to get spare parts in Australia once the manufacturer stops supporting the product. Speaking from experience you can kiss an AIO goodbye for as small a problem as a dead fan.

  • toomuchdogfur on 17/06/2017 - 07:29

    Unless space is a priority, a regular ATX desktop would be best even if you have no intention of upgrading. If anything breaks then a trip to MSY/Mwave/local PC shop and 15 minutes of YouTube tutorials should get you running again, whereas an AIO, SFF or USFF PC usually has proprietary components so you're gonna have to send it back for warranty, shell out $$$ for original vendor parts or haunt eBay for used spares. You have the option of using a Mini ITX mobo and chassis instead if you want to keep it small - the mobo will cost a little more but at least the rest of the components are standard.

    In my personal experience though, none of the systems I've built (some ATX but mostly Micro ATX and Mini ITX) have failed aside from mechanical HDD wear and tear - I even have an old Intel Core 2 Duo from 2006 still running here - whereas the two AIOs I had (a Dell Alienware Alpha and another HP) both abruptly decided to stop booting one day… I ended up selling them after they came back from warranty repair.

  • Pumpkin_rrr on 14/03/2018 - 15:53

    Hi @Euphemistic, what did you end up getting, and mind sharing with me?
    Thanks!

    • Euphemistic on 14/03/2018 - 16:19

      Twas a while ago, but I ended up with a new tower. I can't remember the spec list, but it works fine. Just purchased the one that seemed the best form the local seller, which happened to be JB hifi.

      • Pumpkin_rrr on 14/03/2018 - 16:31

        Thanks for replying.
        So you didnt get an AIO…..

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