What to Look for When Buying an Ex-Lease Computer (It's for My Parents)

Ldoznbay on 03/09/2017 - 23:38
Last edited 04/09/2017 - 08:28 by 1 other user

Hey everyone - hopefully someone has some good tips/advice for me!

Basically my parent's PC is getting a bit old (it's probably 8-10 years old, definitely worse than those Core 2 Duos). Anyway, it's running a bit slow and I was planning to upgrade to a new PC.

Nothing fancy as the most strenuous stuff they do is watch HD movies. I'm thinking just a better processor, a bit more RAM, and most importantly SSD and Windows 10 and they should be good to go! One thing I may consider is getting a GFX card that allows dual monitor support, or something that allows them to connect to Bluetooth.

I was doing some research and found some threads on Whirlpool / OzB - saying that ex-lease computers are the way to go for budget type PCs because they are built really well and really affordable.

Without doing any additional research for now, does anyone know things I should be looking out for? Or are there the 'best value' models I should be looking out for? I've been seeing quite a few Dell Optiplex … but no idea on how these rate?

Also any sites that I could look at would be really helpful too. A lot of people seem to suggest eBay / Gumtree as well…so I can start browsing that too.

Thanks in advance!

Computing

Comments

  • PJC on 04/09/2017 - 00:56
    -5

    Consider doubling the RAM on the old PC.

    • garetz on 04/09/2017 - 03:32

      The old pc is 8-10 years old, doubling the ram isnt going to do a thing. Not to mention finding said ram will be extremely difficult.

      Just find a 2nd hand comp thats 2-3 years old, what they are using it for isnt very intensive. I usually buy a 2nd hand comp deal thats 12-18 months old, and keep it for 4-5 years for best value and longevity.

    • ThithLord on 04/09/2017 - 08:28

      lol, aaaah yes, the old magical RAM. Doesn't matter how deteriorated your PC is - double the RAM and you'll have a computer that performs like the best of 'em!

  • AdosHouse on 04/09/2017 - 05:12

    For on the cheap, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Acer-Veriton-X6620G-SFF-Desktop-P… , then add an SSD like this, https://www.umart.com.au/umart1/pro/Products-details.phtml?i… , get a monitor, and done. Cheap good PC, with free upgrade to Windows 10.

    • doznbay on 04/09/2017 - 19:22

      Wow that's pretty cheap. I think I'd rather get something a tad higher just to save an upgrade down the way. $300+ is more my budget I would say, thanks!

  • chartparker on 04/09/2017 - 09:05

    Have you got a particular budget in mind? Sometimes you can put a new computer with decent entry level parts for not much more than a second hand unit. Sometimes.

    • doznbay on 04/09/2017 - 19:14

      I'd probably say about $300-500? I'd probably be able to re-use the case/PSU and even maybe the graphics card (it's very basic). But I thought it might have been cheaper just to buy 2nd hand and sell this current box away.

      Having a quick look, it looks like the Optiplex 9010 looks pretty decent already so I think around $300 is best bang for buck.

      • chartparker on 04/09/2017 - 20:16

        I actually forgot about the cost of the operating system, so yeah finding a branded secondhand system might be your best bet.

  • apple2016 on 04/09/2017 - 10:56

    Have a look at this

    • doznbay on 04/09/2017 - 19:25

      Thanks I'll take a look. Might be a stupid question - but any idea is there are 'go-to' manufacturers that have the best value for money / best reliability? I would presume not really, but thought I'd ask just in case.

      • scrimshaw on 05/09/2017 - 12:01

        Dell Optiplex. Try the 9000 series. 9010 or 9020. ebay has coupon codes, PAINT to take 10 percent off. It's a better deal most of the time.

        E.g
        Core i3 / 4G RAM 500GB HDD / $180 delivered

        core i5 / 8GB RAM 500GB HDD/ $230 delivered

        Obviously, Core i5 one is better value with more RAM and CPU power, but the Core i3 is sufficient for web browsing and Facebooking, if that's all your parents do.

        Add in SSD, $120 dollars for a Crucial MX300 275GB SSD (mentioned in a earlier comment) or WD Green SSD.

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