Recommendations for sub $300 PC?

[Deactivated] on 25/09/2019 - 07:37
Last edited 25/09/2019 - 07:39

Hi OzB fam, could I pick anything up under $300 that would best my current rig?
It's a Toshiba satellite with an i5 3339Y CPU @ 1.50ghz.
4gb ram
100gb SSD

Don't mind a desktop as long as it could play 4k UHD via HDMI.
I'm guessing a desktop probably uses more power than a laptop but not too much more?
I don't play games but would love the UHD video playback ability for large video files.
I also need to leave PC running non stop for hobby/work is why I'm asking re power co consumption.
Thanks guys!

Computing

Comments

  • Kangal on 25/09/2019 - 08:03
    +3

    $269, Here you go

    Your system would be already stressed out with the small RAM, slow iGPU, slow 2-core CPU, and your storage is anaemic. It's probably still running Windows 7.

    This comes with Windows10 Pro preinstalled for your connivance. There's enough RAM (8GB) for modern tasks, the iGPU (GT2) is definitely faster, and you'll see a big improvement with a faster CPU and with 4 cores/8 threads. It doesn't solve your storage issue, but this could be fixed rather easily, since SSD's are much cheaper now. And you also get a couple bonuses like the CD/DVD writer and USB 3.0 ports.

    It will only hit 2560 x 1600 at 60Hz with that HDMI 1.4/DisplayPort connection, so definitely no 4K/HDR. There's no ARM based alternative for 4K besides the Nvidia Shield TV. And for x86 systems, you're always going to be looking for used systems like this at this budget. To hit 4K with this Optiplex you would need a dGPU. You can get something cheap like a Nvidia GT 1030 or as powerful as the Nvidia GTX 1650 for gaming (or anything in between).

    • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2019 - 00:55

      Hey mate, the 4k is a must so maybe I'm pushing it with sub 300$?
      Are there similar things in the sub $400 range that can play 4k with an Intel integrated graphics thingy?
      Thanks for the info!

      • Kangal on 26/09/2019 - 01:34
        +2

        Yeah, generally you would have to push your budget up to $600.
        I found these ones, they have a slightly faster iGPU which supports UHD/4K at 60Hz through the DisplayPort:
        -$480 for a 2016 model, with the newer DDR4 RAM
        -$520 for a 2014 model, more RAM and a larger case

        …you won't need a dGPU for 4K, unless you want HDR or 4K-Multimonitor support. It should handle eSports games, and AAA-titles from 2010 or earlier. Newer AAA games won't work unless you do some "lowspecgamer" changes. The newer model (14nm) should support Vulkan, but the older 5th/4th/3rd/2nd/1st-generation "Core-i" processors won't support the Vulkan API for the iGPU.

        • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2019 - 06:51

          Yo, thanks heaps for the help.
          I'm only after 4k video playback, don't play any games (x box for that).
          But yeah I'm gonna expand my budget a bit now. Perhaps one of the techfast budget PC's will take care of any 4k video needs.
          Cheers again!

        • [Deactivated] on 19/10/2019 - 16:34

          Hey, was after your thoughts on this one:
          360$
          Brand HP
          Process Intel Core i5-2400 (3.10 GHz, 6MB cache, 4 cores)
          Chipset Intel Q65 or Q67 Express
          Memory 8 GB
          Storage SSD 240GB

          Ports
          10 USB 2.0
          1 serial
          1 VGA video
          1 DisplayPort/DVI
          1 PS/2 keyboard
          1 PS/2 mouse
          1 RJ-45

          NVIDIA GT 710 2GB DDR3 (HDMI+VGA+DVI) - Details at the end of the description >> *
          NVIDIA GT 1030 2Gb DDR5 (HDMI+Display Port) - Details at the end of the description >> *

          Slot 1 low-profile PCI
          1 low-profile PCIe x1
          2 low-profile PCIe x16

          Audio

          Realtek ALC261 high definition audio codec (all ports are stereo)

          Network Integrated Intel 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet Lan
          NETGEAR N-300 USB Wifi

          • Kangal on 19/10/2019 - 18:56
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: Skip it.
            That's from an eBay/Gumtree ad, and they want you to pay extra for the dGPU. I would stay away from the MX150/GT1030 GPUs because they've been gimped. Instead go for a GTX 1050/Ti/1650 instead.

            On top of that, the PC isn't that great for the price. For instance, a fortnite ago I picked up another OptiPlex 9020 SFF for $300. It came with an Intel 4970k, 16GB RAM, and 500GB SSD (Samsung Evo). It has an Intel iGPU that can do 4K and eSports or games pre-2010. I threw in a $20 dongle for Bluetooth and Wifi.

            edit: I recommend you get this $450 one instead. You can upgrade it upto 32GB DDR4, GTX 1650, and 2TB SSD. But I personally recommend only 16GB, GTX 1050, and 1TB SSD.
            https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dell-Optiplex-7040-SFF-i7-3-4GHz…

  • SnowDragon on 25/09/2019 - 08:05
    +1

    Just wait for a new Optiplex deal to come around. Something like this

    Edit: ^ beat me by 1 minute :)

    • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2019 - 00:53

      Cheers, they go like lightning lol

  • Brotality on 25/09/2019 - 08:53
    +1

    If you are happy to upgrade the memory and SSD, this optiplex represents the best value of all time

    It's important to note that this i3 has roughly half the processing power of the previously suggested model, but if you only need it to play stuff on TV, it will be more than enough.

    Also since this is a Gen newer than the last suggested model, the built in iGPU (HD 4600) can do 4k60Hz over displayport. You might be able to get the TV working with a displayport to HDMI 2.0 adapter

    I've got a similar CPU (i5 4570) and it draws around 60W at idle. This one should be a bit less.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2019 - 00:50

      Thanks bud, much appreciated!

    • [Deactivated] on 19/10/2019 - 16:35

      Whatdya' reckon ? 360$
      Process Intel Core i5-2400 (3.10 GHz, 6MB cache, 4 cores)
      Chipset Intel Q65 or Q67 Express
      Memory 8 GB
      Storage SSD 240GB

      Ports
      10 USB 2.0
      1 serial
      1 VGA video
      1 DisplayPort/DVI
      1 PS/2 keyboard
      1 PS/2 mouse
      1 RJ-45

      NVIDIA GT 710 2GB DDR3 (HDMI+VGA+DVI) - Details at the end of the description >> *
      NVIDIA GT 1030 2Gb DDR5 (HDMI+Display Port) - Details at the end of the description >> *

      Slot 1 low-profile PCI
      1 low-profile PCIe x1
      2 low-profile PCIe x16

      Audio

      Realtek ALC261 high definition audio codec (all ports are stereo)

      Network Integrated Intel 82579LM Gigabit Ethernet Lan
      NETGEAR N-300 USB Wifi

      • Brotality on 20/10/2019 - 13:20
        +1

        That is super expensive for what it is. i5-2400 is is about 8 years old now and the most basic i3 today will wipe the floor with it. The 710GT is as bad as the built in iGPU and the 1030 isn't much better.

        You can get waaaaaaay better for $360

  • Cheeper on 25/09/2019 - 09:37
    +1

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dell-Optiplex-9020-SFF-Desktop-P…
    $175, 128ssd, 8gb ram I5-4570

    • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2019 - 21:52

      Hey, thanks heaps for the link..would this play 4k video via displayport>HDMI adapter?

    • [Deactivated] on 25/09/2019 - 21:52

      Thanks mate!

  • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2019 - 00:52

    Hey guys, any thoughts on this?
    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HP-Elite-8300-Ultra-Slim-Desktop…

    • Kangal on 26/09/2019 - 09:58
      +1

      It's good, but no 4K on that one.
      The $480 Dell I linked seems to be the best one on eBay at the moment. Best of luck with whatever you end up getting!

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