Budget PC Build for Older Relative Who Just Wants to Stream Movies, YouTube, etc.?

AustriaBargain on 03/02/2023 - 16:20

All the PC builds here are for gaming and stuff, I can't really find a build for current parts that's just for non gaming use. I just need a reliable build for my older relative to view YouTube, have a bunch of browser windows open, etc. No gaming. Just a reliable PC to replace his ancient PC which is falling apart. I'd probably get him him a bigger 1080p monitor too, his eyesight has gotten worse since he bought his current monitor. He keeps adjusting the colours to try and increase the contrast to see better.

I have ordered from tech fast before and I'm not sure if that's the best way here, you end up with all random parts. And I think a rather plain looking case would do, not some plastic window showing all the scary wires and stuff.

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • Xistn on 03/02/2023 - 16:22

    Laptop.

  • RichardL on 03/02/2023 - 16:25
    +7

    Just get one of the Refurbished Dell OptiPlex/HP ProDesk/Lenovo ThinkCentre, they should be more than enough for YouTube, streaming, etc.

    • AustriaBargain on 03/02/2023 - 16:26
      -1

      Aren't those kinda crap?

      • RichardL on 03/02/2023 - 16:29
        +2

        They are usually ex-business computers used by workplace and university, so they should be more than enough to stream movies and watch YouTube.

        There's also option for older (ie. 4th Gen Intel) to newer specs (ie. 9th Gen Intel), depending on your budget.

      • spackbace on 03/02/2023 - 16:32
        +3

        Will do what you need them for, and then some.

        You don't need brand new components to view youtube…

        Though I'd question if they could be better off with a tablet?

      • ThithLord on 03/02/2023 - 17:05

        Mate I bought one from ACT and it's been an absolute gem - just be sure to get one with an SSD or you can usually upgrade via ACT to an SSD. Confirm it has HDMI or be sure to use a converter (but you may experience loss of fidelity - personally, I have DP to HDMI and it looks G to me)

      • CrispyChrispy on 03/02/2023 - 17:23

        If they were, they wouldn't be so popular.

        It's more than enough for general browser stuff and YT.

        • AustriaBargain on 03/02/2023 - 17:43
          -1

          I guess the internals are all different, some can be crap, some can be okay, and some can be good.

    • BLAIL on 03/02/2023 - 16:33

      I 2nd this

    • AustriaBargain on 03/02/2023 - 17:41

      Yeah this looks okay. It even has CD drive, which older people like.

  • BLAIL on 03/02/2023 - 16:30

    We have these at work, some people use them and i see them watching youtube in front of me.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0B765VF84

    • AustriaBargain on 03/02/2023 - 16:34

      That's interesting, it's so small. Would it struggle at all streaming YouTube in 4K while having a bunch of browser windows open do you think?

      • BLAIL on 03/02/2023 - 16:35

        oh 4k? yeah probably, just go for the refurb ozhunter linked

      • spackbace on 03/02/2023 - 16:36
        +2

        I'd probably get him him a bigger 1080p monitor too

        streaming YouTube in 4K

        Wut?

        • AustriaBargain on 03/02/2023 - 16:37

          Just in case he tries to force it in 4K it would be nice to know it won't make the computer crawl.

  • barbarella on 03/02/2023 - 17:11
    +1

    FYI I am a little old granny who uses the internet heaps for streaming, YouTube etc etc etc and I have a simple Acer Swift connected to a Samsung monitor. Its all good and does everything I want it to do. Nothing fancy needed.

  • Shoocat on 03/02/2023 - 19:00

    In the same boat as the OP. Older relo who wants a no fuss PC with no gaming, encoding etc., but doesn't want a refurb (I tried). Might have to end up building them one from parts.

    • AustriaBargain on 03/02/2023 - 19:06

      Yeah I'm getting feedback that a refurb is a bad idea. Seeing there's just a 30 day warranty too on that eBay one, vs years warranty on new parts. Though I guess I'd be the one doing diagnostics and warranty on the parts anyway.

  • Auspcbuilda on 04/02/2023 - 16:49

    https://www.amazon.com.au/PCG33-Windows-11-Pro-Computer-Ethe…

    This is not bad for your needs.

    • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 17:05

      Mmm, I don't think I like the look of that. Though the needs aren't great, I want to to have more than enough power. My own PCs last a very long time and never feel slow because I get good parts from the start. My extended family members tend to buy crap computers that are crap new and are crap even if you max out the RAM and put SSD in them because they are just utter crap, the pitiful CPU bottlenecks even a browser. I don't want to hear any complaints from him in four years that it feels slow or struggles to stream the football and a movie at the same time.

      • Auspcbuilda on 04/02/2023 - 17:09

        ok, so whats the budget?
        Are you able to build it or you need something prebuilt

        • AustriaBargain on 04/02/2023 - 17:13

          The budget is really whatever, but it looks like some of these refurbished computers have the more than enough power and are cheap. The one linked to above is sold out but I bet there's more, maybe even more powerful ones.

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