Need Help What Computer to Buy

LRobyn102 on 11/01/2025 - 11:23
Last edited 11/01/2025 - 17:02 by 1 other user

Hello, we are basically computer ignorant so hoping for some knowledgeable help.

Our current one was built for us running windows 7 and has been upgraded to 10. The monitor and keyboard have since been replaced so they are ok. I am sure an off the shelf will be fine as we are retired and do the usual stuff Spotify and some low level gaming so I think a budget PC is all we need.

The current computer is AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Six-Core Processor 4.05 GHz, 8 gb ram Nvidia wmv. We are looking for 5+ years of use so maybe oversize to allow for the constant need for more power. Hopefully I have given you a clear picture and any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Robyn.

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • Godric on 11/01/2025 - 11:27
    +5

    I am intrigued to understand your definition of what low level gaming is

  • elgrande on 11/01/2025 - 11:41
    +1

    Hi Robyn, what games are you looking to play? That will be the deciding factor.

  • Robyn102 on 11/01/2025 - 11:42

    Taonga and Big Farm are about as exciting as it gets these days.

  • ihfree on 11/01/2025 - 12:54

    What you have looks fine for what you're doing. What problems are you currently facing?

  • Robyn102 on 11/01/2025 - 13:26

    It is sluggish, freezes up and was turning itself off and wouldn't restart. That hasn't happened recently I did take the cover off and give it a thorough clean was very dusty, don't know if they are connected or not. To me the biggest problem is that 10 will not be supported much longer and I doubt it will cope with 11 from what I've read so seemed it is time for an upgrade.

    • Shoocat on 11/01/2025 - 13:32

      As above, specifically what games do you play? Low level gaming could mean in-browser solitaire or occasional first-person shooters and everything in between.

    • Godric on 11/01/2025 - 17:17
      +2

      Both games you specified are Browser Based games

      The components you listed are more than capable of running browser based games

      It could also be power supply or over heating issue, or software related, i.e low system volume, cache has not been cleared in a long time, potentially downloaded malware, etc.

      If you you have a nerd in the family, get them to help with basic diagnostics/maintenance

      Else if content on buying new, nearly anything will fit your use case of browser based gaming, just ask someone at Jb

    • Shoocat on 11/01/2025 - 20:41

      Have you looked at the mini PCs on Amazon? If you're just browser gaming they'll more than suffice. They are pretty cheap and small in size these days. Also lowish power consumption and quiet.

      See one of the many beelink or other deals on Ozbargain recently.

    • Pidgeon on 12/01/2025 - 16:30

      It does not sound like there is a lot wrong with your current computer and maybe 30 mins from a nerd would give it a tune up and it could last year's. I'm personally using a computer from 2011 still.

      I did a quick google and based on the computer specs you provided windows 11 would work on your computer. I would check using the windows 11 pC health check here:

      https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/how-to-check-if-…

      • Robyn102 on 14/01/2025 - 10:42

        Thanks I did the pc check and it said no but it did tell me how to possibly fix it. Seems like a few hundred on service from the local it shop maybe worth it.

        • Pidgeon on 14/01/2025 - 13:36

          If you have to spend a few hundred then it is not worth it. If you have a nerdy friend to do it go this route

  • RotundPolarBear on 12/01/2025 - 13:10

    You may want to consider a refurb from eBay. I have a cheap HP Elitedesk from these guys and it works well. Came with Windows 11 too.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/str/australiancomputertraders

  • Robyn102 on 12/01/2025 - 13:23

    Thanks for your input, I'm afraid I am showing my ignorance here. I have old games on disc which honestly probably don't care that much. I'm assuming you mean games you download through Steam are the ones that need a video card and not the browser ones I currently play?

  • Robyn102 on 13/01/2025 - 16:59

    My local shop offered me ThinkCentre neo 50q Gen 4, Tiny i5 Windows11 256gb 16gbram what do you think of this setup?

    • Pidgeon on 14/01/2025 - 13:36

      Sound more than powerful enough.

      • Robyn102 on 14/01/2025 - 21:36

        I was told by friend that it wouldn't be suitable as it was more an office machine and didn't have graphics card ?needed to play games. I might have the hardware bit wrong as it was before Christmas. They were charging $1295 and setup transfer data was an extra $300.that seems expensive to me as Lenovo themselves sell it for $926. Am I missing something? Would you recommend this or something else. Thanks

        • Pidgeon on 14/01/2025 - 22:03

          Can you name three of the more graphical games you play?

          I thought I read you were playing mainly browser based games.

        • Pidgeon on 14/01/2025 - 22:05

          If you need a graphics card this could be an option:

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/888856

          • snapper17 on 15/01/2025 - 00:08
            +1

            @Pidgeon: i was just about to suggest it. Good value for that budget. I would go for the 4060 version

            • Robyn102 on 17/01/2025 - 22:23

              @snapper17: Thanks very much will definitely consider it. If i put win 11 on will 8gb be ok or will I need to upgrade in a couple of years ? I lnow how data hungry each new software seems to be/ Thanks again for your assistance.

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