I have a laptop that has reached the end of its life span. I am now wanting a desktop computer. I want one that can handle quite a bit of streaming and downloading of music and movies. I also want to have dual monitors and a docking station so I can use my work laptop when I need to. My work laptop is a Dell and this, I think, is the docking station I use at work and would use at home. I am not the most tech savvy person in the world (even though the word "Technologist" is in my job title), so any advice is greatly appreciated. On TechBargains there is a Dell Optiplex 790 Intel Core i5-2400 3.1GHz Quad-Core Desktop w/ Dual 22in LCDs for $829.00 (it says $729 at the TechBargains site, but the product it links to is $829). Is that a good deal? Is that processor good? Can this handle hours of use a day with plenty of streaming and downloading? And if so, for how long? (I'm not a computer gamer so it doesn't need to be good at that.)
ok sounds like you just want to use your computer as a TV replacement-ish type of thing the computer is fine, but make sure to shop around, it seems a bit pricey without knowing the exact specs make sure the computer has a video card capable of supporting 2 monitors, most do, but it's something to be aware of
Streaming and downloading stuff are more on your internet connection than your desktop. So the question would be what is your internet provider and what speed did you sign up for. Depending on what you do for work, I think 4 gb of ram is decent. Apart from streaming and downloading stuff what else do you usually use your computer for?
Yeah, it will kind of be a TV supplement more than a replacement. Streaming from my comp and displaying it on my TV. Here's a link to the Dell site about the computer/deal: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...7502-F012A00C289231C0A01289231A289231A01A0A00 That has some more info. Not sure if it has the specs you are talking about... cuz I'm kinda dumb... But is this considered pricey? I ask because I honestly don't know. It comes with two 22" monitors. I have Comcast right now but could change to AT&T if it's better. I will be using this computer stricly for personal use. All of my work will be done on the laptop. I'm planning on having a docking station so I can alternate between this CPU for personal use and the laptop for work - using the dual monitors for both. (Btw, if that is a dumb idea for reasons I don't quite understand, feel free to point them out.)
Since it comes with 2 x 22" monitors, it's a pretty good deal But under the video card, you will want to upgrade to 512MB AMD RADEON HD 6350 (2 DVI)
The computer you linked will be more than sufficient. In fact if your major purpose will be streaming and downloading it could be overload. It looks like newegg has the same pc or very close for less: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155359 This Acer might also fit the bill as long as one of your monitors has hdmi, looks like a DVI and HDMI option for dual screens: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883103421
Opps didn't see that the original link included two 22" monitors, sounds like that is a good deal if you don't have monitors already that you can use.
For speed the biggest bottleneck by far for everyday tasks is hard drives. If you get that one I would add an SSD and everything will go much faster.
Thank you. Much appreciated. Thank you. But... this make it $1143. The SSD is an additional $314. I realize this is subjective, but do you think the difference in performance justifies the additional $314?
What type of SSD for 314 bucks? That is from Dell? I would buy it without SSD then add one like this http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-2-5-Inch-Solid-State-CT128M4SSD2/dp/B004W2JKZI Then you would run the system on the SSD for speed and have storage with your other drive. It would be simply on a new computer, just plug it in then run recovery. EDITED: I just checked your link, don't buy it from Dell, get one elsewhere then install it when new. On a new computer with recovery DVD's it will be simple.
SSD is probably the biggest upgrade your can make today. You can find 60gb ones for about $60, and use it as boot drive only. At 300+ it's hard to justify the cost, and opening the case might void your warranty.
Are you serious? I have never bought a prebuilt and have no idea, but why would that be the case? What about cleaning or basic upgrades? Also for what they cost now, I would say to get a 120GB minimum size for system disk. 60GB will be pushing it and you will be using the storage drive much more.
Thought it's common practice, looked up to be sure since I don't buy computers either. http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/psyd/removing.htm
Unless you play games, the speed you gain from premium parts are a waste. Right now windows operating system and the applications that use it (firefox, etc) are extremely inefficient to leverage the hardware. I have over 3000 dollars worth of computer parts tied up in my system that I purchased a year ago, and while it's fast, it's not 3000.00 worth fast. I also disagree that the biggest bottleneck is the harddrive. It is the operating system itself. This is why a fresh install is snappy but in a few days it gets sluggish. An ssd isn't going to make a dent in the operating system itself slowness. I'd almost tell you to spend your money on an ipad or a tablet pc because why waste money. Or even better, an internet ready tv.
That's just silly. First off, it is hard to say an OS is a bottle neck and dumb to say it is larger than a piece of hardware. Secondly, an SSD kills for day to day stuff. Loading programs, reboots, sleep-hibernate, the slowest factor is always storage.
I would suggest you build one. Its fun, easy, will save you a lot of $$, and your system will be free of junk programs that come pre-loaded with a new system.
I had exactly your needs, and I used this guide with the Intel-Based Office PC configuration http://www.tomshardware.com/system-configuration-recommendation-51.html
I prefer a lap top with a docking station and a 32" monitor. You can get a tuner on your lap top but its easy to watch programs with out a tuner such as netflix.
Here's the cheap build without the OS and monitors. But that deal there is not bad at all with the dual monitor. The onboard video card is horrendous. I don't think they will let you upgrade the video card but on Dell website it will let you upgrade to the AMD RADEON HD 635 for an extra $75 with the total of around $900. My total is around $660 without the OS and dual 22" monitors. If you are planning on buying that complete system make sure to uninstall all the crap wares or do a clean installation of Windows. video card $149.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908 power supply 500W $49.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produc...p=Cat_Power_Supplies-_-Spotlight-_-17-171-031 Memory 6GB $42.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231225 Motherboard $119.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138319 Intel Core i3-2100 $129.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115078 Mid-Tower Case $59.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119227 Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB $139.99 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284
