Possible to find decent desktop computer for $400? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Nate · #1 08-30-2012, 01:13 AM

I'm thinking my "insignia" desktop is on it's last legs. I just reloaded XP the 3rd time in a week, and am still having issues somethimes hanging at startup. In addition to that, I think my DVD-R drive has a bad bearing (helicopter noise when reading disk)
The computer is obsolete, and was a cheap one to begin with.

I've got a budjet for a desktop tower only of around $400. Prebuilt only. I understand I'll need to spend another $100-$150 on software, and that factors into my price of the tower unit.

What I've hated about the computer I'm currently on...

Integrated graphics card that cannot keep up with anything resembling a video game.

Low RAM (max capactity of 1gig)

No front USB ports

Only 4 USB ports

I dont need huge hard drive capacity (currently have a 160gig, which is about 1/2 full or less)

I'm not particular to any brands.

I have ZERO interest in building my own. None.

I qualify for military and student discounts, so that "may" be a deciding factor on brand, whomever offers the best deals.

Any ideas or input?
tks
~Nate

JohnM. · #2 08-30-2012, 01:38 AM

You've been out of the game for awhile, I can tell.

$400 gets you a veritable shiatton of computing power these days.

You won't get anything less than i5/i7 Quad Core, 4-12GB of RAM, 1TB HDD, 1GB Graphics Card, Windows 7 for $400.

Stick with Dell and HP...in that order.

MIMB4ME · #3 08-30-2012, 02:09 AM

replace vid card fan or other various fans in case. Several laptops i need to do this too lol.

yah what he said.

Like those all in one touch screens for 700 at best buy or build your own quad core for <300

www.pricewatch.com
and
www.tomshardware.com

are your friend.

Nate · #4 08-30-2012, 02:13 AM

Its integrated graphics, and only has 1 fan on the entire case. The fan isnt blocked, and I just blew the dust out again (wasnt much)

Its time to get a new one. Bought in 2006 for around $500, i think it's served its purpose.

Best place to buy one is the question I guess.

~Nate

rs899 · #5 08-30-2012, 06:56 AM

Around these parts there are lots of good used ones available, if you don't need the latest and greatest. I picked up a Pentium 4 put-together with (stolen) Windows 7 for $40 and added a decent graphics card for another $20 or so and I should be set for another few years.

cullennewsom · #6 08-30-2012, 08:07 AM

eMachines used to make decent no-frills desktop machines. I can't vouch for their quality as of late. Looks like their most expensive desktop is $300.00

Quote:

EL1360G-UW11P

Windows® 7 Home Premium - 1.3GHz AMD Dual-Core E-300 - 4GB memory - 500GB storage - Integrated AMD Radeon™ HD6300 Graphics - 16X DVD±RW DL - gigabit LAN - HDMI®

Also check Pricewatch - Web's first Price Comparison site. Find the lowest price, deals on tech and more if you know what you're looking for.

Personally, I avoid HP (especially HP laptops) like the plague.

And have a look at Newegg Newegg.com - Desktop PCs, Desktop Computers

Antony · #7 08-30-2012, 08:10 AM

TigerDirect.com - Electronics, Tablets, Phones, Office Supplies & Video Games
That should help.
Have a great Labor Day weekend.

TheDon · #8 08-30-2012, 09:17 AM

I bought a Lenovo laptop for a hair over $400 a few months ago from Best Buy. Right now is the time to buy, especially with all of the back to school stuff. I think Microsoft even has a special going that if you buy a PC from one of their stores you get a free xbox 360.

jplinville · #9 08-30-2012, 09:31 AM

Best Buy is having some very nice sales on computers going on. A few weeks ago, I had to find a replacement for mom's desktop model, which died off after 10 years of use. I ended up picking up a HP laptop for $379. It was much more powerful than her old one, and was a crap load cheaper, too.

My dad had my younger brother order the old desktop from Dell at a whopping price of $4k in 2002...and it's had a ton of work performed on it over the years...new HD, new motherboard, 3 new video cards, etc. She's invested nearly $7k into it, counting purchase price, over the years. The new laptop is much more powerful, and much cheaper than what she had.

link · #10 08-30-2012, 09:50 AM

Try your local computer recycler. For your price range you’ll probably find a perfectly suitable notebook or desktop and have some $$ left over

cmbdiesel · #11 08-30-2012, 07:52 PM

I bought a pair of Dell Optiplex 745's with win 7 pro and office 2010 for my kids, think they were $120 apiece. Amazon, front source computers. Both work great and seem pretty stable. Office by itself would have been more than the price of the machines.

MIMB4ME · #12 08-30-2012, 08:03 PM

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GTStinger · #13 08-30-2012, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rs899

Around these parts there are lots of good used ones available, if you don't need the latest and greatest. I picked up a Pentium 4 put-together with (stolen) Windows 7 for $40 and added a decent graphics card for another $20 or so and I should be set for another few years.

Second. I've always bought off craigslist from somebody that has to upgrade every year or two. I look for a home built PC where the owner used high quality components. If they list a top tier power supply, odds are the other parts are good.

A $100-$200 PC off CL will probably seem lightyears faster than what you have now.

daveuz · #14 08-30-2012, 10:02 PM

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