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Computer Buying Advice

Barf
in General
Hey guys,

So, I'm thinking of getting a new computer since my current laptop is getting slower and slower... been really convinced with the back to school deals. I'm thinking of getting a desktop as it seems like I rarely ever need to bring my laptop to school... (esp since I got an ipad to take notes and there's computer at sfu for other stuff). I'm not a hardcore gamer, so I don't think I'll need one of those $1000+ systems. I think a slightly better than everyday computer would be okay as I am learning some programming. I've been looking at some computers at Bestbuy and these caught my eyes... Please give me some advice and suggestions! A ranking of the following would be great. Also, if you think there is something better for around the same price, please let me know! THANKS!





Comments

  • TalkUBC
    edited September 2015
    I would rank it as:
    1. asus-m32ad-pc-brushed-metal-intel-core-i5-4460
    2. lenovo-h50-desktop-pc-amd-a10-7800
    3. asus-m32-pc-amd-a10-6700
    4. cer-aspire-tc-desktop-pc-intel-core-i5

    Taking into the price difference and specs is how I ranked them. It depends whether you're willing to spend an extra $100, or $50 for the differences in processor etc.

    If you just play something like LoL or something these will run smoothly, even other games on low settings and TF2 on high settings. The AMD graphics processor one is the best video card IMO just from reputation. Programming and coding you probably don't need much processing power at the basic level but probably lots of RAM for a better work space. I'm not too worried about the HDD's, but if you want speed I'd recommend purchasing a Samsung EVO SSD to put all your programs and the OS on it, and have your files on the stock HDD. Or if you're willing, buy a bigger SSD and put everything on it, just back up regularly.

    In terms of looks though, I personally think the ACER looks the best :P But it's nothing compared to custom towers.
  • ryan
    For the CPUs intel i5 4460 is the best, where as the AMD A10 6700k AMD A10 7800 are comparable.

    I dont see any reason to get the asus M32, The asus m32ad is a better machine. I think I would actually rank the acer number 2 if you don't care much about gaming. It has the exact same cpu as the m32ad, it just doesn't have the video card and because of that you save $130 (which if you wanted to you could use to buy a better video card than the r9 255.) I don't expect you will notice a difference between 8 and 12 gb of ram.

    So I guess I would rank them
    1) asus m32ad
    2) acer
    3) lenovo
    4) asus m32

    To be honest none of these machines are terribly exciting though. For the price I might just get a laptop, or else wait a little longer until you can spend a little more.Most desktops in the 400-600 range are all meh. If you are okay with meh then I would look for the cheapest one since I don't think the more expensive ones will really be noticeably better. Or if you could increase your budget a little to 700-800 then I think there are better machines in that range.
  • Annie
    Always check to see whether there's an educational discount.  Even if it's not much it's better than nothing...
  • ekushay
    I'm a bit late to the game but I highly recommend building your own! You can build your own computer for just $600.

    Unlike buying a prebuilt which is always much more costly than it should be, custom building will be better cuz you'll always be saving money. If you need help you could just go to Reddit's buildapcforme sub, and post a request. I got tons of help from there and from friends too. It'll be fun =)
  • TalkUBC
    ^I beg to differ on that one. Pre-built things will mostly always be cheaper because they aren't custom and are made in high volume as mass market products, which makes them cheaper just through economies of scale. Whereas custom you have to buy each individual component. It may be cheaper if certain parts are on sale though. Also may be hard if you don't know what you're doing, whereas you will always know a store-bought PC will work and has decent warranty.
  • Barf

    Thanks everyone for your inputs, really appreciate it.
  • Tofu
    @TalkUBC No, i really disagree on that =/ The only case where it would be better to buy prebuilt is in situations where you just want a cheap $300 computer. If you ever want to consider a performance PC, its always better to build your own. I'll list some reasons:
    - You get to choose every part you need. Huge pro already because prebuilt PCs at bestbuy/futureshop/etc. have poorly optimized builds. You have an i7 CPU worth $400 in a prebuilt that has locked cores with no option to overclock whereas you can pick an i5 with unlocked cores worth half the price which you can overclock to perform better than the i7. Graphics cards are so bad in prebuilts and even a $1000 prebuilt PC can only play games on medium settings at most. I can easily build a $1000 PC that can run everything at high or ultra in 1080p. Also I do not need 16 or 24gb of RAM, so why waste the costs?
    - It's true that prebuilts costs less to produce but they increase its worth because retail stores are businesses and need to make money somehow. Listed with the reason i stated that they suck at picking parts, it gets way overpriced for what its worth.
    - People buy prebuilts because its easy, fast and requires no knowledge of computers. You are also paying for the convenience. The warranty they provide is stupid because they don't know how to fix computers (otherwise they would be working at NCIX and not bestbuy) and it takes a long time to get it fixed if they "think" its fixable at all. At least with individual parts, the warranties last longer and more reliable. Instead of taking a whole computer to the shop, just remove and replace one part.
    - Upgradability! So important. Prebuilts do not allow for any customization especially since they come with very low capacity power supplies. You want a new video card? Replace the power supply. Oh and get a new motherboard because it would fit your new graphics card. The case is impossible too so replace that too. Might as well buy a new prebuilt. Or better yet, have a custom PC and only have to upgrade 1 part. 
    - It's really not hard to build a PC. If you can fit shapes in the right holes like you did in kindergarten, then you can build a PC. And of course, a little knowledge is involved too but its pretty much like finding what type of battery goes into your gameboy. The people that say its hard are the people who have never done it or considered it before.
    I've built many PCs and I can go on and on. In the end, custom is better. For simple, cheap machines under $300, prebuilts are ok. 
  • TalkUBC
    I wasn't referring to performance PC's, but high volume mass market machines for the average consumer.
  • jianming
    edited October 2015
    Search for SurplusByDesign on eBay. I'm not affiliated in any way with them, but I've bought 5 laptops from them and always get a great deal. They always say they have scuffs etc. but there's NOTHING when you get them. The only bad thing is they have non-OEM charges (but I've never had any trouble with the third party ones). I use Gixen.com to snipe laptops, checking what they sold for from other companies and under-bidding super low, till one wins. It takes a week or two but you get a great deal.

    I love having a laptop. I haven't turned on my desktop in a year and a half--and there's no way I'd want to lug that thing to China with me. Unless you're trying to play Charted on high specs.

    If you don't go for SurplusByDesign, find something on Newegg.ca then cross-check it on shopbot.ca and NCIX.ca

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