What PC should I get?

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I'm looking to get a brand new powerful desktop or all in one PC. I'm using a few laptops with Windows 7 for Web development and bot creation (mostly with UBot but a few I coded myself). I want to run a lot of heavy stuff and I'm sticking with Windows. I'm looking in the I7 processor range or higher. I've seen a few nice ones online but I'm not about to buy something this big of an investment online. I don't really have a price range or a cap. I just wanted some opinions. Any thoughts on hardware/brand etc? Thanks guys.
#computer question #pc question #recommend pc
  • Profile picture of the author NatesMarketing
    I haven't purchased a computer in quite a while...but I always go through eBay...whitebox.

    You can get a very powerful machine for a great price (I know you said price isn't an option...so this may not matter)

    Then there are third party insurance/warranty companies...that will "cover" your whitebox PC.

    This is what I do...always.
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  • Gabrielanton,

    I’m not a bot builder but I use a laptop for a lot of heavey computing. For example I do a lot of video editing and work with multi-media. I also run a lot of programs at once that really suck up the RAM. I have been using a Dell Latitude with an i5 processor (running windows 7 64 bit with 3.88 GB of usable RAM).

    I’m usually doing about 100 things at once and it doesn’t slow it down too much. For example the other day I was loading files to an FTP site, rendering a video with Adobe Premiere pro and surfing the web and responding to email no problem while those things were running. Paid about 1700 for it.

    Hope that helps,

    Shawn
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I think the newer Dell's have an I9 processor in them. I'm a fan of Dell cause i used to work with them at my old computer job. Well... if you want optimum performance from a laptop (i know you said "desktop" though)... you should check out Dell's "Alienware" style of laptops. Will probably last you for the next 15 years. High price though.

    My top 2 are:

    1) Dell
    2) HP
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  • Profile picture of the author GabrielAnton
    Thanks for the replies so far. I'm a little wary of shopping for something this huge on E-Bay. I'm definitely thinking Dell though. I didn't know they had PC's with I9's in 'em. I'll be checking into that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny12345
    If you have any technical aptitude, you should at least consider building your own.

    That way, you can build EXACTLY what you want and choose top-quality parts.

    I haven't done it in a long time, but this guy has lots of great videos about building them...

    John

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  • Profile picture of the author millionebook
    I always like Dell
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    • Profile picture of the author tianangthang7
      Originally Posted by millionebook View Post

      I always like Dell
      me too
      Dell vostro 3560
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  • Profile picture of the author Lanii
    Build PC by yourself, you can save more than 40% in price and still get even more powerful computer.

    My recommendation (I got this also):

    Power supply: XFX 550W Core Edition
    Video Card: Sapphire AMD Radeon HD 7970 Vapor-X GHz Edition, 3GB GDDR5
    Processor choise 1: Intel Ivy Bridge i5-3570K
    Processor choise 2 (if you do video editing/rendering alot): Intel Ivy Bridge i7-3770K
    RAM: Kingston HyperX 2x4GB, DDR3 1600MHz
    SSD If needed (To make windows fast): Kingston 120GB SSDNow V300
    Harddrive: Seagate 1TB Barracuda
    Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Black Pearl ATX-case
    Motherboard: AsRock Z77 Pro4
    DVD/CD Reader/burner: DRW-24B5ST
    Wireless connection if needed: Asus PCE-N10, Wireless-N150 PCI-E Adapter

    Price when I purchased parts:
    1220,7 Euros
    1647,3 U.S. dollars

    If you don't know how to build computer from parts, get some friend to do it or you can propably pay some PC store to build it for you.

    "I'm looking in the I7 processor range or higher"
    Not worth to pay extra $100 for i7 if your not working with video rendering, real benefits of i7 comes in there.

    I got i5 and still happy even I do regulary video editing.
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  • Profile picture of the author natebunger
    If you are not the techie type and can't build a PC on your own, I also would suggest you get a Dell PC. I personally like them as well and has been happy with my unit. Lately though, I've been using my Mac but I know that's not one of your options.
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  • Profile picture of the author GabrielAnton
    Thanks for all the advice guys. I really wish I had the time to undertake learning PC hardware in order to feel comfortable building my own. From the replies so far that's the best way to go. I'll have to look into it more. Thanks for all the advice and references. Much appreciated!
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    • Profile picture of the author disenchanted
      Originally Posted by GabrielAnton View Post

      Thanks for all the advice guys. I really wish I had the time to undertake learning PC hardware in order to feel comfortable building my own. From the replies so far that's the best way to go. I'll have to look into it more. Thanks for all the advice and references. Much appreciated!
      I have been repairing, upgrading and building PCs for over 20 years.

      Most of the replies/answers to your post mention two options:
      1. build your own
      2. buy a complete unit (dell, hp, etc).

      There is also a 3rd option. You pick parts and someone builds it for you.
      One of the best known vendors for such an arrangement is Xoticpc
      (Note: I am not affiliated with xoticpc in any way. I just used them to help a friend "customize" and then purchase, the new computer he was buying via xoticpc).

      In review of the 3 options, the Pro's and Con's are:
      1. Pre-built computers:

      Pro's :
      a. ready to use. Just plug in, power up and away you go.
      b. tech support - good for newbies and tech-challenged end users.
      c. 1 to 3 year warranty.

      Con's:

      a. component maker not disclosed or are exclusive "made-for-dell" designs and are not commerically available replacements.

      Example: the motherboard inside the pc might be from a well known maker like Asus, MSI, Foxconn, Gigabyte. Or it may be an
      exclusive design made only for use in dell computers, by one of the motherboard makers I just listed.

      In the case of dell desktops, they mainly use the "BTX style" motherboard. A design style that has never really caught on. Main pc makers using BTX style motherboards are namely dell and gateway.

      b. middle-of-the-road components:
      If you go with a complete system that is already built, like a dell or HP, chances are you will get a middle-of-the-road unit, as far as system specifications go. (If the vendor website doesn't list the exact CPU model then don't think for 1 second that it will be made with a top end, UNLOCKED, fully overclockable i7 cpu.
      Chances are it will be a much cheaper model that cannot be overclocked).

      This doesn't mean the computer is bad, just that you should ask the sales dept who makes the components for their computers.
      Also, which exact model of CPU you will be getting.
      Finally, even if the CPU is an intel that ends in the letter "K", it might not be
      "overclockable". (face it, if a customer "overclocks" the CPU then a bigger/better cooling fan and heatsink are needed. Plus, there is a greater chance the CPU could be damaged by overheating issues. This translates to more tech support phone calls and more warranty repairs for dell. So the best way to prevent overheating problems is to never UNLOCK the CPU. If the CPU can't overclock, it's chance of overheating is greatly reduced)

      c. computer is almost unable to be upgraded:
      I currently work at a customer office site that uses almost exclusively dell computers. They have 100's of dell pc's.

      The biggest downside of current dell models of computers is that they give you just enough parts inside the computer to meet the SPEC's they mention in their sale advertisement.
      No or severely limited number of extras included.


      This means that you must buy the unit with everything you will ever want on it at the time of purchase.
      Dell has really cut back on using any parts that allow the customer to later upgrade their PC.
      Simply put; You cannot count on your dell pc being upgradable at a later date!

      Example: dell power supply. Easiest way to see what I mean is to pop open a dell PC that a friend has. Or one in the store.
      The dell power supply has only two extra SATA power connectors and ONE extra mini-molex (used on 3.5" floppy drives) power connectors.
      A dell power supply normally has a total of 6 to 8 power supply connectors.
      With 4 to 6 used and 2 extras. (2 used on motherboard, 1 on HD, 1 on DVD, and the 2 leftover extras)
      A standard ATX power supply from bestbuy or newegg has probably 30 to 40
      power supply connectors. (2 on motherboard, 1 on HD, 1 on DVD, which leaves 26 to 36 for later expansion. Like more HD, more DVD, 2nd video card, etc.)

      So if you were to want to add a high end video card a year after you buy a dell, you would also have to buy a new power supply as well. Since the original power supply would not have the extra, required one or two "PCI-E" power connectors that most high end video cards need.

      2. Do-it-yourself, Build-it-yourself, PC:

      Pro's:
      a. Choose budget/low-end CPU or a middle-of-the-road or a high-end. You and your wallet decide.
      b. choose your video options. Slower built-in for basic needs. Or buy a budget/low-end, a middle-of-the-road or a high-end. Again, your choice.
      c. Motherboard: choose a budget/low-end to cheap out or buy the bleeding edge model that busts your wallet. Your choice.

      Con's:
      a. you must make sure all parts are compatible.
      You have to be knowleadgable enough yourself or have a knowledgeable friend.
      Example: you can't try to shoe-horn an Intel CPU into a motherboard that only accepts an AMD CPU.
      You can't shoe-horn a video card that needs a PCI-e x16 motherboard slot
      into a motherboard that only has AGP slots.

      b. You must assemble things yourself

      c. You must troubleshoot any assembly problems and/or software setup problems yourself. Only real tech support you get for free is google.
      (Note: there is sometimes a tendency for parts makers to play the "blame game".
      Example: your system will not boot up into windows or linux after assembly. You call the CPU maker and they blame the motherboard. You call the motherboard maker and they blame the memory/RAM. You call the RAM maker and they blame the CPU. Round and round you could go.

      3. You choose parts and a 3rd party builds:
      This could be a local person or business that builds for you.
      Or it could be someone you can get buyer ratings about, like a business reviewed by Resellerrating.com.
      One of the best places I know of it Gaming Laptops - XOTIC PC - Gaming Notebooks - Custom Laptops - Custom Notebooks.

      Pro's:

      1. Customized pc. You get only what you want, as far as parts go. If you need help deciding, you can ask for help.
      Example: You want a XL tower case for future expansion. Or you want a micro chassis case for an HTPC. Or a mid-tower for a normal pc.
      You want a color coordinate case to match your office decor.

      2. Add as much or as little as you want and/or can afford.

      3. Watch your friends/family turn green with envy when they see your "pimped out" pc.

      Con's

      1. Must be knowledgeable enough to make informed decisions about the system and intended components.

      2. Must be ready to expect a delay when ordering "bleeding edge parts", as everyone and their brother may also want that particular part.

      3. Too many models and options to choose from.
      Poke around Xoticpc's website a few minutes and you will soon be overwhelmed with models/options to choose from.
      There is such a thing as too many choices.


      My .02 cents of advice:

      1. Do some homework before the purchase:
      My advice would be that if you want to get going right away with moneymaking web tasks, check out the older established "review sites"
      like Tom's hardware. Or visit a local B&N newstand and flip through
      PC magazines that do reviews.

      You want to know which vendor has computers with the features that you need and how positive their customer's reviews of that computer are.

      2. If you want the high end parts but are not mechanically inclined.

      Check out Gaming Laptops - XOTIC PC - Gaming Notebooks - Custom Laptops - Custom Notebooks and you'll find most every bleeding edge computer part you could ever want (CPU's, motherboards and video cards)

      Just don't whine if you spend hours there designing the "perfect" computer.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brady Partridge
    Best to build your own pc. It's cheaper and you can make sure you have the finest quality parts (within your price range). All you need is a Philips head screwdriver and to watch a few how-to-build-your-own-pc videos on YouTube.

    EDIT: Oh, and stuff as much RAM into it as you can possibly afford. Skimping on memory will come back to bite you on the bum when you install RAM-hungry software down the track.
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  • Profile picture of the author AMSM
    Dell D620....lives forever, and then a few days after that
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