Solved Getting a new computer $800-$1000

[Computer0304]

What pc would you guys reccomend for me to get within a $800-$1000 range? I am looking for the best computer within that price range. I want it to have a Intel cpu and if possible, a discrete graphics card.
Edit: It has to be pre built.
Edit 2: I have chose the Dell XPS 8700 but will still be open to suggestions that supersedes it.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

What can you carry over any thing?

 

[Computer0304]

If you mean reuse hardware, i don't think so. It is 6 years old and I think it is time for a upgrade.

 

[linnemeyerhere]

OK so I just built a little more then this very rig but let me tell you it smokes.....freak'n smokes. If you shop the hell out of these parts I think you can get this under 1000 easy and possibly under 900?

 

[Computer0304]

I want a pre built one. I am not to good at hardware based things and the last time I tried to fix a electronic, I completly broke it somehow.

 

[whs]

Have a look at the Dell XPS desktop series. They are pretty decent. I own 2 Dell desktops, one is a XPS 8300 (older model by now) with an i7, 8GB of RAM and a Radeon graphics card. Works very well and is fast.

Keep $100 asisde to put a 128GB SSD in - for the OS. That makes the world of difference.

PS: I would not insist on a discret GPU. The 4xxx chip in todays i7s are better than some lower cost GPUs. That will suffice unless you are a gamer. But then you are in another price range anyhow.

 

[essenbe]

You could also look at Dell Outlet Center. They are refurbished or have minor cosmetic damage and can't be sold as new. They are usually cheaper but come with the same warranty as a new computer. Just a suggestion. failing that if you live near Alan or Solar, maybe you could convince one of them to build it for you.

 

[Computer0304]

Have a look at the Dell XPS desktop series. They are pretty decent. I own 2 Dell desktops, one is a XPS 8300 (older model by now) with an i7, 8GB of RAM and a Radeon graphics card. Works very well and is fast.

Keep $100 asisde to put a 128GB SSD in - for the OS. That makes the world of difference.

PS: I would not insist on a discret GPU. The 4xxx chip in todays i7s are better than some lower cost GPUs. That will suffice unless you are a gamer. But then you are in another price range anyhow.

I am currently checking the XPS 8700 $899 but am a little afraid of getting a discrete graphics card because I remembered that my vostro 400 failed because of a issue with the nvidia graphics card.

 

[Computer0304]

I will go to sleep now and check your suggestions tommorow.

 

[Computer0304]

Also I would like to state that I want to minimize the amount of hardware DIYs I would like installing a ssd.

 

[essenbe]

Have a look at the Dell XPS desktop series. They are pretty decent. I own 2 Dell desktops, one is a XPS 8300 (older model by now) with an i7, 8GB of RAM and a Radeon graphics card. Works very well and is fast.

Keep $100 asisde to put a 128GB SSD in - for the OS. That makes the world of difference.

PS: I would not insist on a discret GPU. The 4xxx chip in todays i7s are better than some lower cost GPUs. That will suffice unless you are a gamer. But then you are in another price range anyhow.

I am currently checking the XPS 8700 $899 but am a little afraid of getting a discrete graphics card because I remembered that my vostro 400 failed because of a issue with the nvidia graphics card.

If you get a newer CPU with the Intel 4000 graphics, it will do most anything you want other than play the newer games. That said, If you would like a discrete graphics card, I would not let past problems stop me. A component failure can happen with any component in a computer. I'm sure you have noticed we deal here with ram failures as well as hard drives and even motherboards. A discrete graphics card is no different. Another option is to make sure what you buy has a high wattage power supply, then you could add a discrete card yourself in the future. The only things to make sure of is the power supply big enough, the board has an X16 slot that runs at X16 and the power supply has the necessary PCIe connections. If all those are present you could pick up one later and install it yourself. It takes 2 screws and plug in the wires. When you buy, insist on those things to be included in the computer.

 

[Britton30]

Here's a decently specced Dell/Alienware at the top of your price range. It is a mini tower so hardware upgrades would be limited somewhat.

Newegg.com - DELL Intel Core i7 8GB DDR3 1TB HDD Capacity Desktop PC Windows 8 Home AX51R2-5726BK

 

[mjf]

I would steer away from mini towers due to possible cooling problems. I have an old ACER mini tower which I recased for ~$70 because of cooling problems and I'm not a games person. I'd go for a case with good ventilation.

 

[Computer0304]

Ill stay with the Dell XPS for now since it has similar specs and a bigger case.

 

[Computer0304]

Do you guys think that I should extend my budget so I could go with the special edition that has a ssd installed?

 

[whs]

1. The GPUs usually hold up. But if it dies, yoou can always run on the 4xxx chip in the i5 or i7. Just change the BIOS setting.

2. Multiple HDDs are always handy. The SSD you can put anywhere into the box - even on the floor or some other open bay. I use Velco dots to keep it in place. Those 3.5" brackets are too much fuzz although they are usually supplied with the SSDs.

3. No way regarding the Special Edition. They are all overpriced. Buying a SSD seperately is a LOT cheaper. I installed the SSDs in my 6 PCs myself. That is a no-brainer.

 

[Computer0304]

Ok so I will not go with special edition. But I will not get a ssd because like I said, Im great at informing people about diy but horrible at actually doing it.

 

[Computer0304]

One ore question: Will I be able to use this computer in Korea because i will be moving in a few months.

 

[whs]

1. Don't worry about installing the SSD. It is really a piece of cake and will give you so much better performance.

2. I see no reason why it should not work in Korea. I took laptops from the US to Germany and they work perfectly in Germany. You can switch it to the local language (may need Ultimate and the language pack) , but I guess you would want to stay in English anyhow.

 

[Computer0304]

Sorry but I am still worried that I might do something wrong when installing on ssd. And since the computer will come with a oem version, I don't think that will work and might be breaking the EULA. And I will be getting Win 8 so will that work?