Looking for a new cheap desktop

[kmckinn3]

I've got access to IBMs employee discount website. There are incredible deals on lenovos. Also... www.ginstar.com is a local shop but may be in other states or they may be able to ship. They have CHEAP towers.. new and refurb.

Let me know if you want to check out the lenovos... everything is about $200- $300 off retail.

 

[Electric Sheep]

You know honestly, an EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT is the way to go here. I mean you're asking for quite a bit for that $300 price really--not impossible by any means, but the non-standard throws a big ole monkey wrench into the mix. The easiest way to make it happen is probably gonna be using someones employee discount.

 

[themaindude]

Posted via Mobile Devicesub 300 is tough . microcenter.com has pretty dickin refurbs for 350 i just picked up a hp mini for 350 dvi outputs on the back with an adapter to hdmi will pump out 1080p with no problem. if your monitor has dvi inputs then esven better. see if there is one local to you. it is my goto shop anytime . also try tigerdirect.com

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Justin,

You might want to checkout this site too....

http://www.newegg.com/

 

[twenty5]

Thanks for everyones help. I think the dell studio hybrid is the way to go. I just found out on a deal website that a couple of weeks ago they were 200 off making them 299! I just need to wait around for another deal or maybe someone here is a dell employee?? :smokingbo

 

[Electric Sheep]

Yeah well, the problem with the cheap Dell Studio Hybrid is that it's saddled with a P.O.S. processor, a bullshit Pentium Dual Core T4300. That's not anywhere near what i'd consider "quick", not even moderately so. In fact, I'd say it's about one of the slower processors you can get today (not counting the ultra-low-power ATOM of course). I mean just look at where it falls on this processor chart:

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Pentium+Dual-Core+T4300+@+2.10GHz

It scores 1,315.

The absolute lowest score is 1,253.

In comparison, I've got dual Xeon X5560 processors (so 8 core) which is near the top of the list...and each one of those scores 4,900.

My little crappy HOME computer (which is servicable, but not "speedy", in Photoshop) has a Core2 Duo T9900 which runs a respectable 2,339.

Now mind you, I'm not suggesting you get something that high powered. I mean my Xeon processors are over $1000 each.

I'm just trying to say that, as a Graphic Designer who uses Photoshop in a professional manner every day, I absolutely positively would not buy a machine with a Pentium Dual Core processor in it and expect to do Photoshop work with it...much less Autocad.
:noemotion

You might want to consider getting something with a bit more processor speed.

 

[twenty5]

Everything I find with a better processor is much larger, back to the 17" actually. Any other suggestions? Anyone build computers that can point me to all the right parts? lol
I can't even find small cases anywhere! I have a friend that is an IT guy so he would be able to do all the assembly if its a difficult thing. :frownno:

 

[oldglory]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147035

$299.00

 

[Jfire]

How old is the new entertaiment center? Maybe that can be returned for a dif 1?

 

[twenty5]

How old is the new entertaiment center? Maybe that can be returned for a dif 1?

The entertainment center is rather large and "perfect" according to the girlfriend. It is not as deep as most units but that is what we were looking for. The desktop in the EC is an after thought so I need to work around it lol

 

[Electric Sheep]

Everything I find with a better processor is much larger, back to the 17" actually. Any other suggestions? Anyone build computers that can point me to all the right parts? lol
I can't even find small cases anywhere! I have a friend that is an IT guy so he would be able to do all the assembly if its a difficult thing. :frownno:

Dude, the Dell Studio Hybrid has a wide choice of processors. It's a BUILD-TO-ORDER system with a choice of 6 different processors.

The whole point of my last comment wasn't to dissuade you from purchasing that computer, but rather to convince you to order it with a better processor. The base-level Pentium T4300 is garbage.

 

[twenty5]

Dude, the Dell Studio Hybrid has a wide choice of processors. It's a BUILD-TO-ORDER system with a choice of 6 different processors.

The whole point of my last comment wasn't to dissuade you from purchasing that computer, but rather to convince you to order it with a better processor. The base-level Pentium T4300 is garbage.

Yep, I understand that. What processor on the list should I go with to meet my needs?

 

[Electric Sheep]

I would say the Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 or T6600 would be what I'd consider "entry level".

BTW if you really just want a "Home Theater PC" you could probably get by with this one:
http://gizmodo.com/5403000/dell-zino-hd-230-mini-home-theater-pc

Upgrade that with the Athlon Dual Core and it'd plug right into your TV. It's pretty much made to do just that. It won't be quite as powerful as the Studio Hybrid, but it might integrate into your living room better. Just a thought.

 

[twenty5]

Alright, here is what I am looking at right now.

Studio hybrid @ 589 (Would have to get a refurb or wait a while for some kind of sale)

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
OS: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Service Pack 1
Memory: 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz (2 DIMM)
HD: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Video Card: Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100



Inspiron Zino HD @ 289

Processor: AMD Dual Core Athlon™ X2 3250e (1MB L2, 1.5GHz)
OS: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Memory: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2 DIMM
HD: 250GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Video Card: Integrated ATI Radeon HD3200 Graphics

add $50 for a AMD Dual Core Athlon™ Neo X2 6850e (1MB L2, 1.8GHz) (Worth it?)

How much better is the processor and video card on the hybrid to justify the extra 250-300? Would the 2nd option with or without the additional $50 be able to handle my needs?

 

[twenty5]

Bump for sheep.

 

[sgresso]

have you checked tiger direct? we got a refurbished gateway with the 3g dual core processor plus 3 G of ram, media center for flash cards and a 180G harddrive, and a sweet Gforce video card for $340 or so after shipping.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/

 

[Electric Sheep]

Alright, here is what I am looking at right now.

Studio hybrid @ 589 (Would have to get a refurb or wait a while for some kind of sale)

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T6600 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
OS: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic Service Pack 1
Memory: 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz (2 DIMM)
HD: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Video Card: Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100



Inspiron Zino HD @ 289

Processor: AMD Dual Core Athlon™ X2 3250e (1MB L2, 1.5GHz)
OS: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Memory: 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2 DIMM
HD: 250GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Video Card: Integrated ATI Radeon HD3200 Graphics

add $50 for a AMD Dual Core Athlon™ Neo X2 6850e (1MB L2, 1.8GHz) (Worth it?)

How much better is the processor and video card on the hybrid to justify the extra 250-300? Would the 2nd option with or without the additional $50 be able to handle my needs?

GOOD NEWS:

The ATI Radeon HD3200 in the Zino is *FASTER* than the Intel GMA X3100 in the Studio Hybrid (but neither are all that great) however the ATI has the added advantage of being specifically built to handle HD video.

Also, the Zino comes with Win7 instead of Vista, which is a HUGE deal IMHO.


BAD NEWS:

The AMD Athlons available in the Zino are pissy, weak processors in comparison to modern Intel Core offerings. Essentially, the available Athlons are designed for low power consumption/low heat situations (HTPC, nettops, netbooks, etc) and you really, really, really won't want to run Photoshop or Autocad on one. I would certainly NEVER consider one for a primary desktop. But for a HTPC it'd be fine. Of course, your problem is that you need it to be both a HTPC and a primary desktop.


So basically, there are advantages and disadvantages to each system, but the Studio Hybrid is probably the better computer for your needs. I'd suggest you try to find someone with a Dell discount.

 

[twenty5]

Alright, a new thought here.
I am thinking about buying the cheaper one and keeping my desktop that I use for CAD and photoshop in the basement.

Sheep, couple questions:

1) If I decided to do this, would it be a big deal to replace the processor with a faster one in the future if I wanted to get rid of the other desktop?

2) Is the memory enough to run windows 7 and a couple programs at the same time?

3) Finally, trying to save money and get the best combination out of it, what would be your upgrades: (again, base price is 229, so if I could keep it under or around 350 +taxes/shipping)

AMD Athlon™ 2650e (512K L2, 1.6GHz) [Included in Price]
AMD Athlon™ 2850e (512K, L2, 1.8GHz) [add $30]
AMD Dual Core Athlon™ X2 3250e (1MB L2, 1.5GHz) [add $60]
AMD Dual Core Athlon™ Neo X2 6850e (1MB L2, 1.8GHz) [add $110]

2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2 DIMM [Included in Price]
3GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2 DIMM [add $39]
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2 DIMM [add $69]
6GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2 DIMM [add $119]
8GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 2 DIMM [add $169]

 

[twenty5]

Thank you for all your help thus far. I did a lot of research when I picked out my last computer but obviously a LOT has changed since then.

 

[oldglory]

woot.com

1 eMachines ET1161-07 Desktop w/ Athlon X2 2.1GHz, 3GB DDR2, 320GB SATA, DVD±RW, Vista Home Premium

$229.99