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Help choosing a new desktop pc

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  • 21-05-2021 10:47am
    #1
    littlecbear
    Registered Users Posts: 109 ✭✭


    I want to get a desktop to replace a laptop which is starting to get a bit glitchy.
    I hear that there are issues with parts and was advised I would be better to either build myself (I don't feel confident to do so) or to buy a custom build from pc specialist etc. But I feel a bit lost as I am not tech savy anymore.

    Any opinion on what I should go for based on the following requirements:
    use of approx 3 hours daily for web surfing, sketchup and office apps (word/excel/outlook)
    Downloading/streaming movies on the weekend

    That is it. No gaming, no multi tasking. All of my data is cloud based so I don't need massive storage. I would like a really good quality large (24-27inch) monitor to allow the pc to be used to watch videos and for a nicer experience for drawing work.
    I want a pc that is fast and quiet and attractive (mac aesthetics) with wireless mouse and keyboard.
    Want to purchase something reliable that will last the next 10 years if such a thing is possible these days.
    Budget approx 1k but flexible for a good long term product.

    Do you think I could find a decent pc from HP or Lenovo etc?

    Any recommendations welcome. Thanks in advance


Comments

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    #2
    Spear
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Help & Feedback Category Moderators Posts: 25,100 CMod ✭✭✭✭Spear


    If you're not gaming, you don't need a serious GPU, which is what's hardest to find right now. Something with integrated graphics on the CPU should suffice in that case.


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    #3
    Robert ninja
    Registered Users Posts: 3,878 ✭✭✭Robert ninja


    Doesn't sound like you need a full-size desktop. How about a small computer? Wouldn't really matter what it looks like then. Here's something I whipped up now on PCS

    DuMQFKK.png


    Or you could get an all-in-one.

    vabjgyP.png
    link
    (remember to configure)

    However if you want something to last 10 years... that's really pushing it. Definitely need a tower PC because there's just no way you won't need to replace/upgrade something. Are you willing to install the OS yourself? It'll save about 100 quid which you can use towards the monitor, keyboard and mouse.

    Here's a desktop build that came to mind:
    5en2H3r.png
    link
    (remember to configure)

    For mouse start your search here: https://www.rocketjumpninja.com/mouse-search
    I'll let others recommend you a mac-looking keyboard.

    This monitor seems ok and has the features and asthetic you wanted: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-S2719DC-Ultra-Thin-LED-backlit-Connectivity/dp/B07GJYCJXX/
    Can't vouch for it personally, though.

    You did mention 'drawing' though. If it's any kind of heavy graphic work be careful not to under power it in the graphics areas if you want performance in related software.


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    #4
    littlecbear
    Registered Users Posts: 109 ✭✭littlecbear


    Thanks Robert ninja, I really appreciate you taking the time to give such a detailed response to my question. I think the mini pc sounds like a good route and then I can get a fancier screen.

    Good point on the graphics card. I checked sketchup requirements and it says:
    3D class video card with 1 GB of memory or higher and support for hardware acceleration. Please ensure that the video card driver supports OpenGL 3.1 or higher and is up to date.
    SketchUp's performance relies heavily on the graphics card driver and its ability to support OpenGL 3.1 or higher. To test your graphics card's compatibility, please download and run the SketchUp Checkup application. Historically, people have seen problems with Intel-based cards with SketchUp. We don't recommend using these graphics cards with SketchUp at this time.


    Does this mean that I will require a separate graphics card?


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    #5
    Spear
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Help & Feedback Category Moderators Posts: 25,100 CMod ✭✭✭✭Spear


    littlecbear wrote: »
    Thanks Robert ninja, I really appreciate you taking the time to give such a detailed response to my question. I think the mini pc sounds like a good route and then I can get a fancier screen.

    Good point on the graphics card. I checked sketchup requirements and it says:
    3D class video card with 1 GB of memory or higher and support for hardware acceleration. Please ensure that the video card driver supports OpenGL 3.1 or higher and is up to date.
    SketchUp's performance relies heavily on the graphics card driver and its ability to support OpenGL 3.1 or higher. To test your graphics card's compatibility, please download and run the SketchUp Checkup application. Historically, people have seen problems with Intel-based cards with SketchUp. We don't recommend using these graphics cards with SketchUp at this time.


    Does this mean that I will require a separate graphics card?

    OpenGL 3.1 is pretty old, and is supported by any integrated GPU, so a separate one isn't needed.


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    #6
    Robert ninja
    Registered Users Posts: 3,878 ✭✭✭Robert ninja


    If your laptop is old and was able to handle it smoothly then I'd be surprised if a more modern desktop couldn't also handle it. Can always compare the specs.


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    #7
    smacl
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 15,722 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    I've picked up a few NUC PCs from Amazon.de over the last number of months and find they're solid performers for most work applications. Something like this Ryzen 2500U with Vega 8 graphics for €425 is decent. Downside of this forma factor is primarily expansion so if you're planning on downloading and saving those streamed movies, you'd need more storage. Also, while coming from Germany avoids the whole nonsense that is Brexit, the pre-installed O/S will be German so you'll need to change the language.


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