Help me Shop for a Desktop Computer!

[_just me]

Hello tech savvy people!

I am in need of a new desktop computer. Just the processor tower thingy. I have a monitor.
My budget is $400-600.
It will be primarily for the kids. It will get a lot of internet use. Lots of youtube use. They like to play Roblox (or whatever that game is). It might be used to play DVDs.

I am looking for a PC, obviously. I feel like I hear good things about DELL, HP and Toshiba. But, that is just based in a tiny bit of research.

My parents seem to be happy with their HP Pavillion p7-1287c from Costco. Those are $600. They also have a DELL laptop they like.

Does anyone have any ideas or computers I should check out or avoid?

[_Kevin Graham]

Gateway has come a long way and is probably the more economical, without sacrificing too much quality. HP is pretty economical as well. What you really want to try to get is an i-core processor. They have i3 (good), i5 (better) and i7 (best). You'll want to get at least an i3 but if you can get an i5 for a decent price, I'd go with that. Also try to get at least 6 gigabytes of memory (RAM). But if all you're doing is internet stuff, then 4 should suffice. It is when the kids want to start playing games than you'll find an economical computer becoming slower.

[Guest]

Logic Buy has a pretty incredible deal on a HP desktop for $100 with free shipping:

AMD FX-6120 3.6GHz Six-core CPU
6GB RAM
1TB HDD:
1GB Radeon HD 7450
Beats Audio
DVD Burner
Keyboard + Mouse
15-in-1 Card Reader
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

That is so ridiculously cheap I might get one just for a backup. A 1 terrabyte drive with Windows is worth $100.

I would agree with Kevin that the iCore is the processor of choice right now (especially the Ivy Bridge), but I've had good luck with AMDs and for this kind of money I don't think you could go wrong.

The ONLY thing (and it's a small only) is that we are near the end of Windows 7. Windows 8 is coming soon, if that is important to you. I've not heard anything about windows 8 that would make it worth the wait.

This deal expires TODAY, so move it or lose it!

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/hp-pavilion-elite-quad-core-amd-desktop-pc-coupon/22523.aspx

[Guest]

Logic Buy has a pretty incredible deal on a HP desktop for $100 with free shipping:

AMD FX-6120 3.6GHz Six-core CPU
6GB RAM
1TB HDD:
1GB Radeon HD 7450
Beats Audio
DVD Burner
Keyboard + Mouse
15-in-1 Card Reader
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

That is so ridiculously cheap I might get one just for a backup. A 1 terrabyte drive with Windows is worth $100.

The ONLY thing (and it's a small only) is that we are near the end of Windows 7. Windows 8 is coming soon, if that is important to you. I've not heard anything about windows 8 that would make it worth the wait.

This deal expires TODAY, so move it or lose it!

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/hp-pavilion-elite-quad-core-amd-desktop-pc-coupon/22523.aspx

Am I gonna be disappointed with a 3.6 GHz instead of the i5 thingy?
Also, if I make a bunch of upgrades will it help or be a problem with having 3.6 GHz?

[_MCB]

My latest buy was also $100. It is a rebuilt Wisconsin state gov. cast-off. Recyclers rock!!

[_Drifting]

Am I gonna be disappointed with a 3.6 GHz instead of the i5 thingy?
Also, if I make a bunch of upgrades will it help or be a problem with having 3.6 GHz?

It's $100...

[_just me]

Am I gonna be disappointed with a 3.6 GHz instead of the i5 thingy?
Also, if I make a bunch of upgrades will it help or be a problem with having 3.6 GHz?

It's $100...

LOL! It's actually $120 once you get to the HP site. oh damn, when I put it in my cart it was gone.

[_Drifting]

LOL! It's actually $120 once you get to the HP site. oh damn, when I put it in my cart it was gone.

I'm afraid I can't help you as I'm a devoted Appleite.
Anything else just seems like 'roughing it'.

[_MeDotOrg]

Am I gonna be disappointed with a 3.6 GHz instead of the i5 thingy?
Also, if I make a bunch of upgrades will it help or be a problem with having 3.6 GHz?

This is last year's processor, but for the duty your describing I think it would be fine. You pay a lot more for going a little higher on the performance ladder.

I really think the only reason you need a i5 or an i7 (other than the pleasure of watching it boot fast) is if you are into 3d gaming at high resolution. From your description, that isn't a big priority. If it becomes one, you could get an excellent graphics card for $120-180.

The iCore processors overclock well, but that's only a concern if you're a geeky gamer. If you're concerned about playing the latest 3D video games you might hesitate, but for surfing the net and light to moderate game play, this should be perfectly adequate.

[_just me]

MeDotOrg, you are my new bestest BFF!

I just got the computer processor. I tried it again making just a couple minor changes and the sale went through!

I upgraded about everything I could, including a bunch of software and wireless keyboard/mouse. It was $120. I added a webcam, speakers and a powerstrip and I am still under $250!!!

WOOHOO! Best deal EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!