Need a new desktop

jayman_1975

It seems that just today my desktop pc has died and I am in need of a new one fairly quickly. I plan on spending only $500 and do not need a bunch of frills. It is mostly just for my son to do homework and mess around on you tube and occasionally I manage pictures and music on it.

Could I get a heads up on a smokin deal if someone has seen any?

Drenis

Long ago i would say to build but its pretty cost effective to just buy a Dell. If I was buying a new PC, I'd probably buy a Dell unit.

dkg999

Try the Dell outlet website and their auction site.

deronb1

Got a Lenovo for 429.00 at Best Buy not too long ago. It's been great so far. 4 GB memory, 1 TB Hard Drive.

Syndil

I prefer Lenovo or HP. Regardless of what brand you're after, I recommend checking http://www.dealnews.com or http://www.techbargains.com or http://shopping.google.com to find the best bargains.

Using Google Shopping, I searched for a desktop PC with a minimum 2.8GHz Intel Core i5 processor and a minimum 4GB RAM for under $500, and it looks like this is the deal to beat:

http://www.amazon.com/E20-4222-Tower-Core-Sdram/dp/B0038GZCZ6

bigaudiofanatic

Emachine, maybe a lenovo, sony, build your own?

Syndil

FWIW I would avoid eMachines. They are definitely cheap but they are not a good deal, as in their case you are getting exactly what you are paying for, not more. Back when I used to still work on residential computers they were my number one worst offender when it came to needing hardware repairs. Cheaply made power supply + a cheaply made motherboard = a computer with a very short life.

Sony does not make desktop computers any more, only all-in-ones which are not within the OP's budget.

Sherardp

I would say Dell or HP. Def stay away from Emachines, those things are terrible IMHO. Dell outlet should have great deals, go for Win 7 and at least 4gb ram. The standard Dell 8300 is just 100 over your budget but will handle everything you throw at it, includes an i5 processor as well.

http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-8300/fs

or the Inspirion for 499.00

http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-620/fs

Syndil

The Lenovo I linked to above has a 3.2GHz Intel Core i5 CPU for $500. Still the deal to beat IMO.

obieone

Another vote AGAINST emachines. Mine lasted 1 year and 10 days, just past the warranty.

jayman_1975

Thanks for the advice guys. I picked up an Acer unit locally for pretty cheap. I realize cheap is what I got too but in reality I only need it to last for a few years till my boy is gone from home and then I'll be buying a Mac. Thanks again.

Ps. I decided to go local for the convenience of warranty issues.

Syndil

Acer is cheap, but then again they haven't really appeared on my radar as being a problem brand either. There's certainly enough of them out there that I believe they would have if they were, for whatever that's worth.