Low-end desktop advice

[arirang]

Thanks for all of the advice re: laptop-specific issues. The vibe I'm getting is that if I need a PC just to use at home, I'm probably better off with a desktop and avoiding those problems altogether. I think that's probably what I'll do...

 

[dr.no]

I'll be picking up the HP p6510f at OfficeDepot for $449 + tax then.

 

[whiteslashasian]

Originally Posted by dr.no

I'll be picking up the HP p6510f at OfficeDepot for $449 + tax then.

Oh nice, didn't realize Office Depot had it for the same price as well. Go for it!

Be sure to create your recovery discs right away, and download/run PC Decrapifier which will help you remove the pre-loaded bloatware. Also run CCleaner after the decrapifier and every so often afterward to help reduce slowdown. You can also use it to set what programs start up automatically when windows is loaded on boot; this will reduce boot time and boost overall performance as you won't have programs you're not using run in the background from the get go.

 

[joshhorton31]

The build it yourself is a lot better general desktop box. For your purposes the video card seems to be overkill. The extra memory really improves performance. And XP home is unacceptable for anything that might be used as a server of any kind.

 

[whiteslashasian]

Originally Posted by joshhorton31

The build it yourself is a lot better general desktop box.

Generally true, provided you know how to do this and have the time. I don't believe that most people looking for a low end desktop have the skill, time, or inclination to DIY.

Originally Posted by joshhorton31

For your purposes the video card seems to be overkill.

Which card and for whom?

Originally Posted by joshhorton31

The extra memory really improves performance.

True to a point; the average user will gain almost no benefit from 8gb over 4gb of ram.