Desktop Computers

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RustyRatRod

RustyRatRod

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So, not wanting to totally derail @Kern Dog's thread, I thought I'd start my own. I've been thinking about getting a desktop computer for several reasons. As kinda a "base" for my pictures and stuff. Maybe a dyno sim program and possibly an OBD diagnostic tool. I don't need something with large by huge memory and speed, like a gamer unit, although I don't want something slow, either. I'd like something with a solid state drive and cd drive. Beyond that, I get kinda lost in all the specs. And of course, as always, it needs to be fairly affordable. 300 or less would be good. I have a birthday on the 8th, so that's why I'm thinkin about it. I really like the Chrome OS.....and that will likely cut out the dyno sim program, the cd drive and maybe even the OBD program......but that's ok if that's how it has to be, because I like the Chrome OS that much. I don't want Linux or Winhosed, so no need in recommending that. So what do some of you computer guys think? Thank you drive through.
 
It seems like the more you don't want, the more it costs. I'll be watching.
 
My experience with ChromeOS is primarly for enterprise thin clients, but it should still apply.

When shopping chromeOS devices, there are differnt rules. Youneed to check the chrome supported device page to see when that device will go off support. This page is blessing and a curse. You know exactly when your device will need to be replaced because it wont get updated even though it was working fine before it went off support. There is nothing worse than paying for a "great deal" when it goes out of support too soon. There might be options for that situation, but thats out of scope ;-) Chrome devices are meant to be 'disposable' about ~$300+/- maybe a touch more should be your top end.

'high end" chrome books have been the dumbest scam in recent years Its a good idea to stick to your budget, and hope it lives to its planned end of support. And if you need to replace it sooner than that, you saved money and the next machine is likely better than one you could have wasted money on.

as with any computer purchase you need to know what the CPU is.. and that gets REAL weird with low end devices. Like intentionaly opaque wierd and will give you headache trying to decipher.
 
Raspberry Pi? I picked up a Rpi 3 back in 2019 to use as a network syslog server. Before being dedicated to that, I hooked up a monitor, keyboard and mouse, and it made a decent destop PC. They're now up to Rpi 5, looks like $50 to $100 depending on ram.
 
yeah Pi's work great. but thats a more roll your own solution. Im not getting that feel from either "which computer" thread.
 
Sounds like you only gonna do basic task, any modern desktop cpu should be able to handle that no problem. Any 4 or 6 core cpu will do, The cpu I'm using now is a 6 year old 2 core and handles any basic task no problem, unless you play serious games or do a lot of video editing or something like that, even basic music production don't need much, most modern cpu's are more than most need now days.

If you want to give some example's of what your looking at we could help pick the better one.
 
273 said:
Sounds like you only gonna do basic task, any modern desktop cpu should be able to handle that no problem. Any 4 or 6 core cpu will do, The cpu I'm using now is a 6 year old 2 core and handles any basic task no problem, unless you play serious games or do a lot of video editing or something like that, even basic music production don't need much, most modern cpu's are more than most need now days.

If you want to give some example's of what your looking at we could help pick the better one.
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This is one I was looking at. But I know not what I'm lookin at. lol This would be about at the top of my budget and I need to spend less.

 
I use an HP All-In-One. It's basically a Monitor. CD Rom on the side Camera on top, USB Ports across the bottom, Power Button on the Front. Easy Peasy.
 
RustyRatRod said:
This is one I was looking at. But I know not what I'm lookin at. lol This would be about at the top of my budget and I need to spend less.

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Problem with that one, is next year windows is dropping windows 10 support and forcing everyone to run windows 11 and 11 don't run on older maschines, I think you need an 8 th generation or newer not sure about AMD.

So basically needs to be windows 11 capable, best if it already has 11 so you know is.
My TV cpu was 11 capable but I had to do some youtube detective work to find out what settings I had to change so it would up date (pain in the ***).
 
273 said:
Problem with that one, is next year windows is dropping windows 10 support and forcing everyone to run windows 11 and 11 don't run on older maschines, I think you need an 8 th generation or newer not sure about AMD.

So basically needs to be windows 11 capable, best if it already has 11 so you know is.
My TV cpu was 11 capable but I had to do some youtube detective work to find out what settings I had to change so it would up date (pain in the ***).
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So what does it mean when support stops? The machine stops working?
 
This chrome os on this machine has run several years now and it's still just as fast as it ever was. All I need is to find a desktop version and I'd be happy.
 
Looks like Amd is Ryzen 3rd generation or newer for windows 11.
 
RustyRatRod said:
Just go ahead and say it in Latin. lol
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The generation number tends to be the 1st number, like the intel computer you posted, had a i5-6500 was a 6th gen, i5 is the type like /6 sb bb etc.. 6500 is like 225 340 440 etc. :)

Amd the other major processer brand most be like Ryzen5-5500 break down is basically the same. ryzen5 = i5.
 
273 said:
The generation number tends to be the 1st number, like the intel computer you posted, had a i5-6500 was a 6th gen, i5 is the type like /6 sb bb etc.. 6500 is like 225 340 440 etc. :)

Amd the other major processer brand most be like Ryzen5-5500 break down is basically the same. ryzen5 = i5.
Click to expand...
OOoOOO that cleared it right on up. lol
 
273 said:
The generation number tends to be the 1st number, like the intel computer you posted, had a i5-6500 was a 6th gen, i5 is the type like /6 sb bb etc.. 6500 is like 225 340 440 etc. :)

Amd the other major processer brand most be like Ryzen5-5500 break down is basically the same. ryzen5 = i5.
Click to expand...
I reckon when the time comes, I'll just spin the wheel and throw a dart. lol
 
RustyRatRod said:
OOoOOO that cleared it right on up. lol
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I tried :)

any Amd ryzen or intel i series like i3 i5 i7 i9 is fine speed wise but the 4 digit number that follows needs to start with an least an 8xxx for intel or a 3xxx for Amd or higher.

Intel is on thier 15th gen so 10-14 gen will have 5 numbers and the first two numbers will be the generation. Amd on 9th gen so still a 4 digit number.
 
Rob I feel the same way. Much to the chagrin of my kids, I like my tower/monitor set up. They spend their time looking at a small cell phone screen while I stare at my 20" monitor and listen to my stereo speakers with sub woofer. I'm not gaming or trying to develop the latest deep space technology, I just need internet access and the ability to run modern software (newer than Windows 7).

That being said, my computer's mother board took a crap two weeks ago, so I took it to my "computer guy". Dave runs a small one man computer shop in an older strip mall. He "refurbed" someone else's tower, put in a new SSD and transferred my info onto it from an external backup that I keep. Total cost was $300 and it came with a one year warranty. I've used him 3 times in the last twenty years and he treats me well.

If you used to do it yourself and don't feel comfortable doing it now, I suggest finding a small local guy to build your tower.
 
Another option is to buy an used computer, you can get a decent complete setup for next to nothing.
 
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