It's time to buy a new computer

margrave55 · 17 Mar 2017

My Windows 7 desktop is six years old, and it's time to replace it. It's a moderately high-end HP desktop, so I was thinking about getting another HP. But a co-worker suggested a semi-custom from non-HP, non-Dell sources.

Anyway, here's a sample of what I found:

Code:

$1100, Dell XPS 8910,     i7-6700, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 750Ti, 1 TB HDD
$1219, HP Envy 750-410xt, i7-6700, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 960,   1 TB HDD
$1119, HP Envy 750-410xt, i7-6700, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 750,   1 TB HDD
$1350, HP Omen 870-100xt, i7-6700, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 750Ti, 256 GB SSD + 2 TB HDD
$1476, Xidax X-5,         i7-7700, 32 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 1050,  512 GB SSD + 1 TB HDD

I've never heard of Xidax before, but they're out there. Perhaps there are others?
I just don't know what to pick.

Side notes:
1. I will need a 500 or 512 GB SSD. If I buy without, I'll have to add. This is the part where I'm inclined to dump HP and Dell. They have little flexibility in SSDs, and anyway they charge big dollars for no-name parts.
2. I've recently learned that the GTX x50 cards are not for gaming. I'm not a big gamer, but I was told I ought to go for a GTX x60 or above. True?
3. I will need 16 GB RAM.
4. This will be my first Windows 10 box. Windows 7 home had a 16 GB RAM limit. Does that hold for Windows 10, too?

SSD explanation: I run piano libraries. The smallest of these is around 4 GB. The largest is a four-piano set at around 65 GB. In all I have around 160 GB of disk occupied by this stuff. The software typically loads 2 GB into RAM at startup, so load time would decrease if this were on SSD. That's why I insist on a 500 GB SSD, rather than the typical 128 or 256. (Indeed, I'm inclined to consider 256 SSD for the OS, and 512 for the pianos.)

DeclanT · 17 Mar 2017

Hi Margrave55,

I recommend a 500gb SDD to store your operating system and primary programs. I would highly recommend a secondary HDD which you should use to most of your programs and data files. Your data files and Piano files will not be hugely affected by being on HDD.

If you do not intend to use the system much for gaming then a GTX 1050 would be more than enough. Unfortunately, I have tried to search the Piano libraries software and have been unable to locate the correct specs required. Will you please link me to the Piano libraries website as that should tell us the recommend RAM, however, I doubt that you will require more than 16gb.

Windows 10 home 64bit will allow you to use up to 128gb of RAM.

CountMike · 17 Mar 2017

Why don't you build your own ? Get more for less like that without constrictions of brand name makes.

DeclanT · 17 Mar 2017

CountMike makes a great point. If you by a none standard form factor PC from a company such as Dell then finding replacement parts can be very difficult.

margrave55 · 17 Mar 2017

I don't build computers. That's why someone suggested a custom-build shop. But which one? Would that be a local shop, or an online-order shop? Which one(s) are trustworthy?

As for RAM ... 16 GB will be enough for now, but I have a 16 GB limit in Windows 7 Home. I don't know what the limits are in Windows 10. Can I go to 32 GB? Do I need a "Pro" version for that?

Anyway, I'm not too worried about the specs and parts. I've bought from Dell and HP in the past, but I'm inclined to look elsewhere this time. So my main question is: What reliable source should I buy from?

margrave55 · 17 Mar 2017

I don't build computers. That's why someone suggested a custom-build shop. But which one? Would that be a local shop, or an online-order shop? Which one(s) are trustworthy?

As for RAM ... 16 GB will be enough for now, but I have a 16 GB limit in Windows 7 Home. I don't know what the limits are in Windows 10. Can I go to 32 GB? Do I need a "Pro" version for that?

Anyway, I'm not too worried about the specs and parts. I've bought from Dell and HP in the past, but I'm inclined to look elsewhere this time. So my main question is: What reliable source should I buy from?

DeclanT · 17 Mar 2017

The only one I have had experience with is Gladiator PC. Most of their systems are targeted to gamers however if you give the sales team a call, I believe they also build custom PCs to all specs.

Windows 10 Home will allow up to 128gb of RAM. Windows 10 pro will allow up to 2tb of RAM.

Custom PCs & Gaming Computers | Gladiator Computers

margrave55 · 17 Mar 2017

Thanks for mentioning Gladiator.
But I forgot to mention that I'm in the US (North Carolina).
Gladiator is in the UK.
I need a US-based supplier.

essenbe · 17 Mar 2017

I would suggest a local shop. Give them the specs of what you want and ask them how much. Maybe buy the parts yourself and ask them how much to put it together. I'm sure there are others around your town who can tell you their experiences with some of the local shops.

DeclanT · 17 Mar 2017

Local Computer store sounds like your best bet! At least you don't need to worry about delivery damage.