Need some desktop computer advice

[JimMIA]

Our DD wants to get a desktop computer to take up to college. She's done her first 1 1/2 years with a laptop she's had all the way through high school, but she wants more/better.

So that leaves me with a few questions that I'm sure are very basic -- but I'd like some advice from folks I trust who aren't trying to sell me something. Here are the main questions:

• Just for regular stuff plus a little gaming, what specs should I look for (memory, processer, storage, etc)?
• I see some name brand All In One's on Amazon for really good prices -- what is the difference between All In One and a traditional desktop?
  • It seems like the All In One would be easier to move around as she moves from apartment to apartment, and later, to another city -- but what are the drawbacks?
• Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tvguy]

Most Colleges on their website have recommended computer specs. That would be the first place I would look.

 

[Southernmiss]

Our son, a college student and gamer, requested this desktop last year.

He has really enjoyed having it.

This model is out of stock, but maybe you could look for the newer model.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/ibuypo...4gb-240gb-ssd-1tb-hdd/6436829.p?skuId=6436829

 

[Colleen27]

I can't help with specs because I haven't gamed much in years and haven't kept up with what's needed for the current crop of popular games, but taking a look at the "recommended" (not "minimum") system specs on a game she plays will give you a good place to start with that.

As far as a traditional desktop vs. an all-in-one, the main difference is upgradability. AIOs are even more difficult to upgrade components on than laptops, so if you think she might want to add RAM or upgrade a graphics card at some point in the future to meet the demands of new/upgraded games, it is best to stick with the traditional desktop despite the less convenient physical packaging. Also, you really do want a dedicated graphics processor rather than an integrated graphics chip for any gaming system, and that might be hard to find in the compact architecture of an AIO.

 

[Skippy918]

Depending on the games she plays, she might want to build her own computer. Graphics cards are really important for gaming, but due to the chip shortage they are really hard to find and thus people are price gouging.

 

[_19disnA]

I would look at the requirements for the various classes she will be taking and/or what the college suggests. If any classes need specialized software/hardware, want to make sure it will be compatible. A laptop will be more portable then a desktop and some colleges encourage students to bring it with them to class for note taking/labs/study groups/etc. Laptop will also be easier for her to take when traveling home for a holiday or perhaps visiting with friends.

 

[sam_gordon]

I would stay away from an all in one. My main reason is if ANY part of the AIO breaks, you can't do anything. If the monitor dies? No computer. With a traditional desktop, you can go to Wal*mart and get a replacement monitor. Same with the graphics card. PP mentioned upgrading portions also.

What are the specs on her current laptop? I would TRY to double those if at all possible. For a six year old laptop, that shouldn't be too hard.

That being said, I would also look/talk to her about a laptop with a dock. Then you have the best of both worlds... a large screen w/keyboard & mouse in her dorm room but the portability of a laptop.

But yes, find out what games she plays and see what the recommended (as PP said NOT 'minimum') specs are.

 

[JimMIA]

Clarification: DD is not a gamer and has no desire to be one.

She occasionally plays games, but her 6 year-old laptop can be glitchy when loading or playing games -- and there are limits to the amount of storage on the laptop.

 

[sam_gordon]

Clarification: DD is not a gamer and has no desire to be one.

She occasionally plays games, but her 6 year-old laptop can be glitchy when loading or playing games -- and there are limits to the amount of storage on the laptop.

At least double the specs of her laptop. Is her major graphic/computer intensive? She might be able to ask professors and/or upperclassmen for suggestions. She might also be able to get a computer via her school for cheaper than you can from online stores.

 

[Skippy918]

If she occasionally plays games, then a newer laptop with docking station is your best bet. That way she can take the laptop to class and then use a standard keyboard, monitor, mouse in her dorm.

 

[Southernmiss]

After a year and a half at college, I would think Jim's daughter would know how she uses her computer and if there are any computer prereqs she has.

She has told him that she would like a desktop.

He's exploring those options for/with her

 

[GreatLakes]

What are her reasons for wanting a desktop? If she doesn't want to do high end gaming any laptop can be spec'd out really high, more than enough for most people.

I've found most people who want a desktop really just want a bigger screen and real keyboard which is easily done with a laptop and dock ( I recommend this one or this one) and then you can get any screen and keyboard/mouse you want while keeping the portability of a laptop.

Assuming you are looking for a Windows computer whichever way you go get no less than 8GB of RAM, and I recommend 16GB, and get an SSD. Those will have more impact to most people than the processor. Don't get an All-In-One, the monitor is the most likely thing to go and then your entire computer is toast. You can find micro form factor PCs that you can mount to a monitor if you are looking to same space.

 

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

First off, decide between the big four choices:

Windows 11
MacOS
Linux (Typically Ubuntu)
ChromeOS

All are very well suited to a work environment. However, for gaming, you'd probably want one of the top two, Windows or Mac, preferably Windows.

The other three are hardier wearing and are less prone to viruses.

Macs are kind of my thing, and if you want an all-in-one, the iMacs are stunners, very pretty and very capable. Just pick a colour! Not to say there aren't all-in-one computers from other sources. HP are good for Windows.

The All-In-One iMacs:



Screenshots for the first three stops follow:

Windows; Ubuntu Linux; MacOS; Zorin Linux

 

[JimMIA]

What are her reasons for wanting a desktop? If she doesn't want to do high end gaming any laptop can be spec'd out really high, more than enough for most people.

I've found most people who want a desktop really just want a bigger screen and real keyboard which is easily done with a laptop and dock ( I recommend this one or this one) and then you can get any screen and keyboard/mouse you want while keeping the portability of a laptop.

Assuming you are looking for a Windows computer whichever way you go get no less than 8GB of RAM, and I recommend 16GB, and get an SSD. Those will have more impact to most people than the processor. Don't get an All-In-One, the monitor is the most likely thing to go and then your entire computer is toast. You can find micro form factor PCs that you can mount to a monitor if you are looking to same space.

That's pretty much what my computer guru said, and I can vouch for it. I recently switched from HHD to SSD and the difference is amazing.