New desktop required

Broadback · Jul 24, 2016, 16:41:16

My current machine is slow and giving me problems, so I am looking for a new desk top. any suggestions as to model to purchase and source please? TIA

Glenn · Jul 24, 2016, 16:49:34

What will the PC be doing, do you have a budget?

Broadback · Jul 24, 2016, 18:30:27

The budget is fairly open. I use it for browsing, emails, accounts and planning walks with maps. I do not play games!

nowster · Jul 24, 2016, 19:26:53

Wipe and install your OS from scratch, perhaps? Windows often accumulates lots of cruft which slows things down enormously.

Simon · Jul 24, 2016, 20:06:18

Quote from: nowster on Jul 24, 2016, 19:26:53
Wipe and install your OS from scratch, perhaps? Windows often accumulates lots of cruft which slows things down enormously.

Apparently it helps to not keep look at dogging websites.

zappaDPJ · Jul 24, 2016, 20:16:29

Quote from: Simon on Jul 24, 2016, 20:06:18
Apparently it helps to not keep look at dogging websites.

Are there any in particular to avoid?

Simon · Jul 24, 2016, 20:50:40

zappaDPJ · Jul 24, 2016, 21:39:51

Quote from: nowster on Jul 24, 2016, 19:26:53
Wipe and install your OS from scratch, perhaps? Windows often accumulates lots of cruft which slows things down enormously.

I just did that on 10 year old Sony Vaio laptop, wiped Vista and installed Windows 10. Prior to that it would barely boot and loading a browser took literally minutes. Now it boots in under 2 minutes and the browser loads in 2 seconds. So yeah, definitely worth a try.

Broadback · Jul 25, 2016, 07:56:25

That is interesting Zappa. Mine is also a VIAO system. I have just had the software rebuilt, but the vendor put VIAO back on. I do not see the point of VIAO anyway, can I get rid easily, or if it essential on Sony machines?

zappaDPJ · Jul 25, 2016, 14:46:26

It can be a bit hit and miss with laptops but you don't usually need any of the bloatware they come supplied with. Most of the time Windows will contain all that the device needs to function correctly.

Glenn · Jul 27, 2016, 14:32:56

https://www.computerplanet.co.uk/custom/

stevenrw · Jul 27, 2016, 22:41:07

I'd agree with nowster, but I would add an SSD, reinstall your OS clean on that and keep your hard drive for data. Have you thought of just putting in a bundle. Take a look here. https://www.aria.co.uk/Systems/Bundles/. These come preassembled and tested. I don't bother rebuilding from scratch, they only charge a small sum over the cost of the components to match, assemble and test these.
This way you keep your case, power supply, sound/graphics cards and any other pci cards you have.
If none of the bundles fit your requirements (for example the i3 @ £170 would be much better IMHO with a full ATX board and more RAM) they will discuss your requirements and come up with a bundle and quote with no obligation.
It sounds like your usage would not demand a top-of-the-line processor but I'd go with an Intel i3 as a minimum or if funds allow, an i5 will give you a bit of future proofing.
You can get a copy of W10 Pro (or at least the license) from here https://softwaregeeks.co.uk/product/windows-10-pro/ at a silly price.