Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Desktop Under $900

Dec 8, 2014 1:56PM PST

Due to several factors - bb points, gift certificates, etc. - my next desktop will come (basically free) from Best Buy - that's a given. I'm not yet ready to build my own (though after browsing the forums, probably next time) I've been doing some research, but applying that research to the dizzying number of prebuilt "gaming" desktops is daunting, so I'm asking for some advice.

I use my computer to surf the 'net, do word processing, keep track of pictures of my kids, watch online videos, and - mainly - to play the games that I can't play on ps3 or ps4 - mainly the Total War series, a few Steam exclusives (like Shadowrun), etc.

Ideally I'd like to keep the price to between $600 to $800, but if another hundred bucks is worth it, I can go to $900.

On my current computer I have a 2TB drive I'd like to plug into the new one as a secondary or tertiary drive.

I've tried researching the different specs, but with so many choices, configurations, cards, hard drives, manufacturers, solid state options, etc. that BB offers I'm out of my depth. Any solid opinions?

I have looked at both of these (though if you have others they offer that are better, I'm totally open to considering them) - thoughts?

CyberPower Model GXI670

4th Gen Intel Core i5-4590 processor. Features a 6MB L3 cache and 3.3GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.7GHz.
Intel Turbo Boost Technology Automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.

8GB DDR3 SDRAM. For multitasking power, expandable to 16GB.

Multiformat DVD RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.

1TB Serial ATA III hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.

AMD Radeon R9 270X graphics
Feature 2GB dedicated video memory for lush images with rich, intricate detail. An HDMI output allows simple connection to an HDTV or other high-definition display (not included).

4 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.

Built-in 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN Enables quick and simple wired Web connection.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit operating system preinstalled

I have an e-mail in to them to try to find out the manufacturer and wattage of the psu.


VERSUS


Cybertron model TGM1224F


AMD 6-Core FX-6300 Processor with AMD Radeon R7 260X dedicated graphics

Ensures reliable performance.
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 16GB.

Multiformat DVD RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media.

6MB L2 + 8MB L3 cache memory

1TB Serial ATA III hard drive (7200 rpm)

AMD Radeon R7 260X graphics
Feature 1GB dedicated video memory for lush images with intense detail. HDMI output enables simple connection to an HDTV or other high-definition display.

4 USB 3.0 and 5 USB 2.0 ports

Built-in high-speed wireless LAN

Built-in Ethernet LAN

Front-panel fan controller
Allows simple adjustments for customized cooling.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 64-bit operating system preinstalled

PSU = 450 Watts
In Win Model IP-S450CQ2-0


There's about a $50 difference between the first and second.

Thanks for your consideration and advice.

Jake

Discussion is locked

JakeEll has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Ford or Chevy?
Dec 9, 2014 1:14AM PST
- Collapse -
Thanks
Dec 9, 2014 3:04AM PST

Thank you both for your input - I appreciate it.

J

- Collapse -
Answer
What car should I buy?
Dec 9, 2014 12:35AM PST

Beats me.

Based on the cpu+gpu I'd go with the I5.