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Resolved Question

What's the best option for a new computer for <$400?

by Apr 5, 2015 7:03AM PDT

I've using a 6 year old budget PC that I've upgraded (memory, graphics card, RAM) through the years...but it's getting to the point where I have to buy new. The main use would be as a Plex server. What would be my cheapest, but best bang for the buck, option? I wouldn't even be opposed to one of those small box PCs. Thanks for any advice.

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Dennison1977 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
6 Posts
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Clarification Request
Every day use? Not a gamer?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 5, 2015 7:13AM PDT
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It wouldn't be used for gaming at all.
by Dennison1977 Apr 5, 2015 7:26AM PDT

It would mainly be used to surf the web and for media storage (I use a Roku or PS4 for playing the media). The only other reason I use a PC for is updating my harmony remote (sad, I know). Other than for storage, I may actually only use it a handful of times a month.

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(NT) Maybe one of those top 20 laptops?
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Apr 5, 2015 7:29AM PDT
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for that I'd....
by James Denison Apr 5, 2015 10:28AM PDT

...buy a computer in walmart and save a few bucks. Chromebooks are very popular now for use you described.

Look for something that is at least dual core over 2.5 Ghz, with 4 GB RAM or more but a waste of money for over 8GB RAM, VGA/DVI and HDMI or all three for video options, at least a 1 TB drive, some USB3 ports,

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Re: Chromebook
by Kees_B Forum moderator Apr 6, 2015 1:29AM PDT

I doubt if a Chromebook is suitable for "storage". A Chromebook relies on the cloud (a server with Google for stortage). If you want to store your media in the cloud, you don't need a Chromebook as in interface to it.

Kees

Best Answer

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Plex
by Apr 6, 2015 12:58AM PDT

That product can use a lot of power depending on how many devices your feeding and what your feeding them with.

Just for yuks.
Open task manager and monitor cpu usage and ram usage.
Now run your normal stuff.

Depending on what it shows it might give you a clue about what area needs help.
Then you can decide if an update is practical or it's time to bin the thing.

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