VANITY - New Computer Recommendations?

Question | 8/02/2024 | By Laz A. Mataz

[Lazamataz]

Hey folks. My current computer, while relatively new at about 18 months, has been problematic since purchase. Since it was only a lateral move in performance, I'd like to upgrade to a new machine, a problem-free one.

These are the specifications I am looking for:

• Not Intel-based. I hear Intel is having major problems with their chips lately, and that the chips are simply frying outright. Maybe that is only for a certain set of chips, so I could be convinced to return to Intel, but I'm leaning towards AMD or other mainstream chipsets.
• I'd like it optimized for gaming and computer application development, and to a much lesser extent, media creation.
• At least a 1 TB SSD primary drive. 2 TB would be even better, but 1 would suffice.
• Wouldn't mind 32G of memory but I can throw that in later.
• Monitor unnecessary. I have 2 good ones.
• No need for secondary drives, I have a bunch of those I can hang off the new machine.
• I can afford about $1700 or so after taxes.

I'd like to hear my fellow FReeper recommendations! Lenovo seems to be a decent brand and seems to gravitate towards AMD. I'm not a big fan of HP (this current problematic machine is HP, AMD Ryzen 5) but I can be convinced.

[The Duke]

If intending to run AI locally, you need at least 32G memory (and that’s for the smallest model).

[null and void]

First to say get a Mac, mac...

[Lazamataz]

Ok, 32G it is.

[Afterguard]

This is easy. Buy an iMac. Around $1300 before tax at Costco, for example. Take a look.

[Lazamataz]

Aw HELL naw.

First, I said about $1700, not about $17,000. 😂

Second, I am a dedicated PC-oriented architecture guy. My development efforts are targeted at PCs.

[Lazamataz]

No Macs for me.

[Afterguard]

That is so sad...

[TangledUpInBlue]

Buy an Apple.

And you are very right about INTC. They are a mess.

[joe fonebone]

This may sound silly, but years ago I used to build my own.
Go to newegg, pick out a case, motherboard, processor, power supply and screw it together.
Load your operating system and software.
Probably get a fantastic computer for pennies on the dollar.

[Lazamataz]

I also prefer Glocks over 1911’s.

[Lazamataz]

No Macs for me.

[Lazamataz]

This may sound silly, but years ago I used to build my own. Go to newegg, pick out a case, motherboard, processor, power supply and screw it together. Load your operating system and software. Probably get a fantastic computer for pennies on the dollar.

Probably but I don't barely trust myself to put gas in cars.

[Lazamataz]

Thoughts?

[null and void]

Like that’s going to stop me from saying iMac?

[bankwalker]

why would someone with your experience level need to ask a question like this to a group of strangers?

[Afterguard]

That’s sad too. Lol! 1911’s for me all the way. Have a great day Laz.

[Lazamataz]

You can say anything you want!

Whether I take the suggestion is the issue.

I have always been, and will always be, a Windows/PC guy.

[Lazamataz]

why would someone with your experience level need to ask a question like this to a group of strangers?

I'm a software guy. You will seldom find better.

But I am not a hardware guy, and I certainly have no awareness of current best-sets of hardware.

Besides, there are no strangers on FR. Not for me anyways.

[KC Burke]

My son got a custom build by a local guy for about your price range. He does video editing. He was happy to get rock solid power supply and custom cooling features. He gets it to be upgrade ready.