Off-the-shelf computer for post processing? I am going to replace my venerable HP which is 12 years old, but has been upgraded twice. As well as it has performed, it is time to move...

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

I am going to replace my venerable HP which is 12 years old, but has been upgraded twice. As well as it has performed, it is time to move up. Any recommendations for off-the-shelf PC machines that will do the job? I am fine with swapping out a few replacement components, but don't want to do a home-made job, and would like to have one with a guarantee. Thanks, Hoggers.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I also have a 12 year old HP, still running Win 7 .
When I replace it I'll probably just get another HP tower with 12+Gb of memory and a large HD, and two video outs (dual monitors). My new laptop is an HP.
If I have to use (comes with) an SSD, Hopefully it will have expansion bays that I can add iinternal HD(s).

I'm not a speed/graphics daemon, so all my computers are all "regular" OTS (Off The shelf). They do well for me.
I do seem to wind up buying all Intel processors though.
Hard pressed to find a box with a DVD now also.....

Flying Three Loc: Berthoud, CO

I went with Dell XPS 8940. I did add RAM to 32 gb after I received the computer. It has worked well for a year on Windows 11.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If at all possible you should find out what motherboard they have. Just about everything else is upgradeable but a new motherboard to all intents and purposes means a new computer. You should only get a computer that has a 100% up-to-date motherboard (i.e. the most recent).

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Use off the shelf parts to assemble a modern computer. Parts can be price lowered gaming parts. Google DIY Computer and add to that your budget price. My case is perhaps 10y old, attractive, yes, but key is 3 "DVD" slots for one DVD, a dual changeable 3.5" hard drives for back up, and a card reader. Important is to read reviews on the parts you select.

You may be able to use parts from your old computer.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

dat2ra wrote:

I am going to replace my venerable HP which is 12 years old, but has been upgraded twice. As well as it has performed, it is time to move up. Any recommendations for off-the-shelf PC machines that will do the job? I am fine with swapping out a few replacement components, but don't want to do a home-made job, and would like to have one with a guarantee. Thanks, Hoggers.

I use a Lenovo ideapad 330S for all of my post processing. Works great, no complaints after 3 years of use.

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

I recommend you buy one with a SSD hard drive. Blazingly fast for post-processing

banjoboy Loc: Austin, TX

I just moved to a Dell XPS-8950 with 1 TB SSD and a 1TB 7200 RPM HD. It came with 16 GB of RAM and figured I’d add another 16 if needed. So far it is performing really well for LR Classic and PS.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

How about this one: https://www.costco.com/msi-codex-r-gaming-desktop---12th-gen-intel-core-i7-12700f---geforce-rtx-3060.product.4000052482.html

(Download)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If it has 16 GB of memory and a decent processor, you're all set.

Processor -
http://gizmodo.com/dont-waste-money-on-intels-top-processor-1791426602
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2404674,00.asp
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/intel-core-i9-vs-i7-vs-i5-cpu/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/intel-core-i5-vs-i7/
http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/core-i5-vs-i7
https://www.extremetech.com/computing/210703-intel-core-i5-vs-core-i7-which-processor-should-you-buy

newsguygeorge Loc: Victoria, Texas

For the love of God, stay the eff away from HP. It’s entire business has gone downhill. Their customer and tech support are now virtual and AI. Other posters have given the OP good advice, too.

As for me, my desktop is a custom-built one from seven years ago and the guy who did it for me “future-proofed” it nicely. If I would seek an off-the-shelf computer, I’d look hard as ASUS.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Interesting.
I've had no problems with our HPs.
(never needed support either.)

photoman43

dat2ra wrote:

I am going to replace my venerable HP which is 12 years old, but has been upgraded twice. As well as it has performed, it is time to move up. Any recommendations for off-the-shelf PC machines that will do the job? I am fine with swapping out a few replacement components, but don't want to do a home-made job, and would like to have one with a guarantee. Thanks, Hoggers.

I recommend the Lenovo brand. Go to their website and see which model fits your needs.

If you have a MicroCenter store close to you, see what brands they offer. Check out the PowerSpec desktops.And they sell Lenovo too.

Another option is for a reliable store to assemble or build you the desktop you need. My local MicroCenter has built desktops for me with just the stuff I need and no software bloat. This way I know exactly what each part will do for me. If a part were to fail, I know that I can replace it. In the last 10-15 years I have never had any issues with desktops they have built for me.

Jack B Loc: Mount Pleasant, SC

If you are near a Costco, I suggest you check out a desktop HP i7, 32 G,1000 g ssd, and other niceties for $999.99 starting tomorrow. I have one purchased less than 30 days ago for $1299. Tomorrow I will be able to get $300 back because of the less than 30-day purchase. So far, I think it is an excellent purchase. The monitor is not included. The monitor in use is a HP 27in that came with an HP from 8 years ago. It works just fine but I may get a new monitor eventually.
Jack B

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Should who you buy it from be as important as the brand and specs?

Costco and B&H have legendary satisfaction guaranteed return policy.

B&H has experts. I wonder what B&H would recommend for an "off-the-shelf PC machines that will do photographic post processing"?