Hi All, My current computer is about 10 years old (and still working) but it seems like it is time for any update. It has windows 7, and the upcoming end to support is a concern. In the past, I have used the recommendation of Ars Technica and had a computer built. When I go to their website, they don't seem to be offering any specific recommendations - and there is no way that I have the technical background to know what to do. Can anyone provide some guidance? Should I just give up on the idea of having a computer built and buy something from hp or dell? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
I would look at the prices of a Windows 10 machine with a quad core CPU (at least), and 16-32GB of RAM, and a boot SSD drive. If you do 3D work in SketchUp, then make sure the video card is capable. Look for what video connections it has vs your monitor(s).
AMD Ryzen CPUs are back on top, so to speak, in terms of performance and price. If you have someone to build a system for you, you may be able to beat a Dell price and/or performance.
It looks like I'll need a new Tower PC box ...too-much dust and cat hair. It's getting a bit unstable and rebooting problems. I only have access to Best Buys for retail PC equipment purchasing, so should I ask for a business PC or a gaming PC? I use Sketchup a lot, so I'm thinking a gaming PC to handle the graphics demand. I'm assuming once it's logged into my home network I can copy-over my business and CAD files without much fuss.
Yes, a gaming PC with a decent nVidia video card. A midline video card about the 2060 level, probably. If you can find one with a 4, 6, or 8 core CPU, and 16-32GB of RAM, and a boot SSD (check your current HD for a capacity that will work). An SSD will boot in a fraction of the time of a spinning hard drive, and is much more dependable.