Help with a new PC

sloppycowpat

hey guys,

as i start my engineering geology msc in September I need a new pc

I have decided that i want a desk top as i have a netbook for mobile stuff

will be using it for Microsoft office, some gaming (not high end), video/ photo editing, some basic modelling software and general computing

have around 500 to spend but would prefer to stick to below this if i can but could go a bit higher

so opinions on what brand (dell or mesh etc), amd vs intel, integrated vs discrete graphics or suggestions for a pc would be much appreciated,

cheers

TheEnglishman

Try here - http://www.pcpro.co.uk/alist/value-pc

Although I search the factory refurb sites of Dell/Apple etc for better deals.

YeehaaMcgee

Bought a fleet of Dell Optiplex machines for work a couple of months ago, for general office duties. They had 4 gigs RAM, 500GB hard disks, and Corei5 processors.
They're not going to set the world on fire, but they're nice little machines. It's almost difficult to buy a machine with a crap processor these days.
Like the poster above says, check out the Dell refurb or Dell outlet store.

Thewaylander

Dell refurb/outlet is a great way to get more machine for your buck.

What your going to use it for is not really power hungry so you should be fine with most machines

anj132

ebuyer.com - I find them good on price.

I generally wouldn't worry about branding, they all do the same thing - it's a badge.
I would probably go AMD as you generally get more bang for buck.
Definitely get a separate gfx card if you want to do some gaming/modelling, potential to change it as well and plenty of RAM! Storage is so cheap I wouldn't really worry if it was 1/2 TB.