Choosing new desktop

[CB_Sense-23]

Hello, I'd like help choosing which HP desktop to purchase. I currently have an HP Pavilion 590-p0071 (8700/16/256+1) and would like to purchase a similar desktop (I can't find the same one available for purchase). The specs can be upgraded slightly but I can't afford getting top of the line / newest models. Any advice would be helpful.

Also please let me know if I'm posting this on the wrong board.

Thank you!

[old_geekster]

@CB_Sense-23 , welcome to the Community.

It would help to have a bit more information.

1) Do you play games?

2) Do you plan to upgrade the components, now or in the future?

3) What is the maximum that you want to spend?

The reason I am asking these questions is, the motherboard (Lincs) in your computer is HP proprietary. It has a 4-pin power connector instead of a standard 24-pin ATX power connector. You will have to buy any PSU upgrade from HP.  HP only has a 400W or 500W PSU for upgrades.  This will limit the video card you can add.  If there is any other pertinent information, please add it.

[CB_Sense-23]

Hi, thanks for the response!

-I don't plan to do any gaming with this computer. I do however intend to use it for video conferencing if that matters. Processing speed is probably the most important factor to me. 

-I don't plan on updating components. 

-$750 would be the maximum 

Thanks again!

[old_geekster]

You are welcome, @CB_Sense-23!  Thank you for the additional information.

At this point, I am inclined to suggest upgrading the processor in your current computer.  You can buy an i7-9700F for $270.  This is the fastest processor that has been tested to assure it is compatible with your motherboard.

Here is a comparison of your current processor (i7-8700) and the i7-9700F:

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/126686/intel-core-i7-8700-processor-12m-cache-u...

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark/products/193738/intel-core-i7-9700f-processor-12m-cache-...

The major difference in the two processors is the number of cores; 8700 6 cores, 9700F 8 cores and is much newer.  This makes a lot of difference in processing power.  For the money that you want to spend, you will get less processing power and memory in a new computer.  The chip shortage has caused prices to escalate out of sight.  Also, the delivery time on computers is longer than normal, before COVID.

Here is an example of what you can buy for $750: https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-envy-desktop-pc-te01-1000i/32480777/model/37676349/document/...

https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-envy-desktop-te01-1165t?jumpid=ma_weekly-deals_product-tile_des...

Of course, the decision is completely yours.  With a new computer you are getting all new components.  Also, you have to consider if you can do the upgrade on your current computer yourself.  If not, you have to add another $100 minimum to have a computer shop do it.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[CB_Sense-23]

Thank you for this information! My goal is actually to purchase a second computer rather than to  upgrade the one I have (the HP Pavilion). Based on your info it doesn't appear I can get something quite as good as what I have for $750. 

May I ask, setting price aside for a moment, what desktop you would recommend that is most similar to the desktop I have? Maybe even slightly upgraded? 

Thank you again!

[old_geekster]

You are very welcome, @CB_Sense-23!  Thank you for the additional information.

It is very difficult at this point to find a computer for much less than double the price you want to pay.  As I said in my previous post prices at this point are over the top.  The one in the link that I provided was the top of the mid-range pricing.  This is pricing problem is industry wide.  Then, you get into the gaming computers.  These have faster processors and video cards, but less memory (8 GB), in many instances, than what you have in your current computer.  Here is just one example of a gaming computer: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/omen-25l-desktop-gt12-0235se

It does have 16 GB of memory.

I did find this model that looks like it would be good for your needs: https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-pavilion-desktop-tp01-2255t-bundle-pc

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c07496533

The price is a bit higher than your maximum, but does have some very good features.  There is no discrete video card, however.  You could add one later.

[CB_Sense-23]

Hi, can you help me understand what a discrete video card is and why it would be important for me?

I found this computer on Amazon and was wondering how it compares to my 590-p0071? I see the processor has a 2.3 GHz base frequency compared to mine which I believe has a 3.2.  - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GFXRMW4/ref=twister_B08L5DQJPC?tag=p00935-20&ascsubtag=03agriRfmTC2zeAP...

I also found this one that seems comparable but has 12GB of RAM vs 16GB - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C3DWS63?tag=reviewgeek-20

I'm assuming the TP01-2255t is better overall but I'm curious how these 2 compare?

Thank you again!

[old_geekster]

You are welcome, @CB_Sense-23!

---

@CB_Sense-23 wrote:

Hi, can you help me understand what a discrete video card is and why it would be important for me? A discrete video card is separate from the motherboard and has its own video memory from 2 GB to 8 GB: https://www.newegg.com/msi-geforce-rtx-2060-rtx-2060-gaming-z-6g/p/N82E16814137379

Integrated video is either built-in to the motherboard or the processor and is not as powerful because it shares memory with the system memory.  If you are using apps that are video/graphics intensive the discrete card is the way to go.  Otherwise, the integrated video should be fine for your purpose.

I found this computer on Amazon and was wondering how it compares to my 590-p0071? I see the processor has a 2.3 GHz base frequency compared to mine which I believe has a 3.2.  - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GFXRMW4/ref=twister_B08L5DQJPC?tag=p00935-20&ascsubtag=03agriRfmTC2zeAP...

I also found this one that seems comparable but has 12GB of RAM vs 16GB - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C3DWS63?tag=reviewgeek-20

I'm assuming the TP01-2255t is better overall but I'm curious how these 2 compare?

Thank you again!

---

All three of the computers are very much equal.  The one thing that I am very particular about is the boot drive.  I want a SSD (M.2).  It makes the boot process much faster and, frankly, any other functions that you do are faster.  This makes the 2255t and the All In One more desirable to me.  I do agree that the 2255t has more features that I like, but you are paying for them.

Here is an article that will explain the difference in a hard drive disk (HDD) and a Solid State Drive (SSD): https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-ssd/ssd-vs-hdd

I hope this helps and doesn't make the situation more confusing.  If you have further questions, let me know.

[CB_Sense-23]

This was extremely helpful, thank you again for all the information! I'm very grateful. 

[old_geekster]

You are very welcome, @CB_Sense-23!  It has been my pleasure working with you.

Good luck on your purchase.