Need a PC - and advice

xrapidx

xrapidx

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tldr; need recommendations on a desktop Pc to handle - some coding work - basic cad modelling - slicing 3d files, 4k@60hz. (preferably display port - screen seems better off it)

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I'm sitting in a situation where my personal laptop just died - pretty sure its load shedding related :p Its completely dead after this mornings load-shedding (also 8 years old).

My "least-restricted" company laptop has also now been force-ably replaced - I used to run Ubuntu on it - but won't be doing that with the new laptop due to new work requirements, so can't piggyback my personal software off that due to company monitoring. (they' probably won't have an issue - but - I don't want them knowing other work I'm involved in).

Now - since I hardly remove my laptop these days, I'm thinking of just getting a small factor desktop. My requirements are fairly simple - some coding work - basic cad modelling - slicing 3d files, 4k@60hz. (preferably display port - screen seems better off it)

I haven't owned a desktop, or been involved in PC building in well over 10 years so was hoping for recommendations on a simple desktop that'll meet the above requirements.

Not sure if something like this is with it, or priced right.
 
I would build a custom pc in a small form factor chassis that at least has room for upgrades.
The onboard Intel GPU barely manages 4k 60Hz.
 
Doesn't really have to be small - just not a massive tower case like I used to have, something that'll fit under the desk with my feet is fine.
 
xrapidx said:
Doesn't really have to be small - just not a massive tower case like I used to have, something that'll fit under the desk with my feet is fine.
Click to expand...

Just build a system in a mid-tower case. These proprietary systems make replacing parts or upgrading difficult.
 
xrapidx said:
I suppose - problem is its been so long I had to google what M.2 was :D
Click to expand...

What's your budget and which software are you running?

Maybe an 5600g build if you don't need a dedicated GPU?
 
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If you don’t mind Apple then you can try a Macmini.
These are the last of the intel cpu ones.

www.computermania.co.za

Mac mini 3.6GHz 4-core 8th Gen Intel Core i3 256GB

Eighth-generation 6-core and quad-core processors. Fast 2666MHz DDR4 memory. A variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, and available 10Gb Ethernet. And all-flash storage that’s blazing- fast, so you can load giant files and launch apps in an instant. The re-engineered Mac mini is...
www.computermania.co.za www.computermania.co.za

I’ve had one since 2012 and it’s still going strong.
 
your laptop dieing due to loadshedding is highly unlikely, maybe the transformer, but not the laptop itself.
 
ponder said:
What's your budget and which software are you running?

Maybe an 5600g build if you don't need a dedicated GPU?
Click to expand...
5-10k.. happy with secondhand too. Doesn't have to be the latest and greatest hardware.
 
Steamy Tom said:
your laptop dieing due to loadshedding is highly unlikely, maybe the transformer, but not the laptop itself.
Click to expand...
It's dead, tried another power supply. Was working before... And then not after loadshedding.

I don't know, maybe the battery just discharged for one last time.

Not worth investigating from my side, already taken out the drive and recovered my data.

I've had a few things that can't be affected by loadshedding seemingly stop working after a bout of loadshedding.
 
xrapidx said:
Nothing special - freecad on Ubuntu, just to make random 3d printed parts for projects
Click to expand...
I have been running FreeCAD (and a few other things) under Ubuntu on an old 4th gen i7. Also running something similar on an 8th gen i7.

Your main hardware issue is going to be the graphics that you want, although that is not a very high bar. A second hand Mac Mini or Optiplex is likely to suffice.

Another option would be to run it in a virtual machine. That way your company is unlikely to gain insight into what is happening in there.
 
garyc said:
I have been running FreeCAD (and a few other things) under Ubuntu on an old 4th gen i7. Also running something similar on an 8th gen i7.

Your main hardware issue is going to be the graphics that you want, although that is not a very high bar. A second hand Mac Mini or Optiplex is likely to suffice.

Another option would be to run it in a virtual machine. That way your company is unlikely to gain insight into what is happening in there.
Click to expand...
I might to a VM in the interim - but my personal machine has always been my main machine, and I remote to the work laptops, which are mounted under the desk.

(won't do a mac though - could never get used to it)
 
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