I've realised that it's time to replace my ageing Dell P4 desktop, which has become so slow for the last few months it's good for little more than streaming to my Sonos system.
I'm looking at replacing it with a new PC. With the advances in technology over the past 9 years I'm hoping spending up to £500 should still allow me to tick several of the boxes I'd like to.
I'm unsure if a custom built PC or ready built 'off the peg' option will give me best value for money in this price bracket. I've seen that I can get an Intel i3 processor in this price bracket- is that the best option or should I look at AMD?
I would like my computer to:
1. Run iTunes and stream to my Sonos
2. Edit photos with photoshop and video (non-HD at present but would like to future-proof)
3. If possible have an HDMI output (to connect to a seperate wall mounted LCD TV in the room as well as the monitor) or be able to connect to an AV Receiver. Would also be nice to use with a Popcorn Hour or similar in the future.
4. Can use my existing monitor (although any packages including a good monitor would be an upgrade)
5. Is possible be quiete and have as low power consumption as possible
6. Not bothered about gaming
is this achievable? If so, where should I concentrate my efforts? RAM? Processor? Graphics card? I know it sounds like I want the moon on a stick, but I'd just be interested to hear opinions on what might be possible!
I'm looking at replacing it with a new PC. With the advances in technology over the past 9 years I'm hoping spending up to £500 should still allow me to tick several of the boxes I'd like to.
I'm unsure if a custom built PC or ready built 'off the peg' option will give me best value for money in this price bracket. I've seen that I can get an Intel i3 processor in this price bracket- is that the best option or should I look at AMD?
I would like my computer to:
1. Run iTunes and stream to my Sonos
2. Edit photos with photoshop and video (non-HD at present but would like to future-proof)
3. If possible have an HDMI output (to connect to a seperate wall mounted LCD TV in the room as well as the monitor) or be able to connect to an AV Receiver. Would also be nice to use with a Popcorn Hour or similar in the future.
4. Can use my existing monitor (although any packages including a good monitor would be an upgrade)
5. Is possible be quiete and have as low power consumption as possible
6. Not bothered about gaming
is this achievable? If so, where should I concentrate my efforts? RAM? Processor? Graphics card? I know it sounds like I want the moon on a stick, but I'd just be interested to hear opinions on what might be possible!