Cheap Deaktop PCs suggestions

I’m after a cheap desktop PC that I would be happy using Ubuntu Linux on, although if it came with Windows 10 that could be useful.
looking on Hot Deals I noticed some references to PCs on Laptops Direct
https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/ct/desktop-and-workstation-pcs/home?sortOrder=1
Assuming my requirements are modest, would any of these PCs be any good? I really only want it for web browsing, emails, office programs etc. On Linux I’d like to use FreeTube as the ads on YouTube drive me nuts.
thanks
«1

Comments

  • Do you have a budget in mind?
    Do you already have a monitor as you mention desktop (if so what resolution)?
    Any particular reason a desktop rather than laptop?

  • I was hoping for something less than £200 if possible - I was planning to use a tv (hdmi) as a monitor if possible
    Thanks 
  • Hi,
    have a plunder through here, good luck
  • Ibrahim5
    Ibrahim5 Posts: 1,218 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    The adverts for these cheap PCs always ignore the important bits. One has no mention of PSU and the other says 250W. To get the overall price down they have to use the cheapest PSUs available. They produce tons of heat, have thin wires with rubbish insulation and don't last long. It's amazing the difference when you buy a quality power supply. One states an MSI motherboard and the other one doesn't specify. Personally I wouldn't want an MSI based on past experience. The important part of an SSD is transfer speed and longevity. So which SSDs are they fitting? They don't specify. If you want a quality PC you need to make sure of the quality of all the components. I have seen people buy PCs like this and they don't last long. They then pay 10 times as much and get an Apple. They then tell you that an Apple is higher quality than a PC. If you buy a PC you need to know EVERY part that is being used. If you only use components of the highest quality you end up with a fab PC. The money saving comes from the components lasting longer and being more power efficient. The PCs I build are all cold and silent and use very little power. These aren't gaming PCs though. With those you have to accept a bit more heat production and noise.
  • ^^ Paragraphs would help ^^
    I'm writing a book on plagiarism. It wasn't my idea.
  • Ibrahim5
    Ibrahim5 Posts: 1,218 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fourth Anniversary Name Dropper
    It's just a load of waffle that everyone will ignore.
  • Ibrahim5 said:
    The adverts for these cheap PCs always ignore the important bits. One has no mention of PSU and the other says 250W. To get the overall price down they have to use the cheapest PSUs available. They produce tons of heat, have thin wires with rubbish insulation and don't last long. It's amazing the difference when you buy a quality power supply. One states an MSI motherboard and the other one doesn't specify. Personally I wouldn't want an MSI based on past experience. The important part of an SSD is transfer speed and longevity. So which SSDs are they fitting? They don't specify. If you want a quality PC you need to make sure of the quality of all the components. I have seen people buy PCs like this and they don't last long. They then pay 10 times as much and get an Apple. They then tell you that an Apple is higher quality than a PC. If you buy a PC you need to know EVERY part that is being used. If you only use components of the highest quality you end up with a fab PC. The money saving comes from the components lasting longer and being more power efficient. The PCs I build are all cold and silent and use very little power. These aren't gaming PCs though. With those you have to accept a bit more heat production and noise.
    My April 2008 £196(delivered)  dell outlet(Inspiron 530 return with two 320gb) drives is still going

    One disc failed replaced with SSD other one still going, 
    cheap graphics 8500GT added to give dual screen.
    memory upgrade from 3GB to 8GB when it went to W10.

    Nothing special in the original build.



  • Cisco001
    Cisco001 Posts: 4,125 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 18 September 2021 at 1:47PM
    Ibrahim5 said:
    The adverts for these cheap PCs always ignore the important bits. One has no mention of PSU and the other says 250W. To get the overall price down they have to use the cheapest PSUs available. They produce tons of heat, have thin wires with rubbish insulation and don't last long. It's amazing the difference when you buy a quality power supply. One states an MSI motherboard and the other one doesn't specify. Personally I wouldn't want an MSI based on past experience. The important part of an SSD is transfer speed and longevity. So which SSDs are they fitting? They don't specify. If you want a quality PC you need to make sure of the quality of all the components. I have seen people buy PCs like this and they don't last long. They then pay 10 times as much and get an Apple. They then tell you that an Apple is higher quality than a PC. If you buy a PC you need to know EVERY part that is being used. If you only use components of the highest quality you end up with a fab PC. The money saving comes from the components lasting longer and being more power efficient. The PCs I build are all cold and silent and use very little power. These aren't gaming PCs though. With those you have to accept a bit more heat production and noise.
    What do you expect for £200-250 PC?
    A decent quality PSU will costs £40

    I do expect all cheap pre built PC come with crappy PSU. 

    At least these looks like standard size which can be easily replaced. 

    And do you notice the £250 one has 3 years warranty?

    Now after all this criticism, show us a pre-built PC in £200 - 250 range which use quality PSU. 

  • roytom2
    roytom2 Posts: 161 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 100 Posts
    Cisco001 said:
    Thanks - these two suggestions look spot on - I can see the better of the two (£250, ebuyer option) has a much better processor.
    With these PCs there’s no operating system, which is isn’t a problem as I was planning to use Linux on it. However if I wanted to use Windows 10 could I put this on? I assume it always comes preloaded on new systems?
    Cheers
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