Windows PC Advice Please

Computers & Tech
1

So, been using am iMac for over a decade in Bootcamp mode for work and has been no bother until recently but it is old, fan constantly runs fast and I think the graphics card is on the way out as I get a black screen every few minutes. It also misbehaves in Mac OS but not to the same extent.

Time for a dedicated PC for work, what brands, specs etc. should I be looking at? I really have no idea.

Would like to avoid one where the company has piled a load of extra software on top of windows, just want a clean machine if that makes sense?

2

I have used HP Z series workstations for years, if you are looking for a desktop, or Lenovo P1 series ThinkPads for laptops, they have been reliable

2 Likes
3

Given you already know them, is there a reason for not wanting to go for another Mac of some description? Even if Bootcamp isn’t an avenue you want to go down, there are other options (I use CrossOver for example) to allow you to run Windows based software still.

4

I think I want a dedicated PC for Teams/Outlook etc. I already have a Macbook with Parallels if away from home but not a fan TBF and my wife uses Teams for Mac and I think it is crap.

Bootcamp was great but no longer supported with Apple chips as far as I know.

5

Will give HP a look.

6

Also, desktops seem pricey compared to laptops or am i missing something?

7

Lenovos are absolute workhorses. Our desktop IT guys loved them compared to the new cheap shite we have now. Was mainly a laptop estate but don’t see why a desktop would be any less reliable.

8

I did buy a Lenovo laptop a while ago after recommendations on here.

9

Also considering a quiet/silent PC as my office is also my music room

10

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134155733352

1 Like
11

Indeed, I was going to suggest an Intel NUC but then found that they exited the mini PC market in 2023 :face_with_diagonal_mouth:

12

HP compaq elite 8300 usdt
Maybe not this one but I’ve been using this since before joining the Wam in 07.
But certainly a HP business desktop. They are designed to run 24/7 and from experience, for decades.

1 Like
13

Talk to your local computer shop and see what they have in stock or get them to build something custom for your needs. If it’s just for Teams and Outlook/Office 365, you won’t need anything with a high spec and may get something 2nd hand that suits, as many gamers change PC quite often to keep up with the needs of new games.

I use Gigante Computers in Coventry (https://gigante.co.uk/).

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14

Thanks for the suggestions, really leaning towards to a well specked quiet PC. Would rather buy once and be up to date for years.

Had 12 years out of the Bootcamp Mac

15

Go as high spec as you can afford - personally I’ve gone for semi bespoke PC builds from the likes of Chillblast or Punch - I’m just replacing mine after 4+ years and it’s done daily heavy photo editing and some video work- been brilliant. New incoming is photo spec from Punch https://www.punchtechnology.co.uk/ hope it lasts as long…

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16

Punch look like decent value, going to call them on Tuesday, cheers.

17

Was more expensive than I expected but went with this.

https://www.punchtechnology.co.uk/product/high-performance-core-ultra-office-pc/

2 Likes
18

Excellent - just got mine

https://www.punchtechnology.co.uk/product/professional-photography-pc-v2/

a photo editing beast, pleased with it so far.

19

Funnily enough mine arrived today as well, should have been Monday but these things happen. Only problem is they forgot to activate the windows licence so will speak with them next week.

Yours is a beast compared to mine but I don’t need that kind of power.

Thanks for pointing me in their direction.