Associate
- Joined
- 11 Nov 2003
- Posts
- 860
- Location
- South London
Hi,
(Apologies if this is the wrong section for this, it's been a few years since last posted in GH)
I got a Dell laptop as a desktop replacement a year or two back, but I'm finding it generally doesn't like being left on 24/7; gets very hot and has niggley recurring issues such as dropping the wireless connection (something to do with not being able to apply a profile?), re-booting a lot (normally windows updates) and just generally flaky performance.
I'd like to go back to using a desktop system, but there are several requirements I have of the new desktop system:
1- Dual boot windows and linux; I'd like to run linux most of the time just for the improved stability and virus resistance, but also need windows to I can use my work VPN client to remote into my PC at work (have heard Mint Linux is a good distro for a beginner)
2- Needs to be as quiet as possible, preferably silent as will be in a bedroom
3- Might be used for home theatre duties in the future, so needs a graphics card with HDMI output that can support 720p and soundcard that can support 7.1 surround
4- Would like to play the occasional game on it, nothing too major but if it would be possible to run the likes of Bioshock on medium settings, that would be good
5- Small form factor eg microATX preferred, as space is a bit of a premium and I know the wife will moan if I end up with a massive tower system or similar. Something like a Sugo with passive cooling would be good
So basically a solid and reliable machine that is virtually silent.
Budget is c. £500, but could stretch a bit if necessary.
Any advice would be much appreciated,
Cheers,
Fred
(Apologies if this is the wrong section for this, it's been a few years since last posted in GH)
I got a Dell laptop as a desktop replacement a year or two back, but I'm finding it generally doesn't like being left on 24/7; gets very hot and has niggley recurring issues such as dropping the wireless connection (something to do with not being able to apply a profile?), re-booting a lot (normally windows updates) and just generally flaky performance.
I'd like to go back to using a desktop system, but there are several requirements I have of the new desktop system:
1- Dual boot windows and linux; I'd like to run linux most of the time just for the improved stability and virus resistance, but also need windows to I can use my work VPN client to remote into my PC at work (have heard Mint Linux is a good distro for a beginner)
2- Needs to be as quiet as possible, preferably silent as will be in a bedroom
3- Might be used for home theatre duties in the future, so needs a graphics card with HDMI output that can support 720p and soundcard that can support 7.1 surround
4- Would like to play the occasional game on it, nothing too major but if it would be possible to run the likes of Bioshock on medium settings, that would be good
5- Small form factor eg microATX preferred, as space is a bit of a premium and I know the wife will moan if I end up with a massive tower system or similar. Something like a Sugo with passive cooling would be good
So basically a solid and reliable machine that is virtually silent.
Budget is c. £500, but could stretch a bit if necessary.
Any advice would be much appreciated,
Cheers,
Fred
