2024-09-30, 05:30 AM
Hello,
I am a beginner to this. Please be kind.
I want to make a home media setup that works offline and online. I intend to buy a refurbished mini tower PC. From what is available in my local market, I have picked two options (these were the two best in terms of configuration):
1) Refurbished Dell OptiPlex 5040 Intel i7 6th GEN 256GB SSD 8GB RAM
2) Refurbished Dell OptiPlex 3060 Core i5 8th Gen 16GB RAM 512GB SSD
I am getting these models for around 240 USD (in India). i5 variant is 12 USD more expensive as compared to the other one. My Plan is to buy one of these and add a HDD for media storage. I will keep adding more hard drives in the future (is this a good idea, or should I add 2-3 HDD in the beginning and do a RAID setup?). Is it a good idea to buy one of these PCs or am I making a mistake?
I tried to find the exact CPU being used in these models but it was difficult to conclude. Dell website gives options and since I am buying a refurbished system, I am not sure what's actually inside. I can check this before I buy (using system properties, cpu details etc). Do I need to confirm some detail regarding the CPU when I am buying the PC?
I read somewhere that 8th gen CPUs are better for transcoding (frankly speaking, I do not understand the need of transcoding. However, I'd like to pick a system that works fine for next 3-5 years without needing an upgrade).
I am a beginner to this. Please be kind.
I want to make a home media setup that works offline and online. I intend to buy a refurbished mini tower PC. From what is available in my local market, I have picked two options (these were the two best in terms of configuration):
1) Refurbished Dell OptiPlex 5040 Intel i7 6th GEN 256GB SSD 8GB RAM
2) Refurbished Dell OptiPlex 3060 Core i5 8th Gen 16GB RAM 512GB SSD
I am getting these models for around 240 USD (in India). i5 variant is 12 USD more expensive as compared to the other one. My Plan is to buy one of these and add a HDD for media storage. I will keep adding more hard drives in the future (is this a good idea, or should I add 2-3 HDD in the beginning and do a RAID setup?). Is it a good idea to buy one of these PCs or am I making a mistake?
I tried to find the exact CPU being used in these models but it was difficult to conclude. Dell website gives options and since I am buying a refurbished system, I am not sure what's actually inside. I can check this before I buy (using system properties, cpu details etc). Do I need to confirm some detail regarding the CPU when I am buying the PC?
I read somewhere that 8th gen CPUs are better for transcoding (frankly speaking, I do not understand the need of transcoding. However, I'd like to pick a system that works fine for next 3-5 years without needing an upgrade).