Posted on 2024-07-15
Looking For A Used Computer?

To get a good solid machine with great specs I've been buying used HP workstations one generation or two back. These will range from $100 to $500 depending on your spec. I'm fine with no hard drive since they are cheap and easy to install but it is cheaper to get the amount of ram and the cpu you want at the time of purchase then it is to upgrade.

If you buy without a hard drive add $50 to $100 to the price. $100 will get you an ssd boot drive and a multiple terrabyte data drive. This is the configuration I recommend. If you buy a system with one or the other but not both you can add the drive you're missing.

If you install linux install to the ssd and put the home directory on the data drive. Search for instructions on how to do this and search again if the page stinks of AI.

If you use windows the grey market OEM keys work fine and are less than $10. Or just run unactivated and ignore the warning text. I do not recommend win11 because it's the worst spyware ever. I do not recommend windows at all but I do run win10 on some machines because some of my favorite software doesn't run on linux.

Again, if you are using multiple drives search for installation instructions.

Don't forget to have fun! Seriously. I really enjoy putting a new (used) system up on the bench. If I really mess up I don't have any data at risk and I can just start again.

Thanks

P.S.

I have found the HPs to be reliable but they are not white box so if you lose the motherboard or power supply it may be cheaper to replace than repair. You can keep the drives.

If white box is desired I like Dell but not all Dell machines are white box so check carefully. White box means standard motherboard mounting specs and standard power supply mounting specs (to me).

When I buy a laptop I usually get Toshiba but my livestream laptop is an Acer that was designed for livestreaming.

Also HP has business machines that are also good and both business machines and workstations come in small form factor which is neat and still allows for your three drives, ssd, data, optical. I like both the SFF and the towers.