Need Help Deciding which system to buy from Costco

[MichaelATL]

I am looking at an AMD system with 12 GB RAM and 2 TB hard drive and a 27 inch led for $899 vs an Intel system with 8gb ram, 2 tb HD, and 23 inch LED for $799.

I like the idea of the bigger monitor. I use it for office tasks but do a lot of photo editing, light photoshop, and need to have multiple docs pages open. Also do a lot of PDF creation.

The sole purpose is a business PC.

Which is a better system? Other options around this price range?

I have a 22 inch monitor now and its too small.

Option 1:HP Pavilion p7-1298cb Desktop
2nd Gen AMD Quad-Core A10-5700 3.40GHz
27" LED Monitor
AMD Radeon™ Graphics
Beats Audio™ with HP USB Speakers
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11770359&whse=BC&Ne=5000135 4000000&eCat=BC|84|56671&N=4047237 4294897194&Mo=2&No=2&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&hierPath=84*56671*78518*&topnav=


Option 2: Dell XPS 8500 Desktop
3rd Generation Intel Core i7-3770 3.40GHz
1GB AMD Graphics
Bluetooth
460W Power Supply

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11771402&whse=BC&Ne=5000001 4000000&eCat=BC|84|56671&N=4047237 4294967022&Mo=15&No=8&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=


Any help would be appreciated.

 

[andrewcarr]

I'd go for the Intel, the graphics in both are about the same (at least I believe so) but the intel system has a better processor.

 

[MichaelATL]

is it worth it for a 3 inch difference in the monitor?

 

[moornix]

In pure processing power, the Intel CPU beats out the AMD CPU, so for all the applications you want to use, the Intel system will be better.

Benchmarks:
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html

As far as the monitor goes, I find that past 24" the screen just seems too big to use as work machine. However, that is merely a matter of personal preference. You should probably go to a nearby computer shop to check out the size for yourself.

 

[MichaelATL]

also forgot to add that the HP system was bought for actually $899 tax free - while the Dell system will be $889 with tax and shipping - so costwise about the same.

The HP does include some basic speakers - no speakers on the Dell.

Not sure how much the speed diff between the processors equates to everyday life and use - any help there?

 

[dudewitbow]

I'd go for the Intel, the graphics in both are about the same (at least I believe so) but the intel system has a better processor.

the 7660D integrated graphics is still a decently large gap in performance compared to the HD4k gpu, but for ops needs, the hd 4k is probably enough unless he does any graphical work.(as the hd 4k is still under top end llano chips just a tiny bit.)

 

[MichaelATL]

Not sure what all of that means -- but I do a lot of photo editing for work - but very basic stuff -- and using a 5 year old AMD machine now - so Im sure anything could do it...

However as time goes on - pcs get slow - so starting out with a better processor and better graphics might be the wise choice to get the Dell Intel machine.

 

[andrewcarr]

the 7660D integrated graphics is still a decently large gap in performance compared to the HD4k gpu, but for ops needs, the hd 4k is probably enough unless he does any graphical work.(as the hd 4k is still under top end llano chips just a tiny bit.)

The dell comes with this for graphics not the Intel 4000 built in.

Graphics & Video:

Dell 23" Full HD Widescreen Monitor
1GB AMD Radeon HD 7570 Graphics

I'm assuming it's the same as a 5570 so I believe that's about equal to the 7660D.

Because both graphics will be about the same but the Dell has a much faster CPU I'd go with the dell. I have a 23'' monitor and it's big enough (at least for me). I have a 27'' that isn't a desktop monitor and I don't think I'd want a screen that big.

 

[MichaelATL]

any other thoughts?

 

[anniea24]

is it worth it for a 3 inch difference in the monitor?

Michael, Since I watch a lot of TV and movies, I'd think the bigger monitor would be better. I'm as confused as you. The AMD HP from Costco is $150 off reg. price, but the sales guy said go with intel. Can you let me know what you get and how you like it?

 

[juniorsgv]

the beauty in all this is. as a costco member he can gamble on getting the AMD seeing how he likes it. take a reasonable amount of time weighing the pros and cons up to 90 days if needed. this is why i love Costco. it sort of takes the stress out of making a bad mistake.

having said that. i myself purchased an i5 3rd gen laptop thinking i wanted something portable only realizing that i really need a more powerful desktop.

same boat using an easy 7 year old desktop pc that's definitely seen better days. that still works great, but easily time to upgrade.

my biggest worry is with windows 8 around the corner is if i should stick with non touch screen or get a touch screen pc.