$1000 - $1200 on a PC for dad

[yolo99]

Hello,

I am looking to spend $1000 - $1200 on a PC for my dad. He does "Dad" things. No gaming. Mostly email, storing photos, doing some Visio work. The reason I am spending so much of his money on this PC is something with business and taxes and such - that IS the amount I have to spend.

I am hoping for some help on which brand and ideas on some good builds. The main feature is reliability. He is wanting this PC to last him 5-6 years. Even though he does not game, I would think some type of video card since $1000+ is a lot to spend on a PC without one. He does not need a monitor. But needs an OS (Windows 7 or 8?).

Thanks again in advance for any help on the matter.

 

[C12Friedman]

Are you looking to build a computer (most ideal) or looking for an off the shelf model? Are there any size factors that are out of the question (full tower too big kinda thing). I have some ideas but want to know what I'm working with/looking for. For prebuilt models in that range, you might consider an alienware model (slighly overpriced but relatively good support)

 

[yolo99]

It will be prebuilt off the shelf computer. I will not be building this PC. Not concerned about size limitations but a good brand and how to best spend the money for inside parts. I definitely think a SSD drive + a big second drive is worth it.

 

[C12Friedman]

You might look into a boutique builder such as iBuyPower or CyberPowerPC as well as Alienware - I'm trying to get a configuration that includes RAID1 for the data HDD's as well as an SSD for OS/Boot... I'm close but will have to get back to it later.

 

[sub7forhire]

Ibuypower is a complete ripoff. One of my soldiers purchased a computer from there and they have horrible costumer service. PC came with a broken GFX card and they wouldnt do anything about it.

 

[C12Friedman]

Okay, I did a configuration at CyberPowerPC that fits the budget and gives the features I think would be good for a few years anyway. It's here (for 7 days only) http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1F1XF8
Has Core i7-3770, Gigabyte B75 motherboard, 8GB 1600MHz ram, Radeon HD7770 graphics card, Corsair CX500 500W PSU, Optical drive DVD burner, Windows 7 home premium 64bit, 120GB Samsung 840 SSD for OS/Boot, two WD Black 1TB HDD's in RAID 1 (total of 1TB storage), liquid cooling all in one type inside an InWin Mana case comes to $1186. I think it's a respectable build which should even perform some light gaming if pushed into that role
My $0.02

edit: the case does not come with the fancy fan controller shown in the picture filling the top two drive slots