Buying a used PC

I could use some help picking between two used PCs.

1.) Dell OptiPlex GX760

Price: $200 including tax

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Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo processor: 3.0GHz
Memory
DDR2: 4 GB
HDD
S-ATA: 160GB
Graphics
Integrated
Optical Drive
DVD-RW
Other
USB, LAN, PCI-E slot
Case
TOWER
Warranty
Tower case 12-month warranty
Operating System
Licensed Microsoft Windows 7

or

2.) HP 7900 3.0 GHz (lightly used)
Price: $193
Dual-core 3.0 GHz processor
Memory: DDR2: 4 GB
HDD: S-ATA: 160GB
Integrated Graphics
DVD-RW, COM port, Windows 7 Pro
Lightly used case
12-month warranty
Operating System: Licensed Microsoft Windows 7 Pro

This computer comes with Windows 7 Pro pre-installed. The original Windows key sticker is attached directly to the PC case.

It’s tough to pinpoint the exact processor being used in someone else's setup, though they both seem to be facing the same issue. It might be the first one, but I'd suggest digging a little deeper to get more specific details.

The real headache with HP and Dell desktops is that the motherboards rarely have standard power connectors. You're basically stuck using their proprietary 200W power supplies, which means you can't just pop in a beefier graphics card... You also run into walls when trying to upgrade the CPU; for instance, certain Xion chips won't work in a 775 socket chassis... It all runs fine as long as you stick to the stock setup, and honestly, the internet experience feels a bit smoother if you grab a used card from $33 or maybe a new GT 710 or GT 730...

http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/p...r_na-c01570344

Go with the Dell. You can pop an AMD Radeon RX 460 in there—it only draws 75W, and since that tower comes with a 305W PSU, you’ve got plenty of headroom. Or you could just grab a used R7 250 on eBay for about $133

I have a hunch this thread starter is looking for a gaming rig. They’re probably actually planning to use it for some retail POS system or something at work rather.

The Intel Core 2 Duo processor in the Dell is definitely the better pick, assuming we're talking about both CPUs being in those LGA 775 machines.

I haven't pulled the trigger on a used PC yet. I could use some advice regarding graphics cards—can I upgrade the GPU in both a Dell and an HP? I just want to play some older games like Sand and things like that.
I'm torn between these two options listed below. Which one should I grab? Thanks!

HP 7900 SFF

The specs are:

DualCore 2.5 GHz processor
Memory: 4 GB DDR2
HDD: 160GB S-ATA
Integrated Graphics
DVD-RW, COM, Windows 7 Pro
SFF Case
12-month warranty
OS: Licensed Microsoft Windows 7 Pro

or

Dell GX360 tower

DualCore 2.5 GHz processor
Memory: 2 GB DDR2
HDD: 160GB S-ATA
Integrated Graphics
DVD-RW, COM, Windows 7 Pro
Tower case
12-month warranty
OS: Licensed Microsoft Windows 7 Pro

That first HP you mentioned comes with integrated graphics, just like it says 😁. It’s very likely there's a PCIe slot on the motherboard, too—though it's a bit of a bummer they didn't list the specific motherboard model or all those extra specs... Just a heads-up, though: you'll probably need to hunt for a low-profile graphics card. Since the case is on the smaller side, a standard-sized card likely won't fit inside

Sure, you can hunt down a low-profile GPU, but if you actually want to play anything, you're going to need a card that costs more than those entire builds. Those setups will struggle to run pretty much any modern game from the last few years.

What's your total budget looking like, and do you absolutely need a machine that comes pre-installed with original macOS?

If you’re planning on dropping something like $667, you'd be better off grabbing a full desktop or finding something worth upgrading with a used card in the $200 range.