Top Picks for the Tinkerer

So, "voiding warranties" is something you do with pride? The following systems allow you to make your own maintenance and some upgrades as needed. After all, it's much more cost-effective to add memory or storage down the road if needed.

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$790 to US$1240, with accessories.

Let's start with a broad search. The following offer the best value for the lowest price regardless of format preference. As a result, you will most likely see stationary computers down here and maybe a few portable options. You have the option to look for a specific kind of device at the bottom of the page.

#1, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$72025%, Best price yet!
~$1190 with accessories

This Gaming PC hits an appealing balance between affordability, power and speed. It does lack a few features I'd like to see in a gaming system (like paired mem... Read More about the dg5000_s23e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 5/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 5/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

4/5
This should run nicely

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

3/5
Meets recommended specs
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400F

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cm
Weight: 8.200 kg

detailed info
US$710.18 from Best Buy (New)
as of 2021-01-21 05:37:20, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Best Buy site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#1, Stationary Computers ($1200 - $1600)

HP ENVY Desktop from US$750;
~$1240 with accessories

This desktop PC is capable of handling a bit more than the usual, and its extra horsepower will come in handy when working with larger documents or if you lik... Read More about the TE01-0049
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 3.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

3/5
Meets recommended specs

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

1.5/5
Meets minimal requirements
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i7-9700

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Memory: 12.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Dimensions: 15.54 x 33.74 x 30.40 cm
Weight: 5.960 kg
detailed info from US$749.64
- US$749.64 from HP (New)
  as of 2021-01-21 11:32:05, EST
- US$946.91 from Best Buy (New)
  as of 2021-01-21 05:12:36, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#2, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$400;
~$790 with accessories

This computer is a compelling choice for everyday productivity, connectivity and enjoying the web... Read More about the di3880_s218pe
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 5/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 4.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

3/5
Meets recommended specs

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

1.5/5
Meets minimal requirements
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i3-10100

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 256.00 GB

Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cm
Weight: 6.020 kg

detailed info
US$394.54 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-22 03:23:03, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#3, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$720;
~$1190 with accessories

This Gaming PC does a pretty good job maximizing the performance you get for your investment. It lacks a few features I'd rather see in a gaming system (like pa... Read More about the dg5000_s40e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 3/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 2/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 2.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

4/5
This should run nicely

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

3/5
Meets recommended specs
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400F

Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cm
Weight: 8.200 kg

detailed info
US$710.18 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-22 03:25:28, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#4, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$5403%, Best price yet!
~$970 with accessories

If you need a PC for more than basic homework, or if you want a little room to grow with your next system, this cost-efficient model could be just what you need... Read More about the TP01-0019
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 1/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2.5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 1/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3/5
Power 1/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 3.5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

3/5
Meets recommended specs

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

1.5/5
Meets minimal requirements
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-9400

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

Dimensions: 15.54 x 30.40 x 33.74 cm
Weight: 5.960 kg
detailed info from US$536.58
- US$536.58 from Best Buy (New)
  as of 2021-01-21 05:30:04, EST
- US$591.82 from HP (New)
  as of 2021-01-21 11:16:41, EST
Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the retailer's site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#5, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$600;
~$1040 with accessories

This computer is well-suited for speedy productivity on a budget. It's even relatively easy to upgrade and maintain thanks to detailed documentation if you do n... Read More about the di3880_s2081e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 4.5/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 3.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

3/5
Meets recommended specs

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

1.5/5
Meets minimal requirements
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)

Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cm
Weight: 6.020 kg

detailed info
US$591.82 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-22 03:23:16, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#6, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$560;
~$990 with accessories

This computer is a good fit for everyday productivity on a budget. It's even relatively easy to upgrade and maintain thanks to detailed documentation. A few cre... Read More about the di3880_s2021e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 4/5
Power 1/5
Storage 2/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 4/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 3.5/5
Power 0.5/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

3/5
Meets recommended specs

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

1.5/5
Meets minimal requirements
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Memory: 12.00 GB

Storage: 1 TB

Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cm
Weight: 6.020 kg

detailed info
US$552.36 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-22 04:13:31, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#7, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$640;
~$1090 with accessories

This computer is a good fit if you've been looking to get more work done from home on a budget. It's even relatively easy to upgrade and maintain thanks to deta... Read More about the di3880_s2101e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 3/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 1/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 2.5/5
Storage 3/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 1.5/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

3/5
Meets recommended specs

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

1.5/5
Meets minimal requirements
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Memory: 8.00 GB

Storage: 512.00 GB

Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cm
Weight: 6.020 kg

detailed info
US$631.27 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-22 03:23:22, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
#8, Stationary Computers (under $1200)

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$720;
~$1190 with accessories

This computer is a good fit for everyday productivity on a budget, and thanks to fast storage, it'll keep your loading times to a minimum. It's even relatively... Read More about the di3880_s2041e
Device Ratings

by Stationary Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 2.5/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

by All Smart Devices standards

Bang for the Buck 4/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 3/5
Storage 1.5/5
Portability 1.5/5
Autonomy N/A

by Tower Computers standards

Bang for the Buck 2/5
Versatility for the Price 2/5
Power 1.5/5
Storage 0.5/5
Portability 5/5
Autonomy N/A

performance in Web & Communication

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Audio & Visual medias

3/5
Meets recommended specs

performance in Texts & Numbers

5/5
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

performance in Video Games

1.5/5
Meets minimal requirements
Specs

Processor: Intel Core i5-10400

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

Memory: 12.00 GB

Storage: 256.00 GB

Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cm
Weight: 6.020 kg

detailed info
US$710.18 from Dell (Canada) (New)
as of 2021-01-22 03:24:21, EST

Pricing Accuracy
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on the Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	1/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	3/5
Storage	1/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	3.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	1/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	3/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	5/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	2/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	2/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	3/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	1/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	2/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	2.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	1/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	1/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3/5
Power	1/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	3.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	4.5/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	3.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	4/5
Power	1/5
Storage	2/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	4/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
Power	0.5/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	3/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	1/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	2.5/5
Storage	3/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	4/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	3/5
Storage	1.5/5
Portability	1.5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Bang for the Buck	2/5
Versatility for the Price	2/5
Power	1.5/5
Storage	0.5/5
Portability	5/5
Autonomy	N/A

Know a tinkerer searching for a smart device?

Narrow down your search

Looking for a specific kind of device?

Looking for a laptop, tablet, smartphone or desktop computer specifically? Here are the product families in which we found options matching your needs:

Top Picks for the Tinkerer

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$790 to US$1240, with accessories.

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$72025%, Best price yet!~$1190 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

HP ENVY Desktop from US$750;~$1240 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$400;~$790 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$720;~$1190 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$5403%, Best price yet!~$970 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$600;~$1040 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$560;~$990 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$640;~$1090 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$720;~$1190 with accessories

Device Ratings

performance in Web & Communication

performance in Audio & Visual medias

performance in Texts & Numbers

performance in Video Games

Pricing Accuracy

Narrow down your search

Looking for a specific kind of device?

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$72025%, Best price yet!
~$1190 with accessories

HP ENVY Desktop from US$750;
~$1240 with accessories

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$400;
~$790 with accessories

Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$720;
~$1190 with accessories

HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$5403%, Best price yet!
~$970 with accessories

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$600;
~$1040 with accessories

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$560;
~$990 with accessories

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$640;
~$1090 with accessories

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop from US$720;
~$1190 with accessories