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.
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#1, Stationary Computers (under $1200)
Dell G5 Gaming Desktop from US$72025%, Best price yet!
~$1190 with accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
This should run nicelyperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets recommended specsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400FGraphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 TiMemory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cmWeight: 8.200 kgdetailed info US$710.18 from Best Buy (New)as of 2021-01-21 05:37:20, ESTPricing 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 accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i7-9700Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 12.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBDimensions: 15.54 x 33.74 x 30.40 cmWeight: 5.960 kgdetailed 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 accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i3-10100Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$394.54 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:23:03, ESTPricing 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 accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
This should run nicelyperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets recommended specsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400FGraphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)Dimensions: 16.90 x 30.80 x 36.70 cmWeight: 8.200 kgdetailed info US$710.18 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:25:28, ESTPricing 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 accessoriesIf 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-9400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)Dimensions: 15.54 x 30.40 x 33.74 cmWeight: 5.960 kgdetailed 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 accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 1 TB + 256 GB (~1.25 TB)Dimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$591.82 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:23:16, ESTPricing 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 accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 12.00 GBStorage: 1 TBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$552.36 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 04:13:31, ESTPricing 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 accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 8.00 GBStorage: 512.00 GBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$631.27 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:23:22, ESTPricing 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 accessoriesThis 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 Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A by All Smart Devices standards
Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A Bang for the Buck Versatility for the Price Power Storage Portability Autonomy N/A performance in Web & Communication
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Audio & Visual medias
Meets recommended specsperformance in Texts & Numbers
Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.performance in Video Games
Meets minimal requirementsProcessor: Intel Core i5-10400Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630Memory: 12.00 GBStorage: 256.00 GBDimensions: 15.40 x 29.30 x 32.43 cmWeight: 6.020 kgdetailed info US$710.18 from Dell (Canada) (New)as of 2021-01-22 03:24:21, ESTPricing 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. ×
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: