Top Picks for the Tinkerer

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$520 to US$1270, 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.

• 

  HP 8200 Elite from US$180;
  ~$520 with accessories

  An older computer, it's been refurbished with the latest version of windows and still has a lot to offer if you do not need the latest, greatest thing. It's a w... Read More about the 211204MB

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Multitasker
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	2/5
  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	4.5/5
  Power	3/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  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

  0/5

  Does not meet software's minimum requirements

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-2400S

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 2000

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 512.00 GB

  Dimensions: 10.03 x 33.78 x 37.85 cm

  Weight: 8.50 kg

  detailed info

  from US$172.37

  • US$172.37 from Amazon (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-01-23 07:12:05, EST
  • US$247.3 from Staples (Refurbished)
    as of 2019-01-23 06:46:35, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  Dell Dell Inspiron i5675 Gaming Desktop from US$740;
  ~$1270 with accessories

  Shopping for Gaming PC on a budget? This tower is definitely worth a look.

  • the Long-Term Gamer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	0/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1400

  Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 570

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 21.60 x 43.75 x 45.89 cm

  Weight: 13.74 kg

  detailed info

  from US$734.43

  • US$734.43 from Dell (New)
    as of 2019-01-22 06:30:42, EST
  • US$1051.38 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-01-23 08:09:21, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  MSI Nightblade MI3 8RA-022CA from US$6908%, Best price yet!
  ~$1206 with accessories

  A compact Gaming PC for the living room or anywhere space is limited. With carrying handles, it's also an attractive option for LAN parties or if you have to re... Read More about the MI3 8RA-022CA

  • the Long-Term Gamer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	3/5
  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

  4/5

  This should run nicely

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8400

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 12.80 x 34.20 x 26.80 cm

  Weight: 8.40 kg

  detailed info

  US$686.71 from Amazon (New) as of 2019-01-23 07:52:44, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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 Amazon site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  ME PC VT2000I Home PC from US$680;
  ~$1230 with accessories

  A practical Home PC capable of handling more than the basics so you can experiment and create without committing to a substantial budget... Read More about the VT2000I

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  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

  3/5

  Meets recommended specs

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8400

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 9.60 x 37.00 x 33.40 cm

  Weight: 10.00 kg

  detailed info

  US$674.48 from Memory Express (Built to Order) as of 2019-01-23 04:24:07, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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 Memory Express site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Asus M32BF Tower Computer from US$27048% cheaper than usual
  ~$642 with accessories

  A great computer for productivity and even more creative tasks.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-7800

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 17.53 x 40.89 x 38.10 cm

  Weight: 8.30 kg

  detailed info

  US$264.12 from Newegg (Refurbished) as of 2019-01-23 07:04:12, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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 Newegg site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$40012% cheaper than usual
  ~$820 with accessories

  A cost-efficient computer for homework and even quite a bit of creativity.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Aspiring Creative
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2.5/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	2/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-9700

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.15 kg

  detailed info

  US$397.19 from Staples (New) as of 2019-01-23 06:14:44, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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 Staples site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  Asus M32BF Tower Computer from US$380;
  ~$790 with accessories

  A great computer for productivity and a little more. Not a bad product if you don't have any great plans for your computer but don't want to be too restricted.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Graphic Designer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	1/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A10-7800

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB

  Dimensions: 17.52 x 37.99 x 40.84 cm

  Weight: 8.26 kg

  detailed info

  US$374.71 from Newegg (New) as of 2019-01-23 06:36:18, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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 Newegg site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion 590 Desktop PC from US$45014% cheaper than usual
  ~$890 with accessories

  With a large hard drive, this computer is a good fit for the collector of photos, music, videos and any file you'd prefer not to store in the cloud.

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Multitasker
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	1.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	1.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	3.5/5
  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
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	0.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	0.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	0.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: AMD A12-9700

  Graphics: AMD Radeon R7 Graphics

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.15 kg

  detailed info

  US$449.65 from Best Buy (New) as of 2019-01-23 06:10:10, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×
• 

  Dell Inspiron 15" 3000 Series Touch from US$420;
  ~$640 with accessories

  A cost-efficient laptop built to handle "the usual." An option worth considering, especially if waiting for stuff to load is an acceptable compromise for you, a... Read More about the i3567-3408BLK-PCA

  • the Tinkerer
  • the Casual Worker
  • the Audio Editor
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	1.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	2/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	4.5/5
  Portability	1.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i3-7130U

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 37.85 x 25.91 x 2.36 cm

  Weight: 2.20 kg

  detailed info

  US$412.18 from Best Buy (Open Box) as of 2019-01-23 11:40:10, EST

  pricing accuracy

  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. ×

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: