Top Picks for the Tinkerer

Your options 9 top results, ranging in price from ∼ US$560 to US$1390, 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 $850)

  

  HP Pavilion 590-p0099 from US$42028%, Best price yet!
  ~$842 with accessories

  If you need a PC capable of handling a bit more than garden variety productivity, this computer could be for you; especially if you need something simple, but w... Read More about the 590-p0099

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  Storage	1/5
  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 i5-8400

  Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$419.24

  • US$419.24 from Amazon (New)
    as of 2019-12-15 04:30:48, EST
  • US$630.39 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-12-13 10:30:19, EST
  • US$673.78 from Newegg (New)
    as of 2019-12-15 07:38:33, EST
  • US$713.17 from eBay (New)
    as of 2019-12-15 04:30:56, 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. ×
• 

  HP Pavilion gaming PC from US$69010% cheaper than usual
  ~$1190 with accessories

  Built with extra oomph, this PC is capable of handling creative projects and even some gaming.

  • the Long-Term Gamer
  • the Serious Gamer
  • the Serious Multitasker
  • the Video Editor
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • 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	3/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

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

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Texts & Numbers

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Video Games

  3.5/5

  Meets recommended specs

  Specs

  Processor: Intel Core i5-8400

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti

  Memory: 12.00 GB

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

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  US$683.56 from Best Buy (Open Box) as of 2019-12-15 09:10:52, 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. ×
• #1, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)

  

  Dell G5 Gaming PC - Abyss Grey from US$69031%, Best price yet!
  ~$1190 with accessories

  This Gaming PC might not be the most powerful out there, but it's quite cost-effective for the price and is capable of handling a few demanding Triple-A Games i... Read More about the i5090-di5090_h2e

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	1.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  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 i5-9400

  Graphics: Nvidia Geforce GTX 1650

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 1 TB + 128 GB (~1.13 TB)

  Dimensions: 16.89 x 30.78 x 36.70 cm

  Weight: 8.430 kg

  detailed info

  US$683.56 from Dell (Canada) (New) as of 2019-12-15 05:05:09, 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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #2, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)

  

  Dell G5 Gaming PC - Abyss Grey from US$840;
  ~$1390 with accessories

  This Gaming PC is capable of delivering rich gaming experiences for a relatively low price and is capable of handling quite a few demanding Triple-A Games in th... Read More about the i5090-di5090_h24e

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2.5/5
  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	2.5/5
  Power	4/5
  Storage	5/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1.5/5
  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

  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 i5-9400

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 2 TB + 256 GB (~2.25 TB)

  Dimensions: 16.89 x 30.78 x 36.70 cm

  Weight: 8.430 kg

  detailed info

  US$835.46 from Dell (Canada) (New) as of 2019-12-13 14:36:11, 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 Dell (Canada) site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #3, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)

  

  Dell G5 Gaming PC - Abyss Grey from US$840;
  ~$1390 with accessories

  This Gaming PC offers a compelling balance of power for the price and is capable of handling quite a few demanding Triple-A Games right off the bat... Read More about the i5090-5183GRY-PCA

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	1/5
  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	3.5/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	1/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	2.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	0.5/5
  Portability	4/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  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 i5-9400

  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 512.00 GB

  Dimensions: 16.89 x 30.78 x 36.70 cm

  Weight: 7.570 kg

  detailed info

  US$835.46 from Best Buy (New) as of 2019-12-13 13:56:02, 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. ×
• 

  Asus ROG Strix Gaming PC - Iron Grey from US$760;
  ~$1330 with accessories

  This gaming PC will let you enjoy most PC games out there, including quite a few recent Tripple-A titles. A few upgrades could help to make it even better at a... Read More about the GL10CS-BH552-CB

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  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

  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 i5-9400

  Graphics: Nvidia Geforce GTX 1650

  Memory: 8.00 GB

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

  Dimensions: 18.00 x 43.00 x 42.80 cm

  Weight: 8.001 kg

  detailed info

  US$759.51 from Best Buy (New) as of 2019-12-15 19:50:49, 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. ×
• #4, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)

  

  HP Pavilion Desktop PC from US$610;
  ~$1090 with accessories

  This desktop PC has a lot of storage space and offers a lot of performance for the price. It's a great pick if you keep an extensive media collection and it's a... Read More about the 595-p1009

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

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	3.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	4/5
  Portability	4.5/5
  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	1.5/5
  Autonomy	N/A

  by Tower Computers standards

  Bang for the Buck	2.5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	0.5/5
  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

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  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: 2 TB + 128 GB (~2.13 TB)

  Dimensions: 17.00 x 27.70 x 33.80 cm

  Weight: 5.150 kg

  detailed info

  from US$607.61

  • US$607.61 from HP (New)
    as of 2019-12-15 12:23:42, EST
  • US$683.56 from Best Buy (New)
    as of 2019-12-15 12:23:13, 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. ×
• #5, Stationary Computers ($850 - $1400)

  

  MSI Nightblade MI3 8RA-022CA from US$690;
  ~$1190 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 Tinkerer
  • the Video Editor
  • the Serious Music Producer
  • the Photo Editor
  • the Multitasker
  • the Productivity-Focused User
  • the Media Consumer

  Device Ratings

  by Stationary Computers standards

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

  by All Smart Devices standards

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

  by Compact Towers standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	4.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	3/5
  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

  2.5/5

  More than the bare minimum but not quite recommended specs.

  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: 8.400 kg

  detailed info

  US$683.47 from Canada Computers (New) as of 2019-12-13 22:48:14, 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 Canada Computers site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. ×
• #1, Laptops ($375 - $625)

  

  HP 15" Laptop from US$42010%, Best price yet!
  ~$560 with accessories

  This laptop is designed to be versatile for a minimal cost. A few sacrifices were made to get the price down this far, but if you don't need the smallest comput... Read More about the 15-DW0037CA

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

  Device Ratings

  by Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	3/5
  Portability	2.5/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  by All Smart Devices standards

  Bang for the Buck	4/5
  Versatility for the Price	3.5/5
  Power	2/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1/5

  by Portable Laptops standards

  Bang for the Buck	5/5
  Versatility for the Price	3/5
  Power	1/5
  Storage	2.5/5
  Portability	3/5
  Autonomy	1.5/5

  performance in Web & Communication

  5/5

  Exceeds recommended specs, fit for hardcore users.

  performance in Audio & Visual medias

  4.5/5

  This should run nicely

  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 i3-8145U

  Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620

  Memory: 8.00 GB

  Storage: 256.00 GB

  Screen Size: 15.6"

  Screen Resolution: 1366×768

  Dimensions: 35.85 x 24.20 x 1.99 cm

  Weight: 1.740 kg

  detailed info

  US$410.12 from Staples (New) as of 2019-12-15 08:46:40, 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. ×

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: