HP Pavilion p7-1446s Desktop PC (AMD A10-5700 3.4GHz, 8GB DDR3-1600 RAM, 1TB 7200RPM HDD, Radeon HD 7660D Graphics, Gigabit LAN, Card Reader, USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Win 8) $425 @ Staples

did i mention it can get expensive?

I did a cruise through that site just after posting my question. I don't require absolute silence, but I do want it to be pretty quiet. As you point out, it does get expensive. Every example quiet build I saw was over $1000. Often over $2000. I think I'll stick with a Slickdeal HP/Dell/etc.

How does this offer compare to the Office Depot HP P7-1421 for $479.99?

http://www.officedepot.com/a/prod...-Computer/

not the best deal, just got on the dell inspiron few weeks ago for almost same setup , 3rd gen intel i3 with 6gb ram for $360+ CA tax , comes out about $420 shipped.

So lukewarm deal, but to people who are in need of a computer and not willing to wait for a better deal, go for it

I got 3rd gen i5 XPS for 448 shipped from Dell.

I got 3rd gen i5 XPS for 448 shipped from Dell.

In your case, I would recommend an i5-based configuration with just onboard graphics for now, like the recent Lenovo deal or even an i7-based PC like the Dell deals we have had. The faster Intel processors will give keep the PC from going obsolete for a extra couple of years.

When you do turn it into a "networked media center" (not sure if it means connecting it to a TV like an HTPC), the HD2500/HD4000 Intel integrated graphics will be just fine (or you can get an HD6670/GT 640-equivalent card if necessary).

The decision point for you here is whether you need the extra features the Lenovo did not have (USB 3.0 and Wi-Fi) and are willing to give up the processing power for it. Another consideration is the expandability. *I think*, you could squeeze a 3rd hard drive into the HP by converting the extra optical drive bay (don't know if you will ever need to).

This isn't that great a deal. Dell Outlet is having 20% off their Inspiron line right now with coupon code 6XZGKRL06HFKS5. So a Inspiron 660 with an i3 2130, 6GB, and 1TB is $303, which would be a superior system for basic computing. And if you were thinking about this APU system for gaming, you can add a GDDR5 Radeon 7750 to the Dell for ~$100 and you'd have a GPU that's over twice as fast at the 7660D. (It would have to be the 7750 because the Dell Inspiron 660 PSU doesn't have a 6 pin or molex connectors to power a card that needs an external connector) So for around $403 you'd have a gaming system that's twice as good.

Looks like the Dell Outlet Inspiron 660 PCs are refurbs. Is that still a good price for a refurb? What kind of condition do Dell refurbs come in ... do they look like new?

ive had experience with two refurb'd laptops from dell outlet. one looked like new, the other was a "scratch and dent" model. there was a hairline scratch about two inches long on the top of the case, but you could only see it if you were actively looking for it and had the right lighting conditions.

ive heard only a few horror stories w/ desktop refurbs. usually again, minor scratches or dents that are hardly noticeable. most are solid condition. but again YMMV. imo, dell has great outlet return policy (no restocking or return shipping fees).

i think this desktop is a great deal for new w/ easy store return + warranty. but im a cheap bastard so im more partial to refurbished computers a la dell, sony, and lenovo outlets.