I built a computer just a year ago. Assembling computer components is very easy these days, and except for computer memory and getting the right processor, almost everything is compatible so it’s very hard to screw it up. Everything just fits in its slot. My larger point is that it used to be that building your own system was a good way to save money, but I’m looking at this computer, which is hundreds less than the one I built, and I realize the raw specs are all very close to mine (with only the GPU as an exception).
Setting this machine up was as easy as plugging it in. After booting up and configuring Windows, it asked for my Microsoft account login, and I was using it to surf the internet. You only need a monitor (or any TV that takes HDMI, which is every TV these days).
The basic setup of the case is sensible. Plenty of older school USB 2 ports in the back for peripherals, and a couple of USB 3 ports in the front for your USB drives full of movies (or whatever you need to use quickly). The power button is obvious, on the top, and easy to access. The case has a nice, conservative brushed metal look to it, but it’s plastic on top. It’s a mid size tower and it’s easy to fit on a desk.
The little added features are great. Bluetooth, wifi, DVD drive, SD card reader. I used them all, and they just work like it’s an appliance and not a computer. It used to be a hassle to configure these features, but on this computer they are very seamless. I had this thing sending music to my bluetooth soundbar and playing Hulu and it hadn’t been out of the box for ten minutes.
The specifications on the hardware are very good with one exception. The 12 gb of DDR4 memory is great! That’s a modern spec of memory and a generous amount. The processor alone, an up to date i5, is worth $185. This level of i5 is about as good of a processor as you can buy before getting an eight core processor. This may mean nothing to you, but it’s basically the best processor you can get today that isn’t the premium i7 or AMD 8000 level costing a lot more money. Even if you’re getting this machine to play games, this is a potent processor and probably more than enough. It’s also a value sweet spot as this computer will be useful and relevant for several years, but wasn’t super expensive. 2 TB of hard drive space should be enough for you.
The one problem with the specs is the graphics. I am actually pretty surprised with how good the integrated intel graphics are. If you’re just watching movies or the games you play are more like Candy Crush, this computer is going to have sharp graphics, have no problem decoding compressed video, and it’s going to be an efficient user of electricity. Personally, I recommend you upgrade this machine with a GTX 1050 graphics card (which is about $120). That’s a massive upgrade in graphics complimenting its RAM and processor making this a great gaming machine, but it’s also a value conscious computer. You could play any modern game (even VR) with this computer and that level of graphics card.
It is not surprising or a flaw in this computer that it uses integrated graphics, and in fact the Intel 630 is good for integrated graphics and your budget, just understand that this is the one area where this computer is not impressive in its capabilities. Integrated graphics for a computer this price is absolutely the norm.
To upgrade any component on this computer, you would unscrew two screws on the side panel. I did so and it was easy to access the guts on this machine. It would take two minutes to add another hard drive (such as a small SSD) or a graphics card.
I really like the Acer included keyboard, which is cheap but pleasing to type on and responsive. This is very important as most people getting this computer are getting it for some kind of work, like typing papers in college or running an office. I review a lot of this stuff and I would take an Acer keyboard over a much more expensive one. The mouse is kinda average in my opinion. Acer has come a long way and their computers have lasted under heavy use in my house.
So in conclusion, if you need a computer that just works, this is not that expensive and you get a pretty powerful computer, so long as you aren’t playing graphically intensive games. And if you want those games, this is still a pretty good choice for as a robust home for a graphics card that you buy separately. So even though it’s not perfect, I give it 5 stars for value.
