Windows 10 Pro

Is the only way to get Windows 10 Pro instead of home, by building your own PC?
Every build by companies I have seen is OEM and Home.
What is the difference between the two.
I have Win 10 pro but have not seen Home?

 

No idea if this is what you want: http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/how-easily-upgrade-windows-10-home-windows-10-pro

 

Look for them in the business section of the maker's or reseller's site or bricks and mortar stores, they'll be near the W7 machines, while they last.

 

If I understand you, Windows 10 Pro can be found in a machine like Dell, Lenovo, HP etc.
You imply they are running short.
I just want to see about a PC with Windows 10 Pro but this is not likely?
It then would appear that one must build their own PC to get Pro.
I have a flash drive for Windows 10 Pro and wonder if I could buy a license from Windows for the $199. price to go along with this media. It was created from an ISO file from Tech Bench so it is WIM and 64 byte.
However, this would not serve me if I bought a PC and only possibly if I built one.
TY

 

Good to hear from you.
I understand that I would likely be OK with 'home' these days, i.e., Win 10 as I don't usually use the other features but would prefer Pro.
I am deliberating making my own desktop as opposed to buying.
If the laptop(4+1/2) years old goes, I would get the Chromebook for Sharon so she does not have to maintain Windows as she only emails and surfs. She has zero knowledge of electronics and does not want to learn -hard as I try to help.
If the desktop goes(same age), I would like to avoid OEM and the clutter manufacturers put in the machines. I have Micro Center right near me. I could get them to do it or do it myself.
I have replaced minor parts and think I would be OK except for cables and motherboard. I would hope a manual would hep there. PC parts picker does not let you get any parts that are not compatible.I could check out compatibility there and get the components from Micro center.
TY

 

Rather than buy a big name product I used a UK firm of system builders that has built up a solid reputation and was absolutely delighted with end result. I have built my own system in the past but tbh my best efforts don't compare with the products of the established system builders. It was great having the choice of components right down the line and I only hope they survive the huge downturn in the PC market so I can order from them again. You also get the OS version you want.

 

It's coincidental that you mention that option as I was looking at some companies who sell prebuilt machines.
I found some desktops that had options that I could tailor to my needs..
Even Pro was available although not a requirement.
Thank you for encouraging me with that information as I never heard of it.
I now have to check reputations and call about modifications and warranties

 

Actually MicroCenter is almost across the street from me and if you buy the parts from them they assemble the machine for you.
I am not sure if that is better or worse than the prebuilt idea.
Any thoughts on the matter?

 

As long as you are getting the spec you want and the price is acceptable I can't see it makes a lot of difference. Delivery might be a little quicker with prebuilt - I had to wait three weeks for my custom build.

 

I have decided unless a relative or friend who is very capable offers to help, I will likely go to Micro Center, have them help me pick parts that are compatible with the features I like and build it for me.
My wife's laptop is easy -Chromebook as she cannot maintain a PC.
Considering my status as a retiree, would you think i5 3.3 GHz would suffice for a decent build?
I do no virtual machines or other demanding work other than imaging. As I mentioned earlier, I was told i5 has had its day and soon all will be i 7. Should I get a cooler with the heat sink?
Also, would a decent on board video/sound card suffice or should I go for a card that is better quality and removable? I have read that a lot of builders hold off until the cash is more ready. It would save me about $300. I could get a build that leaves room for a new video and sound card.
I think a motherboard would be about $300 and 64 byte.
Regrading the OS, if installing is just a matter of doing as it has always been i.e., creating partitions to install software, I can do it. Does the drive have to be formatted or just installed? Set the UEFI boot order to boot off the USB installation media?
I guess the OS would go on the 250 SSD. I was debating not having an HDD b/c now my C: drive shows I use 34 GB out of a TB on a single drive. The one drive seems sufficient- OK?
Would the installation of the OS on a SSD be the same as doing so on an HDD?
I could install Win 10 pro now as opposed to home for $50 more.
Any opinion on optical drives? I do have videos of the family I like to play.
I would get both USB 3.0 and 2.0.
I need Blue Tooth but WiFi is debatable.
I think 16 GB RAM would help it along?
Of course I would discuss warranties.
If you have time to correct my plan feel free to do so. And if there is any additional information I can bring with me please let me know.
Thanks a lot
Peter

 

Your needs are very undemanding peter, both processor-wise and gpu-wise. An i5 would would give you both a very responsive system and save you money and the same goes for the onboard gpu. Get a quiet cpu cooler fan fitted.

Let the builder install the OS and test it. You will gain next to no $ doing it yourself.

If that is all you need datawise then yes, even a 250GB SSD is overkill - a 120Gb SSD would be adequate. I prefer a small SSD for the OS and a fast HDD for storing everything else.

Save your money - you have no need at all for Pro.

A PC without wifi is like a bicycle without pedals. Non-starter.

8GB would be more than sufficient.

Those are my thoughts based on my understanding of the type of use you put your machines to.

 

Thanks so much for answering all the questions so I can e better armed when I go to MC.
I am beginning to become familiar with hardware and the amount of RAM and sort of processor I need. I will keep a list of this and again I really appreciate your taking the time.
Peter

 

I cannot thank all of you for your notes. I have a list of all you have suggested and will let you know what happens when I complete the thread as I always do.

 

I just heard from Micro Center. They said they will assemble the parts I buy from them, test the system, update drivers, install Win 10 pro with a 30 day warranty on labor and parts are the manufacturer's warranty. They return the media to me. I guess I would only have to install my Office 2010 if possible and update my printer drivers. Cost is $ 140.
What do you think?
Peter.

 

I have installed Office about 10 times. My printer does have drivers that would need updating but that's on me as the printer is here unless I tell them the printers stats, wouldn't you think?

 

OK David, I understand. I keep a couple of flash drives with all the driver and install links available.
I have had issues every time I use Ccleaner even if I use just Windows and tick off couple of entries like temporary files.
I think only skilled users should use any cleaner. Of course I would never touch the registry cleaner.
I got my new monitor as the first step to upgrading and it is like night and day. Dell 23" with no borders.
I gave them my list yet to be modified and it will take 5-7 days to complete once I give the 'go' sign.
TY

 

Hi David
I am very glad you can add some refinements as my list is not sufficiently informative. I have to go over the details of them with a tech, but here is what I have dwindled it down to;

1-motherboard- approx cost $219, 64 byte, legacy in the UEFI, blue tooth, WiFi, leave room and height for video and sound cards for later , internet, USB 3.0 + 2.0.
2-processor- 6th generation i5 3.2 GHz, approx $200, heat sink $130. cooler $64 - 100
3-RAM - 8 GB $70 expansion slots
4-DVD-RW 2 bays
5-I am confused as you recommended Samsung EVO 850-250 GB but it is very under priced at $87 that I am leery that it will not do the job. The EVO Pro is $130. My C: says I am using 37 GB and rest of 1 T is free. Most of the 250 GB SSDs I have seen are in the hundreds.
Also, I was thinking of using that as my only drive with a space for an HDD if necessary.
6- Win 10 pro ($200)they install with USB drive. I am unfamiliar with UEFI so think it is better until I learn about the new BIOS. They said they will install with reserve partition if I want at N/C so I figure why not although I will not use it.
*Should I ask for .WIM for DISM repair options or accept .ESD?
7- PSU - good wattage(how much) and model around $50?
8-My Office 20110
9-case = tall for future video card and clear on one side, $75
10 -so for a while use the on board video ?$230 and audio cards ?until I save up.
11- their work is $140 one month labor and parts per manufacturer. I am not sure that is good as I have never gone this route.
Any recommendations and corrections gladly accepted so when i go to the store I will be better able to present my requests. Would I be better off with a rebuilt?
TY
Peter

 

I was hoping you could fill in those blanks as I do not know how. I gave you all the information I could dig up but I will keep trying and get back to you.I need to get more info on #'s 1 + 2. Also, you imply the warranty is not good so I will look at prebuilts for a better warranty.

 

David
The problem I have is that I don't know what component does what. For example I would like 64 bit, WiFi, Blue tooth, internet and expansion for a video card. How do I know which MoBo has these features, When I go to any place like PCPartpicker, it does not say. Even my micro center does not specify.
The same with the heat sink fan and cooler.- case too. They give a general indication then a price but not if they have the features I listed.

 

MOBO = Asus maximus Hero ATX LGA1151 -Is legacy in this? $319
Intel quad core 6th generation3.4 GHz, hyperthread
Nexus NH L1237.8 CFM CPU cooler $70 [I don't know if this is a heat sink}

Is this ok?

 

You sent a lot of statistics.
Should I save this as a guide?
I thought I would bring my very rough specifications to Micro Center and discuss the features I want.
That way they could advise me about compatible parts.
Maybe I could get a print out to show you.
It would be easier on both of us.

 

HI David -care to comment?
?Compatibilty

1- Intel core i5- 6660K, 3.3.GHz, 6th generation, LGA1150. [$219.00]

2- Tax $65

3- assembly $140.00

4- heatsink – Cool Master V8 GTS CPU cooler [ $100]

5- ?Fan

6- Board Asus Z 170 – Deluxe LGA 1151, ATX, Intel

[Need 64 byte, Bluetooth, HIFI, internet, USB 3.0 and 2.0, UEFI, ` [$319.00]

Or? Asus Maximus Vll Hero ATXLGA 1151 - ?$

7- DVD-RW -2 bays

Ram – Crucial Ballistix Sport, 16 GB, 2x8GB, DDR 2400, $84.00 or EVGA

16 GB DDR3-2133, PC 3-1700 CL11 Dual Channel $74.00

8- Drives – (Now my C: says I use 37GB of a TB),

Crucial Max 200, 250 GB, mSata SSD $99.00 or

Samsung 850 EVO, 250 GB SSD $79.00 or

Samsung 850 pro 256GB,SATA 1113D vertical SSD $116

?2nd internal drive HDD 250 GB and make room.

10-Windows Pro, no OEM, with flash drive to install and ? My Windows

address? $200.00

11- PSU –EVGA Super Nova 750 Watt, ATX $120

12- Tower –Mid or full for future video card ?? one side clear and side

opening. NZXT S 340 ATX Mid Window/ need LG internal Sata,24x DVD CD+/-

R+W burner

13- good onboard video card for future upgrade.


!!Where is the component that has legacy and hyper threading, the processor or the mobo?

 

One error I made was the difference in socket between the CPU and the MOBO which I corrected. They both need to be LGA 1151.
Are you saying changing the RAM would take care of the size issue or do I need a taller tower besides a RAM change??
I use 37GB of 1T and have 2 external drives for imaging. Perhaps a 250 GB HDD and an internal HDD - opinion?

 

I found the Corsair Obsidian 750 D Airflow Edition Full for $ 139.00. Would this be OK with my current CPU cooler and the RAM I have.