After thoroughly evaluating the Acer Aspire TC-1775 and considering my own experiences with various computing devices, I believe this budget desktop PC is ideal for individuals who are looking for an affordable, no-frills solution for everyday tasks.
With Acer’s Aspire TC-1775, I was well aware of what to expect – this desktop computer is primarily focused on affordability and user-friendliness. Although the design has undergone some minor modifications since I assessed its predecessor, the Aspire TC-895, in 2021, the fundamental concept has remained consistent.
As someone who has been using computers for decades, I can confidently say that this PC is a reliable workhorse designed for everyday tasks. With my background in tech and years of tinkering with internal components, I appreciate that it lacks the flashiness often found in high-end systems. Instead, it’s a budget-friendly option that caters to individuals who prioritize simplicity over complexity.
Indeed, there are numerous affordable PCs available today. However, what stands out is that you can frequently purchase the Aspire TC-1775 under $450 with a discount, while the Core i5-14400 processor typically costs around $235 individually. This combination offers remarkable value for money.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve put the Acer Aspire TC-1775 through its paces, examining its idiosyncrasies, assessing its capabilities, and aiming to provide insights on whether this PC suits your requirements effectively.
Acer Aspire TC-1775: Price, specs, and availability
Acer’s TC-1775 desktop computers can be purchased from various third-party vendors such as Amazon, B&H, and Newegg. Regardless of where you decide to buy the TC-1775 model, it comes with a wired keyboard and a wired mouse included in the package.
In the present moment, you can find the best ongoing deal for the TC-1775-UR11 model I’m reviewing on either Amazon or Newegg. This particular model boasts a 14th Gen Intel Core i5-14400 CPU, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD). The deal is discounted significantly to approximately $500, making it a semi-permanent offer.
As a seasoned online shopper with years of experience under my belt, I strongly advise paying attention to coupon boxes on retailer product pages when looking for great deals. During my time using the Aspire TC-1775, I’ve discovered that prices can drop significantly with the right coupons, as I managed to snag it for $440 at both Newegg and Amazon. Unfortunately, those discounts have disappeared since then, but who knows, you might strike gold if you keep a keen eye out!
Additionally, there’s the TC-1775-UR12 model, which comes with specifications akin to 16GB of RAM. Since it retails around $665 on Amazon, you could opt to buy separate DDR5 RAM and install it yourself later, saving you some money.
Recommended configuration
Acer Aspire TC-1775: What you’ll like
As a researcher, I found the design of this PC understated yet practical. It doesn’t boast flashy RGB lighting, instead, it offers a sleek, lightweight, and compact build with clean lines and thoughtfully arranged ports. In comparison to the TC-895 I’ve been using as my media center next to the living room TV, this one is more petite, but I haven’t encountered any issues during its operation. The larger feet at the bottom of the case provide additional grip and stability, leading to a quieter overall system performance.
You can connect many types of PC accessories directly, eliminating the need for a docking station in most cases. However, keep in mind that this setup might not support advanced standards like Thunderbolt or the majority of the newest ones.
At the front of this PC, you’ll find a UHS-I SD card reader, a USB-C 3.2 (Gen 1), two USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), and dual 3.5mm jacks for headphones and microphone. The backside of the case provides four USB-A 2.0 ports, HDMI 1.4b and HDMI 2.0 connections, another USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1), Gigabit Ethernet, and three more 3.5mm audio jacks with capabilities for 5.1 surround sound. Although it would be great to have additional USB-A 3.2 ports, given the price, it’s hard to find much to complain about.
The dependable and swift wireless connectivity is ensured by an M.2 Wi-Fi 6E card within, which also provides contemporary Bluetooth 5.3 for your wireless devices. Although you can still opt for a wired LAN connection, the WLAN chip has consistently been stable during my PC usage.
With a focus on performance, the 14th Generation Intel Core i5-14400 processor delivers 10 cores (divided into six Performance and four Efficiency) with a total thread count of 16. It can turbo boost up to 4.7GHz. This CPU operates at a base TDP of 65W and features integrated UHD Graphics 730. Purchasing this processor individually will set you back approximately $236, which is nearly half the cost of the entire PC system.
As a tech enthusiast with years of experience building and upgrading my own computers, I can confidently say that investing in additional RAM for your review unit is a smart move. The stock 8GB of DDR5-4800MHz RAM that comes with the device is enough to get you started, but trust me when I say that you’ll quickly find yourself wanting more.
During the testing phase, I found myself utilizing the Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11 for video streaming, intensive web browsing, and Office tasks. This machine delivered swift performance that seamlessly catered to my daily workflow, making it suitable for home office duties and student assignments as well. While it may not stand out as a technological marvel, it certainly delivers on its promise of getting the job done, all at an affordable price point.
I ran an extended full-system stress test in which there were no signs of thermal issues.
The Core i5-14400 chip is cooled by a basic fan, but it’s enough to prevent any throttling. I ran an extended full-system stress test in which there were no signs of thermal issues. The CPU cooler was audible during the test (around 47dBa), but the system is otherwise quiet due to a lack of case fans. The CPU topped out at around 85°C during the Turbo boost, settling back to about 65°C for the rest of the time.
In the Aspire TC-1775 by Acer, they’ve opted for a WD SN740 M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD, providing satisfactory speeds suitable for regular tasks. Powering this system is a 300W PSU, which works well for a setup lacking a dedicated graphics card. However, the unique shape of its proprietary power supply makes upgrading with a discrete GPU challenging, if not impossible, making it less advisable to purchase this PC with that intention.
What’s going on with 13th and 14th Gen Intel instability issues?
Currently, it’s not advisable to purchase any Intel processors from the 13th Gen “Raptor Lake” and 14th Gen “Raptor Lake Refresh” series that have a power consumption of 65W or more, as these chips may encounter instability issues. Intel has identified the root cause as a microcode issue which causes the chip to draw an excessively high voltage.
1. CPU performance can deteriorate severely, rendering them unusable, and the scheduled microcode update in mid-August won’t help CPUs that are already malfunctioning. Intel advises those encountering problems to contact their customer support, regardless if previous RMA claims have been rejected.
While it’s not certain if your Intel processor will encounter the issue, a software update called microcode is designed to prevent such incidents in the future. However, it remains uncertain how soon this fix will be available on Acer’s motherboards through an update.
Acer Aspire TC-1775: What you won’t like
For under $500, the Aspire TC-1775 offers decent performance at an affordable price, however, it does have its limitations that should be considered.
Much like my earlier Aspire TC-895 appraisal, many familiar concerns persist in this review. I mentioned before that it’s a PC designed to be bought, set up, and then left alone to perform its tasks. The design is compact enough to slide neatly under a desk, but accessing the inside requires a screwdriver and there’s limited space for internal modifications. There’s a single PCIe x16 slot, another PCIe x1 slot, and space for a few SATA drives mounted vertically within the case.
That issue is compounded by the non-existent optical drive’s mounting bracket extending out over the motherboard. Sure, you can access the RAM and CPU, but the M.2 slot for the SSD might as well be written off unless you have a specialized screwdriver.
As someone who has been working with computers for over a decade, I can confidently say that upon taking a closer look at the exterior of this PC, it certainly seems to have caught my eye. However, once I had the opportunity to peek inside, I was surprised to discover that Acer is able to offer such a high-performing machine at a price point of $500 or less. Given my experience in the field, I can say with certainty that this PC provides exceptional value for its cost, making it an attractive option for both budget-conscious consumers and tech enthusiasts alike.
As I scrutinize this Acer PC, I notice that its unique motherboard design restricts it to only fitting in this particular case. Moreover, the oblong power supply unit (PSU) is a non-modular component, leaning towards the budget end of the spectrum. The exterior presents an appealing appearance, but upon closer inspection inside, it’s apparent why Acer can offer it for $500 or less.
Regarding the provided keyboard and mouse that come with this PC, they can help you get started, but keep in mind they’re not high-end accessories. To enhance your experience, consider investing in a quality computer monitor as well.
Acer Aspire TC-1775: Competition
In the past few years, I’ve noticed a significant evolution in compact personal computers. They’re now quite impressive, making them a straightforward choice for anyone looking for an affordable option.
Instead of costing approximately $599, the compact Geekom Mini IT13 comes equipped with:
If you’re keen on prioritizing gaming, another excellent choice is the AYANEO Retro Mini PC we highly recommend. This model boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor, Radeon Vega integrated graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB M.2 PCIe SSD. Remarkably, it’s priced at around $359, leaving room for additional upgrades as your budget permits.
If you’re holding onto a large-scale desktop PC and find yourself yearning for something more versatile, I highly recommend checking out HP’s Envy All-in-One (AiO) computer, which I had the chance to review. This AiO model breaks away from conventional designs by incorporating a built-in battery, adjustable feet, and a convenient carrying handle. These features make it easier to move the device around without relying on an AC outlet, enhancing its portability and flexibility.
Approximately $650 will afford you a system equipped with an Intel Core i3-1315U CPU, 8GB memory, a 256GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, and a 23.8-inch QHD touch screen display. If this design catches your eye, feel free to explore more of our top picks for all-in-one PCs.
Acer Aspire TC-1775: Should you buy it?
✅ You should buy this if…
- You need an affordable desktop PC for use around the house (I use an older model as a media center for my living room TV).
- You don’t have any ambition to upgrade the PC yourself beyond maybe some extra memory.
- You don’t plan on playing any games that require a discrete GPU.
❌ You should not buy this if…
- You have more than $500 to spend on a desktop PC.
- You want a build that can be upgraded in the future.
- You’d rather have the portability perks that come with a budget laptop.
If you’re a tech enthusiast or plan to modify your computer in the future, the Aspire TC-1775 isn’t the ideal choice for you. This desktop resembles an affordable laptop more than a customizable PC; it’s essentially a machine that you set up and run until it eventually breaks down. Although you can access some internal components, upgradeability is not one of the Aspire TC-1775’s strong points. For instance, I recommend purchasing the 8GB RAM model and boosting it to 16GB if multitasking is important to you.
As a tech-savvy individual who spends most of my time juggling between work, school, and leisure activities, I can confidently say that this device is ideal for my daily digital lifestyle. From streaming movies to completing homework assignments, browsing the web, and managing Microsoft Office tasks, it effortlessly handles all these tasks with ease. It even allows me to indulge in some of my favorite light gaming such as Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Terraria. However, if you’re a hardcore gamer seeking desktop-level performance, you might want to invest in a computer with a dedicated graphics card (GPU). For those looking for an affordable alternative that still delivers decent gaming performance, the AYANEO Retro Mini PC could be the perfect choice.
It appears that the Aspire TC-1775-UR11 is currently selling for $500 on both Amazon and Newegg. However, if you can hold off, it might drop even lower in price. So far, I’ve noticed it going as low as $440, which makes it hard to find a better deal within the budget PC market.
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2024-08-03 16:10