I can't advise on the models available for purchase in Canada, but I can give you advice on what to look for.
Processor: If you like Intel, go for an i5 for most uses, or an i7 if you do hella multitasking, video editing, or just really want excess power. The bigger the number, the better... an i5-85xx is a midrange current-gen chip that'd work well enough. For AMD, anything from a Ryzen 5 3600X up should be good- the bigger the number, the faster and the spendier. Can't testify too much to the AMD high-end, but IDK if going past the Ryzen 7 will get you anything.
RAM: At least 16GB. PA wants 12GB recommended.
Graphics: Again, the bigger the number, the better/longer until an upgrade. For PA, I'd aim for the midrange... a GTX 2050 (or even a 1050-1070) would be ample. Again, not sure about AMD options.
Fans: Bigger fans equal slower spinning, equals quieter case. A desktop with 120mm fans will be a LOT quieter than one with 60mm fans under load.
It boils down to a few simple points.
-Get at least the recommended specs for PA.
-Get an SSD (if only for Windows and PA). Everything else can be on HDD. It makes life SO MUCH SMOOTHER.
-The more you spend, the further away that 'this computer won't run what I want it to' point is.
-At some point, you end up spending way too much for way too little. That's why you don't need an i9 or a Threadripper or a Titan- too much cash for a few percent more speed than the next steps down.
-Check the case.
Processor: If you like Intel, go for an i5 for most uses, or an i7 if you do hella multitasking, video editing, or just really want excess power. The bigger the number, the better... an i5-85xx is a midrange current-gen chip that'd work well enough. For AMD, anything from a Ryzen 5 3600X up should be good- the bigger the number, the faster and the spendier. Can't testify too much to the AMD high-end, but IDK if going past the Ryzen 7 will get you anything.
RAM: At least 16GB. PA wants 12GB recommended.
Graphics: Again, the bigger the number, the better/longer until an upgrade. For PA, I'd aim for the midrange... a GTX 2050 (or even a 1050-1070) would be ample. Again, not sure about AMD options.
Fans: Bigger fans equal slower spinning, equals quieter case. A desktop with 120mm fans will be a LOT quieter than one with 60mm fans under load.
It boils down to a few simple points.
-Get at least the recommended specs for PA.
-Get an SSD (if only for Windows and PA). Everything else can be on HDD. It makes life SO MUCH SMOOTHER.
-The more you spend, the further away that 'this computer won't run what I want it to' point is.
-At some point, you end up spending way too much for way too little. That's why you don't need an i9 or a Threadripper or a Titan- too much cash for a few percent more speed than the next steps down.
-Check the case.