Advice re Used (Refurb?) Desktop Computer for Music - with limited budget

[21tones]

My very old music computer packed up some time ago and I haven't done recording for a while.
I was running Waveform 11. Not sure whether I need to update it.
I am looking to get a refurb desktop machine dedicated to music but don't want to spend a fortune.
I'm told that Dell Refurbs are pretty reliable. But maybe other brands are also reliable?
It would be Windows 11, using an SSL2 audio interface.
Is there any benefit in choosing Intel or AMD chips, or are they equally good? If Intel would i7 (which generation or speed?) be enough. Don't know the AMD equivalents.
Is there any particular spec of Graphics Card that is needed for music these days? If it is only to display the graphics rather than deal with intense processing like in photographic software then maybe not?
I mainly do recording of guitars and bass and vocals, plus Jamstix drum software, and some VST instruments/effects for other sounds e.g. keyboards, saxophone and (rarely) strings.
I rarely go beyond 24 tracks in a song.
My old computer didn't have it, but I guess a SSD to load software on to is necessary.
Is it best to record tracks to a separate drive? Does that need to be a SSD?
My approach to recording is pretty basic - think 1970s recording techniques for rock bands.
My technical understanding of computers is limited but I appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks and best wishes for 2026

[vstdls]

You will most likely get the best answers if you state a budget. I am not a fan of Dell or Alienware due to the proprietary boards and components they use in thier ATX-looking desktops. Both AMD and Intel are just fine. I lean more towards Intel. The integrated graphics on both options should do fine for a couple of 1080 or 1440p monitors for music production. MiniPCs present great options too, but sometimes cost as much as a full size without the cooling and performance.

The 12th gen i5 is still a monster CPU, if you'd like a baseline.

[Pictus]

Whatever your choice may be, this may help
viewtopic.php?t=621326

[21tones]

vstdls - thanks for the helpful response. Had a search around and can't find any refurb machines with the i5 12th gen CPU.
I should have said a budget. I am in the UK so am looking at around £500.
I have come across these two on ebay here which are i7 chips but I don't know whether they would be good enough.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/358064296773 ... R9THrdvzZg

and

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286973961482 ... 9016273931

Pictus - thanks for the link. Rather too technical for me I'm afraid but I appreciate your response.