Build a Better Workstation

[jtam314msa]

tl;dr, help me build a cheaper, better PC workstation; requirements below*

I'm trying to build a set of cheap, reliable workstation PCs for a doddering old dentist. Here is what I'm competing with:

> Asus F551MAV-DB02-B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

$250 at his local Brandsmart, $260 on B&H.

> 2.1 GHz Celeron w/1MB L2 cache
> 4GB 1600 MHz (1x4GB, no additional slots)
> 500GB 5400 RPM HDD
> 1366x768 15.6" screen

*Here's the build I'm working on as it stands currently - complete with prices and some notation. It needs to be able to run a CT image scanner/rendering program; software requirements are just 4 gigs of RAM and a dual-core processor.

> $59.99 3.0 GHz G3220 w/3MB L3 cache
> $42.99 G.SKILL 4GB 1333 MHz (2x2GB)
- Prefer dual channel for faster rendering calculations.
> $25.99 Seagate 300GB 7200 RPM HDD
> $45.99 MSI H81M-P33 mobo
- Recommended by Logical Increments. I've heard some people shit on MSI, but this mobo has some solid reviews other than some RMAs well within expected norms.
> $39.99 APEX TM-302-3 case + 300W PSU or
> $49.99 Rosewill FBM-01-450P + 450W PSU
- I know, I know, it's a combo, and we hate combo PSUs, but before you crucify me, I implore you to examine the reviews on both with a fine toothed comb. I came away with great confidence in either choice.

Total: $214.99 - 224.99 depending on the case + PSU.

It's not much cheaper than the laptop, and of course there's peripherals to consider, but this guy plans on buying five or six units total. I figure the total savings, improved specs, and future proofing will add enough value to make it worth his while.

Thoughts, guys? Can I do better? Remember, the goal here is to build a cheap, reliable workstation for just a few low-impact imaging applications and storage.

 

[mfenn]

Do you really want to be in the business of supporting 6 custom built PCs? Will he expect free support or are you charging him for support? What about OS? Do you already have licenses in place, or will you need to add one to each machine?

If he's already paying you for support, then I'd say it's fine to go ahead and build them if the money is worth your while (don't forget to add $100 to each for an OS license). Even then, I don't know if you can beat something like these Dell Optiplex 780's for $220 with OS (only 100 day warranty, which is why this is in the "he is paying you for support" column.

If he's expecting freebies, then point him to a machine with a warranty and OS pre-installed. Dell Outlet is a good place to search for Optiplex machines with full 3-year warranties (just like new machines). For example, the Optiplex 7010 with a Pentium G2120, 4GB of RAM, and Windows 8.1 is $359.

 

[jtam314msa]

Do you really want to be in the business of supporting 6 custom built PCs? Will he expect free support or are you charging him for support? What about OS? Do you already have licenses in place, or will you need to add one to each machine?

If he's already paying you for support, then I'd say it's fine to go ahead and build them if the money is worth your while (don't forget to add $100 to each for an OS license). Even then, I don't know if you can beat something like these Dell Optiplex 780's for $220 with OS (only 100 day warranty, which is why this is in the "he is paying you for support" column.

If he's expecting freebies, then point him to a machine with a warranty and OS pre-installed. Dell Outlet is a good place to search for Optiplex machines with full 3-year warranties (just like new machines). For example, the Optiplex 7010 with a Pentium G2120, 4GB of RAM, and Windows 8.1 is $359.

I'm really just building these for him. He has his own licenses and will not be expecting me to provide support, only build them and get them up and running.

That Optiplex is a tough competitor, but it's 1) refurbished and 2) has inferior components for near the exact same price. Also, the OS is inconsequential, as he requires a Pro upgrade regardless for each computer, otherwise the Optiplex would have an edge for being preinstalled.

 

[mfenn]

The Optiplex 780 does have Windows 7 Pro preinstalled. Have you checked with him to make sure that his licenses are transferable? At any rate, I would be highly skeptical of someone who is not capable of or doesn't have the time to build their own machines (no insult, just restating facts), somehow being capable of handling all hardware support.

Something else to keep in mind is that the Optiplex is only the same price if you value your time at $0/hour. Otherwise it comes out much cheaper because you simply have to deliver the machines to him and do whatever setup you would do anyway versus building and troubleshooting the machines.

Also, I contest the notion that the Optiplex 780's components are inferior for these uses. The case, PSU, and motherboard in those machines are high quality (to cut down on service calls), and parts are available in quantity for low prices due to the machines build produced by the millions. They're certainly better quality and more commonly available than your typical bargain-basement aftermarket parts. Also, the parts will still be commonly available in 2-3 years, whereas compatible replacements for today's budget parts will be in short supply at that time.

The CPUs are certainly slower than a new Haswell Pentium, but that hardly matters for the application that's provided.