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Help with different type of computer construction

O

over0066

Member
Unlike most gaming rigs I have put together, I need to build a system for my brother-in-law for use in his business. I am not sure what components excel in this environment. Please help.

Budget about 700-800.

Need CPU, MOBO, Memory, Case, PSU, Video, and wireless mouse.

Programs to be used in this system:
Microsoft office programs with emphasis on Outlook.
Quickbooks.
Musicmatch.
Easy CD Creator.
ACT.
Active Sync for PDA.
GPS interface (not sure of what actually needs to run or be installed.)
Construction Manager.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
Its not my call. My brother in law just wants new stuff since everything in the old system is about 4 years old. He is extremely concerned about reliability. I just can't guarantee that once we find the culprit of his current problems, the other components won't have issue within the year. Also keep in mind, I live over an hours drive away, so it is difficult to continually tinker. I gave him the option for me to bring one of my power supplies and run some memory tests, but he opted for the most reliable route with a definite time frame where it will be up and running. By the way, running memtest will only tell you if you are getting errors right? Doesn't fix them?

Back to the topic at hand, what components should I be looking at? My current thoughts are:

MSI RS480M2-IL
Athlon 64 3000+ or better
Antec Sonata
name brand RAM 1GB
Logitech mouse
NEC 3520 (forgot to mention the CD/DVD burner requirement)

Does intel components perform better for the business environment? Other suggestions? Reasons for not choosing those listed?

Thanks
 
Looks like you already know what you want 😀 - I would've recommended the NEC3520A if you had mentioned a DVDRW.

I did link to a different sort of case - that Silverstone will probably look good in an office environment, even better when paired with an LCD display.
 
why go with something as expensive as A64? you can get an amd solution much cheaper and very reliable.....for under 400.00....something around a sempron 2300 to 2500....my wifes sempron 2300 is very stable.....it was under 500.00 and thats including a 19 inch flat crt monitor!, and wireless logitech kb and logitech optical wireless mouse,abeit i caught alot of sales, but thats what they are for🙂
asrock K7S41GX....35.00 noble pc's onboard video,sound,lan,usb's etc...
sempron 2400....73.00 noble pc's
512 Mb PC-2700 Super Talent DDR- Lifetime Warranty 50.00 noble pc's
ordinary pc case.....23.00 noble pc's
550w Elements ZPower Power Supply 5 year warranty and very heavy!.... 40.00 noble pc's
logitech wireless combo with optical mouse.....30.00...newegg
maxtor 80 gig 7200 rpm hard drive....65.00 noble pc's
floppy....10.00 noble pc's
envision 19 inch flat crt....130.00 staples
total 456.00 plus shipping..... and one damn stable pc....will do all he ever needs for what you have listed and office work and such
 
I have thought about the A64 thing too, but in the end, it just doesn't matter that much to my brother-in-law. Initially when he said just build the computer he told me to build the "fastest computer possible" The expense isn't that much of an issue, but I don't want to be stupid. When I told him I could build him a $4000 system, he threw out the 7-800 pricepoint.

Will the Sempron save that much money? I haven't looked at the semprons pricing.

Initially I wanted to ask the question to see what people would come up with, but yes I certainly have an idea of components. However, since I have never actually worked with this particular mobo, I am not sure of its reliability. Also, never building a system for this purpose, I wasn't sure if there are better options for these types of programs. So any input on other components are welcome.

I forgot to mention HDD. Doesn't need to be huge, but will be partitioned for OS and Programs. Will use his current HDD as backup.
 
Other suggestions for cases? The sonata seemed to be a good choice for cooling and stealth. I figure he doesn't need a jet engine in an office he regularly has clients. Also, the case will be underneath the desk, so looks arent a huge issue. Mostly need cool, quiet and functional with a good power supply that will not become an issue.
 
What does he need it for?
Like what does he do in his buisness?
If all he does is type up word documments and use the internet then you can probabaly even get a $200 - $300 system.
 
He is a general contractor and keeps track of all his buisiness on this computer using quickbooks, outlook, construction manager, and one other I can't think of.

Possibly Autocad at some point.


Are there other suggestions?

CPU Athlon 64 3000+ 146 zipzoomfly
MOBO MSI RS480M2-IL 89 zipzoomfly
RAM Corsair Value Select 87.90 zipzoomfly
HDD seagate 7200.7 65 zipzoomfly
CASE Sonata 130 newegg
PSU Included
MOUSE MX1000 58.99 zipzoomfly
DVD NEC

This is what I am going with so far. More than he needs? Yes. Over the top? I don't think so. It will be a quiet, cool, fast, and reliable computer that will allow for other programs to be run as he may eventually try new programs.

What about a RAID setup?

Thanks
 
Does he really need a wirless mouse? Unless you can find a real good deal, or if it's something he just likes, I don't believe it's really necessary. The rig seems fine for me, but i'm not to familiar with autocad and construction manager =)
RAID might be useful for backups.
Good luck!
 
Thanks. The wireless mouse is a must cause he is getting sick of the cord. Cord kind of catches coming up through the desk.
 
i beleive there are still too many bugs i the 64 bit platforms yet, no clear winners in the mb area imho....look at all the posts for no boots and etc....i would stick with the lower budget for reliability at this point.....but in the end its what you are comfortable with as you will be the tech support🙂
 
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