Recommendation for Business Desktop

[owensdj]

I need to replace a dead Dell with a new desktop machine. It's a non-dedicated server for some important software used on this machine and two others in a small office. It will also run MS Office, IE, and e-mail.

I'm looking for something that's going to be reliable, but it doesn't have to be super fast. I was thinking a Dell Optiplex 790 that I configured for about $800. Any better choices out there?

 

[Emulex]

1. ECC RAM = super reliable. trust me here.
2. if its a server don't run apps on it. remote desktop into it.
3. use vmware or hyper-v so it's portable and easy to backup and move and restore.
4. raid-1 and good battery backup (pure sine 1hr runtime) - enough time to shutdown cleanly always. use raid edition drives (RE4 2TB rock) - trust me here.

not touching it is key - virtualization will making backups far easier. stick to 1 socket.

buy yourself a ghetto desktop to RDP into the server $25 old p4-2.4 with xp pro and leave the box alone as a server in a well cooled place.

hope that helps. if you can swing $1000 get esxi essentials and veeam. if not try hyper-v and its free backup software.

 

[owensdj]

Emulex, thanks for the reply. Those are great suggestions for server reliability, but this machine will need to be a workstation that's also a server for two other machines in a workgroup config. The organization probably isn't going to go with a dedicated server for just three users. The software that everyone runs has a database server service that seems to work just fine. I was just looking to find some reliable hardware to replace the old Dell.

 

[Aarondeep]

You can't really go wrong with the business lines of Dell, HP, or Lenovo.
Stay away from consumer trash and you will be happy with your decision.

 

[gsaldivar]

Dell Optiplex is a good choice. Great cases, robust power supplies, parts are readily available. Check Dell Outlet for cheap refurbished desktops - they all come with 21-day money back guarantee, free shipping, and most business lines (Optiplex) come with 3-year warranty same as retail.

Good luck!

 

[gmaster456]

I also agree with going with an Optiplex. The are very good machines and will last you a good while.