System Build for Basic Business Desktop

[owensdj]

I'm looking at building several business desktop machines in the next few weeks. They need to be very reliable, but won't need a ton of speed. They'll run XP Pro, Office 2007, and Remote Desktop Client to connect to a sales/accounting application running on a Terminal Server at a central office. Here's what I had in mind. Any suggestions are welcome.

Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 1.86GHz 4MB Cache $165
ASUS P5B LGA 775 Intel P965 Express $116
Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 DDR2 667 $49
SAPPHIRE 100172L Radeon X1550 256MB 128-bit GDDR2 $50
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1200JS 120GB $50
LG Black DVD RW GSA-H54NK $28
Cooler Master Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black $45
SeaSonic S12-430 ATX12V 430W Power Supply $95

That configuration is just over $900+shipping with everything coming from NewEgg.com.

 

[jpeyton]

This, this, or this.

 

[MegaVovaN]

$900 WITHOUT MONITOR for office machines? Overkill.
See Dell. When time comes, you are likely to replace whole thing, so no need to make them upgradeable.

 

[hardbench]

I can only agree with the Dell route for simple office machines. Custom machines are great for personal use, especially if upgrading regularly, but they just are not worth it for the office.

 

[RebateMonger]

Right now, if I specify Dell desktops for clients, they are usually around $1100 with XP Pro (or Vista Business) and MS Office Small Business Edition 2003 or its 2007 equivalent. They'll be the lowest-end Core 2 Duo, with 1GB of memory, and usually the built-in Intel Video (but maybe an add-on 256MB card). They typically come with a 3-year onsite warranty from Dell.

Your components are pretty equivalent. I'm assuming you included XP and Office in your $900 price.

 

[owensdj]

RebateMonger, yes! The price includes XP Pro and Office 2007 Basic. I've configured Dells with the same specs and software, but they're not really any less expensive. I don't know if they're using components that are as good as what I'm using, so I tend to want to build the machines myself.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: owensdj
RebateMonger, yes! The price includes XP Pro and Office 2007 Basic. I've configured Dells with the same specs and software, but they're not really any less expensive. I don't know if they're using components that are as good as what I'm using, so I tend to want to build the machines myself.

Dell's components are solid and their systems are quieter than your configuration. Your configuration is overkill for a business desktop anyways. Buy the lowest level AMD X2 or Intel Pentium E you can (both are under $80 per CPU). Get a motherboard with integrated Nvidia or ATI video. You're overpaying by about 66% on the RAM. If you're concerned about quiet components, get Samsung hard drives and optical drives. The CoolerMaster case isn't the epitome of SoHo; get something more elegant. The Seasonic PSU is overkill; their quiet 300W model will power ANY business machine with ease.

In general, people need to take a greener/minimalistic approach to building PCs. The bottom line is that any idiot with a screwdriver can piece together your typical, noisy black box stuffed with miscellaneous parts. If you want to set yourself apart, aim for low power consumption, quietness, and compactness. Otherwise they are better off getting a silent Dell desktop that sips power and looks elegant to boot.

Just FYI, you can build an fully capable AMD X2 business machine that consumes 30-40W at idle and 60-80W at load, powered with a fanless/efficient PicoPSU, with one silent 120mm fan cooling the entire system, for a lot less money than your projected build. Clients appreciate unique things.

 

[iluvdeal]

I'd go with Dell, especially for support reasons. Unless you want to be on call as support for this place. BTW for office machine, I'd just go with mobo that has onboard video.

 

[owensdj]

jpeyton, thanks for the suggestions. I can see your point about the config being overkill for the intended purpose. I created a new config with a 65W AMD X2 processor, MicroATX board with integrated Nvidia graphics, low-noise hard drive, smaller case, and smaller power supply.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+(65W) Windsor 2.0GHz $66
ASUS M2NPV-VM Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6150 Micro ATX $89
Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 DDR2 667 $49
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST380815AS 80GB $43
Cooler Master Centurion 541 RC-541-SKN1 uATX Mini Tower $50
SeaSonic S12-330 ATX12V 330W Power Supply $60

The cost is down to under $600 + software. What did you mean by I was overpaying by 66% on the RAM? I don't see where I can find 1GB(2x512MB) of quality memory for much less than $49. Do you have a suggestion for a more "elegant" looking case? Thanks.