Office Use Build

[Oldie]

Hey guys, need to build a few new office machines and it's been a bit so I thought I'd see if I've done alright here.

This isn't a gaming build so some of the "answer these first" questions don't apply much, but in a nutshell: General office use PC's, nothing heavier than quickbooks; my budget is whatever they end up costing; live in the USA and want to buy everything on Amazon; Need CPU, MB, HDD, Case, PSU, Optical, RAM, KB/M, Monitor, Speakers; Building in the next few weeks; Already have the Win7 Pro licenses I need.

So here's what I put together so far:

I5 2500K (w/video)
Intel BOXDH67BLB3 Mainboard (link)
Antec Sonata IV w/620w PSU
Sony AD-7280S-0B DVD
WD Blue 500GB 7200 RPM HDD
Corsair XMS3 2x4GB
Some KB/M probably logitech
Viewsonic VA2231WM (has integrated speakers)

All comes out at $744.09 per machine. Any suggestions on changes?

 

[Dangman]

Hey guys, need to build a few new office machines and it's been a bit so I thought I'd see if I've done alright here.

*looks at title*

Totally great build boss!

Nah, seriously though: For the usage you've described, I think you would be fine with a prebuilt. I think this prebuilt deal should do the trick:
http://www.gotapex.com/content/6104...-LCD-Monitors-for-349-Each-with-FREE-Shipping!

With that said, if you still want to build:
- Since I doubt you'll be overclocking, I think you should be fine with the regular $190 Core i5 3450. Yes the 3450's onboard video is slower than the 2500K's onboard video but for the usage you've mentioned, it should still do the job. One could also make the case for the Core i3 2120 as well.

- The Sonata IV, even at the $150 price point, just seems overpriced to me since the case is still fairly cramped and still has very limited cable management. I recommend this instead:
$45 - Antec Earthwatts Green EA380D 380W PSU
$43 - NZXT Source 210 Elite White with Black Front Trim ATX Case
---
Total: $93 shipped.

You get a better case and that PSU is more than enough for that PC.

- Which Corsair XMS3 RAM did you choose?

 

[Deleted member 88227]

What do you do in your office? I want a job.

 

[Oldie]

What do you do in your office? I want a job.

This particular business makes dirt. If you're interested in driving a front loader in middle of nowhere Indiana all day shoot me a PM, not really in need of anyone else right now though.

Danny that vostro deal is pretty sweet, I have a deep seeded loathing for all things Dell (monitors aside) though. It's not based on reason in any way, I'm sure they build some nice stuff, I just hate them.

As to the case, that does look nice. I think I'll swap up to the 500w Corsair here though for $5 more:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W2T2U6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I'm thinking about putting together ~8 of these, so a little here and there can add up.

 

[Dangman]

Danny that vostro deal is pretty sweet, I have a deep seeded loathing for all things Dell (monitors aside) though. It's not based on reason in any way, I'm sure they build some nice stuff, I just hate them.

LOL! Fair enough.

I think I'll swap up to the 500w Corsair here though for $5 more:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W2T2U6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I have to disagree with the PSU swap: While the CX500 does offer more power, it's of significantly lesser quality and has lower efficiency than the Earthwatts I linked. Considering that these are just office machines, I don't see a need for the CX500 where its extra power trumps higher quality and lower efficiency.

 

[DJ Big T]

This particular business makes dirt. If you're interested in driving a front loader in middle of nowhere Indiana all day shoot me a PM, not really in need of anyone else right now though.

Danny that vostro deal is pretty sweet, I have a deep seeded loathing for all things Dell (monitors aside) though. It's not based on reason in any way, I'm sure they build some nice stuff, I just hate them.

As to the case, that does look nice. I think I'll swap up to the 500w Corsair here though for $5 more:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004W2T2U6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I'm thinking about putting together ~8 of these, so a little here and there can add up.

If you need the wattage the 430 watt is only $10 more. http://www.amazon.com/Antec-EarthWa...YJRG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1338329083&sr=8-3

Danny is right, might as well get a solid PSU for the build(s).

Just a heads up, the integrated speakers on monitors is terrible. Something like this (I'm sure Amazon has something similar) would be far better. Not even sure you need WD Blue HDDs, green would do just fine.

 

[engiNURD]

How important is up/downtime? One reason to go Dell is for their service contract (for businesses). If you don't need Dell's NA business support, then by all means, build it yourself. However, if you do need to have next day or same day service, then get the service contract with the Dell. My company always got their gold/pro support, since uptime was essential to our daily business; and Dell did not disappoint (next day on workstations, same day on servers).

 

[Oldie]

I have to disagree with the PSU swap: While the CX500 does offer more power, it's of significantly lesser quality and has lower efficiency than the Earthwatts I linked. Considering that these are just office machines, I don't see a need for the CX500 where its extra power trumps higher quality and lower efficiency.

Huh, I always figured Corsair for a good brand. I know they use different OEM's but I've had nothing but good times with the ones I've had in the past.

 

[Dangman]

Huh, I always figured Corsair for a good brand. I know they use different OEM's but I've had nothing but good times with the ones I've had in the past.

Corsair is still a good brand in the sense that none of their PSUs are complete pieces of crap or really untrustworthy. But they have PSUs that aren't that good compared to other PSUs.

 

[Oldie]

How important is up/downtime? One reason to go Dell is for their service contract (for businesses). If you don't need Dell's NA business support, then by all means, build it yourself. However, if you do need to have next day or same day service, then get the service contract with the Dell. My company always got their gold/pro support, since uptime was essential to our daily business; and Dell did not disappoint (next day on workstations, same day on servers).

I always have spare parts on hand and there's a guy up there (I live a few hours away) competent to address most issues. Plus I absolutely forbid people to store things locally. Not all of the workstations will be in use so if something goes down they can just move to another station.