Building Office Computer

[newbuilder14]

Hi everyone,

I've been asked to build three (3) computers to be used to do general office work. They should not be high end systems, but quality, as always, is top priority. With that said, I don't know if they should be dual core systems (even though I've been using dual core processors lately), I don't need the fastest or largest hard drive on the market, and superior graphics aren't necessary. Now, I could do the same setup I've always done for office systems: Intel Pentium D 915, Corsair ValueSelect DDR2-667, Asus P5L-MX, 80GB Western Digital SATA, etc., but I always like to expand my horizons and use different brands and products. AMD or Intel would both work fine for me. Like I said before, I know I can put together a system using the parts I've used before, but I was wondering if anyone else would be willing to offer some suggestions based on their knowledge or previous use.

Thanks in advance,
NB14

[Freakitchen]

To be honest, NB, the setup you list would be what I'd build for an office machine. Without going Core 2 Duo, I don't think there's anything better you can build Intel-wise, and I don't think that AMD has anything worthwhile at the moment that can match that setup for price and stability.

FK

[Mr.Ferrari]

I've built a few office machines with the same setup except using an 805. You really notice the speed difference with the duallies when multitasking or CAD work.

Unfortunetly work=boring, as are the computers :P.

Just pair it up with a decent case and psu.

[Freakitchen]

I've been building office systems in the Antec SLK1650B for a while now, and have been more than happy with the case. But you might already be aware that GLC has been recommending the Foxconn TS001 case for a while now - and it's $15 cheaper than the Antec. If I could get this here in England, I probably would be doing!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811153042

FK

[newbuilder14]

Many thanks to you both. That is the case I was looking at, Freakitchen. I guess the question still remains: 805 or 915 and 667 or 533? I've used the 805 and 915 both and the differences in speed aren't that much but the price increase is only $4. So Mr. Ferrari, what motherboard(s) have you been using? I found this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128033

[Mr.Ferrari]

I stick strictly to Intel and Asus.

Different isnt always better ;).

Up to you though.

[glc]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Do them like the others.

[DarkPacMan77]

Pentium D 805 smithfield (dual core) is going pretty cheap right now, and that could offer another build.

My idea of a typical "office" computer is one that has a 250-300W psu, 256-512mb of slower ram, and a good enough processor to run a good 5-8 programs smoothly (basically a 2002 Dell system).

It really depends on what the "office need" is for the computer, but if you need more power then the build you suggested before is just fine, and even though it's fun to work with different parts you can't really go wrong with what you have selected (not to mention you are used to them).

[Panama Red]

I use the Antec SLK1650B case for general purpose builds also, primarily because one of the ways to overcome the price difference with store bought pc's is with a longer warranty. The Antec unit carries a 3 year warranty just like the Asus mobo's, Intel and AMD cpu's and most oem hard drives (I like the Seagate 5 year on their SATA drives). Ram is lifetime warranty. Whether you choose to pass these warranties along to the customer is your choice.