Workstations: Build or Buy?

[Baelzar]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Web, Email, GoToMeeting, video playback....no 3d to speak of. I'll need an operating system as well.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread.
Let's say $400, but I'm looking to save even more.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
No Brand Preference.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
No current parts.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Yes, but they won't be doing any photo editing. I don't even know if they warrant a graphics card. If an OEM system is the answer, does anyone have a suggestion on what to buy?

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
No gaming, except perhaps Solitaire.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
As soon as possible.

 

[Ayah]

Who's going to be doing tech support? That's probably the biggest factor between buying prebuilt rigs with support and building your own where you're stuck deciphering PEBKAC errors.

 

[Baelzar]

Me, as usual.

I would LOVE to find a good deal on pre-built systems ala Acer/Dell/Gateway/whatever with Windows 7 installed.

If it's a substantial price difference, however....

 

[RebateMonger]

I've built PCs for nearly 25 years now, and I'd never build one for an office. As soon as you have to buy an OS, it throws the cost advantage to Dell, etc.

 

[Firsttime]

Yep. You want Dells. Building your own doesn't really save you anything in the world of low end office PC's.

 

[Baelzar]

Excellent.

Any processor I should shoot for, since I'm not overclocking? Best bang for the buck.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: Baelzar
Any processor I should shoot for, since I'm not overclocking? Best bang for the buck.

I'd make sure the processor has Intel VT extensions (or the equivalent in the AMD world). Eventually, everybody will be on Windows 7 and the XP Compatibility mode (for running old office software) of W7 Professional and Ultimate will only work if VT extensions are available.

BTW, if you are buying for an office, do yourself a favor and order the "Professional" or "Business" version of Windows. If you don't have a Windows Domain, you may want one some day and you'll have to upgrade all your PCs if you didn't get a Domain-friendly OS in the beginning. It's pricey to have to upgrade later.

 

[Baelzar]

I'm looking at ascendtech.us to buy complete systems....anyone have any experience with them?

Also, do most motherboards have both DVI and VGA these days onboard, or is that rare? It's not in the budget to replace every monitor.

 

[Ayah]

Most modern motherboard that I've seen with integrated graphics have one and HDMI. Some have both.

 

[Baelzar]

Assuming the Phenom II X3 720 is still in fashion (alot could change since March's update), what do you all think of these:

http://www.computerlx.com/conf...spx?t=&product_ID=1257

http://www.ascendtech.us/custo...asp?kc=DTWINPHIIX37201

Too much cpu for a workstation? Not enough memory?

 

[bamacre]

How many computers do you need? The advantages of going with someone like Dell are cheaper OS cost, and tech support.

The Optiplex 360 comes with a 3yr Next Business Day on-site warranty. For $400, the spec's aren't great, but may get the job done.

The Inspiron 546 will give you better spec's, but the warranty is not as nice.

 

[Baelzar]

10-12 computers. Does it make a difference with the big companies?

I have to maximize power and longevity. What's Dell's advantage? The warranty?

 

[0roo0roo]

dell
low end with integrated components = price you cannot beat. esp when they come with new os and a year of support/warrantee or whatever. if its doa you make it their problem. building pcs= time + doa + trouble shooting + time = money = f*ck that.

you only build when there are custom needs that are expensive to buy prebuilt.

 

[Baelzar]

No no, I totally get that now.

Now I'm comparing Dell with other companies; smaller companies that have good resellerratings.com and pricewatch.com reputations and seem to be cheaper than Dell.

Trying to get the best processor I can.

 

[Slugbait]

Originally posted by: Baelzar
Trying to get the best processor I can.

That's probably the wrong tactic. Your most system-intensive program appears to be GoToMeeting, which will run with aplomb on a Northwood 2.0.

No, your biggest issue is RAM. You want a minimum of two gigs for NT6 and later for GoToMeeting. More RAM is especially important if you are going to use Outlook 2007: the more RAM the better (not an issue with Outlook 2003).

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Baelzar
10-12 computers. Does it make a difference with the big companies?

Possibly a little. Get a hold of a small biz Dell rep, and he could probably offer free shipping (if it isn't already offered), or lower the price a little for such a quantity.