New Computer advice

BFR · 02-09-2010, 03:48 PM

I need a new office computer:
No gaming
No need for good sound
As fast as possible
Existing keyboard is fine and I'm used to it
Existing monitor is fine
Existing mouse is fine
Existing speakers are fine
Presently use Windows XP and it's fine but wouldn't mind upgrading to 7 if that's worth the price/trouble.
Just bought a new dvd drive which works fine so would like to reuse it. Existing hard drives are fine especially considering what's on them, but wouldn't object to new primary hard drive if that's a good idea.
Would like to upgrade to latest version of MS Office.
Will probably have someone knowledgeable build it as I've never built one before and really don't have time. Would welcome suggestions as to how to find someone competent to do the build - I'll buy the parts or tell the contract builder what to buy.
What should I get? Obviously, I'd like to spend as little as possible, but price is no object to get what I want - seems like I ought to get something for around $800, no?

BFR

Drenlin · 02-09-2010, 04:04 PM

How much power do you need? If you're just doing Office applications things you won't need much, but something like image or video editing would need quite a bit more.

Also, since this is a work computer, I assume you want it to last a long time? Do you want to be able to put newer/better upgrades in it later on?

And yes, 7 is definitely worth the price, but it is expensive. $105 for the OEM version of Home Premium, and $202 for the full version. Pro is $140 for OEM, $275 for full.

edit: The only difference in the two is that you can move the full version to a different computer. The OEM version is locked to the first motherboard that it is installed on. In your case I'd go with Home Premium OEM unless you need any of the features of Pro.

BFR · 02-09-2010, 04:32 PM

Well, as you might expect, I don't really know how to answer your questions. I would probably go with the full version of 7 Pro just because I was never happy with the home version of XP (which I had at home, duh). As for OEM or private, I don't really care - Unless I make a mistake at the outset, I don't usually upgrade - I just use it like a Chevy truck, except I don't even change the oil - just fire it up every morning expecting it to work perfectly.

As for speed, the only sort of non-business use I put it to would be CAD programs (Sketchup and AutoSketch, which is a lightweight version of AutoCad)

Does that answer your questions? If it works, I'll pretty much use it until it starts giving problems - usually 3-4 years if history is any indication.

BFR

daisymtc · 02-09-2010, 04:47 PM

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116758
Since you won't upgrade, don't border to get the retail version with double of the price.

case - Antec Two Hundred
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129070

Antec NEO ECO 520C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...k=antec%20520w

What interface is your existing HDD? If it is SATA II, just keep it.
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148395

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145260

Although it is overkill, but it should cover everything you are going to do.
GIGABYTE GV-R567OC-1GI Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-312-_-Product

Or you could get a cheap 4550 as you are only running 2D CAD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-250-_-Product

GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3L
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128406

Intel Core i5-750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-215-_-Product

BFR · 02-09-2010, 04:55 PM

I'm pretty sureSketchup is 3D. Might be nice to have that capability.
BFR

BFR · 02-09-2010, 05:08 PM

Another thought. The dvd drive I just bought and installed was SATA - how do I tell if it was SATA II (or is there such a thing as SATA I)? Also, how do I tell if my hard drive is SATA II - I kind of doubt it. Also, I would like to add a portable hard drive and automatic back up software - what do you suggest there? Or should I just go to Office Depot/BestBuy/etc. and get the one they have on sale that's big enough? Finally, what are your thoughts on finding a competent builder? Craigslist or what? And, how much should it cost? On the other hand, I just looked over the "build a computer" sticky and I'm kind of intrigued with building it myself if it wouldn't take too long. What's a good estimate of the time required to build it myself? I'm reasonably handy but no experience doing much more than installing stuff - never built one from scratch.

BFR

daisymtc · 02-09-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFR

I'm pretty sureSketchup is 3D. Might be nice to have that capability.
BFR

Really? Get the more powerful 5670.

Drenlin · 02-09-2010, 06:14 PM

^ That. The build look great. The only thing I'd change is the case, but that's just personal preference...the 300 is good.

Even if your old drive is SATA I it will be ok. The official terms are SATA 1.5GB/s (I), and SATA 3GB/s (II). The only difference is the speed of the data port it's plugged into. They are physically compatible.

However, since your other hard drive has seen quite a bit of use by now, I would get a new one anyway. Kind of like preventative maintenance, you know? The one Daisy linked is good. This would also allow you to continue using the old system as well, though without a cd drive. (If you want a CD drive as well, this will do)

BFR · 02-09-2010, 08:29 PM

Thanks everyone. With all your sage advice, this old business user got more good advice in about a half hour than he could have gotten in 2 days worth of ads and bs from all the usual commercial sources. The only thing I am trying to decide is whether I should tackle the job myself - it'd be fun but I'd hate to screw up some component by hooking it up wrong. Thanks again.

BFR

linkin · 02-09-2010, 08:55 PM

How to Build a Computer - Step by Step (With Photos)

that should help

02-09-2010, 03:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
BFR New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 6	New Computer advice I need a new office computer: No gaming No need for good sound As fast as possible Existing keyboard is fine and I'm used to it Existing monitor is fine Existing mouse is fine Existing speakers are fine Presently use Windows XP and it's fine but wouldn't mind upgrading to 7 if that's worth the price/trouble. Just bought a new dvd drive which works fine so would like to reuse it. Existing hard drives are fine especially considering what's on them, but wouldn't object to new primary hard drive if that's a good idea. Would like to upgrade to latest version of MS Office. Will probably have someone knowledgeable build it as I've never built one before and really don't have time. Would welcome suggestions as to how to find someone competent to do the build - I'll buy the parts or tell the contract builder what to buy. What should I get? Obviously, I'd like to spend as little as possible, but price is no object to get what I want - seems like I ought to get something for around $800, no? BFR

02-09-2010, 04:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
Drenlin Diamond Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Arkansas Age: 20 Posts: 1,877	How much power do you need? If you're just doing Office applications things you won't need much, but something like image or video editing would need quite a bit more. Also, since this is a work computer, I assume you want it to last a long time? Do you want to be able to put newer/better upgrades in it later on? And yes, 7 is definitely worth the price, but it is expensive. $105 for the OEM version of Home Premium, and $202 for the full version. Pro is $140 for OEM, $275 for full. edit: The only difference in the two is that you can move the full version to a different computer. The OEM version is locked to the first motherboard that it is installed on. In your case I'd go with Home Premium OEM unless you need any of the features of Pro. __________________ Athlon II 635--CM Hyper 212+ / GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 / Radeon HD4350(temp...was $3, lol) / 2x2GB G-Skill Ripjaws Blue / Antec Truepower New 550W / NZXT M59 / Win7 Pro 64-bit / Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB Last edited by Drenlin; 02-09-2010 at 04:11 PM.

02-09-2010, 04:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
daisymtc Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: UK Posts: 5,026	Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116758 Since you won't upgrade, don't border to get the retail version with double of the price. case - Antec Two Hundred http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129070 Antec NEO ECO 520C http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...k=antec%20520w What interface is your existing HDD? If it is SATA II, just keep it. Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148395 CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 - Retail http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145260 Although it is overkill, but it should cover everything you are going to do. GIGABYTE GV-R567OC-1GI Radeon HD 5670 (Redwood) 1GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-312-_-Product Or you could get a cheap 4550 as you are only running 2D CAD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-250-_-Product GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3L http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128406 Intel Core i5-750 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-215-_-Product Last edited by daisymtc; 02-09-2010 at 05:08 PM.

02-09-2010, 06:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
Drenlin Diamond Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Arkansas Age: 20 Posts: 1,877	^ That. The build look great. The only thing I'd change is the case, but that's just personal preference...the 300 is good. Even if your old drive is SATA I it will be ok. The official terms are SATA 1.5GB/s (I), and SATA 3GB/s (II). The only difference is the speed of the data port it's plugged into. They are physically compatible. However, since your other hard drive has seen quite a bit of use by now, I would get a new one anyway. Kind of like preventative maintenance, you know? The one Daisy linked is good. This would also allow you to continue using the old system as well, though without a cd drive. (If you want a CD drive as well, this will do) __________________ Athlon II 635--CM Hyper 212+ / GIGABYTE GA-790XTA-UD4 / Radeon HD4350(temp...was $3, lol) / 2x2GB G-Skill Ripjaws Blue / Antec Truepower New 550W / NZXT M59 / Win7 Pro 64-bit / Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB

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02-09-2010, 04:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
BFR New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 6	Well, as you might expect, I don't really know how to answer your questions. I would probably go with the full version of 7 Pro just because I was never happy with the home version of XP (which I had at home, duh). As for OEM or private, I don't really care - Unless I make a mistake at the outset, I don't usually upgrade - I just use it like a Chevy truck, except I don't even change the oil - just fire it up every morning expecting it to work perfectly. As for speed, the only sort of non-business use I put it to would be CAD programs (Sketchup and AutoSketch, which is a lightweight version of AutoCad) Does that answer your questions? If it works, I'll pretty much use it until it starts giving problems - usually 3-4 years if history is any indication. BFR

02-09-2010, 04:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
BFR New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 6	I'm pretty sureSketchup is 3D. Might be nice to have that capability. BFR

02-09-2010, 05:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
BFR New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 6	Another thought. The dvd drive I just bought and installed was SATA - how do I tell if it was SATA II (or is there such a thing as SATA I)? Also, how do I tell if my hard drive is SATA II - I kind of doubt it. Also, I would like to add a portable hard drive and automatic back up software - what do you suggest there? Or should I just go to Office Depot/BestBuy/etc. and get the one they have on sale that's big enough? Finally, what are your thoughts on finding a competent builder? Craigslist or what? And, how much should it cost? On the other hand, I just looked over the "build a computer" sticky and I'm kind of intrigued with building it myself if it wouldn't take too long. What's a good estimate of the time required to build it myself? I'm reasonably handy but no experience doing much more than installing stuff - never built one from scratch. BFR

02-09-2010, 08:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
BFR New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 6	Thanks everyone. With all your sage advice, this old business user got more good advice in about a half hour than he could have gotten in 2 days worth of ads and bs from all the usual commercial sources. The only thing I am trying to decide is whether I should tackle the job myself - it'd be fun but I'd hate to screw up some component by hooking it up wrong. Thanks again. BFR

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