McSpin

I'm looking to build a computer for my small business. After reading over the sticky on selecting components for work computers, I wasn't sure my needs were typical, so I thought I'd ask for suggestions.

I never use it for games or even multi-media. I want something where speed and quietness are priorities. I'm on the phone a lot, while at the computer and the ones with a lot of noisy fans, are real irritating.

I typically have several programs open at once, including Word, Frontpage, Photoshop, Quickbooks, Access, Outlook & an internet browser or two. I'd like to keep it under $1000, but could justify a couple hundred more, if it made a big difference in performance.

Any suggestions on components would be greatly appreciated.

diduknowthat

I doubt you need more than $1000 to build a computer for your purposes. You'd probably want a pentiumD or X2 for multitasking, and atleast a gig of ram. Seeing you dont want gaming, you can probably go with a cheap video card like the 6200 or something (heatsink only one if you want silence)

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Cooler Master Elite 340 mATX Case

DCIScouts

You're not going to need a sound card. The gig of RAM is definitely a must, and I'd go with a P4 dual core chip. Little bit hotter running temp than an AMD, but probably better suited for your needs. You should be able to get what you want/need for about $700 roughly.

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ceewi1

Agreed. If you want to keep the noise down, you might want to consider a case like the Antec Sonata II, which comes with a quality, quiet PSU. A third party cooler like a Thermaltake Big Typhoon would also be great, although you will need to remove the Advanced Chassis Air Guide from the Sonata II to make the Typhoon fit.

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Cheap PSUs - 2% of system costs, responsible for 28% of system deaths

McSpin

Thanks for the comments.

I currently experience some video slowness when working in photoshop while other programs are open. Every video card I've owned, had a small noisy fan.

Who manufactures this?


I've noticed a huge difference in the nosie put out by various PSUs.
Would you consider this combination quieter than other quality PSUs and cases? As you can probably tell, a quiet running system is very important to me.

I see a couple have mentioned a gig of RAM. Is that obviously enough, or would I be better served to get 2 gigs?

ceewi1

Pretty much every 6200 uses passive cooling.

This is one of the best combinations you can get without looking towards Silent PSUs and passive coolers, which, despite being quieter still, are more expensive and arguably less effective.

For what you're doing, 1 gig will be fine.

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Cheap PSUs - 2% of system costs, responsible for 28% of system deaths