Help selecting components for a business computer

[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)

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

you can probably go with a cheap video card like the 6200 or something (heatsink only one if you want silence)

Who manufactures this?


I've noticed a huge difference in the nosie put out by various PSUs.

you might want to consider a case like the Antec Sonata II, which comes with a quality, quiet PSU.

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]

Who manufactures this?

Pretty much every 6200 uses passive cooling.

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.

http://www.iceteks.com/news/comments.php/6443[/url]
Anyone looking for a completely quiet machine will have probably purchased a third-party cooler to bring down the noise. If this is your intention, then that machine will be a match made in heaven inside the Sonata II. The Tricool fan and Smart Power 2.0 PSU work well with the Big Typhoon in keeping the noise level at a minimum.

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.

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

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