New Computer advice

B

BFR

New Member
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
 
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.
 
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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
 
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116758
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/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129070

Antec NEO ECO 520C
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030&Tpk=antec 520w

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/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M2A1600C9 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260

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/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125312&cm_re=5670-_-14-125-312-_-Product

Or you could get a cheap 4550 as you are only running 2D CAD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125250&cm_re=4550-_-14-125-250-_-Product

GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3L
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128406

Intel Core i5-750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215&cm_re=i5_750-_-19-115-215-_-Product
 
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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
 
^ 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)
 
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
 
Some things you may want to consider.
If it's a business machine, I would suggest 2 x hard drives in RAID Mirror config. ie. One hard drive mirrors the other (an exact copy), and if one hard drive fails the other takes over.
Or if not RAID, mirroring software like MirrorFolder.
Also, use "Enterprise Class" hard drives.
The most common pc fault/failure is bad sectors on hard drives.
Enterprise class hard drives supposedly have 1.2 million hours mean time between failures, or in other words, very reliable. Since I have been using them I haven't had one failure.
As far as motherboards go, I am a Gigabyte fan. I have found them to be ultra reliable.
Definitely use Windows 7, preferably 64 bit so you can go above 4GB RAM either now or in the future.

Regards
Iain
 
Thanks everyone. All good advice. I actually have a Gigabyte motherboard in my current machine and it has worked quite well. I appreciate the advice about the better quality hard drives - and the advice about mirroring - I wasnt' aware of that possibility, but I like the sound of it.
BFR
 
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