How to construct a workspace computer?
How to construct a workspace computer?
Most of our office computers date back to 2012 and are equipped with i5-2500 processors, 16GB RAM, and 500GB SSD storage.
I’m considering an upgrade because I can’t legally install Windows 11 on these machines.
I’m evaluating a build using the specifications mentioned below, but I’m unsure about the power supply options, aiming for something affordable yet reliable.
These systems won’t handle gaming or highly graphical applications.
The graphics cards currently installed are AMD models with a single video output and a dongle that allows splitting to two monitors.
PCPartPicker Part List:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/bRC3yW
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B650-PLUS ATX AM5 ($139.99 @ ASUS)
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-Core ($188.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM ($34.90 @ Amazon)
RAM: G.Skill Flare X5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL36 ($84.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial P3 Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME SSD ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT H5 Flow (2022) ATX Mid Tower ($69.98 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12III 500 W 80+ Bronze Certified ($65.44 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro OEM - DVD 64-bit ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $784.23
Prices include shipping, taxes, and available discounts
Generated by PCPartPicker 2024-12-23 13:10 EST-0500
I checked Dell options, and for the same budget I can find a 14500 vPro with 8GB and 256GB, but adding another video output would require upgrading to 16GB RAM, pushing the cost to around $900—far beyond what these specs need.
Have you thought about various small computers such as Beelink? They can manage several screens and operate almost quietly.
I was taken aback by the price of Dell for what you mentioned. How many units are you seeking? What is the condition of your existing equipment?
I wouldn't invest in the upgraded CPU cooler for a standard office setup. The built-in stealth features would suffice for this scenario.
I am revisiting the situation—what are the office computers going to do?
Precisely what is limiting Windows 11?
Version? Edition? Or some other restrictions?
Sorry was away during the holidays.
All present systems are built with 2nd generation Intel processors. I've upgraded over the years with 16GB of RAM and a Samsung 2.5" 500GB SSD. From Microsoft's specifications, these setups can't support Windows 11... although there are workarounds for installation. But if I can push for new equipment from the company, I'll be sure to do so.
😉
Right now, I require approximately 20 computers. Most will only need O365, online applications, and our ERP system running on a server. A few will need CAD programs just to view projects, which might benefit from a reduced GPU.
The biggest issue seems to be our HR manager. Depending on her tasks, she opens Edge, Chrome, and Firefox with 20-30 pages each. She runs 2-3 ERP sessions at once and about 20 Excel files. It's like she won't close anything once she starts. If she searches online, how to pick my nose and click into a page instead of closing it or using the back button, she'll just open another tab and keep going.
@USAFRet
All the Dells we purchased came with 3-year professional warranties. Over the past 14 years here, I've only used them twice. The motherboard would come loose or the CPU would fail, but they were replaced in one unit—another tech managed the keyboard keys on his laptop, and some arrived from behind, cracking the screen.
I’d prefer to keep them as towers so I can upgrade them later. Otherwise, I’d consider Dell Micro PCs. Usually, I buy office computers and after a year or two, move them to the shop floor. Some handle CNC machines, others display prints or load 3D models for project building. Adding a GPU, an RS-232 port, or WiFi would be necessary.