Please Help Me Find Desktop PCs for Work

All Blacks NZ on 23/09/2017 - 15:02
Last edited 23/09/2017 - 17:01 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

I need 3 new PCs for my business plus 3 monitors. I need to be able to run internet, office and couple of softwares that might need bit of processing power and ram but nothing graphics intensive. I usually build my own PCs but this is for business and I want pre-built with good warranty.

I am looking for the following specs as minimum:
i7 processor - bit of an overkill but I will keep these computers for 5+ years
Min 8gb ram
Min 500gb SSD. Might add another HDD or SSD if running out of storage.
HDMI or display port
No wifi as they will all be connected to network via cable.
Win 10 pro for remote access and networking
Wireless or wired keyboard/mouse
Option to upgrade storage and ram
I only need 24inch 1080p monitors and would like to get something with thin bezels.

I am looking at this particular model from HP as it has everything I want/need and 3 year warranty with on-site support.

HP is asking $1759 - $150 gift card = $1609
Shopping express is asking $1385

Is the price decent for these specs? Any other recommendations?

Thanks heaps

Computing

Comments

  • OldSchoolHarry on 23/09/2017 - 16:04
    +1

    Try Dell OptiPlex 5050 (may have to order through Dell reps here in Australia)

    For monitors with thin bezels, try Dell Ultrasharp U2417H $339

    • All Blacks NZ on 23/09/2017 - 18:12

      Thanks mate, had a look at it but the biggest ssd on offer from Dell is 256gb. I can install more storage myself but I am trying to minimize any upgrades like that in the start. I will call them and find out if they will install a larger ssd for a price when I buy it new.

  • pegaxs on 23/09/2017 - 16:43
    +1

    Get some NUC boxes. We changed all of our work PCs with NUCs. The best part is they are small, don't take up a lot of space and can be mounted to the back of monitors to save even more space. They are more than powerful enough for us to run Excel, Word, MYOB and some specific work related software, CAD and CAM software as well as Corel and Photoshop.

    They are cheap, quiet and reliable for mundane tasks.

    We use both Intel NUC and Gigabyte Brix.

    • All Blacks NZ on 23/09/2017 - 18:14

      I looked at these in the start but decided to go with full size desktops. The software vendor is trying to sell me overpriced hardware and I have got an approval to buy my own but it has to be fool proof as the software provider will blame everything on hardware if things don't work correctly.

    • airzone on 23/09/2017 - 18:14

      CAD, CAM? Perhaps only basic stuff.

      • pegaxs on 23/09/2017 - 22:50
        +1

        We run the latest versions of AutoCAD/TurboCAD. It's not for things like Solidwords or heavy 3D rendering, it's only used for drafts and some 3D work for the 3D printer. So for the manufacturing prototype stuff we do, it's not a problem. We dont do renderings or make 3D animated movies. I wouldn't call what we do basic, but yes, what we do wouldn't be considered graphic intensive.

        We also run a CNC mill, a CNC plasma cutter and a CNC laser cutter all run from NUC PCs. We found the NUCs worked best because they are fanless. With all the dust and metal in the air in the fabrication workshop, the computer with fans would just fill with fine metal dust and burn out PSU and motherboards. Haven't had to replace a NUC yet.

  • Alan Laz on 23/09/2017 - 18:03
    +2

    My experience with Intel NUC is mixed. They use laptop parts so they are power efficient but not especially powerful.
    I have 2 which accept the M2 SSD but both machines - early and late series - didn't last long on the M2 SSDs I used. The machines simply stopped seeing them. To rebuild, took hours, had to discard the M2 SSD and use SATA SSD.

    You have to purchase a copy of Windows, standalone copies are weirdly expensive

    Generally NUCs aren't worth the effort in a business context. You have to buy SSD, RAM, OS and then spend hours downloading the Intel driver kits. Sheesh.

    Suggest you consider HP Elitedesk, Lenovo or DELL prebuilt machines. Turn them on, accept a few prompts, and start using them.

    Linux isn't a business option and OSX toys are far too expensive to buy and repair.

    • All Blacks NZ on 23/09/2017 - 18:15

      I agree. I might go with the HP I am looking at and keep it simple. Just gonna keep researching to see if they are any better/cheaper options. Cheers

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