Build or Buy Business Desktops for Small Business?

Lhoneylemon on 09/06/2021 - 13:14
Last edited 09/06/2021 - 13:33 by 2 other users

Hello Everyone,

I am planning to start my new business from next month. I need some help in choosing which business desktops should I buy. I am planning to buy 2 desktops. I would mostly be using cloud based software, 10-20 tabs of browser tabs open at a time, Excel and Word.

There would not be much data to store. I believe 30-60 GB in the first 2 years. I also have Google Workspace Business Starter Subscription. Have access to Google Docs and Google Sheets. All files must be backed up on the desktop at all times.

PC Requirements
16 GB RAM
256 GB SSD (512 GB preferred)
Windows 10 Pro 64 Bit
Office 2019 Home Edition
Intel (Good for single thread tasks) or Ryzen (good for multi thread tasks)
Wi-Fi functionality

Optiplex 7090 $1350 + $345 Office 2019 Lifetime = $1570 (after discount)
It will come with Intel Wifi 6 AX201 and Bluetooth also. 1 year McAfee subscription. 3 Year Pro Support Next Business Day Onsite Service. It also comes with wired keyboard and wired mouse.

Build my own PC
CPU AMD Ryzen 5 3600 $299
RAM Corsair 16GB $138
SSD 500 GB $73
Motherboard MSI B450M $109
PSU Seasonic 500w Gold $125
Case Cooler Master MT Case N200 $79
Umart Customise PC $150
Windows 10 Pro $318 Lifetime
Logitech Wired Keyboard and Wired Mouse $32
Total $1323 (without Office 2019)

Office 2019 $188 per year

I have a few questions: -

  1. Should I consider my own build or get a pre build from market?

  2. Since PC parts are very reliable these days, should I still consider getting 3 year support from Dell?
    My partner is from IT and good with software and OS installation, can also fix minor hardware issues with the help of YouTube.

  3. Should I consider Kingsoft Office as a replacement for MS Office?
    Have heard from people that it is 95% same as MS Office. I and the staff would want to use MS Office or similar rather than Google Sheets. Need to use excel shortcuts and desktop app is more convenient than using on the web.

  4. If I build my PC myself then do I need to get the USB Wi-Fi modem from aftermarket or is there any other alternative?

  5. Should I consider getting a NVIDIA graphics card?
    Planning to use 2 screens with 1 desktop in the future.

  6. For the screen/monitor, I am considering refurbished from Dell or from gumtree/fb marketplace. Should I consider a new screen as well?

  7. I am considering 21 or 24 inch screen size. Is it enough?
    Currently using laptop with 15 inch screen.

Computing Computer Desktop Computer

Comments

  • CrispyChrispy on 09/06/2021 - 13:32
    +5

    Should I consider my own build or get a pre build from market?

    Since it is for your business, I would personally just get it pre-built. The last thing you want is to stuff something up with the build then the computer being unusuable for however long when you need it the most. I would say don't risk it, it is worth the extra $200 or so to get it built by a professional/already built.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:44

      Thanks would consider pre built. I intend to use them for 5-7 years at least.

  • Mechz on 09/06/2021 - 13:35
    +3

    Get a minimum 27 inch screen, if not 2 per PC.

    I reckon you could easily get away with refurb PCs with upgraded RAM. It would save you a lot of money.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:45

      Thanks.

      Should I consider eBay for refurbs?
      Some sellers have negative reviews as well, so bit scared.
      Would they last 3-5 years?

      • Mechz on 09/06/2021 - 17:15

        Ebay is fine, check some of the vendors that post on here. I'm using a 12 year old Xeon as a HTPC and 'content' browser and have no issues with 30+ youtube tabs in one browser and 20+ regular surfing tabs in another browser while downloading and using a VPN.

  • Switchblade88 on 09/06/2021 - 13:42
    +7

    Refurb Optiplex for $200
    34" Ultrawide for $500 (Kogan, otherwise Xiaomi is ok)

    If you're starting a business, get some actual income flowing before making capital expenditure or you'll be broke in 6 months.

    • blehgg on 09/06/2021 - 14:02
      +1

      Perfect suggestion

      OP's current selections are overkill…

      Agree with Optiplex refurbs. 10-20 tabs of web ~ lol….

      Sure if you can't close your other tabs stick in another stick of 8GB ram.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:46

      Thanks, yes on eBay they are $200 or so.
      How long can I expect them to last with 5 days of 8 hours of usage?

      • Switchblade88 on 09/06/2021 - 17:38
        +2

        All refurbs are (naturally) pulled out of big businesses where they've been running 24/7/365 for the past 5+ years. At this point they have been 'run-in' so they've proved they are capable of working continuously.

        Second to this is that Dell is a big IT business who don't make money on broken PCs they have to replace - hence why they engineer many OEM parts themselves for lower power draw and longevity at the expense of flexibility for upgrades.

        From experience, most PC parts die soon after purchase (due to manufacturing defects) so if a part works for a year, it'll work for ten. Specifically for the Optiplexes, I've got several refurbs for work we bought years ago and still can't find a good reason to upgrade them as they simply just work. So that's at least 10 years of continuous use as firsthand experience.

        • honeylemon on 10/06/2021 - 14:22

          Thanks for the great insight.

      • brokenglish on 09/06/2021 - 21:24
        +1

        I bought those refurbs for my previous company. 6 years and still running stronk. Needed to replace the SSD but that's normal for any other PCs.

  • Jolakot on 09/06/2021 - 13:53

    That's total overkill for a WWEP (web, word, excel, powerpoint) machine.

    I wouldn't build it yourself, ever. Downtime is measured in dollars here.

    If you want to save money, buy refurbished workstations for a third of the cost, you don't need the latest tech.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:47

      Thanks but with refurbs how long can I expect them to last?
      I would say we also measure in dollars the time spent waiting for chrome browser and excel to open with desktops that are slow.

  • MrHyde on 09/06/2021 - 14:03

    Also, consider laptops instead of desktops. With lockdowns and WFH at short notice, you'll be able to continue working with laptops

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:48

      Thanks, have 2 MacBooks at home as backup. Can carry them to office if needed.

  • Seraphin7 on 09/06/2021 - 14:06
    +2

    You're starting a new business … I reckon you'll have more to worry about than building, testing, and troubleshooting new PCs … without getting into a debate on specs, total cost, etc., I would have thought the best use of your time right now is winning customers, generating revenue, etc. This will be far more valuable in a year's time than fiddling with your business's first PC.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:48

      Thanks for the valuable insight. We have started promoting our business.

  • lunchbox99 on 09/06/2021 - 14:14
    +4

    Dell optiplex with 4yr onsite warranty.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:54

      Thanks

      • lunchbox99 on 09/06/2021 - 18:23

        Whatever you buy make sure it has an SSD, some low end prebuilt still have HDD.

  • Drakesy on 09/06/2021 - 14:17
    +1

    +1 Dell Optiplex refurb.

    Very decent Optiplexes can be had for $4-500 that will easily handle what you're looking at doing with it and are reliable AF. Just make sure it's one with 2 video/hdmi/displayport outlets.
    If you want something stronger could get a refurb xeon/i7 powered ex drafting pc for $5-600 with 32gb of ram and graphics.

    Anything more and it'll be overkill. Although if you want to splash your cash go for it.
    You will be using it everyday.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:49

      Thanks
      Dell refurbished on their website are $900 approx. Are you considering I get from eBay sellers?

      • Drakesy on 09/06/2021 - 16:59

        yep, most have warranties, these are getting turned over by government departments all the time.

        Else get a HP Elitedesk or Prodesk, similar build quality.

  • GoblinKing on 09/06/2021 - 14:47

    I would recommend buying a pre-built desktop, I'm in IT and I currently use a Surface Laptop for my work.
    Most modern Pre-Built desktops will have a graphics card capable of using dual monitors on Display port supporting 2k resolution.
    Pre-Built would be much better as you will have warranty still available for 3 years if you buy brand new. (Do not buy HP, you will hate their bloatware and their support is a bit lacking)

    If you are worried about buying a Wi-Fi addon for a custom build, some motherboards come with Wi-Fi (However I personally would recommend just using an ethernet cable to avoid speed and connectivity issues)

    As for OS Windows 10 pro (this is the minimum)

    I would highly recommend looking at Microsoft Office 365, you will have many options available and its highly compatible. You also receive OneDrive, with this you can have all your files in desktop, documents and etc (This will all be backed up to OneDrive.)
    Along with M 365 subscription, you can also get advanced threat protection which will pretty much replace 90% of Antivirus's

    If you use Sharepoint, Onedrive can sync with this and make working on files with cloud so much easier with other workers.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:50

      Thanks will consider pre-built for sure. Will avoid HP.
      OneDrive is slow and not user friendly compared to Gdrive, but will consider it.

      • GoblinKing on 09/06/2021 - 18:24
        +1

        OneDrive is as slow as your internet.
        Also you will find that you can have your whole Desktop and Documents sit on OneDrive rather than locally.
        So if you have a folder specifically for work, it can be located on OneDrive.

        I would recommend you look into a laptop, especially for portability (E.G going to meetings)

        You might also be interested in a NUC (Tiny ass desktop with enough power for normal use)

  • ajm07 on 09/06/2021 - 14:53
    +2

    Sorry if there is repetition.

    Build it if you find doing so fun. I love building PC's - so I built my kids gaming one, but my home office PC I decided to just order one ready made. (Shout out to Pongobyte).

    Reliability - things do still break. I personally never extend any warranties but if the expense of a new machine 1 year and 1 day into the future is too grim to bear and the 3 year support is affordable now, then there is your decision.

    Personally I am used to office, it will be more compatible. It costs money, but I always try to buy the most recent "full" version. (I hate subscriptions!).

    Wifi and Bluetooth can be built onto the motherboard so just make sure what you buy has it (prebuilt or DIY). Some do have extra antennas hanging out the back to work.

    For multiscreen use I would still just use cheap old onboard graphics for your purpose.

    I got 3 matching 24" 1080 screens from 2010, 2 were free and one cost $50. Laughing. 24" definitely enough.

    My only extra thoughts:
    Don't discount the idea of laptops.

    Please follow through on your backup plan. Check/test it regularly. A $20 thumb drive can do the job! Don't wait for a hardware failure to find out if it's working or not.

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:51

      Thanks will do so.

  • CyberMurning on 09/06/2021 - 14:59

    just buy you can claim deductions anyway.
    focus on how to get more money through your business/trades not how to save few $ here and there

    • Mechz on 09/06/2021 - 15:08

      Why not both?

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:51

      Thanks

  • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2021 - 16:02

    Using Office Home or Student edition for business purposes will be in breach of Microsoft’s licensing. Better double check, so it doesn’t bite you down the track: https://community.windows.com/en-us/stories/understanding-li…

    • honeylemon on 09/06/2021 - 16:52

      Thanks for the update.
      But will Dell, they are giving Home and Business edition, so I believe if I go with Dell, I should be fine.

  • Raven1366 on 10/06/2021 - 09:35
    +2

    Buy the office 2019 outright, MSY is selling the 2019 H&B for $250, and it's yours to keep.

    • Rockets84 on 10/06/2021 - 12:07
      +1

      100% this. For my Dad's small business of 5 staff, I did a cost break down of buying Office 2016 outright plus Office 365 Business Basic ($6.90 per user per month) for Exchange, Teams, OneDrive & SharePoint vs going a full Office 365 Bus Std subscription ($17.90 per user per month) for the supported life of Office 2016 (14/14/2025). Buying Office 2016 up front works out to be much cheaper in the long run if you use Office 2016 for more than 2 years. They used Office 2007 till it reached end of support. They aren't advanced users of Office so most new features they don't use.

      For their PC's I just bought Intel NUC's and have a spare old Lenovo SFF PC that's good enough to use for a brief period of time if a NUC falls over. The machines backup to a NAS on the LAN.

    • honeylemon on 10/06/2021 - 14:21

      Thanks, its $349 in Australia.

  • moar bargains on 10/06/2021 - 21:34
    +1

    As others have mentioned what you've spec'd there is overkill for what you need.

    If you are nervous about refurbished computers though you could get a brand new build from somewhere like MSY, Scorptec or Centrecom. For example this one: https://www.centrecom.com.au/centre-com-home-i3-gen10-v61-de…

    Still brand new (i.e. warranty) but about half the price of what you've listed above, and will have plenty of power for what you need. The other advantage of a system like this is that parts are much more replaceable. E.g. if your hard drive or RAM dies, you just replace that part for $100-$200 rather than a whole new computer, especially if your partner is capable of doing this.

    A 24 inch screen will be fine. May as well get new because there's not a lot of price difference unless you're looking for a specific (high-end) feature (e.g. Thunderbolt). Two screens are really handy, but once you go two screens you don't go back ;) You don't really need dedicated graphics (a graphics card) for two screens. Integrated graphics will be fine unless you're doing graphic design, or CAD etc.

    Make sure you have a solid back-up strategy though! Plenty of good options available, but don't leave it until too late.

    Hope that helps :)
    Good luck!

    • honeylemon on 12/06/2021 - 17:25

      Thanks it definitely looks a good option and specs are generous.

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