new computer for client

[iedq]

I have a client that requested for me to put together a new computer custom build for there office.

I can see difference in prices of the different stores and i do understand performance.

Here is the question how to know what would be the ideal system?

Is it necessary to spend in a $200.00 mobo with a $200.00 procesor.

I know that a computer for me for playing computer games i would spend without expenses.

How to know that what I am quoting or buying is enough or if its not enough.

From upfront thanks for the response.

 

[BigBopper]

It all depends on what it is going to be used for. If it's going to be a CAD station, you will want a higher end processor and video. If it's for their clerical staff, and going to be used for word processing and web browsing, you really don't need much. You don't really want to go with cheap MBs, but MBs from a quality manufacturer like Asus are good, and they have some inexpensive ones as well.
If someone asks me to build a PC for them, my first question is always "What is it going to be used for?" Some follow up questions would be, "Do you plan to do any upgrades to it?" "Do you plan to add any components down the line?" "How long do you plan on using it before replacement?" etc.

So, with the info you've provided, I can't make any recommendations.

Al

 

[iedq]

It all depends on what it is going to be used for. If it's going to be a CAD station, you will want a higher end processor and video. If it's for their clerical staff, and going to be used for word processing and web browsing, you really don't need much. You don't really want to go with cheap MBs, but MBs from a quality manufacturer like Asus are good, and they have some inexpensive ones as well.
If someone asks me to build a PC for them, my first question is always "What is it going to be used for?" Some follow up questions would be, "Do you plan to do any upgrades to it?" "Do you plan to add any components down the line?" "How long do you plan on using it before replacement?" etc.

So, with the info you've provided, I can't make any recommendations.

Al

Sorry yes the machine is going to be used for the owner. We are talking about a bakery. there is a machine already used and will be maintained for accounting. This new computer will be used for internet, imagins viewing videos, some times movies. will do sometimes work like flyers in publisher. etc.

Thanks

 

[BigBopper]

Sorry yes the machine is going to be used for the owner. We are talking about a bakery. there is a machine already used and will be maintained for accounting. This new computer will be used for internet, imagins viewing videos, some times movies. will do sometimes work like flyers in publisher. etc.

Thanks

For that you shouldn't need anything fancy. Dual Core Phenom on a modest MB would likely suit them fine. Maybe a discrete graphics, but probably not necessary. I tend to lean toward AMD processors, usually more bang for the buck. And depending on the application, I'll usually steer them to Dual cores over Quad cores. It's amazing how little software still does not utilize the multiple processors, and the Quad cores are clocked slower than Dual cores, so Quads actually run slower with apps that don't utilize them.

Al

 

[eric76]

This is just my opinion, but I do not ever build computers for people, especially businesses. It always turns into a pain in the butt. Every time something happens to that machine they'll think that it was your fault.

For me, I just tell them to get a Dell or HP and guide them on how much ram - hard drive space, and things like that. That way it doesn't become, "that computer that you told me to buy isn't working."

 

[NETWizz]

Whatever you do, sell them on a backup solution.

I always push the 3-2-1 backup strategy.

Three (3) copies of anything important (one is already on the computer)
Use at least two (2) different types of backup media i.e. USB Drive & Online backup...
At least one (1) copy stored off-site.

I also ALWAYS push RAID 1 for a business customer, so they can keep working during a hard drive failure.

It is CHEAP to do RAID 1 being the only cost is +1 hard drive (assuming the motherboard supports it, which most do). The only problem with the RAID 1 is that they may not call you to fix their computer if a hard drive fails not knowing it is broken.

My recommendation would be two of these:
Western Digital:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

or Seagate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

ALWAYS show them where to check if the array is degraded.

Always give at least a 1 year parts & labor warranty that you personally honor. Should the part fail i.e. a drive after 1 year, I would offer to setup the RMA process (as a courtesy), so the customer gets a free replacement part and only charge the labor... Probably $40 to $60 for a drive ($90 for a motherboard) + travel.

 

[Comerwebs]

My first question would be what are they gonna use it for. If it is just e-mail, power point, spreadsheets and financial software then I would not spend huge money. Quality matters in a business machine so invest in good parts but not gaming type hardware. Maybe a

ASUS P7H55-M PRO Intel i3 i5 H55 1156 Motherboard about $100 anywhere ya go

 

[kagman]

This is just my opinion, but I do not ever build computers for people, especially businesses. It always turns into a pain in the butt. Every time something happens to that machine they'll think that it was your fault.

I also agree with with Eric. No matter what happens to that computer you will be held responsible for it. Get the computer from another company like HP or Dell. It will be one less headache for you in the long run my friend.

For doing the basic stuff then any computer on the market for around $500 to $700 will do the job.

One more thing. Ask them if they are going to need Word, Excel, or Outlook. People still think that computers come with a full working copy of MSoffice. Yes you can tell them about alternatives like Openoffice but people still want MSoffice.

 

[NETWizz]

I am operating on the assumption he is building the computer.

If he is building the computer quality parts... Nothing but Intel Motherboard, Intel processor, Western Digital, quality power supply, etc.

Obviously, an HP or Dell is better to limit liability. That said, you are only legally responsible up through your warranty though unofficially you will be called for everything and nobody else will want to touch it.

 

[iedq]

Thanks to all for the response, appreciate the effort and suggestions.

 

[Knightsman]

The only problem with the RAID 1 is that they may not call you to fix their computer if a hard drive fails not knowing it is broken.

This is when you upsell monthly monitoring

 

[kagman]

Let us know what happens. Would like to see what you and the client decide.