Hardware Revolution

For other computer systems, see: Computer Systems

Introduction: This office computer is designed for office workers, for people who wants or need a computer to work in an office, with a tight budget. When I designed this computer, with a budget of 500$, I considered the requirements that you will have from an office computer and I think that this system will answer all your needs. If one of your requirements is not met, contact me, it will be my pleasure to assist you and suggest the best solution for you.

So, let’s move on with my recommendations for what hardware parts you should buy to answer your needs. These are the parts that I believe that will answer your needs, for an efficient office PC. Call it the best office computer for 500$
For each part of this system, I will tell you my recommendation, the reason for it and give you a link to buy the item for your conveniance. Of course, I’m open to suggestions, comments, questions so please post them.

Cpu: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400: At 3.00Ghz, dual-core, 1333Mhz fsb and with 6MB of cache, I think that the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 is part of the fastest processors on the market. This cpu will increase your productivity, by allowing you to multi-task as much as you desire! You will not wait for this cpu, it is so fast that it will be waiting for your next orders. This is the new Wolfdale core, which is more performant and more efficient than the previous core revision, which mean it’s faster and it consumes less power. This cpu offers plently enough power to handle any programs or situation. With the 2 cores, its speed of 3.00Ghz and the big 6MB of cache, this cpu will definately answer your needs now and be future-proof for several years. This Intel cpu is simply a powerhouse and it will be yours, ready to be used, for only 189.99$
Click here to buy the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor for only 189.99$

Video card: You will be using the integrated video chipset that comes with the motherboard. See the motherboard for additionnal details.

Motherboard: With the Geforce 7100 chipset, this motherboard is exactly what you need, as it offers 3 RAM channels, with Dual channel support, a PCI-Xpress connection, 4 SATA connections with RAID support, 4 USB 2.0 connections, a gigabit LAN, an hdmi output, a VGA output and a DVI output, with the integrated video chipset support. WIth the 2 extra SATA channels, it leaves room for additionnal hard drives or a bluray drive perharps! With ASUS legendary reliability, it supports everything we want and with a reasonable price, this is the motherboard you want!
Click here to buy the ASUS P5N-EM HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard for only 74.99$

Ram(Memory): A kit of two sticks of 1GB of DDR2 800 memory, running in dual channel, for a total of 2GB of RAM and all the bandwidth you need for your critical applications. Enough memory for all your multi-tasking needs and just what you need, with the high-speed to avoid delays.
Click here to buy a SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Desktop Memory Kit, for only 39.99$

Hard Drive: Two Seagate Barracuda 250GB Hard Drives, for a RAID 1 array. Why RAID 1? This is an office computer, so you need real-time backup. RAID 1 does exactly that, it protects your data 24/7 with real-time backup, so if an hard drive fails, you will not lose any critical data. You will get a total of 250GB of storage, with the peace of mind, knowing that your data is safe. SATA connections and 7200 rpm. Reliable, fast and silent. Simple and effective.
Click here to buy two Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 250GB 3.5″ SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive, for a RAID 1 array, for only 109.98$

Dvd Burner: An Asus 18X DVD Burner, for all your reading and burning needs. Silent, reliable and cost-effective. Click here to buy the ASUS 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 14X DVD-RAM Write and LightScribe Black PATA for only 21.99$

Case: Here’s my suggestion to what case to use. I understand that you might have your preference though, so feel free to skip my recommendation and pick your own case. I would suggest to pay attention to the power supply if you choose your own case however. My recommendation is a nice mid-tower computer case from Hec, that comes with a 80mm fan and a side air duct included for additional cooling , which is what you need to keep your computer cool and reliable. Comes with 2 USB 2.0 connections and front audio. It has 4 external bays for Dvd-Burner, CD-Rom and hard drives and 5 hard drive bays in the inside. I like the design of it as well.
Click here to buy the HEC Black Computer Case for only 49.99$

Power Supply: You will be using the included Hec 585 Watts power supply that comes with your case.

Sound Card: You’ll be using the included onboard sound of the motherboard. I think that it will be perfect for office uses.

Cooling:
Heatsink: You will be using the Intel heatsink enclosed with your cpu.
Thermal Compound: You will use the Intel thermal compound enclosed with your cpu

Case fan: The case comes with one 80 mm fan, for rear exhaust so we will be adding a 120mm fan in the front of the case. I’ve picked a fairly silent fan, to keep the noise level to a minimum. This fan will help with cooling the entire case, ensuring a quality airflow to keep your parts cool and reliable!.
Click here to buy the COOLER MASTER R4-S2S-12AK-GP Case Fan for only 7.99$

Screen: Although I don’t include the screen in the budget, as the price is only for the computer itself and you may already have a screen, I now recommend the new Samsung T240HD screen. The T240HD is part of Samsung new screens just were just recently released. 24″, 1920×1200 native resolution, which is perfect to work on, as it give you a lot of space to use! Excellent for office use, gaming, programming and simply outstanding for movies. 5ms reaction time, 300cd/m2 brightness and an amazing 10000:1 contrast ratio! Very nice, but the best is that it comes with a DTV Tuner, which will dramatically enhance the picture quality, especially when you watch TV or movies, both in analog and HD format. If you intend to watch videos, TV and/or movies, on your computer, I definately recommend this screen

Click here to buy the SAMSUNG ToC T240HD Rose-Black 24″ 5ms Widescreen HDTV Monitor Built in Speakers for only 509.99$

Kebyoard and Mouse: That is entirely up to you, as each person have his own preferences.

Operating system: For the Operating system, I do recommend Windows Xp Pro SP3, , as it is a mature OS, especially with the SP3. The OS is not included in the budget, as you may already own it or have a company deal, but here’s a link if you need it =)
Windows Xp Professional SP3: Click here to buy Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 English CD for only 139.99$


Total price, for the computer only: $494.92, taxs not included, as they vary depending on where you live.

Ratings -On a scale of 10- :
Gaming : N/A You will be able to play a few games with low or medium quality and with no AA and AF in most games. You will be able to play on low to medium resolutions without any problem. This system was not designed with gaming in mind, so this is not a problem.
Office : 8/10 This system is based on a very fast dual core processor; it will run any applications quickly, it will run several cpu intensive programs (Image/Video editing, media burning, programming, calculations,etc) all at once without latency(lag). Very quick on multi-threaded optimized applications, great at multi-tasking. The speed, the 2 cores and the 2GB of high-speed RAM will help you a lot.
Overclocking : N/A Although I don’t recommend that you overclock this system, as it will increase heat output, electricity consumption and decrease reliability if not done properly, you can overlook those details if you’re not a beginner and have experience with overclocking. 4.0Ghz is a fairly realistic goal.
Power consumption : 8/10 With a 45nm dual-core processor, two hard drives and 2GB of RAM, this system will consume a small ammount of electricity. The cpu will be the part that use the most power.
Value for the money: 10/10 This system will offer you outstanding performance for a very small price tag. A blazing fast dual-core cpu, with 2GB of Ram and 250GB of storage in RAID 1 with the possibility of multi-tasking as much as you desire and run any application at full throttle is simply amazing. It will also allow you to watch movies, including HD content, offer to you a lot of choices and options for a reasonable price tag.

Conclusion: There it is, the reliable, powerful and cost effective office computer, all of it for less than 500$. With superior performance, real-time backup and everything you’ll need from an office computer. Of course, with a very low price tag, especially considering the performance and features offered.

Well, what do you think of this system? I think that you’ll be able to do all the work you wish on it, with a hugh improvement in speed compared to your actual system! I also think that you’ll be future proof and that you know that you will be able to upgrade your cpu, ram and hard drives in the future if you want to. Enjoy!