So, im supposed to build 4 identical PCs for Buissness. Just simple Desktop usage of Data Entry. Any advice?

[RAGNES7]

Budget (including currency): $350

Games, programs or workloads that it will be used for: MS office and Chrome (just Data Entry)

 

[sub68]

Used Dell refurbished?

[da na]

Is that $350 each or total $350? 

I'd recommend buying a 4th-6th gen i5/i7 ProDesk/Optiplex off ebay with 8/16gb of RAM, that'll be your best bet. 

[sub68]

2 minutes ago, Mel0nMan said:

Is that $350 each or total $350? 

I'd recommend buying a 4th-6th gen i5/i7 ProDesk/Optiplex off ebay with 8/16gb of RAM, that'll be your best bet. 

6th gen are super easy to get for cheap

[Middcore]

If that budget is $350 for all four systems, my recommendation is used Dell prebuilts.

 

If that budget is $350 for each system, my recommendation is... nicer Dell prebuilts. Perhaps add a small SSD to each one as the boot drive and let the typing pool be astounded at the responsiveness. There is no point in going to the effort of building custom systems for something like this.

[RAGNES7]

6 minutes ago, Mel0nMan said:

Is that $350 each or total $350? 

I'd recommend buying a 4th-6th gen i5/i7 ProDesk/Optiplex off ebay with 8/16gb of RAM, that'll be your best bet. 

$350 each but want it to be as cheap as Possible

[RAGNES7]

Anyone got tips on how to make 1 PC unit run 4 seprate Desktop interfaces?

[LienusLateTips]

If you definitely want something new, and not built with all OEM parts.....

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Athlon 3000G (14nm) 3.5 GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($92.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M DS3H WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: *Neo Forza FAYE 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($49.99 @ Newegg Sellers) 
Storage: *Team MP33 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($42.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Deepcool MATREXX 40 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($51.98 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: EVGA GD (2019) 600 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($39.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $352.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-01-17 21:21 EST-0500

 

This is about all you'll get.

You could go down to a A320 board, or get a 250GB SSD, but you wouldn't really be saving too much.

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, RAGNES7 said:

Anyone got tips on how to make 1 PC unit run 4 seprate Desktop interfaces?

programs like aster can do this, but with how cheap used desktops are, Id say its not worth the hassle.

[RAGNES7]

Just now, Electronics Wizardy said:

programs like aster can do this, but with how cheap used desktops are, Id say its not worth the hassle.

Not planning to get used ones

[BondiBlue]

3 minutes ago, RAGNES7 said:

Anyone got tips on how to make 1 PC unit run 4 seprate Desktop interfaces?

If you're wanting to keep things on one machine then I wouldn't go that route (with direct connections to each set of peripherals). Instead I'd go the RDP + cheap thin client route, but even then you'd have to really ask yourself if that's something you want to get into. Personally I'd just keep it simple and use individual desktops. Used OptiPlex machines are cheap, and that budget can get a very decent system for what they need to be used for. 

 

Edit:

1 minute ago, RAGNES7 said:

Not planning to get used ones

Any particular reason why? Warranty? A used system would offer better bang for the buck at that price level, especially if you want to keep it as cheap as possible. 

[LienusLateTips]

For very basic use, these cheap 4 core Celeron mini PCs also work fine if you're wanting new.

. 

https://www.amazon.com/Beelink-i5-5257U-Processor-Computer-Supports/dp/B089K7RLKR/ref=sr_1_18?crid=3FVJQZ91AOFOO&keywords=mini+pc&qid=1642472691&refinements=p_36%3A-40000&rnid=2421879011&sprefix=mini+pc%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-18

 

This one comes with Intel Celeron N5095, 16GB DDR4 and 512GB of SSD (albeit a cheap SATA one) for $302.

[RAGNES7]

8 minutes ago, BondiBlue said:

If you're wanting to keep things on one machine then I wouldn't go that route (with direct connections to each set of peripherals). Instead I'd go the RDP + cheap thin client route, but even then you'd have to really ask yourself if that's something you want to get into. Personally I'd just keep it simple and use individual desktops. Used OptiPlex machines are cheap, and that budget can get a very decent system for what they need to be used for. 

 

Edit:

Any particular reason why? Warranty? A used system would offer better bang for the buck at that price level, especially if you want to keep it as cheap as possible. 

Im heading out to the PC stores to take a look at the Used PCs they got in store, maybe ill change my mind.

[SansVarnic]

-= Cleaned =-

 Please keep comment to the topic at hand.

If you have an issue, use the report button. That is why its there.

[RAGNES7]

24 minutes ago, LienusLateTips said:

If you definitely want something new, and not built with all OEM parts.....

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Athlon 3000G (14nm) 3.5 GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($92.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M DS3H WIFI Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard  ($74.99 @ Newegg) 
Memory: *Neo Forza FAYE 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory  ($49.99 @ Newegg Sellers) 
Storage: *Team MP33 512 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive  ($42.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Deepcool MATREXX 40 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($51.98 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: EVGA GD (2019) 600 W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($39.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $352.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-01-17 21:21 EST-0500

 

This is about all you'll get.

You could go down to a A320 board, or get a 250GB SSD, but you wouldn't really be saving too much.

CPU	I-3 10105F 10th Gen
MotherBoard	Asus PRIME H510M-E
RAM	DDR4 8GB (2666) CRUCIAL Blastix
SSD	240 GB KINGSTON M.2
Cabinet	336 ANTEC NX 230
SMPS	GIGABYTE GP-P450B 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply

i made this list couple days ago. costed $320 if i buy parts from local shop, with Taxes.

[RAGNES7]

2 minutes ago, RAGNES7 said:

 

CPU	I-3 10105F 10th Gen
MotherBoard	Asus PRIME H510M-E
RAM	DDR4 8GB (2666) CRUCIAL Blastix
SSD	240 GB KINGSTON M.2
Cabinet	336 ANTEC NX 230
SMPS	GIGABYTE GP-P450B 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply

i made this list couple days ago. costed $320 if i buy parts from local shop, with Taxes.

also included Keyboard mouse and case fans

ill just buy old monitors 

[getdown]

7 minutes ago, RAGNES7 said:

 

CPU	I-3 10105F 10th Gen
MotherBoard	Asus PRIME H510M-E
RAM	DDR4 8GB (2666) CRUCIAL Blastix
SSD	240 GB KINGSTON M.2
Cabinet	336 ANTEC NX 230
SMPS	GIGABYTE GP-P450B 80 Plus Bronze Power Supply

i made this list couple days ago. costed $320 if i buy parts from local shop, with Taxes.

Don't use an F series processor, they don't have integrated graphics, means you'll need a GPU to get display out

[tim0901]

33 minutes ago, RAGNES7 said:

Anyone got tips on how to make 1 PC unit run 4 seprate Desktop interfaces?

Don't. If you haven't already I recommend watching the LTT series on running multiple desktops on a single set of hardware. They will open your eyes to the tech support hell that these systems produce. They are buggy, unstable and simply not suitable for a work environment.

 

I would second the second-hand systems route. Your build looks perfectly servicable (drop the F-SKU as you need a GPU to use it), but I noticed you aren't including an OS in that cost. This may not be an issue for you, but old Dells almost always come along with a legitimate Windows 10 license key. If these machines are being used for business then buying dodgy potentially-stolen OEM product keys off of some reseller site is not a good idea, meaning if you don't have license keys already you will need to spend $139 apiece on them from MS.

[RAGNES7]

3 minutes ago, tim0901 said:

Don't. If you haven't already I recommend watching the LTT series on running multiple desktops on a single set of hardware. They will open your eyes to the tech support hell that these systems produce. They are buggy, unstable and simply not suitable for a work environment.

ill go watch those rn.

 

for Refurbished PC's ill have to see what they have in stores here locally. too many Covid restrictions cant go too far

[RAGNES7]

6 minutes ago, getdown said:

Don't use an F series processor, they don't have integrated graphics, means you'll need a GPU to get display out

i also had a GT730 in list for just that but it went out of stock

[Electronics Wizardy]

13 minutes ago, RAGNES7 said:

ill go watch those rn.

 

for Refurbished PC's ill have to see what they have in stores here locally. too many Covid restrictions cant go too far

Can you order them online? There are tons of these systems online, like this guy on ebay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/313794716930?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item490f9f6502:g:zHkAAOSwdGNhunpC&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACkPYe5NmHp%2B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsSB0Xm7k0guzAysaIMfJcbBBZiPwsMKG4TEEHs1Xb5RrRQcaVQ%2FoHK4qdsu0ihc%2Fn%2BIIIZEQmOoG66C2Y2SbTeFR8FjYLIQDg7pHMogQ2XVjmim9ZPke17JMBPEon51%2BqjzYbhV%2Bu646UK%2B3JsEs%2FPZh1oTbjH3uqZ9fgyaHjBP5EPRMswoNJAf3ZczcZhlG29Fjh88Oy7b5pg%2FG4jg5esJIqAX%2FC71Vn%2BQVFMWL9W0wjbqvb%2F%2FDJQqOg1ZYTBs%2Fxk7%2BT3Yx52kj2mrKEbWN5TVilGfBqDQSZW4NAJWyc4nsP4tp5MiZcEqw0Soc4EdoF57%2BWOzsyTJr%2BD%2BoBgZaxQM2AtLyFBhzS44vHkkLTIV5cj%2BndZZi3vCdbBS1c18NtEx7OszKQ0nNyXF6WyojskAQqWS7clgHq6eh6Rhx2snU41qROtd%2FH%2BgWTpEs2KgelgKHhRg1ebIGoP2RLJb7fhTMHS0PT0TGnEKtCAYgAjcrpf8sMP%2FgGO5dRzIKKkI7%2FO0%2Fw33eBKV%2FS%2BLZCKtq8aKGgBLLDIZCZU7jxQw7krxHi78bK1pBYsif%2Fj6V%2Bpv6IHAVCrR4ACs2J5K28B8VFSHyY%2BASiacC6vRvBuS4Umg3YneCNjLqWvVoGWbx5BcPUSSSmmn8RmE8ERq6thXhZ4%2F5DJC9FtNWF2X%2F8kLAYCQhqoadpIYq4ilB4EBa0NZHVJUWyYSCpnbHLYlY8ydVad8zGtpOhb42zx25Q1lKqX8MOZun3%2BXYvpm6G0GDxu5h%2FV%2F%2FuOzoScTH61Ky1K0pBQjRF50kR6SeE6RmP6szt%2BpK3557w3RtYIvCwAGFACNdQ1|clp%3A2334524|tkp%3ABFBM8snWss1f

 

Go slap a os on it and your ready to go.

 

But seems odd your cheaping out this much on a pc.

[RAGNES7]

13 minutes ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

But seems odd your cheaping out this much on a pc.

cuz all the PC's are supposed to do is, Browser and Excel.
Things that can be done on phone these days.

getting PC's just cuz they are in business guidelines to have 4 and we don't even have use of more than 2 at once. 

[Electronics Wizardy]

3 minutes ago, RAGNES7 said:

cuz all the PC's are supposed to do is, Browser and Excel.
Things that can be done on phone these days.

getting PC's just cuz they are in business guidelines to have 4 and we don't even have use of more than 2 at once. 

Id think of it this way. Your paying someone probalby $30k + a year to use this machine, and it will probalby last for 5 years. Probably best to pay for something that will do it reliabily for those years as its a pretty small cost in the scheme of things. Seems weird to cheap out here.

[RAGNES7]

1 minute ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

Id think of it this way. Your paying someone probalby $30k + a year to use this machine, and it will probalby last for 5 years. Probably best to pay for something that will do it reliabily for those years as its a pretty small cost in the scheme of things. Seems weird to cheap out here.

i agree with you, im heading out to the stores as soon as the shops open to see my other options. Main issue is Availablity of parts, they are Either super low end or really high end parts. Mid range is sold out

[Electronics Wizardy]

Just now, RAGNES7 said:

i agree with you, im heading out to the stores as soon as the shops open to see my other options. Main issue is Availablity of parts, they are Either super low end or really high end parts. Mid range is sold out

Can you buy online? Ebay has tons of options for used buiness grade pcs. I wouldn't buy a new pc for this budget as your gonna cheap out on parts you don't want to that will cause issues(ssd, psu)