Workstation for not gaming

[Rasong]

I'm building a computer for a friend with a budget $1000 (can be broken for good reason).

 

2 monitors, used for Excel, Word, illustrator, etc. Home/work computer.  Wants it "Fast".  Will not be playing any games.  Don't think there will be any video encoding.

 

I've built a system on PCPartPicker http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xPvTxr

 

 

The questions:  

Should I add in a low budget video card or would the 4600 integrated graphics be enough?  (blasphemy, I know)

Would Windows 7 Professional be a better choice for OS?  (doesn't want 8 because used to 7)

Any other recommendations?

 

Thanks in advance.

[ZetZet]

(doesn't want 8 because used to 7)

:unsure:

 

I think get him atleast something like 750ti even if he doesn't play games. Having a fully functional computer is always better.

[Kick]

I've built such described "fast" systems for super cheap with dual core APU and SSD. I'm afraid I cannot offer advice on GPU for Illustrator, but the other stuff shouldn't require a dedicated card and you'd be fine with integrated graphics. 

 

As for choice of operating system, that would depend on their on-site backup situation. If they want to easily backup over the network then yeah, Professional would be the way to go. Otherwise just stick with Home Premium. At least the network backup is the only reason I can see to go with Win 7 Pro, perhaps others can offer other reasons. 

 

But basic advice for this kind of system:

Dual-to-quad core CPU or APU

Budget for a good SSD, that's where end-users in business applications usually see the most speed

8GB RAM, the systems I built use 4 and when I've worked on them since I've noticed some could benefit from more

 

I've been really impressed with AMD APU performance for systems like this, but they run hot, so I've opted for an H55 AIO Liquid Cooler from Corsair on the one that sits in an office. That's totally overkill but the budget allowed for it and I feel more comfortable knowing the processor isn't cooking away. The system I built was for a writer, they wanted a lot of storage space but considering they were mostly storing text files and PDFs I opted for a 120GB SSD and 500GB HDD. Turns out they've barely used any of that storage space, but I think they like the feeling of having a little more than they need. That'd also be something to consider for your build here, I don't know much about Illustrator, but I'd assume you'd want a bit more storage space for image files. If they have a current system where they do all the same kind of work ask how much space they've used and double it. 

 

Just some thoughts from my experience, cheers.

 

Edit: Oh and don't overlook the advantages of a good keyboard and mouse, if they don't have one already might be something to consider. I found a good wireless keyboard/mouse combo that works for one of the systems I built and it was like $20. 

[Sam Z Man]

Your H87 motherboard will not work out of the box with that cpu.

[Elliott Game]

if ya driving 2 23" monitors you will need a GPU \/

 

:unsure:

 

I think get him atleast something like 750ti even if he doesn't play games. Having a fully functional computer is always better.

[Sam Z Man]

if ya driving 2 23" monitors you will need a GPU \/

I have ran dual 1080p monitors on a ivy bridge processor integrated graphics for years, without a single problem on a setup that served the same purpose as this one, a GPU isn't nesisary for tasks like this.

[Elliott Game]

I have ran dual 1080p monitors on a ivy bridge processor integrated graphics for years, without a single problem on a setup that served the same purpose as this one, a GPU isn't nesisary for tasks like this.

ok, I just thought with a resolution like this, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a bit of gpu horsepower

[Sam Z Man]

ok, I just thought with a resolution like this, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a bit of gpu horsepower

Who needs GPU horsepower when using word, excel, or surfing the web? It's a bad idea to waste money on something that will never be needed.

[Rasong]

So FYI, will go with the integrated graphics.  I can always add a graphics card later on.  

 

Thank you for all your help.