"Generic" Name-Brand Computer Recemmendation

[timconstan]

Hi,

I have built systems in the past, but I need to buy a couple "name brand" computers now for the office, and I want something that's as generic, upgradable, and repairable as possible.

Any recommendations?

- Tim

[Axel]

We need to know more of what the PC's will be running to give you a good recommendation.

We here use HP's which are well supported and relatively up-gradable, but a bit pricey in the "business" arena.

Do you have an IT dept to take care of them, or are you the IT dept?

Avoid Compaqs, Sonys, and AST systems at all costs -

Dells are good as are Gateways.

When you decide on a system, specs to look for are details on the motherboard.

Try to stick with intel I/O chipsets as almost everything is tested on intel I/O chipsets - I prefer the 440BX series myself as extremely stable. Systems with the intel 810 and 820 I/O chip sets have had flaws and you are paying for speed that the peripherals can't use at this point.

Although it's a bit more expensive than going with AMD processors, I'd also advise sticking with slot1 intel processor systems - same reason as the I/O stuff above.

Video - agp video is nice, but typically not needed in an office environment. Most computer bus speeds do not allow you to make use of AGP 4X speed - I'd not spend money on an AGP 4x card if you don't have to. Unless you are in an engineering office, high-end graphics cards probably won't be needed.

Very important are the memory slots. go with a minimum of 168 pin Dimms, avoid 72pin simms - they are obsolete. 3 or 4 slots for 168 DIMMS is good. If you are using NT/2K, then you can effectively utilize more than 128 MB RAM, if you are on 98 or 95, anything over 128 RAM is wasted. Rimm memory is a great idea, but nothing can effectively utilize the speed you pay for and it costs way too much at the moment.

Hard drives - I recommend ATA 33 or ATA 66 drives as supported by the motherboard faster and cheaper than SCSI - typically, if you can find them, 8 GB drives are all the space you'd need for 98% of the population. Give them more and they tend to store everything - limit their space and they actually erase stuff from time to time - ( teach people how to correctly uninstall stuff as well what scandisk & defrag are in on 95 and 98 )

I'd also avoid deals on E-machines.
If you go with Celeron processors - get them as slot one processors so you can upgrade in the future - socket7 technology is only there for the low end market at this time and will probably disappear completely in a few years time.

Avoid ISA expansion cards - go with PCI where you can -

Avoid on-board ANYTHING - especially video - best to buy an additional card to avoid driver conflicts and giving you the ability to upgrade in the future.

Make sure your PC case has a minimum of a 250Watt power supply - 300 is better. Avoid anything less -

Avoid AT style keyboard connections - make sure you have PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors

get an ATX motherboard if you can - most new technology is on the ATX form factor.

If your office uses a lot of older software from say, 6 years ago and it's on CD's, avoid super high speed CD-ROM drives - older disks aren't as balanced as new ones and can vibrate in high speed drives until they break.

Avoid USB mice and keyboards - they don't work in safe mode.

External modems are MUCH more user friendly than internal modems - you can turn them off and reset them without rebooting the entire computer - it's worth the few extra bucks and sacrificed desk space. Don't forget to buy the com cable to connect them.

That's all that comes to mind.

[brandon184]

Dell or Gateway -- ehh.. Preferrably Dell.

They are pretty upgradeable, and have excellent tech support.

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Warthog]

Dell!!! What else?? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

Agree with what Axel said.

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif
Warthog

[codybear]

two names to remember


Mtnsnow or Mr. Computer

[Mntsnow]

LOL Codybear http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I guess that's were the "Generic" part comes into play huh? http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif Someday there will be a "name-brand" called Mntsnow! But wait! That is a "name" http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Mntsnow

[Missing the point]

If it was for me, or my office, I would go with Dell, they got the best stuff out thre, only competitor really is Gateway, which is goo too, if ya find a better deal there.......

[Ziz]

There's also Systemax, from Global Computer Supplies (http://www.globalcomputer.com). All their machines are build-to-order, just like Dell and Gateway, but usually come out a few $ less! Call and talk to a rep though, as the ordering system thru the site isn't working quite properly yet (according to someone I spoke to there last week).

[bhess]

Me and several guys I work with have mail ordered from a company called ABS. They're in the computer shopper. Never had any problems except standard stuff.

[timconstan]

Thanks for the quick and helpful messages.

I guess I'm leaning toward Dell, but I've also heard some good things about Micron.

Any thoughts on Micron?

Thanks again.

- Tim