[SOLVED] New system for office

Yarberger1

Honorable
Apr 22, 2015
56
3
10,535
Hello all

My wife has an old Dell which is really struggling. We are looking to put together a new system for her (I have built my own in the past), but unlike my gaming rigs, hers will be a computer for office tasks (including Citrix virtual desktop) as she is increasingly working from home. In addition to standard MS applications (Word, Excel) she does a lot of surfing and Netflix-viewing and limited gaming (gaming is simple stuff, nothing demanding). I am looking for a system that will last her a good 5+ years. It must be really zippy, with WiFi connectivity as an option.

In the past I have researched all this myself; however, we have a baby in the house which means that time is no longer my own. If anyone can assist with some recommendations for parts I would be grateful.

Approximate Purchase Date: imminently

Budget Range: A maximum of $1500 Canadian, including tax and shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Office tasks (including Citrix virtual desktop), web surfing, video streaming, non-intensive/occasional gaming

Are you buying a monitor: No. She uses two old 24" monitors, one with HDMI and one with only VGA/DVI ports. This will likely be upgraded down the road but isn't the priority right now

Parts to Upgrade: Everything. This will be a brand new build

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.ca, Canada Computers, Amazon.ca

Location: Toronto

Parts Preferences: This is simply a question of cost-effectiveness. If an AMD CPU/MB offers better bang for buck at the moment, I will go in that direction. I have typically built using Intel in the past, but my latest rig was built using AMD. I had some major teething problems with my Aorus Master board (BIOS failures) with that AMD build but it is now running fine. I have never had issues with any past Intel builds.

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: currently 1920x1080 but would want lots of room to improve this if a new monitor is purchased

Additional Comments: The number one priority is speed. Form factor isn't critical, but she doesn't want a behemoth sitting under her desk. Aesthetics are also secondary, but an attractive case (as subjective as that may be) would be welcome (this will be a professional rig, not a gaming set-up). Built-in WiFi is desired, even though she is presently hard-wired into the Network. I have no real allegiance to any particular manufacturer, although I have only used Gigabyte/Asus MBs in the past.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Her current system is struggling to cope with Citrix and situations where she is using multiple applications at once. Time for a fresh start.

Thanks so much for any guidance you can offer. Even if you can point me in the direction of a solid MB as a foundation, that would be a great start.
 
Solution
Man so far all of the builds suggested are way overkill for your needs. Really you could get by with just about the most basic of CPUs for your needs and you do not need a $400 - $600 GPU either. This is what you should get:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($193.75 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($116.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Intel 665p 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini C TG MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($104.99 @ Memory...
Oct 20, 2020
26
2
35
I don't know if this is in your budget range, but it certainly is a budget, but powerful computer

To start, you can get Windows 10 for $20-$30.

Cpu- i7-9700k or amd ryzen 7 3700x

cooler for i7 - Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB

Motherboard - Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI (Intel) or asus tuf gaming x570-plus (amd)

power supply -Corsair RM (2019) 650 W 80+ Gold Certified

ram - G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (rgb) or Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (no rgb)

gpu - nvidia rtx 2060 or rtx 2060s (2070 super if you have some money left over)


I suggest getting a 250gb ssd with a 1tb hdd (2 if you need more space) or just a 2tb ssd (easier to install and better)

Corsair iCUE 220T RGB Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case is a great case for rgb under $100




INTEL BUILD: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/bv8yXb

AMD BUILD: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MhDfHz

Note: Intel build is $100 more expensive and a little over budget

This is the best build that I could think of. I hope I helped. If you are over budget, you could always choose a 250 gb ssd and 1tb hdd instead of a 2tb ssd.

Bye :)
 

Yarberger1

Honorable
Apr 22, 2015
56
3
10,535
I don't know if this is in your budget range, but it certainly is a budget, but powerful computer

To start, you can get Windows 10 for $20-$30.

Cpu- i7-9700k or amd ryzen 7 3700x

cooler for i7 - Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML240L RGB

Motherboard - Gigabyte Z390 AORUS PRO WIFI (Intel) or asus tuf gaming x570-plus (amd)

power supply -Corsair RM (2019) 650 W 80+ Gold Certified

ram - G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (rgb) or Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (no rgb)

gpu - nvidia rtx 2060 or rtx 2060s (2070 super if you have some money left over)


I suggest getting a 250gb ssd with a 1tb hdd (2 if you need more space) or just a 2tb ssd (easier to install and better)

Corsair iCUE 220T RGB Airflow ATX Mid Tower Case is a great case for rgb under $100




INTEL BUILD: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/bv8yXb

AMD BUILD: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/MhDfHz

Note: Intel build is $100 more expensive and a little over budget

This is the best build that I could think of. I hope I helped. If you are over budget, you could always choose a 250 gb ssd and 1tb hdd instead of a 2tb ssd.

Bye :)

Adogee, I am very grateful for your reply. Thank you for the work you have done.

I've skimmed through your suggested parts, and it looks from a quick glance that these are US prices. I have a maximum budget of $1500 Canadian, so while I haven't done the math, I reckon that this sweet build might be considerably over my budget.
 
Hello all

My wife has an old Dell which is really struggling. We are looking to put together a new system for her (I have built my own in the past), but unlike my gaming rigs, hers will be a computer for office tasks (including Citrix virtual desktop) as she is increasingly working from home. In addition to standard MS applications (Word, Excel) she does a lot of surfing and Netflix-viewing and limited gaming (gaming is simple stuff, nothing demanding). I am looking for a system that will last her a good 5+ years. It must be really zippy, with WiFi connectivity as an option.

In the past I have researched all this myself; however, we have a baby in the house which means that time is no longer my own. If anyone can assist with some recommendations for parts I would be grateful.

Approximate Purchase Date: imminently

Budget Range: A maximum of $1500 Canadian, including tax and shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Office tasks (including Citrix virtual desktop), web surfing, video streaming, non-intensive/occasional gaming

Are you buying a monitor: No. She uses two old 24" monitors, one with HDMI and one with only VGA/DVI ports. This will likely be upgraded down the road but isn't the priority right now

Parts to Upgrade: Everything. This will be a brand new build

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.ca, Canada Computers, Amazon.ca

Location: Toronto

Parts Preferences: This is simply a question of cost-effectiveness. If an AMD CPU/MB offers better bang for buck at the moment, I will go in that direction. I have typically built using Intel in the past, but my latest rig was built using AMD. I had some major teething problems with my Aorus Master board (BIOS failures) with that AMD build but it is now running fine. I have never had issues with any past Intel builds.

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: currently 1920x1080 but would want lots of room to improve this if a new monitor is purchased

Additional Comments: The number one priority is speed. Form factor isn't critical, but she doesn't want a behemoth sitting under her desk. Aesthetics are also secondary, but an attractive case (as subjective as that may be) would be welcome (this will be a professional rig, not a gaming set-up). Built-in WiFi is desired, even though she is presently hard-wired into the Network. I have no real allegiance to any particular manufacturer, although I have only used Gigabyte/Asus MBs in the past.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Her current system is struggling to cope with Citrix and situations where she is using multiple applications at once. Time for a fresh start.

Thanks so much for any guidance you can offer. Even if you can point me in the direction of a solid MB as a foundation, that would be a great start.
Something like this:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($268.50 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 Blue 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($204.00 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory ($209.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($157.99 @ PC-Canada)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB VENTUS XS OC Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: NZXT H210 Mini ITX Tower Case ($99.50 @ Vuugo)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($134.94 @ shopRBC)
Total: $1493.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-24 11:01 EDT-0400
 

Yarberger1

Honorable
Apr 22, 2015
56
3
10,535
Something like this:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($268.50 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 Blue 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($204.00 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory ($209.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Storage: ADATA XPG SX8200 Pro 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($157.99 @ PC-Canada)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB VENTUS XS OC Video Card ($289.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: NZXT H210 Mini ITX Tower Case ($99.50 @ Vuugo)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($134.94 @ shopRBC)
Total: $1493.89
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-24 11:01 EDT-0400

This is fantastic. Thank you so much!
 

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
Man so far all of the builds suggested are way overkill for your needs. Really you could get by with just about the most basic of CPUs for your needs and you do not need a $400 - $600 GPU either. This is what you should get:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($193.75 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($116.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Intel 665p 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini C TG MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($104.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($112.75 @ Vuugo)
Total: $798.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-24 15:56 EDT-0400


Though I would swap with a B550 - I think there's something in PC Part Picker that is preventing me from pairing this with a B550. But for your uses this system is really all you need. If you want an Intel build then I might suggest:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-10100 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B460M-A Micro ATX LGA1200 Motherboard ($126.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Intel 665p 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini C TG MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($104.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($112.75 @ Vuugo)
Total: $764.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-24 15:58 EDT-0400
 
Solution

JasonNs_

Proper
Sep 22, 2020
244
17
115
Man so far all of the builds suggested are way overkill for your needs. Really you could get by with just about the most basic of CPUs for your needs and you do not need a $400 - $600 GPU either. This is what you should get:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($193.75 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 AORUS M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($116.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Intel 665p 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini C TG MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($104.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($112.75 @ Vuugo)
Total: $798.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-24 15:56 EDT-0400


Though I would swap with a B550 - I think there's something in PC Part Picker that is preventing me from pairing this with a B550. But for your uses this system is really all you need. If you want an Intel build then I might suggest:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-10100 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B460M-A Micro ATX LGA1200 Motherboard ($126.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($119.99 @ Canada Computers)
Storage: Intel 665p 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini C TG MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($104.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($112.75 @ Vuugo)
Total: $764.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-24 15:58 EDT-0400
Actually hes the one who asked for that build and that budget.
 

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
Actually hes the one who asked for that build and that budget.

Well it is overkill for those purposes. Not that it's bad, but you kind of are throwing money away for really no reason. For web browsing and internet streaming and light gaming there's no reason to get a multi-core CPU and an expensive GPU, you could get by with just a Ryzen 3400G or a basic Intel CPU.
 
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JasonNs_

Proper
Sep 22, 2020
244
17
115
Well it is overkill for those purposes. Not that it's bad, but you kind of are throwing money away for really no reason. For web browsing and internet streaming and light gaming there's no reason to get a multi-core CPU and an expensive GPU, you could get by with just a Ryzen 3400G or a basic Intel CPU.
You are right but hes the one who wanted a 1500 system, so i tried to help
 
It probably is overkill but no one ever complained about their PC being too fast.

I shaved a couple of hundred off my build, you can save another hundred with a dodgy Windows key if you want (I am not in any way endorsing this just pointing it out lol)
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($268.50 @ Vuugo)
CPU Cooler: Deepcool GAMMAXX 400 Blue 74.34 CFM CPU Cooler ($28.99 @ Amazon Canada)
Motherboard: ASRock B550M-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($204.00 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($159.99 @ Memory Express)
Storage: Western Digital Blue SN550 500 GB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Memory Express)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER 4 GB Ventus XS OC Video Card ($238.70 @ Vuugo)
Case: Fractal Design Define Nano S Mini ITX Desktop Case ($94.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($134.94 @ shopRBC)
Total: $1310.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-10-24 19:35 EDT-0400
 
Last edited:

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
You are right but hes the one who wanted a 1500 system, so i tried to help

My point is that there's no reason to spend money just to spend money, even if it was specified in the OP. Yeah you could spend $1500, but you don't need it for the job that a $600 PC would do. That's like buying a Ferrari just to make trips to the store. Sure you could, but what's the point?
 

Yarberger1

Honorable
Apr 22, 2015
56
3
10,535
My point is that there's no reason to spend money just to spend money, even if it was specified in the OP. Yeah you could spend $1500, but you don't need it for the job that a $600 PC would do. That's like buying a Ferrari just to make trips to the store. Sure you could, but what's the point?

Hi there. I'm very late returning to this thread, and I thank everyone for their replies/input. What I should point out is that my original post referred to a MAXIMUM of $1500. I was in no way suggesting that I should spend $1500. Only that this was my ceiling. If a system can be built for less, that is ideal if the system ticks the very few boxes I had listed.