New Computer for Work

Sorry for not getting back sooner, our whole office is closed this week (12th) but before i left i was able to have a meeting with my boss to discuss which option is best.

Having put forward my suggestions we came to the conclusion that a workstation would be better as its more business orientated. So its split between a Precision 380 (customised) and a HP Xw4300 setup - it has now been left to me to further examine these two options and pick whichever one is best but mainly the 'cheaper' option as we may end up getting 2 for the office.

I have no real preference but the HP is cheaper but with no mention of a graphics card so i'll have to see what the story is there (on-board or not included in the price). The HP also gives me the option of being able to hand-pick a suitable monitor also (i know this is available with the Precision but would be easier to get it as a package). The EIZO FlexScan S1910K or Viewsonic VP930 are looking like good options at the minute.

Also, it was agreed that the spec recommended in previous posts is the line that we'll be taken but may not be able to get a really high-end graphics card.

Its good to be off for a week but its come at the wrong time for a new computer although i shouldn't complain......too much :p
 
Hi Kendo Nagasaki, wish my office was closed here!

We have the first suggestion here at our office and they are good. No trouble at all! apart from a early versions needed a bios update.

If your serious about the 3D graphics you do need to think about the card. Deffently, dont use the on board and make sure you can get the best that you can fund.

We have the monitors that come with the model that you where looking at. They do the job and seem to be no trouble. I have a viewsonic at home for my self (17" one, not sure on model number) and its great!
 
Just a quick update:

I have decided to go for an HP Workstation Xw4300 with the following specs:



Cache Memory: 4 MB L2 Cache

Networking: Network adapter - PCI Express - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

Storage Controller: RAID ( Serial ATA-300 ) ; IDE

Cache Per Processor: 4 MB ( 2 x 2 MB )

Audio Output: Sound card

Form Factor: Convertible mini tower

Processor Main Features: Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology, Intel Execute Disable Bit, Intel Virtualization Technology

RAM: 2 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - ECC - 667 MHz - PC2-5300

Hard Drive: 1 x 160 GB - standard - Serial ATA-300

Optical Storage: CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo

Processor: 1 x Intel Pentium D 940 3.2 GHz ( Dual-Core )




Plus upgrading the following components:

Graphics card: NVIDIA Quadro FX 550

2nd Hard drive: WD Caviar WD1600JB Special Edition - Hard drive - 160 GB - internal - 3.5" - ATA-100 - 40 PIN IDC - 7200 rpm - buffer: 8 MB

DVD±RW Drive: NEC ND-4570GNB

Monitor: Still deciding

What do you think? Anything glaringly wrong? Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
Thanks for your help Madmrcopper.

It turned out much cheaper going this route (compared to the 380) plus i had the flexibility of upgrading components with no constraints (apart from money).

I went with the NVIDIA Quadro FX 540 (seems better than the 550!!??) as it was the best i could afford within my budget and seems pretty good as an entry-level card for this type of worK.

Hopefully ordering it this week.

Thanks again
 
Great news Kendo Nagasaki let me know the out come when it arrives and what sort of performance u get out of it. Only problem with me is here that im stuck with the 380 company which has its downsides sometimes :(
 
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