Front Desk/Work PC Build

KhmerMike

Honorable
Nov 7, 2012
5
0
10,510
I've built gaming rigs before with sheer brute force, an OC'd CPU (i7-3770K), SLI GTX-680s, and just raw performance, so I know my way around computers. The problem I'm having is this next build I'm working on is for a very different purpose, specifically:

1. The PC will be on 24/7, with occasional reboots once every 1-2 weeks.
For the duration of the machines "life." I would hope it lasts at least 8+ years with the occasional part replacement after 5. This is not only going to take a toll on the hardware, but also CPU degradation, CPU cooler, case fans, operating costs, etc. I'm worried about 5 years down the road and the PSU giving out or power consumption with consideration to annual electricity costs to operate.

2. GPU Functionality and Productivity > Raw GPU Processing/Rendering Power.
I personally do not want to see any of my coworkers playing Planetside or Star Citizen on this thing, ALTHOUGH, I am open to an independent GPU for a user friendly multiple monitor control interface and some applications like autocad or 3DS max. Like I said my home PC has 2 GTX 680's. I am not budgeting $500 for gaming GPU's let alone the $1,000 I spent on my home desktop, not happening. (Besides I hate my coworkers lol). I gotta really think about this one hard and any insight or opinions from you guys I'd really appreciate it.

3. Total budget/build cost.
I have a loose budget on this build, but bare in mind I spent $3500 on my gaming rig just cause I could. This is my work computer. I do not love my job enough to spend a dime on this place lol. I really want to keep the hardware costs as low as possible without sacrificing reliability and longevity of the overall machine.

4. Ventilation and Routine Maintenance
This thing will most likely be "neglected" in a sense. Our current Front Desk PC, I'm a little afraid to open it up. In terms of cleanliness, it could probably be compared to the inside of a vacuum bag. Routine cleanings with compressed around would probably be once a year if not ever (oh god...)

Anyone with some insight or opinions I would greatly appreciate them. If you know specific hardware components or specifications, I should definitely pay closer attention to, please feel free to list them.

Thank You.
 
Solution
Done wasn't sure if 3ds MAX used alot of GPU so a 760 might be in order instead but I did add a 4771 because OP wasn't clear on the rendering importance.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4771 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($299.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($91.48 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card:...

FractalDesignCore

Honorable
Jul 30, 2013
346
0
10,860
Whats the budget.........?
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($309.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($98.99 @ Best Buy)
Motherboard: MSI Z87-GD65 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($174.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($85.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($114.99 @ Best Buy)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti 3GB Video Card ($719.99 @ Best Buy)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($105.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 850W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($168.99 @ Mac Mall)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1894.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-18 19:29 EDT-0400)

Heres a rig ive been saving up for. Then again you did not specify a budget, basically you rambled about a bunch of stuff.
 

KhmerMike

Honorable
Nov 7, 2012
5
0
10,510
Mostly spreadsheets, file databases, an invoice programs, used daily. The 3Ds Max is rarely used maybe once or twice a month. Depending on projects. No central network thank god.

Simple workstation.
 

FractalDesignCore

Honorable
Jul 30, 2013
346
0
10,860
Ok ill work with $1200 fully maxxed budget.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($83.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($499.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($57.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1198.92
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-18 19:45 EDT-0400)
 
Done wasn't sure if 3ds MAX used alot of GPU so a 760 might be in order instead but I did add a 4771 because OP wasn't clear on the rendering importance.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-4771 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($299.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($91.48 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 1GB Video Card ($115.38 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $856.79
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-18 20:00 EDT-0400)
 
Solution

KhmerMike

Honorable
Nov 7, 2012
5
0
10,510
I actually really like Spectre's build.

Question.
The certifications for PSU, I know there's bronze silver gold and platinum... Whats the difference? I have a gold Seasonic at home and never put to much thought into it.
 


It is how efficient the PSU is bronze < silver < gold < platinum

and depending on if any of your programs can use CUDA or GPcompute a 750Ti or 760 might be good upgrades.