Requirements for New Work Computer

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Tuba Deus

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Apr 29, 2017
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I'm hoping to surprise my parents with a new computer this holiday season, but I'm not sure exactly what hardware requirements I should aim for (only slightly tech-savvy). They only use it for work (mostly Microsoft Office) so I know the requirements aren't high, but the thing that's throwing me for a loop is the remote desktop application. I have no clue which one they use, so I'm not sure what the requirements are. My primary questions are:

-What level CPU should I aim for (something that will still work well 5 years from now for internet and office applications)?
-Is 4GB RAM enough or should I go 8GB just to be safe?
-I assume the GPU built-in to most mobos will be enough? No need to get a separate GPU?

Let me know if you need any other info to answer. Thanks!
 
Solution
elbert
I suggest something along this route. The AM4 has 4 year update cycle which no other current does. IE the Intel 1151v2 is coming soon so the current one is already out. Also a standlone low price video card like the GT1030 will be compatible for way longer.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($104.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($65.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($45.69 @ OutletPC)
Video Card:...
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GamingEnthusiast420

GamingEnthusiast420

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1) Any good 450W+ CPU should be enough to last you and power your level of hardware adequately
My recommedation: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094&cm_re=seasonic_520-_-17-151-094-_-Product
2) Depends on the ammount of workload, 4GB should be fine but 8GB would be more future proof and it will prevent your PC from getting groggy
3) Many CPU's have integrated graphics, and unless you plan on using multiple or high resolution displays you won't have a use for a dedicated graphics card.
 
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elbert

elbert

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Jan 11, 2005
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I suggest something along this route. The AM4 has 4 year update cycle which no other current does. IE the Intel 1151v2 is coming soon so the current one is already out. Also a standlone low price video card like the GT1030 will be compatible for way longer.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 1200 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($104.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock - AB350M Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($65.89 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($45.69 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GT 1030 2GB Low Profile Video Card ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair - 100R ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($33.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $423.40
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-15 21:17 EDT-0400
 
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T

Tuba Deus

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Apr 29, 2017
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I'm sorry, you answered my question but apparently I asked the wrong question (proving the 'only slightly tech-savvy'). I meant what level CPU would I need.

Also, you bring up an interesting point with your 3rd answer. They don't need high-resolution, but they do use dual screens. Would a built-in GPU support that or would I have to just find a cheap standalone GPU at that point?
 
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A

aquielisunari

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Mar 31, 2011
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What's your budget? Do you also need a monitor, keyboard, mouse etc.?
 
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aquielisunari

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Mar 31, 2011
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I like this answer apart from the RAM. I would opt for the 2 x 4GB RAM kit. Why? The 1200 handles dual channel RAM. That's a dual channel motherboard which means it prefers RAM modules installed in pairs.

System Memory Max System Memory Speed
2667MHz
System Memory Type
DDR4
Memory Channels
2
 
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T

Tuba Deus

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Apr 29, 2017
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No strict budget. Just as cheap as it can go to build a computer that will be reliable for the next 5 years. They already have keyboard and mouse. They also have dual monitors, although if there are good cheap ones they would like to upgrade (not planning on getting those unless it's truly a spectacular deal since I can get adequate ones for free from work).
 
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GamingEnthusiast420

GamingEnthusiast420

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In order to run more than one display, you will need a dedicated graphics card unfortunately.
This is my recommendation:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - A6-9500 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($60.00)
Motherboard: ASRock - A320M-DGS Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot - Signature Line 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($29.09 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Video Card: MSI - GeForce GT 710 2GB Video Card ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master - N200 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM (2015) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $308.03
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-09-15 22:00 EDT-0400
 
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