Which processor would you get with an Optiplex for the office?

Am buying for my new office.
Will be running Vista, Office 2007, a CRM system and basic internet surfing.
Too many choices and I have no idea what is what.


Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor Q9550 (2.83GHz, 12M, VT, 1333MHz FS [add $519]


Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor Q9400 (2.66GHz, 6M, VT, 1333MHz FSB [add $552]


Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Processor Q6600 (2.40GHz, 8M, 1066MHz FSB) [add $335]


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E8600 (3.33GHz, 6M, 1333MHz FSB) [add $418]


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E8500 (3.16GHz, 6M, VT, 1333MHz FSB) [add $278]


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E8400 (3.0GHz, 6M, VT, 1333MHz FSB) [add $124]


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E7300 (2.66GHz, 3M, 1066MHz FSB) [add $124]


Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E7200 (2.53GHz, 3M, 1066MHz FSB) [add $66]


Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor E2220 (2.40GHz, 1M, 800MHz FS [add $44]


Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor E2200 (2.20GHz, 1M, 800MHz FS [add $26]


Intel® Celeron® Processor 440 (2.0GHz, 512K, 800MHz FSB) [Included in Price]

 

it doesn't seem like you will be needing it for a lot, although i would go for the E8400.

 

these thing are way over price. I sugguest you to look for another brand.

 

assuming 'CRM system' is not intensive/what is it?

I would say E8400 3.0Ghz

 

Yes indeed too many options.
It's unlikely you need Quad Core (most business apps of this type don't use it)... so that's out

Really depends on quantity you want to order (and therefore discount) which will make a upgrade to next level processor very cheap. Key here is to get highest level of account you can... Large business best, SMB etc...

I usually go for the processor just below (or just below that) the fastest, this is where the price jump happens.

So in this case it would be either of:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E8500 (3.16GHz, 6M, VT, 1333MHz FSB) [add $278]
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E8400 (3.0GHz, 6M, VT, 1333MHz FSB) [add $124]

But this is probably overkill for your requirements. Other way to do it is to go for a machine a few levels better than minimum spec. In that case it would be:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E7300 (2.66GHz, 3M, 1066MHz FSB) [add $124]
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E7200 (2.53GHz, 3M, 1066MHz FSB) [add $66]

I personally think Celeron is too old technology and Dual Core is close to that too.
Consider enough RAM as well... I wouldn't spec. a machine with less than 2GB, 4GB would be great.


Final thought: Best would be to check CRM requirements then add at least minimum requirements for OS + a bit extra for future needs.

Future needs you want to factor how long you will want to keep machine and what future software requirements there are... etc.

I hoped this helped more than confused

--- Bruce

 

Have you seen the discounts available?
A quick search on Dell Factory Outlet gives an idea how cheap these can be. (If you have a good account with Dell you should be able to get discounts not exact to this but approaching it)
My understanding is computer companies overprice on the websites so that companies purchasing said computers can experience the "satisfaction" of deep discounts...

 

This helped ALOT.

Id like to have some future proofing with regard to adding additional software but I wanted to make sure that for my purposes that the Quads are definitively overkill?

If thats the case id probably go with on of the two highest Core Duos.

As for my CRM-its an applicant tracking system that integrates with my outlook and uses roughly 100,000k of memory at any time, give or take 25K.

 

Surely this is a matter for DesktopReview.com?

John

 

I didnt even know there was a DesktopReview.com!

Thanks

 

Yes. Also, NBR is currently closed for desktop related questions/discussion. Please ask your question over there. Registration may be required.