Help me build 33 computers ?

D

Dr.G

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So my boss needs to upgrade 33 computers which are running XP at the moment. Trying to help him get this done as cheap as possible. I will probably end up doing the installation of parts and software.

First thought was to just say get laptops for like 4k to 5k each, but he isn't keen on the idea. They have 33 cases with screens and peripherals etc so then I thought to just say throw a new CPU, Motherboard and RAM into the old cases and keep the old PSU, DVD drive and case. The next issue is licences, there isn't a cheaper way to get 33 copies of windows 10 home is there, like volume licencing ? Obviously laptops solve this issue but they don't want laptops. The PC's are going to be used for educational purposes like running basic software and access to online content so obviously dont need to be massively powerful. I just haven't been keeping up with the times with computers so wouldn't know whats the best route to take with this, Intel vs AMD ? Worthwhile upgrading the tiny 80gig hardrives with a small Solid state ? DDR3 vs DDR4 ?

Last thought, was to maybe make use of the upcoming black Friday and cyber Monday specials so i need a solid game plan here.

Thanks !
 
Step 1. Check the existing computers to see if they are not already Win 10 capable .....

No point in doing anything if the decision is only to go for Win 10 Home.
 
Dr.G said:
So my boss needs to upgrade 33 computers which are running XP at the moment. Trying to help him get this done as cheap as possible. I will probably end up doing the installation of parts and software.

First thought was to just say get laptops for like 4k to 5k each, but he isn't keen on the idea. They have 33 cases with screens and peripherals etc so then I thought to just say throw a new CPU, Motherboard and RAM into the old cases and keep the old PSU, DVD drive and case. The next issue is licences, there isn't a cheaper way to get 33 copies of windows 10 home is there, like volume licencing ? Obviously laptops solve this issue but they don't want laptops. The PC's are going to be used for educational purposes like running basic software and access to online content so obviously dont need to be massively powerful. I just haven't been keeping up with the times with computers so wouldn't know whats the best route to take with this, Intel vs AMD ? Worthwhile upgrading the tiny 80gig hardrives with a small Solid state ? DDR3 vs DDR4 ?

Last thought, was to maybe make use of the upcoming black Friday and cyber Monday specials so i need a solid game plan here.

Thanks !
Click to expand...

I am not going to lie. Contacting place that sell pre built pc's and asking for a nice bulk price might be the better option
 
Geoff.D said:
Step 1. Check the existing computers to see if they are not already Win 10 capable .....

No point in doing anything if the decision is only to go for Win 10 Home.
Click to expand...

They're old Celeron 3.0Ghz processors with 80Gb hard drives, and 1 or 2 gigs ram (probably DDR2) if I remember correctly.

DTBA said:
I am not going to lie. Contacting place that sell pre built pc's and asking for a nice bulk price might be the better option
Click to expand...

A place such as ? Esquire maybe ?

Nimz said:
Location first of all
Click to expand...

Rivonia, Jhb
 
Dr.G said:
Im not sure, but obviously as cheap as possible
Click to expand...

This does not really help us, as either you get a POS with no ram just barely to run windows and a small HD that will full up never mind a solid state
 
Geoff.D said:
Step 1. Check the existing computers to see if they are not already Win 10 capable .....

No point in doing anything if the decision is only to go for Win 10 Home.
Click to expand...

I see microsoft say the following are the requirements:

Required Processor
1 GHz processor or faster
Required Memory
1 GB RAM for 32-bit; 2 GB for 64-bit
Required Hard Disk Space
Up to 20 GB available hard disk space
Required video card
800 x 600 screen resolution or higher. DirectX® 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver

But realistically that isn't really going to be a nice experience. Or do you think if they can run XP fine and only need to use internet etc then just sticking Windows 10 on there will be adequate ?
 
Dr.G said:
I see microsoft say the following are the requirements:

Required Processor
1 GHz processor or faster
Required Memory
1 GB RAM for 32-bit; 2 GB for 64-bit
Required Hard Disk Space
Up to 20 GB available hard disk space
Required video card
800 x 600 screen resolution or higher. DirectX® 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver

But realistically that isn't really going to be a nice experience. Or do you think if they can run XP fine and only need to use internet etc then just sticking Windows 10 on there will be adequate ?
Click to expand...

There are some hidden caveats in there...the CPU for example, has to have certain features that only became compulsory after Windows 8 (maybe 8.1) which means Windows 10 might refuse to install on the hardware in your XP box.

Download a Windows 10 compatibility checker from somewhere and check what it says.
 
Check what the computers have (including the power supplies).

See what you need and shop around.
 
Is Linux an option? could save some money there
 
Urist said:
Is Linux an option? could save some money there
Click to expand...

I was thinking those little compute sticks might be an option but he says they want PCs (I imagine to prevent people from walking off with laptops).
 
Neoprod said:
I was thinking those little compute sticks might be an option but he says they want PCs (I imagine to prevent people from walking off with laptops).
Click to expand...

Could maybe get something you can screw to the back of the display`s vesa mount.
 
I do the IT support for a school with 2 computer classrooms.

33 compers? Buy 1 decent server and get 33 thin clients. It would make life so much more easier with managing backups and user accounts etc,etc. AD here is a must. Then the old hardware you could sell here and on carbonite.

PM if you want more advice.
 
Urist said:
if it was purely for internet, and basic apps available in linux. i`d get this.

https://www.pishop.co.za/store/vesa-pi--raspberry-pi-b-23-vesa-case

depends entirely what its for though...
This is the cheapest possible solution I can imagine.
Click to expand...

That is ridiculously cheap, wow ! I just phoned and checked, apparently it has to be windows 10. Just spoke to him and he said the quote he has recieved for a pc box with windows installed is R6800 per PC - which i think is way too much.

Neoprod said:
There are some hidden caveats in there...the CPU for example, has to have certain features that only became compulsory after Windows 8 (maybe 8.1) which means Windows 10 might refuse to install on the hardware in your XP box.

Download a Windows 10 compatibility checker from somewhere and check what it says.
Click to expand...

I will do so tomorrow thanks
 
Buy all new brand name boxes with warranties and forget this DIY upgrade nonsense.

It won’t be cheaper in the long run.

Also there is a tax benefit to doing it this way.

Your boss sounds like a typical knob with little foresight.
 
Peon said:
I do the IT support for a school with 2 computer classrooms.

33 compers? Buy 1 decent server and get 33 thin clients. It would make life so much more easier with managing backups and user accounts etc,etc. AD here is a must. Then the old hardware you could sell here and on carbonite.

PM if you want more advice.
Click to expand...

I second this idea. Invest the money into a NAS.
 
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