Computer for payroll, what should I get?

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I need to build someone a computer for payroll use. What is the cheapest I can get hardware wise that would be appropriate. The guy needs a "fast" computer. He'll run xp.

I'd appreciate any help. No OC'ing sadly.

[s1nykuL]

I would just go for cheap options from reputable manufacturers. ASRock for mb cheap Intel core 2 cheapest ATI or Nvidia graphics, WD Harddisk, G.skill/Corsair memory. etc.

Payroll is not demanding. Unless there are a few thousand employees to calculate pay for and pay on the same day, or it is hooked up to a demanding time and attendance system.

I would be more concerned with security:
Where will the machine be located?
Who will have physical access? -- Disable USB ports lock BIOS with password, don't install a floppy drive, DVD/CD writer etc.
Will the machine be connecting to BACS type payment systems over the Internet or via landline? Make sure it is behind a hardware firewall. Never use it to browse the Internet.

The machine is the easy bit. The secure deployment of that machine is the tricky part.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I would just go for cheap options from reputable manufacturers. ASRock for mb cheap Intel core 2 cheapest ATI or Nvidia graphics, WD Harddisk, G.skill/Corsair memory. etc.

Payroll is not demanding. Unless there are a few thousand employees to calculate pay for and pay on the same day, or it is hooked up to a demanding time and attendance system.

I would be more concerned with security:
Where will the machine be located?
Who will have physical access? -- Disable USB ports lock BIOS with password, don't install a floppy drive, DVD/CD writer etc.
Will the machine be connecting to BACS type payment systems over the Internet or via landline? Make sure it is behind a hardware firewall. Never use it to browse the Internet.

The machine is the easy bit. The secure deployment of that machine is the tricky part.

Just to give you a little background....

I got a phone call from a guy I know who wanted a computer built for one of his buddies who runs a small business (I doubt there's over 25 people total, just guessing). I am guessing he'll set everything up himself. I don't have much info as of late.

Ideally, C2D, cheap mobo, 2 gigs ram, 80 gig WD (Unless for some reason he needs more), cheap case w/ psu? I was considering AMD b/c I could get a dualcore 2.4ghz x2 for 56 bucks @ the egg which seems overkill for what he's doing. I might be wrong. If I went C2D, I'd probably pick up an e7200 otherwise to be vista ready.

I have NO idea what the guy is doing security wise. I doubt I'll even be involved in it. I think he just needs a computer and his friend is being nice and throwing business my way.

[s1nykuL]

I would just go with known reliable yet cheap components. The items you have specified above will certainly do the job. I would buy a cheap yet decent PSU, I wouldn't trust one that came with a cheap case, mainly for stability reasons. Either AMD or Intel will be fast enough for the kind of number crunching involved here. A mobo with on board graphics will do the job too. A graphics card could be added at a later date should vista and its eye candy be wanted in the near future.

[[XC] Synthetickiller]

I would just go with known reliable yet cheap components. The items you have specified above will certainly do the job. I would buy a cheap yet decent PSU, I wouldn't trust one that came with a cheap case, mainly for stability reasons. Either AMD or Intel will be fast enough for the kind of number crunching involved here. A mobo with on board graphics will do the job too. A graphics card could be added at a later date should vista and its eye candy be wanted in the near future.

True. I'm going to make a phone call about the specifics. I really just wanted to have a decent idea of what sort of hardware I would need.

I appreciate the help.:up: