In this office pc build guide we dive into a cheaphigh quality component desktop computer for every day home or office use, web browsing, Excel working, research dwelling, Word document creating, HD movie watching, Netflixing, music playing, workstation PC. This is the perfect home personal PC or office desktop computer for those of you on a budget and in need of a cheap budget PC for every day use.
Cheap Office PC Build For Your Home Office
(1) Cheap Prebuilt Office Computer (cheaper easier prebuilt computer)
(2) Build Your Own Budget PC (perfect cheap home/office build your own)
For the full build, you’ll need to click continue to calculate the total price
Prebuilt Vs. Build Your Own Office PC?
If you do not want to build your own computer, you can always buy a prebuilt office desktop and have it shipped directly to you. This will spare you the “hassle” of having to build your desktop. I say hassle, but the truth is, putting your PC together is a lot easier than you think(easier than Ikea furniture). In fact, it is fun, and you will feel accomplished afterward. You may even get addicted and start building computers for your friends.
Typically when choosing to buy a prebuilt computer, you are going to spend more money. In this case though, if you’re truly looking for a really cheap office computer, then you have the option of purchasing a refurbished computer at a fraction of the cost.
This refurbished Intel i5 is a perfect cheap work station for any light office work. Performance-wise, it’s comparable to the build your own, almost equal and cost wise it is the clear winner overall. An excellent option if you need to buy multiple desktops for a small office. While less powerful, it will get the tasks done on a budget.
Performance difference between i5-3470 and AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
Comparison from User Benchmark
As you can see the Ryzen 3 does have an advantage over the cheap Intel i5. But the performance differences in these 2 computers are still minor. It all comes down to if you want a cheaper refurbished computer or a build your own which will be brand new and slightly faster. Both are great low-cost budget computers for light office and internet tasks as well as multimedia streaming and photo editing. For the price and power, you probably can’t do better.
The only real difference will be price, operating system, and upgradability. We’ll explain below.
The pre-built i5 has the huge advantage of not only being cheaper but also coming with Windows 10 which would normally involve you having to buy a license. So you save money on the back-end there as well as the front end cost.
The build your own AMD Ryzen 3200G has one major advantage. You can easily get 16GB of RAM (2x8GB) and be leaps and bounds ahead of the i5 which comes with only 8GB. You may also upgrade to the SSD option and it will no longer even compare to the i5. You can even go as far as putting in a low end $150 range graphics card and it is fully capable of modern-day gaming.
The bottom line, the i5 and Ryzen 3 3200G are both good computers for your everyday, light office work and entertainment tasks such as streaming Netflix, internet browsing, email management, and more. It makes a great entertainment computer to hook up to your TV. If you are indeed in this to save money and only need the cheapest computer for a receptionist type office environment, then both will work the same.
Conclusion
If you build your PC, you will have the option to upgrade and learn a thing or three about the inner workings of a computer. If you go refurbished prebuilt, you will spend less money. It’s up to you and your needs. I built the AMD computer for my moms’ husband, and he loves it and is even able to play older games on it.
Home Office PC Build Parts List
Updated: 02/24/20120
- CPU [Price Check]
- Mobo [Price Check]
- RAM [Price Check] [16GB RAM Upgrade]
- Hard Drive [Price Check] [SSD Upgrade]
- Case [Price Check]
- Power Supply [Price Check]
- GFX Card(optional) [Price Check]
- Wireless(optional) [Price Check]
This list of components is 100% compatible for this PC build. If you decide to substitue any parts, be sure to check compatibility before buying.
Perfect Office Desktop
The AMD budget build is a great machine for any normal office tasks if you are on a budget and want a cheap internet browsing computer.
This cheap build is perfect for the average user. It will handle all the web browsing, Microsoft Office Word processing, movie streaming, normal Excel crunching, PDF reading, light to medium game running, HD movie playing, Netflixing, Youtubing your heart can handle.
The SSD, aka Solid State Drive, is a guaranteed way to maximize performance on the AMD build. SSD’s are leaps and bounds faster than the normal hard disc drives.
This computer can replace a $500 laptop and perform fine without overheating.
What You Need For A Current Budget Build
CPU: The CPU is the computers processor or brain. It will handle all the tasks you run. This CPU is built for light to medium office work and capable of multitasking.
Motherboard: The Mobo is like the veins of the computer allowing all the different components to interact with one another. For the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G, we must use an AMD AM4 socket board and that is exactly what we have for you here. A cheap yet feature-rich motherboard that is compatible with your processor.
DDR4 Computer Memory aka RAM: RAM, Random Access Memory acts as a current deck of processes and handles as many tasks as possible in the cache rather than from the hard drive. With the base build you get 8GB of RAM which is great for what you’re going to be doing but if you want to really increase the PC’s performance, upgrading to 16GB would be one of two ways to really speed your computer up.
Hard Drive: Western Digital 320GB This hard drive is only 320GB, but that’s way more than enough for most home computers. Especially with the fact that most office environments have Network Storage to save files to now. At 320GB you could save all of the Word and Excel-like Docs in the world and never worry. You can even store a vast mp3 collection and many movies. But you’re not going to do that at work, are you? The 320GB HDD is great for the least expensive version of this build, however, the best possible speed boost upgrade you can apply to this build would be upgrading to the Solid State Drive option. An SSD can increase your PC’s performance tenfold. You are no longer limited to the speeds of a mechanical disk drive.
Computer Case & Power Supply: There is not much to say about this other than it is a cheap case that will fit everything while saving you money. The same goes for the power supply. It is cheap and strong enough to run this system.
Home Office PC Build Summary
This super cheap $250ish computer is the perfect fit in your home office. It would work great for a front desk receptionist, sales rep, word processor, web marketing person or just about anyone. It’s a great way to save money if you need to buy several cheap machines at once. Not only will you save money, but you will also have built your first of many computers all by yourself.
As for the actual assembly of the computer from start to finish, it’s effortless.
The hardest part would be connecting the proper cables on the motherboard, but they are labeled and come with clear instructions. It’s much easier than one would think.
Sources:
Intel i5-3470
User Benchmark
AMD Ryzen 3 3200G
The SSD Advantage
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Hl says
Can I put a single 8gb ram instead of two 4 GB ram?
StickyStatic says
You would not want to do this because dual channel memory operates much faster and when you use a single stick you cut performance by as much as 50%. Some motherboards BIOS don’t even allow for single stick.
Jack Ruthson says
This AMD processor is on sale at the moment. Would it be compatible with the build?
AMD4 Core Black FX-4300
Best,
JR
StickyStatic says
No, you would need an AM3+ Motherboard.
No big deal though, they have plenty of cheap comparable boards, any will do really as long as it is AM3+ compatible.
For instance the 78LMT-USB3 R2.
AJ MUNN says
Without an optical drive, how does one get windows installed?
StickyStatic says
You can buy Windows on a USB stick or download and put on an USB stick yourself. If you have such access.
These days I can’t think of a reason for a CD drive. I have gone without one for over 5 years with no issue. But I do have access to download and put on an USB without my main computer working if need be.
Example, maybe you can’t get online because you do not have LAN drivers on the main system yet. Use an old computer or laptop, download, put on USB stick and you’re good.
Eric says
Thank you very much for sharing this guide. This was my first build and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’m glad I upgraded to the SSD, booting only takes a few seconds.
Thanks again,
Eric
StickyStatic says
You’re welcome! And good choice on the SSD upgrade. I could never imagine going back.
Jay says
I have an Rosewill srm-01 case. Is it OK to use it with the home office cheap pc build?
StickyStatic says
Yes, this build will fit in the micro ATX case that you have.
Justin says
Can you suggest mobo beside that series? Cause its hard to find that series in my country.
StickyStatic says
What country?
Peter W says
Hi, I am 12 years old and this is my first computer build. I am very excited. Which part connects to my home wireless network (WiFi)? Do I need something else? Do I need to buy an operating system like windows? Can you recommend one that is compatible?
StickyStatic says
That is awesome!!! I wish I was able to build my first computer at the age of 12. Because of your very good question, I have updated the parts list to include an optional wireless adapter. I assumed because this was target for in office task that people would have prewired offices, but that is a silly assumption. Thanks for asking.
Mark Newman says
You’ll need a cheap ‘dongle’ to connect to any WiFi connections.
tom clarkson says
Where can I buy discounted Windows OS?
oliver says
Will this be able to read dvds/cds and burn them?
StickyStatic says
No, but you can add a cheap Asus 24x DVD-RW Serial-ATA and have that ability.
Josh says
Would this build have any problems running dual displays?
StickyStatic says
It has an HDMI and a VGA port so you could run dual monitors. Not for gaming or anything. It will still only be an office task computer or media streaming computer.
Dennis says
Would you be able to put in an Intel Core i3-6100 instead of the AMD with this build? Thanks for this write up! It’ll be my first build.
StickyStatic says
Hello!
Actually no, you would not be able to use the i3-6110 with this build because the motherboard socket is not the same.
If you wanted to use the i3-6100(and I would if I had the extra money), you would need an LGA-1151 mATX motherboard. Gigabyte has a cheap one on Amazon with high ratings. You’re just gonna keep an eye out for things you want like USB 3.0, HDMI or DVI port, 2 or 4 slots for RAM, etc. Otherwise, they’re pretty similar. Just be sure that you match the socket type.
I’ve updated the build with this information. Thanks for asking!
Intel i3-6100 = LGA-1151
AMD A4-7300 = FM2
Mark says
Would this be a good build for a Linux Mint PC? If I’m using Mint, would the SSD still be a good idea?
StickyStatic says
Unfortunately I do not know if it will work with Linux but I see no reason it should not. In fact, it could possibly operate faster running Linux.
You would really have to see if the drivers are available for that version and I assume they would be but you may have to look that all up individually.
I recall the only time I ever was gun ho about installing a version of *nix was back in the days of dial up and there was no drivers for my Win Modem and I couldn’t get on my 28k connection therefor went back to Windows 98.
Justin Rankin says
Hello, looking to build my first computer, tired of the old laptops. Not two years old but the internet cards only allow me 100mbps. Anyways I do video conferencing, web searches, and posting of pictures on line of items to sell. Would there need to be any upgrades for me? I just want a good fast computer for mostly internet use.
StickyStatic says
This build will work great for your needs. And has the built in NIC to meet your needs.
Justin Rankin says
Do all the cables come with the parts? Or do I need to buy them as well? Should I do the ssd upgrade?
What cables would I need for the ssd and hard drives in unit?
StickyStatic says
Yup! All the cables are included and the motherboard has the necessary inputs for the solid state drive cables. I personally could never go back to a regular hard drive for my operating system. The SSD really makes a massive difference. The instant gratification is now a normal experience for me so I would say SSD for sure.
Kyle Jacob Leach says
I do not understand how to finish this build. This is supposed to be compatible pieces but unless I’m missing something, there is no power connector on the power supply to connect to the MB for the possessor. I can’t even turn it on. I’m really very confused. Could you please help me with my problem asap?
StickyStatic says
Both the power supply and motherboard have a 24pin ATX connector.
It is possible that you were sent the wrong parts?
The parts listed here are all compatible.
Kyle Jacob Leach says
My motherboard must be dead then. I’ve tested every part with parts of my older computer and no matter what combination I do I cannot get the computer to power on when I use the newer MB. Oh well… Thanks for the guide though. Appreciate it.
StickyStatic says
Sounds like that could be the issue then. Bummer. With electronics it’s always a possibility but should be an easy exchange.
Kevin Mills says
I’m putting together a roughly similar build, and I was just wondering – should I upgrade the A4-7300 to an A8-7600? It’s only about $30 more, but I’m not sure if it’d be a useful upgrade for an office PC, or if it’s aimed at gaming PCs.
StickyStatic says
I would do the upgrade for $30. This build is for the budget but the 4 core processor will surely handle multitasking better than the budget 2 core.
Hmonts25 says
I’m looking to build a PC for my mom. She has an old HP from around 2007 so I think this would be a bit of an upgrade. My only concern is about the lifetime of this computer, since I just had a cheap already build desktop break down on me. What do you think? She mainly only checks emails and uses iTunes and things similar.
StickyStatic says
This is perfect for her type of user needs and will last a long time.
In the future, if need be, you can always add more RAM.
But the hardware is built to last and upgradeable.
Jonathan Truong says
My first computer build (or I should said rebuild) involved an old Gateway PC case, an AMD A4-5300, 4GB of RAM, and a Gigabyte F2A55M-HD2 (revision 3.0) motherboard. To make sure I stay connected on the Internet without tearing up the walls, I installed a PCI-e Wireless N adapter. That computer is still running strong two years after I built the PC and running Windows 10, connected to a 32″ HDTV. The only plan for that computer is a huge RAM upgrade. Nothing more, nothing less.
StickyStatic says
That Gigabyte motherboard takes DDR3 RAM for an upgrade. Any of these 1600 MHz, 1333 MHz, 1066 MHz, 1866 MHz. Lots of options out there.
Jonathan Truong says
Given my A4-5300 handle DDR3-1600 RAM with no problems, I’ll give 8GB a try.
Fredrick J. Ludwig says
Well, I built this machine and am using it in my business (law practice). It seems to be working well–seems to occasionally take a second or two to do something, but is usually pretty quick! I did opt for a SSD for the Windows 10 install and am using the mechanical hard drive for data storage/files. However, Amazon offered me a $75 gift card if I applied for a credit card, so my total out of pocket was just over $200 (I also opted for a bluetooth/wifi combo that goes in the PC Express slot (I think that is what it is called). I also bought a refurbished optical drive, which I used for the Windows install. That was only about $16, plus the cost of the SATA cable.
I will never buy a machine again–I will always build. It was worth the money just for the knowledge. The only real problem point I had was connecting all power lines to the mother board. But I posted a few pics on Facebook and got other info on some other how-to videos on YouTube. But, I know now how to update the component parts, which I never would have done but for doing this build. The most expensive component was after the build–getting Windows. I went with Windows 10 (64 bit) Professional because I wanted expanded security features and expanded networking capabilities.
This was a pretty easy project for a first-time builder. I had a lot of fun doing it, and can’t wait until I’ve outgrown it so I can try something new. At some point I may swap out the processor for the 7850k above, as I think that would boost performance just a little (I tend to stream audio while I work).
Thanks for posting this.
StickyStatic says
That’s great Fredrick!!!!!
I’m so glad I was able to help you with your first build and glad you are now comfortable and ready to keep choosing this path when it comes to purchasing a new PC. I remember the first time I built a gaming computer. I never went back.
And yes, this budget build is the perfect starter kit! Next, you’ll be building a gaming computer or a Home Theater PC.
John Smith says
Can I replace the cpu with AMD a10-7850k? Is the motherboard compatible with this cpu?
StickyStatic says
Yes, you may substitute this CPU. They are both FM2+ Sockets and will fit.
I would actually choose the A10 you selected but since this was a budget build the cheaper processor was the better option.
Fredrick Ludwig says
Can you tell me what is a compatible component for giving this machine WiFi capability?
StickyStatic says
Yes!
I would assume you want Wireless AC but this simple USB adapter has multiple options listed.
Fredrick Ludwig says
Thanks much. I think I’m going to give it a go and build this machine.