The first thing we ask customers who inquire about a computer is, “What do you want to use it for?” And then we suggest the best solution for the task at hand.
Business owners would often request the latest, greatest hardware – perhaps because it has been suggested or they saw it in an ad – but when we point out further important issues such as energy use, capacitor design and spike protection, the practical technical value comes to the fore.
Very recently we built a powerful Core i9-X system for a client who crunch large numbers and tracking those over 6 screens. The final cost was R55 000, including advanced power options, but it was exactly what was needed to handle the challenging projects for a particular department. Yet, on the same day, another business purchased a set of refurbished Dell Optiplex desktops (at only R3 500 each) that were perfectly suitable for their office needs.
This brings us to the desktop PC mentioned in the title of this post: Essential SFF Desktop PC.
Essential SFF – Small Form Factor Desktops
Quoting the Wikpedia page on SFF computers –
Advancements in component technology together with reductions in size means a powerful computer is no longer restricted to the huge towers of old.
Let’s have a closer look at the Essential SFF Intel Pentium J3455M, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD Desktop PC:
- ASRock J3455M motherboard with integrated Intel Quad-Core Processor J3455M (up to 2.3GHz)
- 4GB DDR3 RAM
- 1TB WD Blue Desktop Hard Drive
- Raidmax 380W ATX Power Supply
- XGR XCA-LX1 Mini Case – Black & Green
- No OS or Optical Drive
The ASRock J3455M motherboard with integrated Intel Quad-Core J3455M CPU
- ASRock Super Alloy
- Intel Quad-Core Processor J3455 (up to 2.3 GHz)
- Supports DDR3/DDR3L 1866 memory, 2 x DIMM slots (max 2 x 8GB per slot)
- 1 PCIe 2.0 x16 (x1 mode), 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1
- 4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 (2 Front, 2 Rear)
- 2 x SATA3
- Graphics Output Options: D-Sub, HDMI, DVI-D
- Supports tripple monitors
- 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC887 Audio Codec), ELNA Audio Caps
- Supports Full Spike Protection, ASRock Live Update & APP Shop
Supports Up to 48CH H.265 IP cameras
From the official ASRock J3455M page: ASRock motherboard is able to work as an industrial grade 48 channel NVR (Networking Video Recorder) system. It is also capable of HEVC (H.265) recording for up to 48 IP cameras in D1 (704×576) resolution.
Solid and Protected
ASRock has a new High Density Glass Fabric PCB design that reduces the gaps between the PCB layers to protect the motherboard against electrical shorts caused by humidity.
The solid caps on this motherboard is designed to perform more stably and ensure longer lifetime.
The leakage current on the ELNA audio caps is merely 3uA; this is the key to reduce noise level significantly .
ASRock Full Spike Protection includes various technologies to prevent your motherboard’s components from being damaged by these unexpected voltage spikes, providing surge protection, lightning protection and ESD protection.
And to top it…
ASRock XFast LAN allows you to enjoy more speed, easier multitasking, enhanced multimedia experience, and more – all without weighing you down.
What do you want to use it for?
Back to that important question: What do I want to use the computer for? And then: What is my budget?
The Essential SFF J3455M costs only R3 599. Bargain, isn’t it?!
You can find it in the Desktop PC category.
