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Church Computer Systems: Our Top Recommendations
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Church Computer Systems: Our Top Recommendations

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Computers: There are many options

Computer systems are no longer reserved for the elite. They can be found in churches and are used to spread the gospel across borders. 

One such church is on the verge of the digital age, and I am its pastor. It was hard to decide which computer system would best suit our needs, and even more difficult to know how to implement them after we made our decision. Like all great adventures, this has been amazing so far.

Church computer systems featured image

You are likely to face decisions similar to ….., like me.

  • Apple vs. the PC.
  • Is it compatible with USB 3?
  • Is it capable of running a church media system, or a live streaming system for the church?

Also, the price is something to consider because we are limited and on a budget. Do I want an affordable option that can meet my needs and still be powerful? Or should I spend more money now, knowing that these products last longer and offer better customer service when it needs to be fixed?

Instead of just running away and doing research, I decided to share what I discovered about computers that can be used to build a budget-friendly church computer system.

Church Computer System Buyers’ Guide

Some might feel that shopping for a church’s computer system can be too difficult without having to think about all the things it needs to do. 

We have some great tips and tricks to help you find the perfect one. It takes a lot to find the right features for a laptop or desktop model. Keep these in mind before you buy anything.

Apple vs. PC

Apple has been the computer of preference for many over the years. My volunteers grew up using PCs and are familiar with the operating system. 

We decided to use a Windows-based computer instead of an Apple product to allow them to be more productive at work. They don’t have to learn new software programs to run PowerPoint presentations or other media applications we use during church services.

Memory

You need enough RAM to deliver high-quality media presentations. Too little memory can lead to slow presentations and slow response times when switching between slides. This is true if your goal is to live stream video quality, upload speeds, or both!

It is essential that you have sufficient computer resources to deliver a sermon outline. Your pastor or presenter may experience slow performance and delays when transitioning between slides.

The majority of the software suggests that 4GB is sufficient, but 8GB or more is preferred.

USB 3 Inputs

USB 3 input ports will be the future for signal transfer on PCs. Many camcorders and capture card manufacturers are now using USB 3 input ports for live streaming. This allows for more data to be transferred between devices.

Look no further if you’re looking for a computer capable of handling all your digital needs. If the tab on the inside is black, it means that they have USB 2 input. Blue tabs indicate that this machine has a USB 3.

Here are the Computers I have Chosen for You to Consider For Your Church

Memory was the most important consideration when I was choosing a computer to host our media and live streaming. Since I have had to deal with computers with low memory when trying to run modern programs, I’ve always been frustrated by volunteers using these machines. 

Each of these computers is equipped with enough memory to run the latest software without any problems.

Video outputs were the second thing I considered. Many churches require a computer to support their media ministry. Many churches have multiple monitors in their media booth. My church has two monitors at the back for the media and one at the front.

When buying a computer for your church, video outputs are an important consideration. There are two options when it comes to sending signals out: HDMI cables or DVI cables. 

Most churches will use these two types of monitors, and both have their advantages/disadvantages depending on how many screens you want in front of people during services. We could go full HD if we wanted, but that is not always possible.

All other features are dependent on your specific needs.

My top picks for church media and video recording projects are these six computers.

6 Great Church Computers

Church computer systems: our top recommendationsChurch computer systems: our top recommendations

Acer Aspire TC-390-UA91 Desktop

  • AMD Ryzen 3 3200G Processor (4C/4T CPU, 6MB cache and 4.0 GHz Max Boost) paired with Radeon Vega8 Graphics
  • 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD
  • Bluetooth 4.2 LE
  • 2 – USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports (Rear)
  • USB Keyboard and Mouse Included
Church computer systems: our top recommendationsChurch computer systems: our top recommendations

2021 Dell OptiPlex 3080 Micro-Form Factor Business Desktop

  • Windows 10 Pro 64bit English, French, Spanish
  • Intel Core i5-10500T (6 Cores/12MB/12T/2.3GHz to 3.8GHz/35W); supports Windows 10/Linux
  • RAM 16GB DDR4 Memory Allows Multitasking. RAM Has 512GB PCIe Solid State Drive. This allows for fast bootups and data transfers
  • 4 x 3.0 and 2 x 2.0 (2 rear/2 front), 1 RJ45, 1 DisplayPort1.2, 1 HDMI1.4, 1 UAJ. 1 Line-out. 1 Headphone/Microphone Output/Input
Church computer systems: our top recommendationsChurch computer systems: our top recommendations

Dell Inspiron 3880 Desktop Computer

  • Includes: KB216 Keyboard and Wired mouse
  • Your workspace will be reclaimed with a footprint that is 14% smaller than previous generations.
  • Connect easily with Type-A USB ports and front-side media card reader
  • Intel UHD Graphics630 shared graphics memory makes it easy to run multiple apps at once and delivers sharp visuals.
  • 2 Year Onsite Service after remote diagnosis
Church computer systems: our top recommendationsChurch computer systems: our top recommendations

HP ENVY Desktop Computer

  • YOUR CREATIVE SIDEKICK – Render, edit and stream better than ever
  • FAST PROCESSOR – 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10700 processor, 8-Core at 2.90 GHz base frequency and up to 4.8 GHz when using Intel Turbo Boost Technology
  • MEMORY: 16GB DDR4-29333 SDRAM memory (2×8 GB) (upgradable up to 32 GB).
  • INTERNAL STORAGE – 1 TB 7200RPM SATA hard disk & 512GB PCIe M.2 Solid State Drive (HDD 2.5” expansion bay)
Church computer systems: our top recommendationsChurch computer systems: our top recommendations

Dell Optiplex 7040 Small Form Factor Desktop PC

  • We are a Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher and pride ourselves in producing high-quality remanufactured computers. Our experts take great care of each machine and give them a new lease on life. We aim to reduce e-waste and ensure that every machine we process meets our customers’ needs.
  • Lightning fast: Powered with Intel’s top-of-the-line Core i7 processor and 32GB DDR3 RAM, this machine will surely outperform any competitor. Massive Storage: With 2 TB of hard disk space, you can store all the apps, movies, photos, music, and videos you want. SSD 256GB is available for faster speeds!
Church computer systems: our top recommendationsChurch computer systems: our top recommendations

Lenovo M93P SFF Computer Desktop PC

  • This configuration is equipped with Intel’s top-of-the-line Core i5 series processor. You can expect exceptional performance and a fast, reliable, and consistent experience for your PC.
  • This PC has 6 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x Display ports, 1 x VGA, and Headphone/Mic on the Front. RJ-45 (Ethernet port), Onboard Intel HD4600, Windows 10 Professional (64-bit).
  • AArrives comes with a 16 GB memory and 512GB M.2 Solid State Drive, allowing for multi-tasking efficiency. The included peripherals include a wireless keyboard and mouse, a USB Wi-Fi adapter & Bluetooth.

Final Thoughts on These Computers for Your Church

Here you are. These are five great recommendations for church computers. I hope my research and work helped narrow down your selection for a church computer system to support your multi-media or live streaming system.

We are grateful that you read our article about Church Computers.

Pastor duke taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.