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Best place to have a system built?

wezal

Member
Ok, like most Anandtech readers, I prefer to build my own systems, but the company I work for doesn't want for me to be playing with computers all day, so I need to find a good source that can put together solid win 98 office machines for around $800 without a monitor. Currently we have AMD k-6 450's in the office and this does just fine. So does anyone have any suggestions or a favorite place you like to buy from?
 
I like MWave. I've been using them for years without any problems. Pretty good rating at www.resellerratings.com.

Another one is Pixel USA, in San Jose, CA.

Both of these guys let you pick and choose components, so if there's something you don't like, tell them exactly what you want. Pixel's technical support is a little nicer (in my experience) than MWave's.
 
If its for a business, I think you're better off with Dell or Gateway.

I'll probably get stoned to death for this, but I think its the safest bet if you're running a business. Their tech support can be there fast and they work quickly. Best part is, if they find out something is fried, they'll replace it for free with no cost to you. If its your home computer its a different story...because most likely it won't mean life or death...not the case with a business. My .02
 
Wow! What a lack of response, I guess there really are not many Anandtech readers who buy full systems! I will try MWave, thanks for the tip pm. Sorry Shiva112, but I just hate all the preinstalled crap they like to add to their machines.
 
I in a dell shop.. what I do is clone the machine when it comes with it's tag # install...and if anything go wrong, i restore the clone and check the problem... i usually nuke thier system and install my own stuff... dell are decent..
 
DELL and Compaq. They are tops when it comes to business machines and they dont have that preinstalled crap like the consumer prebuilts.

Rain
 
The lab I'm in is all Dell.
The Optiplex line are all built like tanks with extreme ease of access to componets. I was able to change out a power supply in a GX1p Desktop in less than five minutes. When the fan in the PSU started making noise, they had a new one to us the next day, no chrage. Tech support is supossedly top-notch, but I've never had the need to use it. Most machines come with NIC, sound, and ATI Rage integrated onto the mobo. We use them for adaptive technology purposes (screen reading for the blind, voice recognition, OCR readers, etc) which are pretty intensive and everything has worked without a hitch. No propriatary parts are used, so upgrades are no problem. My only gripe is the idiot proof BIOS that doesn't let you configure anything.

They also do bulk/corperate discounts.

You may not get top-$ for your money, but you'll get premium reliability.

 
Well I placed my order with Monarch Computers they have a great interface, unlike most vendors, great selection, unlike most vendors and there prices are very good too! Hey gittyup!, I blame you though if they don't know how to assemble machines over there hehe! I tried Dell, but after flopping around trying to truly configure a system, I gave up. Thanks for all your help.

 
The best system for the best price the best tech support and the best warranty. Go to Active Link The person running the company is probably one of the most honest in the business.
Bleep
 
I just so happen to work for a company that builds very solid machines, with quality components and reasonable prices too.

Each system would be custom built to your specifications, desired software and all updates installed, and thoroughly tested before it leaves our facility. Each machine can be cloned to the way YOU want it to save you the trouble of re-installing. We also have reasonably priced three year extended warrenties. Plus, I promise you'll get MY personal attention to your order - I'll ensure that everything is absolutely perfect!

They have been in business for around 10 years, and is an authorized Microsoft, Novell, and Hewlett Packard dealer. This is an excellent company. I worked for them many years ago, and just recently joined them again. (I can't say I'd do that with any other company I've worked for!)

Our customers include many area businesses, almost all the schools in the area, and many municipalities. Generally we stick around the Northwest Chicago suburbs, but I'm sure we could ship to your location. If you do happen to be in the area, we have excellent on-site service and installation

Please let me know if you are interested. Drop me a PM and I'll give you a call.

The following information would be helpful to me:

-Your name, position, company name and address
-A phone number where we can reach you
-Number of systems desired
-Approximate configuration desired: processor, RAM, HD size, etc.


I look forward to hearing from you!
 
Xeon,
Well, I seem to be on the never ending persuit for finding a good computer company, if you have a web page send it too me and if this Monarch Computer place pisses me off I will move on to another, though from my limited experience with them so far, they will to be hard to beat. To give you an idea of what drives me nuts it's things like:

Getting a computer which is missing a jumper so my 500 mhx machine is running at 350? WTF!

Getting a computer with a modem that has old drivers, and can never connect, just sits there and screams!!

Getting a computer that doesn't have working leds??

Getting a system with a keyboard with a small plug, and a MB with a large plug? and no, they didn't give me an adapter?

Getting a computer that has different hardware than what I ordered? for example, one of the computers came with a pci video card! They still make those?!? I guess they had some old stock they were trying to pass off.

Ordering 128meg Dimms and getting 64meg?

Requesting a computer quote and them coming back with a Pentium III and a ASUS A7V MB (Socket A) ??!!??

Anyway, if you have a web page, I will check it out, otherwise, I will have to pass, and good luck.



 
Check your email, wezal. Hope the address in your profile is correct.

My last post was cc'ed to your email as well, with a little more company information.

I decided against posting the company name on Anandtech. I do not want to risk having any customers (or students at the many schools) reading my posts and associating them with the company. (personal life != business life)

If anyone else was interested as well, PM me and we'll get in touch!



Asus A7V socket A and Pentium III? Yeah, I think that system uses SODIMMs and runs Microsoft CEMeNT!
 
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