Build my own vs iBuyPower vs Dell w/ a new Video card

[Sammual69]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for.
Surfing the net
Playing games
Programing games (GIMP, Blender, Unity)

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$1,000 Max attempting to keep it to $800.

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA / Pittsburgh

4. IF YOU have a brand preference.
Best bang for the buck followed by lower heat / power useage.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
22" LCD monitor (I might get a second).

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Yep. Leaning towards the AMD Budget $825 PC from the guide.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default for now.

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Within 30 days (End of the month if I can get a free upgrade to Win 7 then).

Hey all!
What option should I go with and why?
a) Build my own (AMD Budget $825 PC from the guide on Anandtech)
b) iBuyPower (As close to option a as I can get $950)
c) Dell w/ a new Video card (Inspiron 537 Core 2 Duo $550 + $120 for a new Video Card)

Thanks,
Sammual

 

[Eureka]

If you don't plan on overclocking, get the Dell. It's cheaper and it still works the same. The only downside is you get less customization (esp when it comes to overclocking). However it is much cheaper.

 

[M0RPH]

I don't necessarily recommend the Dell route, but as you ponder your decision you should keep in mind that better deals can be had at Dell than what you listed there.

For example, a deal that is going on at the moment:

Two Days Only - Dell Inspiron 537 Desktop Quad-Core, 4GB/500GB, w/ S2209W 22in LCD $609 Free Ship

So if you really wanted a 2nd 22" monitor and this one was acceptable to you, might be worth considering.

 

[jae]

Dell Quad deal is great,

 

[Sammual69]

Originally posted by: M0RPH
I don't necessarily recommend the Dell route, but as you ponder your decision you should keep in mind that better deals can be had at Dell than what you listed there.

For example, a deal that is going on at the moment:

Two Days Only - Dell Inspiron 537 Desktop Quad-Core, 4GB/500GB, w/ S2209W 22in LCD $609 Free Ship

So if you really wanted a 2nd 22" monitor and this one was acceptable to you, might be worth considering.

The Inspiron 537 dual core I listed is with a 21.5" monitor, I would just upgrade the Video card and mem to 8GB via Newegg. My Dell service credentials are about 8 years out of date, would I still be voiding the warenty my doing this?

Sammual