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Buy from Dell vs. Build your own

M

M0RPH

Diamond Member
So, it's pretty much a given around here that when someone mentions a system they're considering from Dell (or some other PC manufacturer), someone is going to chime in with "well, I could build that system myself for much cheaper!"

Lately I've been looking at Dell desktop systems for my sister. She's upgrading from a laptop so she doesn't have a monitor or any other parts. Here's the deal they have now at Dell for an i7 system:

Dell Studio XPS
Vista Home Premium
Intel Core i7-920
6GB DDR3
ATI Radeon HD 4670 512MB
24" SP2009W LCD monitor
640GB 7200RPM hard drive
16x CD/DVD burner
keyboard & mouse
.. $1103

So, system builders. Let's hear how much cheaper you can build this one for. Please include everything listed and everything you need to build a comparable system.
 
I don't hear the same, "well, I could build that system myself for much cheaper" comments.
Usually I hear...
"sure Dell, HP, etc can sell PC at a pretty low price point. But building yourself can get you higher quality components at the same or slightly higher cost".

I say find some kind of a Dell discount code and configure that Studio XPS for sis. :thumbsup::laugh:
 
If she isn't interested in gaming or OCing then Dell/HP is the way to go. She will have a good system and a warenty to go with it.
 
I couldn't beat it using newegg. Dell seems really competitive with the i7 systems. Personally I would still build my own though.
 
What is she going to use it for?

Another laptop might make more sense.

For a normal non-gaming user, 2-4 GB RAM is fine, Core 2 instead of i7, Vostro instead of XPS, ... and save $300+ on that desktop.
 
If she could do everything she needed to do fine on a laptop she doesnt need an i7. What will it be used for?
 
Originally posted by: masteryoda34
I couldn't beat it using newegg. Dell seems really competitive with the i7 systems. Personally I would still build my own though.
Click to expand...
Same here.



Though if she's not a gamer, you could probably get something for around $500 and that'll be fine enough. Even a laptop around $500 will do ok.
 
NE: MSI X58 Pro LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $180

ZZF:INTEL BX80601920 Core i7-920 2.66GHz Intel QPI 4.80 GT/s Socket 1366 Desktop Processor Retail $288

NE: OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3X1333LV6GK - Retail $75

NE: RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WU Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $30

NE: CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $45

ZZF: MICROSOFT Windows Vista Home Prem SP1 64-bit English 1pk DVD Software OEM $98

TD: Acer X233H 23" Widescreen LCD Monitor - 5ms, 1920 x 1080, 40000:1 Dynamic, 16:9, DVI, Black, HDMI $190

NE: Logitech Internet 350 Black 104 Normal Keys 8 Function Keys USB Standard Desktop - OEM $16

DVD Burner- $20

NE: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD752LJ 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM-$75

NE: Apollo AP-HD4350 256MB DDR2 Radeon HD 4350 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail-$20

Total- $1037
 
Originally posted by: WaitingForNehalem
NE: Apollo AP-HD4350 256MB DDR2 Radeon HD 4350 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail-$20
Click to expand...
That's kind of a lot different than HD4670.

 
Originally posted by: tcsenter
Originally posted by: WaitingForNehalem
NE: Apollo AP-HD4350 256MB DDR2 Radeon HD 4350 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail-$20
Click to expand...
That's kind of a lot different than HD4670.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I lol'ed :laugh:
But I guess you would be saving some money there if the comp isn't built to game. Though in that case, an i7 is kinda overkill anyways?
 
It would be a lot cheaper going with the Dell especially given the big monitor. The only reason why we build ourselves is for the tweaking aspect, and I'm sure your sister isn't into that. Plus easier warranty.
 
Originally posted by: tcsenter
Originally posted by: WaitingForNehalem
NE: Apollo AP-HD4350 256MB DDR2 Radeon HD 4350 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail-$20
Click to expand...
That's kind of a lot different than HD4670.
Click to expand...

:laugh:

I also think I'd rather have a Dell 24" than an Acer 23".
 
Dell has become a much more viable option, however if you still want the utmost flexibility and knowledge of components you're using, building your own is nice. In terms of cost benefits, aside from the blatant overpricing of video card upgrades (and sometimes memory), it's definitely competitive, if you factor in an OS, case, psu, etc. building your own usually tends to be a bit more expensive, and if something isn't working when its shipped to you, you're the one that has to troubleshoot it. Factory made PCs are tested prior to shipping so you don't have to spend time on it.
 
Originally posted by: M0RPH
So, it's pretty much a given around here that when someone mentions a system they're considering from Dell (or some other PC manufacturer), someone is going to chime in with "well, I could build that system myself for much cheaper!"

Lately I've been looking at Dell desktop systems for my sister. She's upgrading from a laptop so she doesn't have a monitor or any other parts. Here's the deal they have now at Dell for an i7 system:

Dell Studio XPS
Vista Home Premium
Intel Core i7-920
6GB DDR3
ATI Radeon HD 4670 512MB
24" SP2009W LCD monitor
640GB 7200RPM hard drive
16x CD/DVD burner
keyboard & mouse
.. $1103

So, system builders. Let's hear how much cheaper you can build this one for. Please include everything listed and everything you need to build a comparable system.
Click to expand...

How long of a warranty does that include? Usually the default option is only 1 year, and upgrading to a 3 year plan adds at least a couple hundred dollars to the total cost.

Having said that, I am customizing an XPS 435 right now, and the lowest I can get the price with your options is only $1449. Are you using a special code to get the price that low?
 
Originally posted by: Special K

Having said that, I am customizing an XPS 435 right now, and the lowest I can get the price with your options is only $1449. Are you using a special code to get the price that low?
Click to expand...

This is the link I used, which I got from Techbargains. You will also see that the monitor upgrades are 40% off though this link, which really makes the deal good.

Edit: As it turns out, my sister and her husband told me that they will most likely be going to Best Buy tomorrow to buy a system (sigh). I told them they won't get nearly as good of a deal, but they claim they need it in a hurry. I guess some people will never be quite sold on the whole online/mail-order way of buying computers. Ah well, they have plenty of money so it's no big deal to them.
 
Originally posted by: M0RPH
As it turns out, my sister and her husband told me that they will most likely be going to Best Buy tomorrow to buy a system (sigh). I told them they won't get nearly as good of a deal, but they claim they need it in a hurry. I guess some people will never be quite sold on the whole online/mail-order way of buying computers.
Click to expand...

In the future, never tell someone else to build their own. If they build it and it sucks, it's your fault. If you build it and they break it, it's your fault. If you build it and Vista has a pop-up, it's your fault.
 
I am going through the same thing with my mom, Dell vs build one for her. She needs a new system to replace her old P4 but I keep putting it off hoping to hear about Win7 free upgrades like they did with XP to Vista after a certain date before Vista launched. It seems like a waste to get a Vista system when the new and supposedly better OS is due in 6 months or so.
 
*UPDATED*

NE: MSI X58 Pro LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $170

ZZF:INTEL BX80601920 Core i7-920 2.66GHz Intel QPI 4.80 GT/s Socket 1366 Desktop Processor Retail $288

NE: OCZ 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ3X1333LV6GK - Retail $75

NE: RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WU Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $30

NE: CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail $45

ZZF: MICROSOFT Windows Vista Home Prem SP1 64-bit English 1pk DVD Software OEM $98

TD: I-Inc iF251HPB 25" Widescreen Active Matrix TFT Display - 2ms, 1920x1080, HDMI, VGA $230

NE: Logitech Internet 350 Black 104 Normal Keys 8 Function Keys USB Standard Desktop - OEM $16

DVD Burner- $20

NE: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD752LJ 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive - OEM-$75

NE: SAPPHIRE 100255HDMI Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail


Total- $1107

Quality and value of components is still much higher.

HDD: 750>640
Monitor: 25" 1920x1200> 24" 1920x1080
RAM: OCZ>OEM
PSU: Corsair> OEM 300w
Motherboard: ALL SOLID STATE, Crossfire, OC features and much more> Dell OEM

Although as mentioned previously be prepared to provide tech support.
 
The only reason left to build your own box is to make sure you have exactly what you want and to do after market mods like silent computing, over clocking, etc. Dell, HP eta l can absolutely destroy custom builders on price because they buy components in bulk. Plus, they often use bargin bin parts.

There's only cost savings to be had with high end machines, which often carry a large mark up from the big manufacturers.
 
Originally posted by: Fedaykin311
The only reason left to build your own box is to make sure you have exactly what you want and to do after market mods like silent computing, over clocking, etc. Dell, HP eta l can absolutely destroy custom builders on price because they buy components in bulk. Plus, they often use bargin bin parts.

There's only cost savings to be had with high end machines, which often carry a large mark up from the big manufacturers.
Click to expand...

I disagree with this. It depends on the type of system. If you are looking for the cheapest or just an inexpensive office PC for Internet/Word processing, then yeah Dell will kick butt selling you $200-$450 systems WITH a monitor included using various coupons.

However once you start stepping up to a REAL COMPUTER, meaning a good PSU to good video card to having a big size HD, you do save a lot more building your own system. See my thread on my I7 920 system along with a bunch of other custom I7 build threads on here

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...295604&highlight_key=y

Its very similar price point. To get the equivalent system from Dell, you need to get the XPS 730X++ series which starts at $1600 without a monitor and a crappy video card along with more crappy components. So to be fair, you have to compare similar components at the same performance level.

I would only build a PC for myself and not recommend it for anyone else other then computer enthusiasts like me. I made the mistake of building a PC for someone else and ended up providing support for the guy for a few months. So to stay on topic, I would tell your sister to go buy a system.
 
That sounds like a guy I know who dropped over 4k on a retail system w/ i7 and Nvidia 280 SLI but refused to play games... in a way that should be related to some sort of PC abuse i think. ppl over paid for things they dont use and call it a great, ppl who gets ripped off with outrageous service cost and call it a good service, ppl who buy things judging only by its surface... it's a sick world out there ppl :

to the one who opened the thread:

if they dont care about custom built machine - dont care it for them, Dell comes w/ Warrenty yours dont. Unless you live real close to them any technical difficulties will probably haunt you for a long time in the future. That Dell system looks like a good deal anyways. No point trying to tell them that weird looking case you put together for them really has 'good stuffs' in it. girls like 'regular' cases, at least mine do :\
 
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