Buy or Build New PC

[BlakkIce]

im looking for new computers for my company 2 so far i need one dedicated to graphic programs and one for editing video question is should i buy from Dell or build myself, will i be saving much money if i build, i was looking at a P$ 3.0 with the 800FSB from dell, this is what they quoted me
Dell Precision? Workstation 360 Minitower:

Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor, 3.00GHz, 512K / 800 Front Side Bus
3T308 - [ 221-2669 ]

Memory:
1GB,DDR400 SDRAM Memory,ECC (2 DIMMS)

Keyboard:
Enhanced Performance, USB (8 Hot Keys)


Monitors:
No Monitor Option


Graphics Card:
nVidia, QuadroFX 500, 128MB, dual monitor VGA or DVI/VGA capable
QFX500 - [ 320-0711 ]

Boot Hard Drive:
120GB SATA, 7200 RPM Hard Drive with DataBurst Cache?


Floppy Drive:
No Floppy Drive


Operating System:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional, SP1 with Media using NTFS


Mouse:
MS IntelliMouse® Explorer, USB, Optical (4-button, w/scroll)


CD ROM/DVD ROM:
48X CD-ROM


Sound:
Sound Blaster® Audigy II with onboard 1394


Speakers:
No Speaker


Internal Zip Drive:
IOMEGA Zip 250MB


Price*:$2,186.10

 

[MikeMike]

that is easy to beat, build your own.

 

[nick1985]

the endless uses of michael jackson

 

[MikeMike]

STOP NEFFING and posting nasty pics of jackson

 

[OverVolt]

Was that a businesscomputer, or home?

The home ones come with a "Recovery CD" which isn't a full copy of windows, so if u wanna change your boot drove, it's a pain in the ole rear.

Most the time they come with sub-par PSUs alshouth the "XPS" comes with a 480w psu which isn't bad, since they figure it's gunna be under alotta stress playing games. If the PSU is weak, then it hampers upgrade ability (like a RAID0 array or something would use 30+w on it's own)

BUT you do get tech support, if something goes wrong it's not your problem, which can be worth it.

I think it's about the same value, build your own or Dell. After i built my own, it's juz so easier to like reinstall windows, change your mobo later on ect ect without having to call dell to see what it'll suport

 

[mikecel79]

The Precision series is not like the Dimension or Optiplex line. Those are desktops. The Precision line are serious workhorses with 3 years warranty on the whole box. We have quite a few where I work and not one came with less than a 350w PSU. These are quality boxes.

If I'm buying for a company I always go with Dell/Compaq/HP just because of the tech support and warranties. Something breaks I call them up and the new part is there the next day, with a tech if want! No fussing around with it.

 

[dexvx]

Originally posted by: OverVolt
Was that a businesscomputer, or home?

The home ones come with a "Recovery CD" which isn't a full copy of windows, so if u wanna change your boot drove, it's a pain in the ole rear.

Most the time they come with sub-par PSUs alshouth the "XPS" comes with a 480w psu which isn't bad, since they figure it's gunna be under alotta stress playing games. If the PSU is weak, then it hampers upgrade ability (like a RAID0 array or something would use 30+w on it's own)

BUT you do get tech support, if something goes wrong it's not your problem, which can be worth it.

I think it's about the same value, build your own or Dell. After i built my own, it's juz so easier to like reinstall windows, change your mobo later on ect ect without having to call dell to see what it'll suport

No, the Dimension Home ones come with a full WinXP Home version. Its PSU is rated at 250W, but thats average, and not peak wattage as most companies measure. Ask people around the forums, they run Radeon 9700s with SCSI drives off those 'weak' PSU's.

The precision line in general is better, better line of tech support, everything etc. They are geared towards businesses and dont have to mess with the end user which usually has no clue as to what a computer is.

 

[GaryShandling]

haha @ jacko pic,....what?...whats that mr jackson?...no i dont want to get into your limo...no i dont care if you have sweeties.

 

[Corporate Thug]

BUILD!!

 

[Tung]

I'd built if I were you

 

[filmmaker]

Build

 

[Malladine]

Originally posted by: nick1985
the endless uses of michael jackson

Dude. That's Gross.

Oh, definately build all the way.

 

[Budmantom]

DUDE buy a ....

 

[DT4K]

For personal use and gaming, I'd always build.
For work or friends/family that I don't want to spend lots of time with, I'd buy Dell with 3 year warranty.
You really don't want to be the one responsible if the boss gets pissed because something fails in the system you built.

 

[OverVolt]

Ok Dexvx i understand what ur saying.

Dell's are really good for the people that buy them! I got nothing against Dell, but try to ask them for a Raptor RAID0 array without paying an arm n a leg . I like knowing the all the brands, speed, and quality of the parts in my rig before it arrives on the door.

And being able to customize it the way i want, try putting a CD-RW on a top bay and DVD-RW on the bottom and it'll says it's incompaitlbe or something, yet i'm running it right here! What Bull Chips!

 

[newbiepcuser]

CD ROM/DVD ROM:
48X CD-ROM

Why don't you just buy those combo dvd/cdrw burners or better yet a Sony DVD burner that can burn CDRs also.

 

[BlakkIce]

thanks for the tips guys i usually build but i was looking at Dell for the 3 yr service plan so i will crunch some numbers and see which works better for methanks

 

[overclock]

Originally posted by: BlakkIce
thanks for the tips guys i usually build but i was looking at Dell for the 3 yr service plan so i will crunch some numbers and see which works better for methanks

Do you really plan on keeping the same computer for 3 years. I think the oldest part in my computer is the floppy. It's about 4 years old now. Everything else is less than a year.

 

[CraigRT]

building is not always cheaper
but for the most part you can usually beat prices if you try

sometimes however, it's not worth it when it comes down to so little $.

but i'd say build

satisfaction is another key role in whether or not you should buy or build

 

[mikecel79]

Do you really plan on keeping the same computer for 3 years. I think the oldest part in my computer is the floppy. It's about 4 years old now. Everything else is less than a year.

I don't know about where you work, but we have many computers that are over 3 years old. Maybe it won't be used by the same person for 3 years but I'm willing to bet it will be around longer than that.

I think many people here are forgetting this is for a business. Most businesses aren't worried about getting the best performance out of a PC. They want reliability, support, and stability. Performance is usually lower on their list. Most companies will pay a premium for having a machine that is stable and reliable, both things that Dell seems to excel at.

 

[DurocShark]

Unless you don't have anyone who can bust you for screwing up a self-built box, get a name brand. Dell, Micron, whatever. They all have pros and cons, but when sh!t happens, you can say "Hey, it's the vendor..."

 

[Joe750]

i went through the same ordeal, but when all is said and done I think you get the best deal with a Dell. Not from Dell, from ebay. Brand new, in the box, they resell Dells for half the price. Get one that meets your needs and add what you need (zip drive, etc). You get the warranty, which is worth its weight in gold. Others may disagree, but I am here to share my experience with you so you know your options. Check out eBay for "New Dell" You might be surprised.