Cheap computer build

[strep3241]

mfenn, on that Dell optiplex 960 you linked(actually it is a 780) does that have DDR3 ram? What about the SATA ports?

Is there anything bad to say about the Optiplex 780 series? I have been looking online and there are many quad core 780's for around $250. To me, that seems like a pretty decent computer for the price. Depending on what I find out at the local store, I may end up buying one online.

 

[mfenn]

Maybe I worded that wrong but it does not make a difference to me if he has me build one or if he buys a prebuilt. I was trying to decide if it would be better performance and cost wise for him to have me build one or not.

OK, that's the right attitude!

mfenn, on that Dell optiplex 960 you linked(actually it is a 780) does that have DDR3 ram? What about the SATA ports?

Sorry about that, I was thinking of one and the switched to the other. The 780 SSF chassis is a DDR3 machine with 4 DIMM slots and and 3 SATA ports.

Is there anything bad to say about the Optiplex 780 series? I have been looking online and there are many quad core 780's for around $250. To me, that seems like a pretty decent computer for the price. Depending on what I find out at the local store, I may end up buying one online.

Nope, there is nothing wrong with them. There's just a lot of them coming off of corporate lease cycles (that's what DFS Direct resells).

 

[strep3241]

We have not had a chance to go back to the store yet. In the meantime, I have been looking online and found some on ebay. What do you think of this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-780-DT-Core-2-Quad-2-66GHz-DVDRW-4GB-250GB-Windows-7-Pro-64-WIFI-/121279577679?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item1c3cd37e4f

I would like to get one with 64bit Windows just in case we upgrade the ram down the road.

 

[escrow4]

We have not had a chance to go back to the store yet. In the meantime, I have been looking online and found some on ebay. What do you think of this one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-780-DT-Core-2-Quad-2-66GHz-DVDRW-4GB-250GB-Windows-7-Pro-64-WIFI-/121279577679?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item1c3cd37e4f

I would like to get one with 64bit Windows just in case we upgrade the ram down the road.

Me like, but this one is a touch better:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-PRECIS...1105866483?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item1e8684c2f3

If you want a better CPU. Good idea going for quad's.

 

[strep3241]

Here is another one to look at.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-780-Desktop-Quad-Core-Q9650-3-0-4gb-500gb-hd-DVDRW-Windows-7-Pro-/151239922141?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item23369a11dd

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-960-DCNE-Desktop-C2Q-Q9550-2-83GHz-4GB-250GB-HDD-Win-7-Pro-x64-/111284126507?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item19e90d032b

 

[mfenn]

The 3 systems you linked are all very similar, almost indistinguishable. I'd go for the least expensive one (first one you linked) unless you need the larger HDD.

 

[strep3241]

Well, the second one does have a faster processor and a bigger hard drive, which would be way more than enough. I can make an offer on it so it could possibly be close to the same price as the first one or possibly lower. With shipping, the first one would be $305. As it stands right now, the second one is $325 with free shipping and I can make an offer.

 

[mfenn]

Well, the second one does have a faster processor and a bigger hard drive, which would be way more than enough. I can make an offer on it so it could possibly be close to the same price as the first one or possibly lower. With shipping, the first one would be $305. As it stands right now, the second one is $325 with free shipping and I can make an offer.

The CPU speeds do differ, but we're talking 10% between the high and low end. That's not going to be noticeable outside of benchmarks. Nothing wrong with getting a bigger drive if your buddy needs it though.