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Cheap Dell Desktops...quality?

K

Klato

Junior Member
I'm the market for a new computer after I just spilled water on my Dell laptop and the thing doesn't turn on anymore. I've been really out of the hardware game for a long time, and don't really know what's what anymore.

Anyway, I was at the Dell web site, and saw some really cheap desktop (i.e. this one: http://www.dell.com/content/products/pr...aspx/dimen_e520?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs).

What's the quality like on these things? Seems awfully cheap, so I'm thinking they're using cheap parts?
 
Generally they seem pretty good. Not exactly the most powerful systems (especially in the video department) but they run well. But just so you know the base unit that is $399 has a P4 in it not a C2D. The higher end dimension E520 which costs $849 has the C2D.

What laptop was it that got fried? Might be repairable.
 
It was a Dell Inspiron 4150...I got it back in 2001 I think and it's out of warranty. Was a decent unit, I had the motherboard repaired once but that was really the only problem I ever had with it. Tough too...that thing travelled around the world and back.

Now I'm thinking since I'm staying put and never really use my computer outside of my house, that it might be time to go back to desktops.
 
Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
The parts are pretty decent, sure, but you can get something better for the same price or less if you build your own.
Click to expand...

Let us know what you come with on a complete system for $399 (and don't forget a legal copy of Windows XP). 😛
 
The Dimension -1 models with AMD Sempron and A64 processors are a better deal than the Celeron and P4 models.

The AMDs run much cooler than all Celeron and P4 / P4-D chips, and the nvidia motherboard graphics are much better than intel motherboard graphics.
 
I got dell inspiron 8200 since 2002 and its still working like a champ. The only things that needs to be replaced is the battery, but that is normal for a laptop.
 
Dell uses good-quality parts. Their motherboards are typically Intel designs, but built by 3rd-parties.

Dell's support is generally good. Their Server support is quite good.

My favorite things about Dells:
1) Inexpensive, occasionally "ridiculously so" if you catch the right deal.
2) It's easy to order them with XP Professional pre-installed.
3) Dell has TOTAL driver availability, unlike HP/Compaq, which makes it very hard to get drivers for some of their motherboards and components.
4) Dell offers bare XP restoration CDs, so you can restore a system without all the junk.
 
Originally posted by: Metron
Let us know what you come with on a complete system for $399 (and don't forget a legal copy of Windows XP). 😛
Click to expand...

Sure thing. But first let's look at what you get with Dell:
Windows XP Home OEM
Pentium 4 524 (3.06 GHz)
512MB DDR2-533
integrated Intel graphics
80GB SATA/300
CDRW/DVDROM combo drive
56K modem
$399.01 if you live in an untaxed state; ~$425 if you don't

Now, onto the custom builds. If you just want the basic stuff, you can do this:
Windows XP Home OEM w/Vista coupon
Sempron 64 2800+ (overclocked to ~2.2 GHz)
ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA (GeForce 6100 graphics)
512MB Wintec Ampo DDR400
80GB Western Digital ATA HDD
Samsung DVD burner
POWMAX CP808PL-1 w/ 350W & front USB/audio
$350.24 shipped

If you'd like to use more reliable components, that's fine, too. Try this:
Windows XP Home OEM w/Vista coupon
Sempron 64 2800+ (overclocked to ~2.2 GHz)
ASRock K8NF6G-VSTA (GeForce 6100 graphics)
512MB mushkin DDR400
80GB Western Digital SATA/300 HDD
Lite-on DVD burner (retail w/Nero and WinDVD)
NEC black FDD
Zonet v.92 PCI modem
FSP Group ATX300-PA PSU
Rosewill R5717-P SL ATX mid tower w/120mm fan & front USB/audio
$405.38 shipped

If you want dual core, the price shoots up to about $494.
 
They have very decent desktops for the money and since they build in volume, you get what you pay for.

Their service and support have gotten better.

I personally like their laptops, since their price drops. A very good laptop for $750, and an excellent high end around $1250.

Great buys overall.
 
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