Custom build versus Out-of-the Box: Input please

[RobS10]

I've never built my own machine, but have done many modifications and upgrades and applied lots of band-aids on systems I had to keep running as long as possible because I couldn't afford to replace them. Most significant was when I replaced the processor on my T500, effectively extending its lifetime way beyond its technological obsolescence. Dropping 2 grand wasn't even a remote possibility. I can't drop the close to 3 grand I'd need for a Dell Precision and don't have the time or know how to build from scratch. All I've tried to do was get the best info to help decide how to best spend what I can. I thank you for what I've learned, which is more than I knew. I still don't all the answers, but I have a better idea than I did.

I am in a similar but slightly different spot. I haven't looked at the Studio XPS 9100, but the Vostro 430 and 8100 vs the Optiplex 980. I think it may boil down to build quality vs higher specs. A year or so ago I chatted with a guy who bought the Studio XPS 8000 over the Optiplex 780 (the 980 wasn't out yet). He was unimpressed with the "consumer" build quality. So-so cooling and components, loud fan. The piano black finish and cheapo drive doors are also a turn off. The Optiplex is most likely going to be quieter and last longer than the Studio line. I am just guessing, but am betting the Vostro is closer to a Inspiron from the Business side of Dell. More bang for the buck than an Optiplex, but not as "nice". 350W power supply on the Vostro.

Just out of curiousity...why pay so much up front for RAM? I haven't priced it lately, but I added RAM to my Latitude for less after purchase, and that was even buying it directly from Dell.

BTW, have you ever checked the Dell Outlet?

 

[dg27]

I looked at the OptiPlex and Precisions as well. The Precisions were just way out of reach in terms of $. On the Optiplex systems, while some aspects of the builds were better, the expandability generally was not: fewer drive bays, smaller PSUs (305 W on the Optiplex vs 525 W on the 9100).

For the RAM, in the three different stores there are many different configurations of each machine and you have to spend a lot of time comparing versions to arrive at the best cost factor overall. There are generally minimum RAM configs you can get. Minimum I could get on my config was 8 GB; upgrading to 9 GB was $60, so I did it.

 

[RobS10]

I looked at the OptiPlex and Precisions as well. The Precisions were just way out of reach in terms of $. On the Optiplex systems, while some aspects of the builds were better, the expandability generally was not: fewer drive bays, smaller PSUs (305 W on the Optiplex vs 525 W on the 9100).

What do you want to add to the 9100? You can add an 2nd HD to the Optiplex. The PSU is definitely smaller though, so no outrageous GPU if that's what you need (though you can get dual 512 MB Radeon 4550s for what that's worth).

For the RAM, in the three different stores there are many different configurations of each machine and you have to spend a lot of time comparing versions to arrive at the best cost factor overall. There are generally minimum RAM configs you can get. Minimum I could get on my config was 8 GB; upgrading to 9 GB was $60, so I did it.

I was mainly looking at the Optiplex config, which can be as little as 2 GB...adding 2 GB more adds $80. I understand for the purpose of comparing the specs to the 8100 you would want to add the cost of extra RAM to the Optiplex config.

Overall, the Studio XPS reminds me of a new Corvette, vs the Optiplex is more like a sporty model Volvo.

 

[dg27]

I'm adding a GTX460, one WD Black 1 TB drive, and one 2 TB WD Black drive. I received those yesterday. I am a heavy Photoshop user, so I need Nvidia for CUDA.

The 9100 should be delivered Monday or Tuesday. It'll have the i7-930 and 9 GB RAM, with dual optical drives.

Yup, seemed like a Volvo but I was in the mood for a 'Vette.

 

[RobS10]

I'm adding a GTX460, one WD Black 1 TB drive, and one 2 TB WD Black drive. I received those yesterday. I am a heavy Photoshop user, so I need Nvidia for CUDA.

The 9100 should be delivered Monday or Tuesday. It'll have the i7-930 and 9 GB RAM, with dual optical drives.

Yup, seemed like a Volvo but I was in the mood for a 'Vette.

Sounds like fun;-)...let us know how you like it.

 

[dg27]

Will do for sure--thanks.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Does your builder offer a 3-year warranty with NBD on-site service? If they don't, then you simply cannot afford to go with them.

A business machine should never be custom built. Full stop.

I repeat, do not go with a custom builder who cannot offer NBD on-site service for a business machine.

I disagree that a business machine should never be custom-built. I'm building a rig for a fellow with a sign business, with a vinyl cutter. Only his software only runs on Win9x. So I'm going to be building with a mobo with a physical parallel port, and running (hopefully, I have yet to test this) VPC2004, which allows mapping a VM's parallel port onto a physical parallel port. Stupid MS, in all of their wisdom, removed this feature from VPC7, otherwise, I would upgrade him to Win7. I'm going to be putting him on XP, which should at least be better than surfing the net with WinME.

So this is a business machine, with custom requirements, which really necessitates a custom build.

I agree about not going with a builder for a custom machine if they cannot offer a warranty, and/or perform service same-day or next-day.

I'm contemplating offering him a package deal with a nice warranty, that would afford me to purchase and store a backup mobo, should his ever give out. All of the other parts, I keep in stock anyways.

He's on a severe budget, which is probably why he's still running a circa-2000 Micron Millenia rig. Well, that and his software requires 9x/ME.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

You should be going with an i7 950 which costs $200 at MicroCenter or you could wait for Sandy Bridge which comes out in a month.