Dell PC's

[Rahxephan]

I have no experience with dell computers. I was wondering how troublesome it is to get a low end custom dell and then self customize with elite componets of your choosing later. I am inquiring because I heard somewhere that dell sets up their package systems in a manner that is not very compatible with other piece meal parts that stray from the orignal.

Thanks

--Rah

 

[LikeLinus]

Originally posted by: Rahxephan
I have no experience with dell computers. I was wondering how troublesome it is to get a low end custom dell and then self customize with elite componets of your choosing later. I am inquiring because I heard somewhere that dell sets up their package systems in a manner that is not very compatible with other piece meal parts that stray from the orignal.

Thanks

--Rah

Exactly why would you do that? You'd end up spending more in the long run. If you can't afford to buy all the parts now, save up. Then you'll be able to purchase all the components you want at one time, when they'll be cheaper and better.

 

[Vegito]

right and some of their low cost machine.. ie the tiny boxes, etc, does not have agp so u can't get anny more elite than that

 

[ponyo]

If you want to self customize a Dell machine, wait for a sale on 400SC server/desktop. That's the only computer I recommend from Dell.

 

[Tom]

By elite parts, if you mean bigger hard drives, more memory, better video cards, adding dvd/cd drives, then Dells aren't difficult to upgrade.

If you mean cutting windows, overclocking, changing motherboards, then a Dell would be more difficult than a home built.

 

[dullard]

Whenever I buy Dell, I buy a barebones system, then add parts myself. Why? Contrary to what LikeLinus said, it is often far cheaper that way.

For example, you might want a specific computer with 1 GB of memory. Dell sells that computer but charges say $300 extra to go from 128 MB to 1 GB. Well, I'll get a computer with the base 128 MB from Dell, then add in the 1 GB of memory myself for $100 and be on my way saving $200 in the process. Plus I take out that 128 MB that I could sell for extra money or use for spare parts on other machines.

Same goes for video cards and Xeon processors. It is far far cheaper usually to get those yourself and put them into the bare Dell box.

Everything is fairly easy in a Dell box to upgrade. There are a few exceptions:
[*]Motherboard. Dell has non-standard cases and motherboards are hard to upgrade. But, if you really wanted a specific motherboard, why are you getting a Dell in the first place?
[*]Power supply for P3 computers. Dell used a nonstandard power supply in the P3 days.
[*]Large sized power supply for P4 computers. Dell uses a strange case, so putting in an aftermarket power supply often isn't easy. But Dell uses high quality power supplies and I've never needed to upgrade one.
[*]Floppy drive. If you get a Dell without a floppy, you often won't get the mounting hardware to put in your floppy. Last time, I just got a strip of scrap steel, drilled 2 holes, and in 3 minutes I had mounting hardware.
[*]Processor fans. Dell's don't overclock, so why you need a different fan is beyond me. But if you do, it isn't easy.

Everything else is a piece of cake and can save you a bundle in many situations.