Help on decision for new desktop

[Bordoh]

I'm looking for a new gaming computer, and came across a deal on dell outlet ( refurb store ) that seems good to me, but I'm not too up on pricing at the moment.

It's a refurbished Alienware, but comes with same warranty as new Dell's, it comes with:

Processor: Intel Core 3rd Generation i7-3820 Processor (3.6GHz,Quad Core, 10MB Cache) Overclocked up to 4.1GHz
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium
Hard Disk Drive: 1TB, 7200 RPM 3.5 inch SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive
Memory: 8GB, DDR3 UDIMM Memory, 1600MHz, Non-ECC (4 x 2 GB DIMMs)
Media Bay: 24X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
Video: 1.5 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
BaseDell Outlet Alienware Aurora R4 Desktop
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Alienware TactX Mouse
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1

With a coupon code it comes to $800 pre tax, about $885 after tax.

Is this a good deal? I wasn't too sure about the GPU, since Nvidia is up to 700 series now, is it too old to run new games?

any input is appreciated... thanks!

 

[lakedude]

That is a pretty solid system even for today and the video card is fast enough but it was made while they were still stuck at 40nm. They are known for sucking power.

If you don't mind the room heater that isn't a bad system.

Still we might be able to do as good or better. We can certainly put together something that draws less power...

Give me a minute to see what I can come up with...

 

[lakedude]

Do you live by a Micro Center?

 

[Bordoh]

I'm actually not worried about power or heat, I have AC. unless that's bad for the system or it'll cost me a lot of extra money in power usage, I assume it's not huge on the electricity bill.

I don't live anywhere near a Microcenter

 

[lehtv]

Removing the OS, mouse and keyboard, you're looking at a $650 build with a $280 CPU and a $180 GPU (gtx 580 ~ gtx 660), so it does look like a decent value rig. However, rather than getting a refurb, I would still build my own PC. Choosing components myself, I can ensure a high quality motherboard with the features I want, a high quality case with the features I want, a high quality PSU from a manufacturer I can trust, 2x4GB DIMMs instead of 4x2GB, and a better balance of CPU to GPU (both newer generation components).

What would be your budget cap for a custom PC from newegg?

 

[lakedude]

i5-4670k bundle with MB @ MC $220
Windows $100
Seasonic S12II 620W $65
NZXT Source 210 S210-001 Black “Aluminum Brush / Plastic” ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $46
SSD Crucial M500 120GB $80
G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2 $85
ASUS DVD Burner $20
GTX 770 $290 or a GTX 760 2GB for $220 or an r9 270 for around $180 your choice...
$30-170 keyboard and mouse depending on your choices

The built system will be newer, use less power and be roughly equal or faster for games (depending on choice of GPU). Could be cheaper depending on options. Should not pay tax...

The OEM system will have that i7 which is nice if you need the SMT(HT) for anything. Also you have a single point of contact for your gripes (Dell) vs chasing down each vendor. Plus you don't need to build it yourself.

 

[lakedude]

I don't live anywhere near a Microcenter

Well that does booger things up a bit...

You might need save money by getting an SSD now and a HD later...

The SSD will be amazing, one of the best features of the do it yourself rig.

Give me some more time to find non-MC deals...

 

[Bordoh]

What would be your budget cap for a custom PC from newegg?

My budget is around $1100 max

@Lakedude

I actually have a 128GB OCZ vertex 2 SSD in my current PC I could move over, it's a few years old though. I've heard SSD's have a semi-short lifespan, not sure if that's actually true though?

Also, time isn't really an issue, can put this off for about 6 months if that helps with price somehow.

 

[lakedude]

If you don't care about the power draw that Dell isn't a bad system. Putting a new system together would cost a couple hundred more especially if you need an i7 over the i5. Personally I didn't care much for those power sucking 40nm Fermi cards but they are okay really. You could always replace it down the road.

If you do get the Dell might want to add an SSD, they are amazing and only cost $80 or so.

I'd rather have an i5-4670k and a great modern video card like the GTX770 over the i7 and that 580...

 

[lakedude]

I've had very bad luck with OCZ as has one of my geek friends, YMMV. Make sure you have a good backup...

I doubt that Dell will be available in 6 months...

Deals are always changing, you might drive near a MC in your travels, Broadwell is just about to come out.

The Dell is decent but not compelling IMHO. I'm pretty neutral on the Dell. It is fine, reasonable for the money, etc. but it not a mind blowning good deal either. If it was exactly what you wanted (like you live in an igloo and need all the heat you can get) than the price is fair.

The advantage of building yourself is that you can pick each part to be exactly what you want and/or can afford.

Sorry I'm not more decisive. Personally I wouldn't get the Dell for myself because of the video card and the CPU bias. I prefer more of a video bias. Since you don't care about the power and you might like the i7 it is really up to you.

 

[mfenn]

I actually have a 128GB OCZ vertex 2 SSD in my current PC I could move over, it's a few years old though. I've heard SSD's have a semi-short lifespan, not sure if that's actually true though?

Some SSDs are definitely less reliable than others, and the OCZ Vertex 2 definitely falls into the "less reliable" category. However, I'd probably keep using it until it died. Who knows, you might get lucky and have the drive last 5 more years.

Keep proper backups of course! (Which you should be doing anyway.)

As for the Dell, I don't think its a spectacular deal. Sure, it's a big discount over the original retail prices of those components, but equivalently-performing new parts will be in the same ballpark as that machine. See my midrange builders guide for an idea of what <$1000 of new parts gets you.

 

[Bordoh]

thanks for the tips everyone! twas a great help. I decided against the dell refurb. Think I'll be building my own instead.