Help with a system for a friend.

[Imported]

A friend of mine wants to get a new computer but all he has to spend is $1400 (Cheaper the better). Needs monitor, case, the works since he's upgrading from the first iMacs. Anyways, the problem is he doesn't want it built by me or anyone else, including himself. He wants it from a company like Dell or Alienware. If you can help out, thanks.

Specific requirements needed:

17" Monitor
20GB HD
128MB ram
32MB video card (Plays games and does graphics work, thinking about a GeForceMX or a Radeon)
CPU - Have no idea, just pretty fast.

Think thats about all I need right now. Thanks again.

 

[spamboy]

Slap him a few times and build him one.

 

[Imported]

Tried, but he insists from only getting it from a reputable company like Dell, Alienware, etc.

 

[airfoil]

Check this link out, and after you do, let your friend read it too.
http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/01q1/010115/index.html
$ 995 for a decent powerhouse (+ money for the monitor!) isnt too bad...
I would also explain the components and levels of integration that go into a branded PC.

Better still, have your friend browse anandtech to realize understand why its always better to build your own system!

 

[airfoil]

Oops... Hit Reply twice!

 

[mindiris]

I'm with spamboy! At least he's moving from the "I HAVE A SUPERCOMPUTER" propaganda of apple to non-propritary hopefully upgradable equipment.

I do know that Dell does fairly custom computers, so it ain't too bad, just not a very good bang for the buck. In fact, most companies like DELL and Gateway for example do some sort of build to order systems. Unfortunately, they are also increasingly bundling 1 year $21/mo dialup contracts with them to lower the initial cost of ownership...

I checked recently for fun, my current system setup online at Dell pricing ended up quite a bit more then what I paid to build myself (oh, about 35% more). So it's gonna hurt if your friend insists. I will stress however, your friend also needs legal copies of the OS and some basic programs (even if it is MS Works or something, they add up). Does this have to factor into the total cost as well? If so, it might actually be a GOOD deal to go name brand, depending on the OEM software.

Still a better value than anything apple will do. Your goal is then to ride right up to that $1400 limit

 

[Imported]

Just priced a system with HP, they any good? Anyways, here's the specs and he seems to liked it alot.

AMD Thunderbird 900mhz
128MB SDRAM
GeForceMX
17" monitor
SBLive! Value
some kinda cdrom
nic, etc. for under $950.

If I was to build it, the software alone would kill the price cause I'd have to get it legit.

 

[Whisper]

I used to work in a Best Buy svc center, and while I'm not sure about the newer HP's, I will definitely say the older ones were crud. Even with quality components in some areas they seem sluggish.

My mom uses a Dell P200mmx that she's had for around four years now I believe, and it has never once stalled or crashed on her. Hell, we've never even had to reformat the thing The only problem with Dell is that their computers are a bit pricey. If you can find something from Alienware (who focus on gaming machines I believe) then you're probably better off. They'll at least use quality components for ALL aspects of the machine.

And yes, the best thing about those pre-packaged computers is usually their software bundle. I have to give them credit for coming up with a bunch of stuff to shove in there. Might want to clean some of it off the harddrive when you first get the machine (especially if you do go HP or Compaq, as I've seen some of them load with 8-10 items in the sys tray out-of-box), but it's always nice to have the option to mess around with those programs if you want. That and you're going to get at least decent warranty/technical support as well (Dell again is great for that; HP isn't too shabby either; Compaq -though their phone reps could use a few more computer classes- are somewhat quick in their turnaround time). Hope it helps.

 

[uwantasumwang]

HP, Compaq, Dell etc..etc..etc.... all those systems that use proprietary built on garbage are not worth anything.. my parents have literally blew $14000 on computers with those companies when they could've bought one good performance machine and had it over with.... i've known 3 people with hps in the last year.. all of them have broke.....

 

[TonyT]

If your friend insists on buying the computer from a manufacturer, I'd check out Hypersonic, Alienware, or Falcon Northwest. I'm not sure about the pricing for Alienware or Falcon, but I know that Hypersonic can build a machine in your price range (check out the "Bullet" product line on their web site).

 

[Pakman]

I'd say... let your friend get a computer from DELL or whomever. It's alot better than building one for one simple fact. If something goes wrong, you can just tell him to call their tech support. Alot of us know that a custom built system is better, but for the other 99% of the people out there, it really doesn't matter. Think about it, if you built a system for him and something even minor goes wrong, who do you think he's gonna blame? You my friend. Whenever something goes wrong, he's gonna come and tell you to fix it. It's his money... just get tell him to get whatever and be done with it.