If you had $2500 for a new computer....

[badbilly27]

I have budgeted $2,500 for a new computer. I'm very heavily (underline heavily) leaning towards a big brand name as I just do not have the time to spend on building my own. Plus, I'm looking for a well integrated system with software that has basic video editing software capabilties. An example of the sort I am looking at buying can be seen here:

Sony Vaio Gamers Choice

If it were you what would you buy? Gateway, Dell, Compaq, HP (and model)? I can tell you now I really dislike Dell but hell, go for broke.

Thanks advance you guys rock!!

 

[fatbaby]

Since you're spending $1500+, why don't you go for rd-ram?

 

[Jerboy]

<< I have budgeted $2,500 for a new computer. I'm very heavily (underline heavily) leaning towards a big brand name as I just do not have the time to spend on building my own. Plus, I'm looking for a well integrated system with software that has basic video editing software capabilties. An example of the sort I am looking at buying can be seen here:

Sony Vaio Gamers Choice

If it were you what would you buy? Gateway, Dell, Compaq, HP (and model)? I can tell you now I really dislike Dell but hell, go for broke.

Thanks advance you guys rock!! >>




They're okay for average home use. You'd want to put alot of emphasis on storage system and video editing softwares and video I/O interface.

 

[Nate420]

I made the mistake of buying a "brand name" pc ONCE. Payed $3000 for a P3 500Mhz Gateway back when the first came out. If only I'd have known....Seriously man, spend 15 mins online, order parts, and spend another 30mins (tops) to put it together. You'll save yourself some money, get exactly what you want, and be much happier in the end. Surely you can come up with 45mins of free time.

If for some reason beyond me, you HAVE to buy a pre-built pc, stay away from the mainstream, like Dell, Gateway,Compaq....Take a look at the systems that GoogleGear has to offer if your game for an Athlon XP CPU.

 

[cleanerPA]

That's an awfully expensive system, but for a consumer system, that Sony looks quite nice- at least the PCV-RX690G
does.

PCV-RX690G specs

I don't like Dell's systems anymore because they're so proprietary now. I haven't played with a recent Gateway, so
I can't tell you how proprietary they've gotten or not. I'd stay away from Compaq- they have horrible reliability
ratings by PC Mag and they have been really proprietary, hardware-wise for quite a while now.

These issues are what caused me to build my own system, which would just need the software and a DVD burner
to compare to that Sony, cost me about $1600 incl. a nice Mits Diamond Pro 920 monitor.

 

[MistaTastyCakes]

I guess I'll be the first to say it...

Dude, you're getting a Dell.

 

[lastig21]

I have never had any complaints with Dells, but again I haven't had complaints with Compaq or Gateway either. My expectations are low for these systems though, and they did exactly what I thought they would. The Dells I have seen are typically more expandable then compaqs, and I have only seen integrated gateways. You have to select the proper system however, all manufacturers make models of completely integrated and upgrade-proof computers. I know nothing about Sonys except they look cool as hell.

Depending on who you know, or what kind of connection you have, I would still suggest building your own computer as the software will be available to you. If you don't have access to software, then go for a manufactured with a good software package. Software kills the money you save with building a computer yourself.

 

[menderchuck]

dell, you're gettin a dude

 

[elekid]

<< I made the mistake of buying a "brand name" pc ONCE. Payed $3000 for a P3 500Mhz Gateway back when the first came out. If only I'd have known....Seriously man, spend 15 mins online, order parts, and spend another 30mins (tops) to put it together. You'll save yourself some money, get exactly what you want, and be much happier in the end. Surely you can come up with 45mins of free time.
>>



DUDE!!! The same thing happened to me but 2400 for the p3 450 with the big debut! i am still stuck wit it till this day! but i will have the rig in my sig soon!

 

[Nate420]

I built my own rig about 1.5 years ago, P3 1Ghz...Gave the Gateway to my older brother. It's building time once again, this time it's a P4. Just ordered the parts Friday. Can't wait!

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

If I was going mainstream, which I was two years ago, I'd probably stick with a gateway or dell. I got a gateway 500 pentium III back then, and didn't get ripped off too bad. I wish I had $2500 to spend now, and just for fun I've put myself in that situation hypothetically a couple of times and had some fun on gateway's and dell's sites to see what I could get. I think you get more for your money when you get high end if you get a gateway. I've had no problems with my old pc in the two years I've had it. I only contacted their online help site to yell at them for getting rid of their athlon line. One suggestion I'd make though is to get the ram yourself. They REALLY overcharge you ($180 for 128 mb rdram, gimme a break). You can get 512 mb for that much online. Well, good luck whatever you pick, and if you need someone to test it out for you, just let me know .

 

[ramashiva]

I'm not a big Dell fan, but if you really don't want to build your own computer, here is a high-quality, high-performance workstation with lots of expansion capabilities --

Dell Workstation 530 --

Intel Xeon Processor, 2.0 ghz, 512k cache
512 mb PC800 ECC RDRAM, 2 RIMMs
Enhanced Performance USB Keyboard for Windows XP
Microsoft USB Intellimouse
3 years parts and onsite labor
ATI Radeon VE, 32 mb (dual monitor capable)
Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Dual 18 gb Ultra 160 SCSI hard drives (10,000 rpm)
16X DVD-ROM for Radeon VE and Windows XP

As configured, this system is $2859, but Dell is currently offering $200 off a $2700+ system. That brings the price to $2659. I frequently get mailers from Dell with coupon codes for 10% off any system. That brings the price below your $2500 target. Of course you still need a monitor and whatever software you want.

As mentioned, this system has great expansion capabilities. The motherboard supports dual processors, so you could add a second Xeon CPU later. The motherboard has 8 RIMM slots! Plenty of room for more memory. Sound and networking are integrated on the motherboard, so you will want to add a sound card if you need high-quality sound.

As configured, this system will be extremely fast. If you add a second CPU, more memory, and more Ultra 160 drives, you will have a system that will command the respect of even die hard Athlon fans.

By the way, I skimped on the video card to get the system in your price range. If 3D performance is important to you, you will want to upgrade to something like a Quadro2 Pro, 64 mb, for an additional $360.

Also be aware that you could build a DDR-based system around an Athlon XP or Pentium 4 Northwood and get comparable performance for less money.

 

[AA0]

personally, if I didn't want to build my own, I'd actually pay someone on these forums who knows what they are doing to build one for me, you just can't get what you want from a brand computer. The problem is finding someone that just talks a lot, and will set you up with a crap ecs board, to someone that actually knows how to build a professional computer

I'd direct you to our online store, but its not up yet, you can completely customize your computer, almost any part, any software, although a quote on non standard parts will take an extra day. The only problem with most "good" brands is that they charge way too much for a good computer.

 

[Jen]

i would also consider looking for one in the fs/ft forums and see if you can find one that will work with your needs. as such it would probably be much cheaper and get better parts




just a thought

 

[bluemax]

Rather than blowing all the money on all the VERY latest-and-greatest goodies (like Geforce4's, DVD-RAM, etc...) I'd get a good, fast system and more trimmings on the side.
Some sort of P4/Athlon XP system is great, 256-512MB RAM, a good sized hard drive, etc.
Instead of $400 for a Geforce4, why not only $200 for a Geforce3?? The difference isn't that great and you can put more money into other cool things. Same with the SoundBlaster Audigy or Live *Platinum* cards.... unless you NEED the Live Drive, why waste $100 for it?
A decent CDRW and DVD-ROM.

Once you have a system that anyone would certainly call "fast" (not "theee fastest!") get the COOL things that make computing more enjoyable:
A nice printer.
Awesome speakers.
EXCELLENT and LARGE monitor (short-neck CRT or even flatscreen!)
**A GOOD DESK AND CHAIR!** (so often overlooked...)
SOFTWARE!!!

Don't forget all the extras when getting a system! If you blow all $2500 on the computer itself you're wasting money. you'll enjoy the whole experience more if you're not sitting on a crappy chair and hurting your back, or cramped onto a tiny workspace with no place to put things.

 

[Jsnmaj]

<< Instead of $400 for a Geforce4, why not only $200 for a Geforce3?? . >>



You can get a Geforce 4 TI4200 for $199 when it is released. And it's faster than any Geforce 3

 

[dexter333]

It really doesn't take that long to put a computer together. There are some advantages to it: Cheaper, better parts (crucial ram instead of some no-name brand, or a Plextor burner instead of a no-name brand drive), you are not restricted to choice of processor or video card.

With Dell systems you can only get certain procs and video cards. It seriously only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to build the comp and another hour to install/configure software. You spend that much time removing the crap that Dell and other compaines put on there or even completely formatting the comp.

My school has around 500 Dells and they are constantly failing. I had to format one of them and reinstall Windows 98 on it and it took 3 days. Just the initialization of the setup took around 30 mins. Dells suck.
Compaq are okay. I've had 3 of them. Upgradeability in them is a pain. I had to take the cdrom drive, motherboard, and power supply to add a burner to my presario.

I don't have much experience with Sony but on a straight from the factory Sony Vaio laptop I've used takes about 30 seconds to bring the start menu up.

 

[Siddhartha]

I can appreciate wanting a turn-key system that comes with a software package and a warranty. Have you considered having a local shop build the system for you? A local shop, compared to Dell et al, will have more flexibility in building you exactly what you want and you might save around $100.

 

[xWeston]

I'd get a

Epox 8kha+
120gb western digital 120bb hd
1gig ddr ram
amd 2000+
gf4 4400
audigy (comes with firewire)
40x burner, 16x dvd
some 5.1 speaker system, a nice 19inch monitor
a 1.44mb floppy drive!
cheapo lan card

 

[ElFenix]

ok, how bout a gf3 ti 200 for $90 like in hotdeals?

 

[JoeDaddy]

<< Epox 8kha+
120gb western digital 120bb hd
1gig ddr ram
amd 2000+
gf4 4400
audigy (comes with firewire)
40x burner, 16x dvd
some 5.1 speaker system, a nice 19inch monitor
a 1.44mb floppy drive!
cheapo lan card >>



Hell with $2500 to spend how about these apples.

Tyan S2460 $189 shipped [Newegg]

2 x Amd XP2000+ $245 each shipped = $490 [Newegg]

MB Crucial Reg. ECC PC2100 -$199 shipped [www.crucial.com]

Plextor 40/12/40 CD-RW $167 shipped [Newegg]

Lite-on LTD-163 16x/48x DVD-ROM - $61 shipped [Newegg]

Mitsumi floppy drive - $13 shipped [Newegg]

SB Audigy Plat. - $170 shipped [Newegg]

Radeon 8500DV -$320 shipped [Newegg]

WD 120GB WD1200JB w/ 8mb cache - $241 shipped [Newegg]

Antec SX-1040 $127 +$19 shipping [Newegg]

Win XP Home - $90 shipped [Pricewatch]

That puts you at $2086 shipped for everything except a keyboard,mouse and monitor. I would just pick up a nice cheap 19" from the hotdeals forums. Plus getting most of the stuff from newegg would also drop your cost of shipping. Just my $0.02.

 

[bluemax]

I see I'm alone in my opinion of spending only what you need on the computer and getting lots of extras instead.

Are you really going to see the performance of TWO Athlon XP's? No (with only the odd special exception.)
Do you really need the Live Drive that doubles the cost of a SoundBlaster Audigy? No, unless you're a musician or want to pay $100 for a remote. (And if you get the ATI video card with one you don't need the Creative remote.)

Instead of downright WASTING money getting the absolute top of the line, take it back a notch - any idiot would agree 2GHz is SUPER fast no matter which way you look at it. Even 1.8GHz is!
Instead, get large, quiet hard drives, LOADS of software and games, great speakers, some DVD movies, a good desk and chair, an AWESOME monitor (not the cheap ones most people here are recommending!! You'll be staring at a screen the whole time, make sure it's GOOD!)
Do whe full meal deal and you'll be much happier than if you just had one really big burger and nothing else.

 

[jj1492]

I'd build my own based on the dual Athlon.

 

[murphy55d]

Did you consider AlienWare or Falcon-NW?

High end stuff, but don't have to build it yourself. Yes, they are expensive, but you could put something together for 2500.

 

[AA0]

alienware is just too expensive, you don't even get your moneys worth, or close to it. Thats why I recommended going to someone in a forum that actually does this for people, not your everyday person that thinks ECS is king.