I'm about to give up on my computers and go DELL

[Crucial]

Most of the Dell's I see are broken but thats what I do for a living. There are plenty of them out their that run just fine though. I have to say that it is irritating having to call india to get substandard support but they do ship replacement parts out quick.

 

[Lumathix]

Originally posted by: Malak
Nothing wrong with Dell. I had a great Dell that worked perfectly for 2 years before I sold it for $500 to someone else in need of a new computer. Dell are good at what they do.

I have Alienware now because it was cheaper than Dell, believe it or not.

No way.
Just ran some comparisons on EQUAL machines from Alienware and Dell. Alienware is definately not cheaper. Only mainstream builder higher than Alienware I've found is Falcon Northwest.

 

[Budmantom]

Originally posted by: Terumo

Originally posted by: WhoBeDaPlaya

Originally posted by: Terumo
Get better parts, and go Intel for stability. AMD has always had "issues" between the processor and motherboard.

Now you've gone and done it. Tell that to my 2x NV8s and 1x KV8 Pro running OC'ed 754 CPUs. 😉

Intel has a huge record on making stable boards. It's why they're used by businesses. If AMD even tried to market their wares to businesses they'll flinch on the deals, because AMD's record with motherboards AND processors being stable for such environments are dismal. Intel make motherboards that work specifically for their processors, and they are as stable as it can get -- as businesses demand it.

For the rest of the market that likes to OC to tinker and all that jazz they can afford more risks. But those who don't want to be weekend-techs (like mechanics of old were shade-tree mechanics), or can't afford it, there's a market for them.

Intel has some of the best service in the industry for hardware. Techi relative (who's been working in the hardware/network installation business for 20 years) works in a Intel/MS shop and said they went over to Intel for motherboards from Asus because Asus's support even for dealers sucked. Intel? Next day delievery on parts, and comprehensive customer support <-- they really do service what they sale. If you're in the business as an OEM builder, you have no time to pussyfoot around with incompetent level 1 techs.

Add to it, Intel and MS trains their techs so it's not some 18 year-old college tweaker or A+ tech doing the work.

It's because of that expertise Techi relative has I learned how to build, maintain computers. In the process I have NEVER had a problem with MS software, or Intel hardware. (I still have a P120, P233MX, and 2 matched PIII's that work to this day, as well). Compare to everyone else I know with an AMD product, they had every problem known -- on non overclocked systems. So yes, I know AMD has issues with their processors and motherboards working properly.

Terumo

Lol

 

[PingSpike]

I might just buy a dell if they offered AMD systems. I like a rig for gaming and intel just ain't offering the bang for buck in that department.

My main problem with prebuilt systems is using proprietary components, and installing 5000 memory resident applications that load on startup. I don't want to buy a $70 dell PSU 3 years from now when the warrentee expires.

 

[Koing]

No.

I like my own computer bits I buy myself. I'm a picky f0cker.

Koing

 

[meltdown75]

i also like to mention that building my own is pretty much the most fun i can think of 😱

computer-wise, that is...

 

[Budmantom]

Originally posted by: PingSpike
I might just buy a dell if they offered AMD systems. I like a rig for gaming and intel just ain't offering the bang for buck in that department.

My main problem with prebuilt systems is using proprietary components, and installing 5000 memory resident applications that load on startup. I don't want to buy a $70 dell PSU 3 years from now when the warrentee expires.

Intel doesn't offer bang for the buck but Dell does.

A lot of people re-install the OS as soon as they get their computers, I just disable the start-up.

Who keeps a computer for 3 years? 3 years ago a 300watt psu was plenty but now you better get 400+ and on a final note plenty of people have installed aftermarket psu's in their Dell's.


Tom

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
I'll keep rolling my own thanks. Your post brings up a good point though, I always see the elitist scumbags stating 'a monkey can build a PC" while that may be so, it is when anything goes awry that the monkey discovers he is just humping the football 😉

You tell em Bonzo:laugh:

 

[Budmantom]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
I'll keep rolling my own thanks. Your post brings up a good point though, I always see the elitist scumbags stating 'a monkey can build a PC" while that may be so, it is when anything goes awry that the monkey discovers he is just humping the football 😉

You tell em Bonzo:laugh:

lol

 

[Lumathix]

I'd have to go :thumbsup: with Dell.
I'm in the same situation as OP. Built the last 4 machines myself. I just wasnt into doing it again, so went Dell XPS after checking with other manufacturers like Alienware, Falcon NW, etc. Actually ordered it on a Tuesday, got it on Friday. Time will tell, but so far I'm pleased. 🙂

 

[merlocka]

I've been building my own since 286 days, but I just recently upgraded the "family PC" to a dimension 5100.

Picked up a barebone system from Dell refurb, added RAM, Burner, and passively cooled video card. Uninstalled all the crap SW that comes on the Dell image.I like the new BTX layout inside. The fan cooling seems efficient.

Runs great, it was a pretty good deal, and best of all it's VERY QUIET.

 

[Red Dawn]

I'm surprised that Computers haven't become more like common appliances, both in size and price. One thing I've noticed is that all the CPU power available to the consumers is way overkill, especially if they are like most people who just use computers for surfing the Internet and occasional word processing. I still use a 1.6 P4 as my main rig and it does all I need it to do easily. It's probably worth about $150 if that without the OS. Hell I don't even bother to OC it.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Terumo

Originally posted by: WhoBeDaPlaya

Originally posted by: Terumo
Get better parts, and go Intel for stability. AMD has always had "issues" between the processor and motherboard.

Now you've gone and done it. Tell that to my 2x NV8s and 1x KV8 Pro running OC'ed 754 CPUs. 😉

Intel has a huge record on making stable boards. It's why they're used by businesses. If AMD even tried to market their wares to businesses they'll flinch on the deals, because AMD's record with motherboards AND processors being stable for such environments are dismal. Intel make motherboards that work specifically for their processors, and they are as stable as it can get -- as businesses demand it.

For the rest of the market that likes to OC to tinker and all that jazz they can afford more risks. But those who don't want to be weekend-techs (like mechanics of old were shade-tree mechanics), or can't afford it, there's a market for them.

Intel has some of the best service in the industry for hardware. Techi relative (who's been working in the hardware/network installation business for 20 years) works in a Intel/MS shop and said they went over to Intel for motherboards from Asus because Asus's support even for dealers sucked. Intel? Next day delievery on parts, and comprehensive customer support <-- they really do service what they sale. If you're in the business as an OEM builder, you have no time to pussyfoot around with incompetent level 1 techs.

Add to it, Intel and MS trains their techs so it's not some 18 year-old college tweaker or A+ tech doing the work.

It's because of that expertise Techi relative has I learned how to build, maintain computers. In the process I have NEVER had a problem with MS software, or Intel hardware. (I still have a P120, P233MX, and 2 matched PIII's that work to this day, as well). Compare to everyone else I know with an AMD product, they had every problem known -- on non overclocked systems. So yes, I know AMD has issues with their processors and motherboards working properly.

Terumo

Talk about a fanboy. If you said just Intel hardware, I'd believe you. But saying you've never had a problem with MS software? That's complete and utter bullsh!t.

 

[GreenGhost]

I have trouble understanding why people have "unstable" systems. If it crashes, there's a hardware problem. Period. It may be hard to detect, and if you don't have some spare parts for some testing, it can be very hard to find the problem. AMD or Intel, Windows or Linux, they all work very well. Both my office and computers never crashed, they go on for years. As far as I can remember, I had a Cel 300A at home that died after some years, and recently a GF3 video card in my office computer made it crash twice, so I used that as an excuse to get a better system. I also use a bunch of Athons MP's, but only half of them work now, but they are old (1.2GHz) and served me well.

And everytime there's a problem someone comes to say AMD's are not "compatible" or some other nonsense. When it's time to buy, everybody is happy to save the money.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
I'll keep rolling my own thanks. Your post brings up a good point though, I always see the elitist scumbags stating 'a monkey can build a PC" while that may be so, it is when anything goes awry that the monkey discovers he is just humping the football 😉

You tell em Bonzo:laugh:

Can't tell a Gorilla from a monkey? :light:

 

[Conky]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Terumo

Originally posted by: WhoBeDaPlaya

Originally posted by: Terumo
Get better parts, and go Intel for stability. AMD has always had "issues" between the processor and motherboard.

Now you've gone and done it. Tell that to my 2x NV8s and 1x KV8 Pro running OC'ed 754 CPUs. 😉

Intel has a huge record on making stable boards. It's why they're used by businesses. If AMD even tried to market their wares to businesses they'll flinch on the deals, because AMD's record with motherboards AND processors being stable for such environments are dismal. Intel make motherboards that work specifically for their processors, and they are as stable as it can get -- as businesses demand it.

For the rest of the market that likes to OC to tinker and all that jazz they can afford more risks. But those who don't want to be weekend-techs (like mechanics of old were shade-tree mechanics), or can't afford it, there's a market for them.

Intel has some of the best service in the industry for hardware. Techi relative (who's been working in the hardware/network installation business for 20 years) works in a Intel/MS shop and said they went over to Intel for motherboards from Asus because Asus's support even for dealers sucked. Intel? Next day delievery on parts, and comprehensive customer support <-- they really do service what they sale. If you're in the business as an OEM builder, you have no time to pussyfoot around with incompetent level 1 techs.

Add to it, Intel and MS trains their techs so it's not some 18 year-old college tweaker or A+ tech doing the work.

It's because of that expertise Techi relative has I learned how to build, maintain computers. In the process I have NEVER had a problem with MS software, or Intel hardware. (I still have a P120, P233MX, and 2 matched PIII's that work to this day, as well). Compare to everyone else I know with an AMD product, they had every problem known -- on non overclocked systems. So yes, I know AMD has issues with their processors and motherboards working properly.

Terumo

Talk about a fanboy. If you said just Intel hardware, I'd believe you. But saying you've never had a problem with MS software? That's complete and utter bullsh!t.

This is gonna sound like more fanboyism but I agree that if you want stability above all else you should look at Intel hardware and look no further.
I build a lot of systems and I've had a lot more trouble with AMD-cpu based systems. The only trouble I ever had with Intel-cpu based systems was with Via motherboard chipsets and this, of course, is not Intel's fault.

My opinion is based purely my own observations. Having said that I would still like to roll the dice on a new Athlon 64x2 system for myself. 😀

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Terumo

Originally posted by: WhoBeDaPlaya

Originally posted by: Terumo
Get better parts, and go Intel for stability. AMD has always had "issues" between the processor and motherboard.

Now you've gone and done it. Tell that to my 2x NV8s and 1x KV8 Pro running OC'ed 754 CPUs. 😉

Intel has a huge record on making stable boards. It's why they're used by businesses. If AMD even tried to market their wares to businesses they'll flinch on the deals, because AMD's record with motherboards AND processors being stable for such environments are dismal. Intel make motherboards that work specifically for their processors, and they are as stable as it can get -- as businesses demand it.

For the rest of the market that likes to OC to tinker and all that jazz they can afford more risks. But those who don't want to be weekend-techs (like mechanics of old were shade-tree mechanics), or can't afford it, there's a market for them.

Intel has some of the best service in the industry for hardware. Techi relative (who's been working in the hardware/network installation business for 20 years) works in a Intel/MS shop and said they went over to Intel for motherboards from Asus because Asus's support even for dealers sucked. Intel? Next day delievery on parts, and comprehensive customer support <-- they really do service what they sale. If you're in the business as an OEM builder, you have no time to pussyfoot around with incompetent level 1 techs.

Add to it, Intel and MS trains their techs so it's not some 18 year-old college tweaker or A+ tech doing the work.

It's because of that expertise Techi relative has I learned how to build, maintain computers. In the process I have NEVER had a problem with MS software, or Intel hardware. (I still have a P120, P233MX, and 2 matched PIII's that work to this day, as well). Compare to everyone else I know with an AMD product, they had every problem known -- on non overclocked systems. So yes, I know AMD has issues with their processors and motherboards working properly.

Terumo

Talk about a fanboy. If you said just Intel hardware, I'd believe you. But saying you've never had a problem with MS software? That's complete and utter bullsh!t.

This is gonna sound like more fanboyism but I agree that if you want stability above all else you should look at Intel hardware and look no further.
I build a lot of systems and I've had a lot more trouble with AMD-cpu based systems. The only trouble I ever had with Intel-cpu based systems was with Via motherboard chipsets and this, of course, is not Intel's fault.

My opinion is based purely my own observations. Having said that I would still like to roll the dice on a new Athlon 64x2 system for myself. 😀

I agree that if you want ultimate stability, that Intel is the way to go. But to say that in over 20 years of working computers she's never had a problem with MS software proves that she's nothing more than an Intel/MS fanboy. That's what my fanboy comment was directed at.

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I'm surprised that Computers haven't become more like common appliances, both in size and price. One thing I've noticed is that all the CPU power available to the consumers is way overkill, especially if they are like most people who just use computers for surfing the Internet and occasional word processing. I still use a 1.6 P4 as my main rig and it does all I need it to do easily. It's probably worth about $150 if that without the OS. Hell I don't even bother to OC it.

I completely agree - a couple people here at work recently picked up Dells. They only use them for surfing, email, etc... yet they are both ~3ghz P4 systems with decent gaming video cards.

 

[Robor]

Both my mom and dad are running cheapo Dell 400SC's for the past 2+ years without so much as a hiccup. If you don't need to toy with your system then there's nothing wrong with a Dell, especially if you're talking about using coupons or specials. Can't beat 'em for the $$$ in those cases.

 

[pkme2]

Take one of your pcs and install Linux Ubuntu on it. The software is free and the newest version is like windows, Lindows, we call it. I just ordered a disk for $2.99 to check it out. I'm building another Linux machine and will use Ubuntu on my older rig.

If you're tired of Windows, try Lindows
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/
http://ubuntuguide.org/
http://www.ubuntuforums.org/

 

[Xylitol]

Nooooooooooooooo

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I'm surprised that Computers haven't become more like common appliances, both in size and price. One thing I've noticed is that all the CPU power available to the consumers is way overkill, especially if they are like most people who just use computers for surfing the Internet and occasional word processing. I still use a 1.6 P4 as my main rig and it does all I need it to do easily. It's probably worth about $150 if that without the OS. Hell I don't even bother to OC it.

THANKYOU, Sheesh. I just couldn't agree more. There are so many people out there who use their computer for basic needs yet CPU power is beyond overkill and these godd'amn computer companies put very little ram with slow ass HDDs and tons of bloatware just to make a system "seem to be" low end so that people pay up for more of what they don't need.

It's like the people who get the 20GB MP3 players and put like 100 songs on it....

 

[HomeAppraiser]

Yea, now that entry level systems have dropped to $500 or less I was thinking of getting a factory built for my parents who live 500 miles away. I use HP/Compaq for my business and have had good experiences, even with their "QuikE-Mart manager" accented customer service reps. The trouble is my dad has a strong Hungarian accent, worse than Bela Lugosi. Can you just imagine Dracula trying to ask Apu why his system won't boot? Maybe I will get him a Dell or Gateway.

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
If you want a stable, hassle-free computer then maybe you should buy an Apple Macintosh. *runs*

I got an Apple Macintosh. It crashed, wouldnt do what I wanted it to do and was only a computer to me in as much as it works with ones and zeros.
The only good thing about Apple is their RMA's, which I suspect they get a lot of.

 

[Pliablemoose]

My 2 cents, just buy small form factor barebones systems with integrated video...

Captain Kirk is right though, use the uninstall program for the ATI drivers & reinstall everything.

I'm getting a HDTV Wonder sometime this week & am not looking forward to installing it with everything I've read about driver issues, and the fix seems to be to use the uninstall utility & reinstall everything in the correct order.