Is this a good deal?

[uncleezno]

So my five year old Dell laptop is finally in its death throes, and I simply can't wait to get a new computer. Thankfully it lasted me through the summer/fall, and now the processors and prices are better.

After much deliberation I decided to build, and was simply waiting until after xmas to buy the parts. Now, with the extra 15% off coupon from Dell, I'm seriously considering buying this system TODAY. Is it worth it? I'm going to throw in an 8800GT and some RAM, and play Civ4, Oblivion, and SupCom.

Processor: E6550
Memory: 1GB DDR2 @ 667
Monitor: 22 inch Samsung 2220WM
Video: Integrated
HDD: 320GB SATA 7200RPM
Wireless: Internal 802.11g
Optical: 16x DVDRW
Warranty: 3 years in home service, parts and labor
OS: Vista Premium

Total: $682.23 LESS a $100 dell gift card


There are three reasons why this seems like a good deal to me. First, I need a monitor, and this system lets you get a decent quality samsung on the cheap. Second, Dell isn't gouging on the warranty for this system. A huge benefit of building is the longer warranties for no additional money, but the Dell comes with 2 years and I get another year free because I'm buying with an Amex. And third, I need a new OS. I can't find my XP CD, and I will not pirate an OS, so any system would need to include a fresh OS. I figure the OS plus the monitor equals at least $300.

$680 plus $80 for ram plus $200 for the 8800 is $960. So, is it worth it?

 

[LightningRider]

I would personally never buy a desktop from Dell, I would rather build everything myself and have my own parts and know exactly what motherboard I have etc. but I do think that is a pretty decent deal with the gift card.

Given a choice though I would still build my own.

I think that if you build your own you can get better parts of it. There are better monitors out there for gaming and also better CPUs, even though that one will last you for a long time. Also 2GB of RAM package costs you 50$ if you know where to look.

Personally I think you should build your own but I don't think you will be getting screwed if you go for this deal either.

 

[uncleezno]

Yeah, I've priced out systems on my own, and am familiar with how ridiculously cheap RAM is, etc etc. I don't know if I could do much better than this Dell, though, and a lot of the savings would be dependent on rebates.

According to pricescan/watch, the cheapest I can get a new E6550 for is $170. Plus $72 for vista premium, $250 for the monitor after rebates...hrm, now I'm doing the math. Maybe it's cheaper to build, still.

 

[cozumel]

Probably comes with a load of bundled software / printer/ webcam etc etc

 

[uncleezno]

Doesn't actually come with anything bundled aside from keyboard and optical mouse. No AV suite, no MS office, no printer, etc. Didn't want any of that.

 

[Roguestar]

No operating system?

 

[InflatableBuddha]

What is the refresh rate on the monitor? I'm a big fan (not fanboy) of Samsung monitors, so when that's included, it seems like a great deal.

A couple things though

The system should handle the 8800GT, but what if you decide to throw in a new high-end video card 2 years from now? Then you'll need a new PSU - will you be able to put one in the new Dell?

Also, what if you want to change processors - i.e. put in a quad core in a couple of years - can you do that?

Just ask yourself how much upgrading you'll be doing in the next 4-5 years. If it's more than your initial upgrade, then I would build instead.