New Desktop PC

[dman97]

Who is a good PC manufacturer to buy from these days? I am not happy with Dell lately and Alienware is too expensive. Is it possible to get a PC that can play a new game like Bioshock for under $1500?

 

[jpeyton]

Very possible. Just curious what made you unhappy with Dell?

The most economical route is usually buying a basic PC with a fast processor (like a fast Core 2 Duo or Quad) and doing a couple of simple 5 minute upgrades yourself: memory and a video card. Most manufacturers overcharge for those two components.

 

[bamacre]

Yeah, what happened with Dell? If you bought one, which model?

I'm very happy with my upgraded XPS 410.

 

[IlllI]

http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.aspx?i=3223

if you dont want to build one yourself

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: clandren
http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.aspx?i=3223

if you dont want to build one yourself

If money is no object, then that system might be a good purchase. But going by the specifications (C2D E4500, 8800GT), I wouldn't pay more than $1000 for it, even though they charge upwards of $1700.

Just off the top of my head:

Dell Core 2 Quad Q6600 Desktop ~$700 (can be much less if they're running a promotion)
+
GeForce 8800GT ~$200
+
4GB DDR2 ~$80

All those prices are upper limits; if you're a smart shopper and you're patient enough to wait for bargains, you can easily shave another $250 off that total.

Installing memory is incredibly simple; cases are tool-less these days. Pop out the old memory, insert the new memory. Insert the new video card. Install video card drivers. You're done.

 

[bamacre]

There are some refurb XPS 420's on right now for $569+tax (Q6600, 3GB, 320GB, DVDRW).

Just replace the video card with a 512MB 8800 GT and you're good.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: bamacre
There are some refurb XPS 420's on right now for $569+tax (Q6600, 3GB, 320GB, DVDRW).

Just replace the video card with a 512MB 8800 GT and you're good.

:thumbsup: Nice find! The XPS desktops have bigger PSUs, no?

 

[IlllI]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

If money is no object, then that system might be a good purchase. But going by the specifications (C2D E4500, 8800GT), I wouldn't pay more than $1000 for it, even though they charge upwards of $1700.

if you read the last page of the link: Pricing and Final Thoughts

it's up to the consumer to decide if that ~$400 is a reasonable price premium for what you're getting. Prebuilt systems are not for everyone, but a system of this nature is about as close as you can get to a quality midrange enthusiast's build without doing it yourself. Factor that together with labor, support, and warranty, and that's really what you're paying for. We think many will find that $400 for a good 3-year warranty plus the convenience of getting a prebuilt, overclocked system is definitely reasonable.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: bamacre
There are some refurb XPS 420's on right now for $569+tax (Q6600, 3GB, 320GB, DVDRW).

Just replace the video card with a 512MB 8800 GT and you're good.

:thumbsup: Nice find! The XPS desktops have bigger PSUs, no?

XPS 420 comes standard with 375W (dual 12V rails @ 18A). Enough for a 9600 GT, 8800 GT and GTS, and most likely 9800 GTX (it'll run an 8800 GTX).

 

[dman97]

Thanks for the all the input.

jpeyton: I have had problems dealing with customer service in the past. The PC unit shipped much later than promised and I tried many times to get the CDs for the installed software, they said they would send them and never did.

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

Originally posted by: dman97


Thanks for the all the input.

jpeyton: I have had problems dealing with customer service in the past. The PC unit shipped much later than promised and I tried many times to get the CDs for the installed software, they said they would send them and never did.

Strange,when my Inspirion 530 shipped,it actually came sooner than i expected and it came with all the CD's for it,i guess Dell love and hate certain people for no reason,my only problem with them is their cheap-ass KB&M,the old Keyboard from the old Dimension 2400 lasted MUCH longer than the Slim Keyboard with the Inspirion 530,also i think the mouse is starting to crap out aswell.