Plan on buying new Dell System, still making decisions, plz help

[GoreBaG]

I was planning on buying one of the new Dell 4100 Dimension Series, ive never built my own computer, and was wondering how well this system will perform for the money.
$1479

Pentium III 800EB
Intel i815e Motherboard
128MB 133mhz Memory
20GB ATA66 HD
GeForce2 GTS Video Card
SB Live Value Digital

I was wondering if i should buy this system because it is possible they cut down on a few system specs, for example, it has a 200Watt SoftPower power supply, and the motherboard seems like it may be cheap

 

[mcbiff]

That system looks okay, but you'll get a lot more if you build the system yourself. Heck, even buying from a local mom n' pop store will prolly get you a better spec for the money. This would also have the added benefit of being able to control exactly what goes into the computer.

 

[Pocatello]

I would go with a Dell system. If this system you're planning to buy includes a 17 in monitor, then it's a great deal. When you're familiarize yourself with the computer and its components, then you could build one later.

 

[Passions]

yeah go with the dell, you'll save urself many headaches unless u enjoy that. heheh.

 

[cparker]

Generally most people I've known who've bought dells are very happy with them. although building your own is worthwhile, especially if you ever want to modify the PC and experiment with it, you usually don't get more "bang for the buck" since the price of the components, when added up, including the monitor and the software is usually more than the price of the dell, plus you get a great warranty with the dell. This being said, I'd recommend building your second computer, after having purchased the dell. You could then do some networking, and really learn.

 

[da loser]

Be sure you don't get a winmodem. That's the only thing i dont like and of course integrated junk, which you don't have. Get the nice speakers too 🙂

 

[bluezebra1098]

Pretty good system for the money....
I would check to see if Dell would upgrade to a bigger power supply.
That GeForce sucks juice but you could always upgrade yourself if it gives problems.

 

[Olorin]

Dell still lets you do alot of customiztion (though they seem to be trying to push preconfigured systems more now) but you can't change the power supply or motherboard. They test their systems thoughoughly so the power supply shouldn't be a problem - the last thing Dell wants are lots of people calling tech support and RMA'ing computers 😉

 

[prontospyder]

It's a decent deal if a monitor is included with the package.

 

[nightman]

Dell makes good computers and has good technical support.My first PC was from Dell.After couple upgrades I get familiar with PC and was able to build next PCs by myself.Dell's are easy to upgrade,however 2
external 5 1/4 " bays is not enough for many people.

 

[Mday]

yes... sing it nightman...

still, i'd rather build my own.

--

dell has always used intel motherboards as far as i know, that is, intel made it for them.

 

[KarsinTheHutt]

I wouldn't worry about the power supply - I have an xps t and haven't noticed any problems. Then again, I don't use a geForce either. you are getting a GTS2 card, so its not that much of an issue. If you were getting the 64 MB GF256 card things would be differnt

All Dell Mobos are Intel OEM boards. They don't have many features, but its safe to say that it will give decent performance and reliability.

 

[Sukhoi]

I know, what's up with Dell's case? 2 external 5 1/4" bays and 3 external 3 1/2" bays...who the heck needs that many external 3 1/2" bays? Even if you had a floppy and a zip drive, you'd still have an extra 3 1/2" bay with nothing in it. I think Dell should have gone with either 3 external 5 1/4" bays, and 2 external 3 1/2" bays, or even 4 external 5 1/4" bays and 1 external 3 1/2" bay. That way you could have a CD-ROM, CD-RW, and a Zip drive in the 5 1/4" bays, and still have an external 5 1/4" bay open.

I'm going to be buying a new computer in just over 2 years and while I'd like to get a Dell (I do know how to build my own) for the OS and Software bundle, there would be 2 things stopping me from buying it. 1, the case. If Dell's still using the same case, and they won't let me buy a Dimension system with a Precision Workstation case, I won't buy a Dell. Also, if Dell starts shipping restoration CDs for Windows and MS Office, I won't buy the system. They are a pain in the rear end if you change hardware and then need to reinstall Windows. And I believe if you have a restoration CD of MS Office, I don't think you can even use it on another computer in your house.

Back on-topic, that looks like a good system. 🙂 You might want to spend the extra $80 or so to get a 17" Trinitron monitor...but I also don't know how good the base 17" monitor is.