Please Help with New DELL Computer Build

[Lasthitlarry]

Pleeeease build your own, there is no sense in people(especially gamers) buying their computers from companies such as Dell.

It really is not that hard, it's cheaper, and I guarantee you will need a new pc every 2-3 years, so it's a good thing to learn.

Also, I recommend an AMD build, something like an X2 3800+ is good for everyone(even a 4000+).

But, the reputable pc builders I know are Cyberpower and Monarch, if you want to go that route.

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: Lasthitlarry
Pleeeease build your own, there is no sense in people(especially gamers) buying their computers from companies such as Dell.

It really is not that hard, it's cheaper, and I guarantee you will need a new pc every 2-3 years, so it's a good thing to learn.

Also, I recommend an AMD build, something like an X2 3800+ is good for everyone(even a 4000+).

But, the reputable pc builders I know are Cyberpower and Monarch, if you want to go that route.

building a PC is generally not cheaper than buying from Dell. though I do second your AMD recommendation, at this point (at least, until conroe comes out.) Building a PC also gives you the benefit of knowing how to synchronize the pieces of your computer right so you know what to expect and get the next time around.

 

[sniperruff]

i speced it on monarch:

Pre-Tested and Setup Intel Pentium D Barebones System
[Max field length is unknown] $45.00 $45.00

Case: 100588 - PS 450W - Antec Sonata II Piano Black Qui $99.99
Motherboard: 110646 - Abit AL8-V 945P 1066FSB Audio/GB-LAN/PCI- $117.99
Processor: 120313 - Intel Pentium D 930 LGA775 3.0GHz 2MB (pe $213.99
Memory: 140672 - DDR2 (533) 4200 - 2 GB (2 pcs 1GB) OCZ $153.62
Warranty: 800238 - Standard Tech Support, 3 Year Limited Dep $99.00
Free Intel T-Shirt: 270466 - Intel T-Shirt Free
Subtotal for 80240 with your selected options: $729.59
190552 ATI (Connect3D) Radeon X1900 XTX 512MB GDDR3/PCI-E/AVIVO/Dual-DVI-DL (Retail) (ETA 5/31) $495.69

150323 Seagate (ST3250824AS) Barracuda 250 GB 7200 RPM SATA3G $98.25

260523 ViewSonic 19" VA912B TFT LCD Flat Panel w/Speakers (Black) $260.99

160227 NEC ND-3550A 16X Dual Layer DVD±RW (OEM) (Black) $49.89

210222 Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 $129.89

Accessory: None
Order Total: $1,764.30

ok so there is not much difference between prices, but you can probably go with a cheaper mobo, buy only 1gb of ram then add another one from newegg, skip the warranty (most components have a generous manf. warranty), and buy the LCD, HD and dvd burner from newegg/ZZF.

but you'l notice, everything above (except the CPU) is superior than what you'd find in a dell: the case, PSU, the mobo is not proprietary, name brand ram, larger HD with a full warranty, a digital LCD... everything is just better. dell uses good solid parts too, but you'll have a hard time to part it out or replace a part if the mobo/PSU is proprietary.

if you buy a dell, at least wait for a coupon.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Lasthitlarry
Pleeeease build your own, there is no sense in people(especially gamers) buying their computers from companies such as Dell.

It really is not that hard, it's cheaper, and I guarantee you will need a new pc every 2-3 years, so it's a good thing to learn.

Also, I recommend an AMD build, something like an X2 3800+ is good for everyone(even a 4000+).

But, the reputable pc builders I know are Cyberpower and Monarch, if you want to go that route.

As an Outlet junkie, I will tell you, there is NO cheaper way to buy almost any computer than Dell.

My Dell (which is 8 months old now)

Dim 9100
Pent 630
80GB SATA
2GB DDR2 533
Audigy 2 ZS
256MB 7800 GTX
Dual DVD
Win MCE '05

I paid less than a grand shipped after tax. I upgraded it (ram and video), but it's still a Dell, and has suited me well, especially for the price.

 

[CrimsonChaos]

Thanks for the replies. I've considered everything you guys have said.

[To the person who asked, yes the monitor is for my wife -- the computer is for me. :evil:]

I priced out some systems (as some of you have as well) on both Monarch and Cyberpower. Neither site is really any cheaper than Dell. However, as you pointed out, the parts are probably slightly better and are also not proprietary. So I guess it's back to the drawing board.

Any known problems or downside with Cyberpower or Monarch? (Aside from shady advertising -- i.e. Cybpower stating $200 rebates... click on the link and you find out it's individual rebates only if you use specific parts).

 

[Scro]

If you want to game do NOT get an intel processor. As of right now the higher end/mid range Athalon chips totally take the cake for gaming.

Whoever said that this was rubbish is totally wrong. Go read the bench marks. If you want to video/graphics incode and stuff go intel.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Scro
If you want to game do NOT get an intel processor. As of right now the higher end/mid range Athalon chips totally take the cake for gaming.

Whoever said that this was rubbish is totally wrong. Go read the bench marks. If you want to video/graphics incode and stuff go intel.

Yeah, I have a Pentium 630 and I can't play any new games. :roll: