Reliability of Dell pre-built vs home-built

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: Viditor
Dell use the cheapest parts they can, which is why they cost less...so the difference between a Dell and the cheapest case/psu/mobo you find at Newegg is negligible.
The major advantages you have with DIY are:

That's non-sense. Certain components, they might do that, but usually they buy in enough quantity to be able to get inexpensive customized parts (i.e. power supplies with power distribution across the buses fitting their computers, not a generic one). Dimension/Inspiron lines are built for lowest cost possible and made for home environment, but their Optiplex, Precision, Latitude lines use same parts through the model and are actually network certified, meaning they've been thoroughly tested for network environment with thousands of computers.

1. You can choose the brand/function of the mobo and other parts based on reviews

Review sites don't have the extensive testing facities available to Dell, Compaq etc and they don't test for network certification.

2. If a part is defective, it is usually replaced with a new part (Dell replaces with refurbished parts).

This makes what difference?

3. You have a wider selection of choices (e.g. AMD)
4. You don't have to deal with the advertising and 3rd party garbage that Dell puts on your system.

Wider choice doesn't equate superior reliability which is the topic of this therad and you're only speaking of the consumer line Dimension or Inspiron.

Business class Dells are more reliable than a gamer's wet dream rig as you can see from relatively low failure rate of institutions using thousands of those at the same time.

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: Viditor
Dell use the cheapest parts they can, which is why they cost less...so the difference between a Dell and the cheapest case/psu/mobo you find at Newegg is negligible.
The major advantages you have with DIY are:

That's non-sense. Certain components, they might do that, but usually they buy in enough quantity to be able to get inexpensive customized parts (i.e. power supplies with power distribution across the buses fitting their computers, not a generic one). Dimension/Inspiron lines are built for lowest cost possible and made for home environment, but their Optiplex, Precision, Latitude lines use same parts through the model and are actually network certified, meaning they've been thoroughly tested for network environment with thousands of computers.

1. You can choose the brand/function of the mobo and other parts based on reviews

Review sites don't have the extensive testing facities available to Dell, Compaq etc and they don't test for network certification.

2. If a part is defective, it is usually replaced with a new part (Dell replaces with refurbished parts).

This makes what difference?

3. You have a wider selection of choices (e.g. AMD)
4. You don't have to deal with the advertising and 3rd party garbage that Dell puts on your system.

Wider choice doesn't equate superior reliability which is the topic of this therad and you're only speaking of the consumer line Dimension or Inspiron.

Business class Dells are more reliable than a gamer's wet dream rig as you can see from relatively low failure rate of institutions using thousands of those at the same time.

Where's your statistics?

 

[Markbnj]

I honestly don't think Dell is guaranteed to be more reliable. There are two reasons (at least) why they might be more reliable than many home builds: 1) they will design conservative machines for mass markets; and 2) they will spend a lot of time in engineering choosing components and testing hardware, firmware, and system settings to make sure everything works together.

At the end of the day we're all picking from the same families of standardized components, so any home builder who does the research and proceeds carefully should get a good result. My personal experience is that my homebuilts are as relaible as the Dells in the house.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Well, my Dell at work is noisey, the motherboard has been replaced 3 times, and the fan for the cpu sounds like it ready to die, unlike my home systems.

Now if you take an ignorant DIY, that has never built a system, and asked nobody for help, then Dell might win. But with even one post, and a few replies here, a newbie can beat a Dell to death in reliability, quiet, and quality.

And I venture a guess that most DIY people participate in forums like this, so Dell looses IMO.

Not to mention, that in the last 3 days I have worked on 3 Dell systems that had a range of problems from hardware to software for friends. They have agreed they will never buy another Dell. You can only fool so many people before they figure it out, and Dell will loose in the longrun. (maybe)

The classical "well, my particular unit was" one sample example. What counts is out of large number of samples, which one is more reliable, Dell or homebuilt?

OK, the tech PC department in our building swaps out about 50 desktops a month (as in replaces, due to hardware falure) each month. There are only about 1000 in out building. Thats 5% per month ! I have 12 in my house, and have build at least 100 in the pas 3 years for friends and family. Have yet to have even ONE die to hardware failure ! I had one HSF fan die in 3 years, thats it !

And as for Thermal management, my CPU fan is loud since I have F@H running. When a unit finishes and it is downloading another, you can hear the fan ramp down. Mine at home with XP90's run 2xF@H, and you can hardly hear them, so don't tell me about thermal management being better on Dells !

 

[bamacre]

As someone who has personally used both, Dell and systems I have built, I can say that there is no difference in reliability. Both can be excellent.

 

[Turkey22]

Just speaking on personal experience it all depends on what you are using your pc for whether or not a dell would be acceptable. We buy almost exclusively optiplex machines (and have for 5 years now) for our school. While we still have a few doa's every year, I'd say in large quatities Dell's would prove to be more reliable than if we were to spend the time building those machines. Dell uses cheap parts, I know I've worked on far too many. They skimp where they can. Mostly motherboards, most I've seen are foxconn boards which I personally wouldnt put in my home machine and after seeing the majority of the problems with them I wouldnt ever recommend them to anyone. The floppy drives they use tend to either fail or only read floppies from a particular series of machines which I can only attribute to their cheapness. On the other hand we just had our first dead psu on a 3 year old machine. 1 out of 1000's over a 5 year span.

Here's the thing though I would never recommend a dell for home use unless you absolutely needed the 3-4 year warranty and you only use your machine for office apps and internet. If you game at all or use any software that needs powerful hardware to run, you have to DIY. I've never had thermal issues with machines I've built, even when I first started and bought the cheapest I could find. I still always use the stock heatsink and fan and even in temps in the 90's I've never had thermal issues. Other than DOA parts when I upgrade or build new I've never had issues with reliability. You do the research, you dont buy crap parts and the pcs will last for years under full use.

Btw have you ever tried to configure a dell that would be useful as a powerful gaming machine? I can always undercut them by $500 easily, with better quality parts!!! Not to mention upgradability. I know exactly what's in my machine so I can upgrade any part at any time.

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: Viditor
Dell use the cheapest parts they can, which is why they cost less...so the difference between a Dell and the cheapest case/psu/mobo you find at Newegg is negligible.
The major advantages you have with DIY are:

That's non-sense. Certain components, they might do that, but usually they buy in enough quantity to be able to get inexpensive customized parts (i.e. power supplies with power distribution across the buses fitting their computers, not a generic one). Dimension/Inspiron lines are built for lowest cost possible and made for home environment, but their Optiplex, Precision, Latitude lines use same parts through the model and are actually network certified, meaning they've been thoroughly tested for network environment with thousands of computers.

It's obviously not nonsense because, as you say, in some models it's true and in some it may not be. How is a consumer to know the difference when the exact parts aren't listed (and in fact are quite often different brands even within the same exact model)? If I buy an ASUS board (for example), I can actually look up to see what caps they used on their boards...with Dell, nobody knows what board is inside unless you crack open the case after you buy it.

1. You can choose the brand/function of the mobo and other parts based on reviews

Review sites don't have the extensive testing facities available to Dell, Compaq etc and they don't test for network certification.

Firstly, they may not have the extensive facilities, but they do have impartiality (with the exception of THG...🙂), which means I can more easily trust their opinion (or certification).
Secondly, is the "Network Certification" you are speaking of given by a third party with guaranteed impartiality? If it isn't, then it's merely marketing...

2. If a part is defective, it is usually replaced with a new part (Dell replaces with refurbished parts).

This makes what difference?

The difference is that the part has failed or been returned once already...while I'm sure they are tested (mostly) before being sent out again:
1. No testing facility is omniscient, and many problems are only found after being placed back in service for a time. This means that the odds of a reccurrence is higher for a refurbished part than it is for a new part.
2. Even if a refurbished part is working properly, the duration and conditions of it's previous use are a complete unknown. Things like heat can drastically and undetectably reduce the lifespan of an electronic part.

3. You have a wider selection of choices (e.g. AMD)
4. You don't have to deal with the advertising and 3rd party garbage that Dell puts on your system.

Wider choice doesn't equate superior reliability which is the topic of this therad and you're only speaking of the consumer line Dimension or Inspiron.

Business class Dells are more reliable than a gamer's wet dream rig as you can see from relatively low failure rate of institutions using thousands of those at the same time.

Business Class Dells are utilized to a FAR less degree than a gamers rig...the requirements for both performance and durability-under-stress are much lower. So, yes the numbers will make it appear to be more reliable...but a car will last longer if you keep it parked in the garge most of the time as well!

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Viditor
Dell use the cheapest parts they can, which is why they cost less...so the difference between a Dell and the cheapest case/psu/mobo you find at Newegg is negligible.

This is utter BS. Dell uses high quality parts. They are cheap because they buy everything in huge quantities. That and they are not always cheap, they sell plenty of overpriced systems to the uninformed public. They also have an incredible inventory control process.

The major advantages you have with DIY are:

1. You can choose the brand/function of the mobo and other parts based on reviews
2. If a part is defective, it is usually replaced with a new part (Dell replaces with refurbished parts).
3. You have a wider selection of choices (e.g. AMD)
4. You don't have to deal with the advertising and 3rd party garbage that Dell puts on your system.

Most of this is actually correct. In regards to number 4 however, that is something very easily fixable. Just reformat and re-install. And don't say that's a hassle, because you have to do the same thing with a BYO. In regards to #1, most dell mobo's are very high quality, and made by Intel. If #1 said, "lack of OC'ing," you'd be more correct.

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Viditor
Dell use the cheapest parts they can, which is why they cost less...so the difference between a Dell and the cheapest case/psu/mobo you find at Newegg is negligible.

This is utter BS. Dell uses high quality parts. They are cheap because they buy everything in huge quantities. That and they are not always cheap, they sell plenty of overpriced systems to the uninformed public. They also have an incredible inventory control process.

The major advantages you have with DIY are:

1. You can choose the brand/function of the mobo and other parts based on reviews
2. If a part is defective, it is usually replaced with a new part (Dell replaces with refurbished parts).
3. You have a wider selection of choices (e.g. AMD)
4. You don't have to deal with the advertising and 3rd party garbage that Dell puts on your system.

Most of this is actually correct. In regards to number 4 however, that is something very easily fixable. Just reformat and re-install. And don't say that's a hassle, because you have to do the same thing with a BYO. In regards to #1, most dell mobo's are very high quality, and made by Intel. If #1 said, "lack of OC'ing," you'd be more correct.

First, as others besides myself have attested here, Dell uses very cheap parts. Of course you can't prove that one way or another because Dell can't tell you what parts they actually use on any given PC. The high quantity discounts is where they make their profit margin, which considering the expenses they maintain (research, support, marketing, etc...) is much higher than companies like Newegg...so while they do buy them cheaper than Newegg, those savings don't get passed down.

Secondly, Intel doesn't make mobos...they just brand them. Most Intel mobos are now made by Foxconn... IMHO, their quality was better 2 years ago when they were made by ASUS.

 

[Pocatello]

For a novice, a dell would be more reliable, but if you know what you're doing, your pc should be better than anything Dell can build.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Viditor

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Viditor
Dell use the cheapest parts they can, which is why they cost less...so the difference between a Dell and the cheapest case/psu/mobo you find at Newegg is negligible.

This is utter BS. Dell uses high quality parts. They are cheap because they buy everything in huge quantities. That and they are not always cheap, they sell plenty of overpriced systems to the uninformed public. They also have an incredible inventory control process.

The major advantages you have with DIY are:

1. You can choose the brand/function of the mobo and other parts based on reviews
2. If a part is defective, it is usually replaced with a new part (Dell replaces with refurbished parts).
3. You have a wider selection of choices (e.g. AMD)
4. You don't have to deal with the advertising and 3rd party garbage that Dell puts on your system.

Most of this is actually correct. In regards to number 4 however, that is something very easily fixable. Just reformat and re-install. And don't say that's a hassle, because you have to do the same thing with a BYO. In regards to #1, most dell mobo's are very high quality, and made by Intel. If #1 said, "lack of OC'ing," you'd be more correct.

First, as others besides myself have attested here, Dell uses very cheap parts. Of course you can't prove that one way or another because Dell can't tell you what parts they actually use on any given PC. The high quantity discounts is where they make their profit margin, which considering the expenses they maintain (research, support, marketing, etc...) is much higher than companies like Newegg...so while they do buy them cheaper than Newegg, those savings don't get passed down.

Secondly, Intel doesn't make mobos...they just brand them. Most Intel mobos are now made by Foxconn... IMHO, their quality was better 2 years ago when they were made by ASUS.

What do you mean by "high quality parts?"

I see plenty of Dell systems, as I sell them. Name brand hard drives (seagate, western digital, maxtor). Phillips and NEC dvd burners, sony cdrw's, Samsung memory.

I dunno, maybe you're talking about dimension 2400's, and I only deal with higher-end desktops, like the 8400, 9100, xps 400, etc.

 

[grimlykindo]

You also must remember that DELLs are built in a HUGE factory on some assembly line by some random person that could really give a crap less if each computer is perfectly made.

When you truly understand computers and build one yourself the level of quality is uncomparable. Plus later on, when you are upgrading or replacing parts its very easy to do these tasks when you where the one who installed it in the first place. Its just sounds like you need a new case and CPU fan.

 

[Lasthitlarry]

Depends on the builder.

I can choose parts from various vendors and assemble them and have a computer work until I need a new one.

Dell will get most of their components from a few vendors, will usually buy the cheapest, and can run anywhere from 1 -3 years, depending on the model.

I choose myself over Dell, but most noobs should choose Dell, because they are more likely to pick the wrong parts and/or build the thing badly.

I also agree with:

Originally posted by: grimlykindo
You also must remember that DELLs are built in a HUGE factory on some assembly line by some random person that could really give a crap less if each computer is perfectly made.

When you truly understand computers and build one yourself the level of quality is uncomparable. Plus later on, when you are upgrading or replacing parts its very easy to do these tasks when you where the one who installed it in the first place. Its just sounds like you need a new case and CPU fan.

 

[BGuardian75]

Most unreliability is due to thermal issues. ICs and CPUs are designed to last years and years, so barring something physically wrong with the PCB of a mobo like shoddy workmanship or bad capacitors or unfinished traces it doesn't matter if it's DIY or Dell it will work. In all the years I have used computers be it OEM or mine all I've ever had to replace have been fans and drives. It's usually things with motors you need to worry about.

 

[Makaveli]

Dexvx, what Mik3y posted was not incorrect and I disagree with you calling him clue less.

I've worked on plenty of dell computers since I was a PC tech at a local store.

Most of the Dell's that were P3's or early P4's were major dust bunnies! most of them came with dust filters that were terrible. Which in turn did trap heat in the PC's.

And as for the orinigal poster. dells are built by people. and any hardcore USER, that knows how to build a PC properly. can built a better computer than a dell machine. Depending on the budget of course.

 

[IeraseU]

In my place of work, I order all the computers we use. In the past I've ordered from HP, Dell and eMachines. All of them are quiet and reliable, but the ones that I have made for us still have ended up being the best over the years. However I don't have time to make so many computers, so very seldom do I assemble these days given how the OEM quality machines are 'good enough' and definitely cheaper when you figure in cost of labor (my time assembling).

 

[Wall7486]

Seriously you really think those Dell computers in school will have thermal issues? Those aren't even high-end computers. Those computer are running at sub 2Ghz and a low-end video card. I don't see how anybody who has half a brain can't build one like that with any thermal issues.

About reliability. Who you think dell will care more about:
a) One guy ordering for him home PC
b) A school ordering 1000s of computers

Of course they care more about b. They are paying and buying more, so its inevitable that they want to make sure all the PC going into the school is 100%. You'd be surprise at how many home users complain about their Home PC. Too bad they don't have those forums anymore, people there were plauged with troubles.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Wall7486
Seriously you really think those Dell computers in school will have thermal issues? Those aren't even high-end computers. Those computer are running at sub 2Ghz and a low-end video card. I don't see how anybody who has half a brain can't build one like that with any thermal issues.

About reliability. Who you think dell will care more about:
a) One guy ordering for him home PC
b) A school ordering 1000s of computers

Of course they care more about b. They are paying and buying more, so its inevitable that they want to make sure all the PC going into the school is 100%. You'd be surprise at how many home users complain about their Home PC. Too bad they don't have those forums anymore, people there were plauged with troubles.

As far as quality of build, both A and B would be the same. B would get better post-sale service though.

 

[One43637]

i've only read through the first few posts, so forgive me if someone has already mentioned this.

have you thought of just buying a pair of quiet fans, get a case like the P180 and call it a day? much cheaper then buying a new Dell. i also voted no on your poll.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.html

 

[Dragoon42]

this is probably one of the dumbest posts i've ever seen. Dell doesn't provide stability (this is up to the end user), nor can it beat a custom comp made to be quiet.

 

[dexvx]

Originally posted by: Makaveli
Dexvx, what Mik3y posted was not incorrect and I disagree with you calling him clue less.

I've worked on plenty of dell computers since I was a PC tech at a local store.

Most of the Dell's that were P3's or early P4's were major dust bunnies! most of them came with dust filters that were terrible. Which in turn did trap heat in the PC's.

Dust-bunnies? It depends on where you work. Are you implying DIY computers don't gather dust?

Originally posted by: One43637
i've only read through the first few posts, so forgive me if someone has already mentioned this.

have you thought of just buying a pair of quiet fans, get a case like the P180 and call it a day? much cheaper then buying a new Dell. i also voted no on your poll.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article254-page1.html

Are you comparing a $160 case with an undervolted Pentium-M system with a freaking Radeon 9250 to a mainstream Dell system (which has a minimum of an X300)?

 

[bamacre]

I just bought a Dell XPS 600 with a Pentium 630, dual 256MB 7800 GTX's in SLI, 4GB of DDR2, dual 250GB sata, and dual DVD, for 1386 shipped!!

Hahaha, I love Dell. Ok, the cpu kinda sucks for this setup, but I'll see what I can do about that. Cannot beat that price though. I about fell out of my chair when I found it.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

If you have to ask this question then a Dell is what you need🙂

 

[dexvx]

Originally posted by: Viditor
First, as others besides myself have attested here, Dell uses very cheap parts. Of course you can't prove that one way or another because Dell can't tell you what parts they actually use on any given PC. The high quantity discounts is where they make their profit margin, which considering the expenses they maintain (research, support, marketing, etc...) is much higher than companies like Newegg...so while they do buy them cheaper than Newegg, those savings don't get passed down.

Do you ever visit the Hot Deals forum? Are you implying Newegg doesn't do support and marketting?

As for "high quality" parts, there is no gaurantee that the Asus board you buy has the caps you are looking for. Asus outsources to 3rd party manufacturers for caps, PCB, and everything in-between. The reason people buy them (including me) is because they generally contract to manufacturers that make better caps. The same can be said about Dell's mainstream systems. You dont know what you're going to get, but there is a tolerance level of what they will accept and not accept, and for mainstream systems, cap quality is generally average.

Which others? The same people who seem to have every other Dell system fail on them when for some reason the failure rate at my university (which has 1000s of Dells with 100s of new ones every year) is under 3%? Not to mention those computers are public and every potential clueless idiot has access to them. Do you want to call up the major universities that contract to Dell and ask them their hardware failure rates? Because for some reason, the AT forums have a disproportiate amount of people that have 1 type of product fail on them (5 Maxtor drives, 5 Dell 2001FP's, 3 Dell Motherboards, 4 Radeon 9700's, etc).


In the end its the user. If the user is an idiot, then they can fvck up any system, no matter the quality.

 

[Nessal]

Well I have been building systems myself for about 6 years now and I have to say, I would rather build one myself ANYDAY then buy a already-assembled computer. I have nothing against Dell, my friend actually has a Dell and it's been 3 years in the running and not one problem at all! I just have a better sense of connectivity with my computer if I built it from the bottom up. With a Dell, Gateway, HP, what have you....I just don't feel connected to the computer at all. I'm wierd I know. The best way to learn is to get your hands dirty and ask questions.

Also another thing about Dell's Thermal management. I have to give it up to them; they know what they are doing. 98% of Dell owners really don't know jacksquat about computers. If you open up their case, almost 100% of the time it's THICK with dust...yet the computer still runs great! Good stuff!