WHAT SHOULD I DO!?!

[salz]

I need a new computer for when I go to college and I was set on alienware until I came onto this site where the consensus seems to be that alienware is not worth the price and that you should just build your own. I was thinking about building my own and I'm not so worried about building it, but it's after it's been built that scares me. My problem is that my knowledge of computers is not very deep and if something went wrong, I would probably be in the dark. Has anyone else been in this posistion? Should I build my own or shell out the cash for an alienware? Thanks.

 

[PsychoAndy]

check my sig

 

[sohcrates]

many people have been in your shoes and come here asking that question.

this forum is a great resource for you....so i say build your own....EVERY question you have can be answered here, and we don't mind doing it!

from the planning to the buying to the building, it's no sweat.

heck, PM me specifically with silly questions that you don't feel like posting

you'll not only have the pride of being able to build your own, but you'll save MAD cash, AND get exactly what you want.

i know it's hard to drop that much cash on stuff and have to dive into it to build it, but once you build once, you never go back.

just my $.02

edit: my grammer = suck

edit #2: or just buy a Dell...you're parents will be happy that you get a 1 year on-site warranty or whatever...

 

[StageLeft]

Neither. Call up a local mom and pop shop. They can custom build to what you want.

EDIT:

<< this forum is a great resource for you....so i say build your own....EVERY question you have can be answered here, and we dont' mind doing it! >>

True. You really can find the answer to any question here.

 

[gargantuan]

Dude, if you don't know enough about computers to fix your own problems, just get a Dell like all the other sheep.

 

[microAmp]

<< I need a new computer for when I go to college and I was set on alienware until I came onto this site where the consensus seems to be that alienware is not worth the price and that you should just build your own. I was thinking about building my own and I'm not so worried about building it, but it's after it's been built that scares me. My problem is that my knowledge of computers is not very deep and if something went wrong, I would probably be in the dark. Has anyone else been in this posistion? Should I build my own or shell out the cash for an alienware? Thanks. >>



If you do build your own, I would recommend the Intel route, less chance of problems popping vs. the AMD route. What going with another company aside from Alienware?

 

[Geekbabe]

There are a couple people here who are long time members who build great computers,depending on where you live this might be a good alternative for you.

 

[TDSLB]

Dude, if you don't know enough about computers to fix your own problems, just get a Dell like all the other sheep.
*bleeting in the backround*

If you never start somewhere youll allways be lost and think that dells are the best way to go *shudder* I can't stand dells...

Ahem,
I was in the same place you were in about 3 years ago. Granted I had some help but you can get all the help you need here from us. I had some trouble and a few fried parts but thats what RMA's are for Build your own IMO

 

[Passions]

If you goto BestBuy, they have their own line of computers now called VPR Matrix. They are really great, solid build, and very fast. BestBuy customer service is unbeatable too, absolutely fantastic. Don't forget to buy their 3 year warranty plan along with it! Good luck!

 

[Utterman]

If you want a prebuilt pc, then I suggest Falcon NW. They seem like a really great company and you can check out a review of one of thier systems at AMDZone

 

[b0mbrman]

Go for a Compaq...having a broken computer that you can't find fix sucks

 

[dummy2001]

I finally have my first build where I think its set (3 months and a different mobo later), and I would say if you need it for next fall, build it. If you need it now, dude... buy it. Reason being, you can "build" it in a couple hours but troubleshooting it to where its stable and performing well can potentially take months. Lots of people who build have a lot more experience so they forget how difficult it can be at first, also they do it as a hobby so its not such a big deal to them if its being quirky. You don't want to start school still trying to get it to work right or having it crash the night you need it. But if you have a couple months go for it, you'll get a better machine for the money and when you're done you're knowledge will be deeper, its great for impressing the ladies.

Don't just read reviews, read different forums posts about hardware you are considering. Look for recurring problems (cough, k7s5a, cough) and combinations that don't work. Researching before you buy can save you time trying fixes later.

 

[rgwalt]

<< If you goto BestBuy, they have their own line of computers now called VPR Matrix. They are really great, solid build, and very fast. BestBuy customer service is unbeatable too, absolutely fantastic. Don't forget to buy their 3 year warranty plan along with it! Good luck! >>



You are kidding, right?

Ryan

 

[fatbaby]

bestbuy customer service unbeatable? wha?

bestbuysux.org

 

[Sluggo]

Well if I were you and could afford to drop the wad on an Alienware computer, I would do this:

Buy a cheap Dell, or Gateway to get you going at school. One of the $599 specials or something. Dell deal

After that you would still have loads of cash set aside that you were going to send to Alienware. Start getting the parts you want for your ultimate system, you will have time to select the parts, and do tons of reading on how to build and configure it. All the while still having the Dell to do your school work and waste time posting on here. You will have a better system, and will have the pleasure of building it yourself and having the "pride factor" in it.

After you get the new one all set-up and configured, you can keep the Dell around for a back-up, set up a file server or just sell it at school, for probably what you bought it for.

 

[Sir Fredrick]

compucheap.com - some of the best customer service in the industry. If they don't have exactly what you're looking for, email them, Russ will help configure a computer that meets your needs and fits your budget...and if it breaks, he'll help you out.

 

[Ryan]

How much are you willing to spend on this system? Gateway can beat every other prebuilt out there in price. LMK

If you've got the cast, I would reccomend this: http://www.gateway.com/home/deals/offers/700xl.shtml

Gateway can beat a similarly configured dell in price by almost $800, not to mention that the quality of gateway's support has really gone up lately

 

[Miramonti]

I need a new computer for when I go to college and I was set on alienware until I came onto this site where the consensus seems to be that alienware is not worth the price and that you should just build your own. I was thinking about building my own and I'm not so worried about building it, but it's after it's been built that scares me. My problem is that my knowledge of computers is not very deep and if something went wrong, I would probably be in the dark. Has anyone else been in this posistion? Should I build my own or shell out the cash for an alienware? Thanks.

I'm sorry, I see that this is your first post and on first posts its usually considered 'good edicate' to tip anyone who responds $10 via paypal. :Q

Seriously tho, welcome. If you don't know much about computers but don't mind them and wouldn't mind learning some new things, then DEFINITELY build your own. You can use this board to ask any questions that you have when things come up, and also run a search for related posts on the issue. It takes a little extra time tho and if you have it, its definitely worth it, because whatever problems come up, solving them or finding solutions will deepen your knowledge for the next time. I'd recommend installing XP tho, because its by far the highest rated operating system and easiest to use as anything MS has made (well, according to polls that get people post here now and then. )

On the other hand if you just want something you can plug in and use for writing papers and stuff, then find a deal on a dell or something because they have very good customer support (usually....)

 

[killface]

<< if you do build your own, I would recommend the Intel route, less chance of problems popping vs. the AMD route >>


What are you basing this on?

Hey man - just go for it and build your own. As long as you have a computer you can use to access the internet, that's all you really need. You can always search the newsgroups and ask questions on here to get help.

 

[GiLtY]

One time I built a computer for a friend (first time building a computer, but my friend had confidence in me, but I didn't ).... After an hour and half of putting pieces together with manuals by oursides, me and my friends (ok ok ok.. I didn't actually build it all by myself, but I took the bossing part pretty well ) started the computer up and it didn't work!... We were pissed because we spent so much effort into putting the parts together. After another hour of endless unplugging and plugging of wires, we figured out that the power supply was defective.. so we changed to an old PS my friend had and it worked....

The point of the story is.. always have the manual by your side and refer to the manual if you run into a problem. If a problem occurs think logically (what might be wrong), the manual often offers trouble shooting and solutions. If you can't figure out the problem go on forums like anandtech and ask ppl, most likely you'll get a satisfying answer from folks in this forum.

AND YES, definitely build you own computer!!

In the process of building a computer, you'll learn so much about computer that you might not know about, and it's a good experience to have. Also, you have wayyyyyyy more control over the parts.

 

[gopunk]

if you have the time, i suggest building your own. you will learn a lot... just make sure you research just about every component and read reviews on them to get a better understanding of how to make a purchasing decision.

resources:

anandtech.com
tomshardware.com
sharkeyextreme.com
arstechnica.com

 

[Kelvrick]

Do it yourself. Makes sure someone who knows what they're doing is there with you though. Its good to have a spare laptop or soemthing there so you can immediately come here and ask us a question, which we will then answer along with calling you a stoopid newb.

Anyway, Alienware sucks! Falcon NW is pretty good. You'll also find a couple online stores that will customize computers for you. I also like the Dell route and then upgrading later with the change,

 

[Kelvrick]

<< if you have the time, i suggest building your own. you will learn a lot... just make sure you research just about every component and read reviews on them to get a better understanding of how to make a purchasing decision.

resources:

anandtech.com
tomshardware.com
sharkeyextreme.com
arstechnica.com >>


anandtech.com *good*
tomshardware.com *kinda good*
sharkeyextreme.com *craptacular
arstechnica.com *good*

 

[GiLtY]

<< ....so you can immediately come here and ask us a question, which we will then answer along with calling you a stoopid newb >>



LMAO!

As Kelvrick points out, it's always great to have a person with lots of experiences next to you while you are building, so you can get help right on the spot.

 

[Evadman]

<< All your sporks are belong to us, the AnandTech Moderators. Why don't you just spork off and post something useful.

The Spork Mod >>



LMAO!!! Woot!