whats the best gaming machine?

[cmaMath13]

Ok. That is cool. Personally, I found them to be much lower in price than the other companies (I got the Cyclone and modified).

Good luck and let us know what you get!

 

[etech]

uwantasumwang, one other option are the custom shops. You specify exactly what you want and they build to order.

A good example is compucheap

resellar ratings
Not many places ranked higher.

 

[Draven]

I bought an HP Pavilion over a year ago. I was happy with the system for the basics, but I wanted so much more for my computer.

So I began building a system, swapping out components as needed. I know less about computers than you do, I know, and I managed to put together a pretty decent system.

It's easier than you would think. I have found that going with major, trusted companies and religiously reading this forum make it an easy process. It also helps if you have a friend who is a computer programmer, but I could have figured it out myself, it just would have taken longer.

Don't be hesitant about putting one together. I LOVE knowing exactly what is in and on my computer, since I put it there myself.

Just my two cents, you could build a KICK-ASS system, smoking the ones you can buy pre-assembled for that amount of money.

 

[Noriaki]

I like GamePC, but Falcon NW was a great company to...don't know if Falcon Graphics is related to NW but if they are I'd probably go for Falcon Graphics....

 

[Raincity]

Niether Alienware or Falcon use cheap componets anywhere on their systems everything is top notch. Falcon does exstensive testing and benching of every thing before it gets packed up and shipped. Thats why you pay alot extra on Falcon systems. Falcon systems prices usually run about 700$ over the price of the hardware verus the Alienware systems run about 300$ over the price of hardware.

Rain

 

[uwantasumwang]

i dont want to build my own system mainly because by the time i figure in individual component shipping, prices of components.. lack of warranty (overnight replacement) and my time.. its just better to go with a pre-built system.. but i dont want a compaq, hp etc.... i've been down that road before.. to be exact i'm sitting on that road with a flat tire haha...

 

[uwantasumwang]

i've beeen looking around a little more... and still havent found anything better... i looked at alienware again... and I'm totally scratching them off.. mainly because that case will have cooling problems... falcon-nw.. is just to expensive, same for gamepc... so I'm stuck with hypersonic-pc, and falcon graphics right now.. is there any other last suggestions on a company before i make my last second decision and click the checkout button

 

[divinemartyr]

I own the case they use with all alienware systems. This case is excellent for cooling. Do you REALLY think a company would use a case for high-end gaming machines ONLY, that had cooling problems? Anyhow I don't want to get into an argument with you... front case fans are for intake only, when the front panel is down, there is still plenty of room for air to circulate, that can be taken into the case. In fact if I leave it up or down, I still experience the same exact temperatures. It's a very high quality case. People don't make high-quality cases with cooling issues, especially not this one. I'm sorry you feel that way. Any of the companies you've chosen should be able to overcharge you plenty for your new system

divinemartyr

 

[divinemartyr]

Just came across one more interesting thing. It's a website that reviewed Falcon NW, Hypersonic, Alienware, and a couple other companies, and did some gaming benchmarks. The Alienware computer got most of the highest scores. He's a link to it:

3D Gaming Benchmarks of Custom-build CPU outfits

 

[Wingznut]

Yeah, I saw that review in a recent issue of Computer Gaming World.

 

[uwantasumwang]

actually yes i do think a company would use a case that has bad cooling.. come on...you're saying that there isnt companies that use crappy parts... (i'm not saying alienware does) i just dont want to have any doubts bout it...

 

[divinemartyr]

I just told you I own the case they use and I have NO cooling issues. This is a GREAT case. I stand behind my own word. It's ultimately your money, spend it how you want, I'm just trying to tell you what I know about.

Alienware will charge you a bit for the system, but they won't overcharge you as much as some of the other companies, not to mention their systems are fast! Anyhow, I hope you take some of the advice here and buy something you feel comfortable with.

dm

 

[uwantasumwang]

If i could find some feedback on falcon graphics i'd probably go with them.. does anyone know of any reviews of their systems?? I'd never heard of them until a few days ago....

 

[cmaMath13]

divinemartyr,

Thanks for link comparing computers, but I think to truly compare they should all be running the same CPU, RAM, Video Card, and OS.

Of course a 1.2GHz TB with GeForce Ultra will score higher than a 1.0GHz TB with GeForce Pro.

 

[Luv2Teach]

Actually,

Just before Christmas, me and my husband were searching for systems, after checking some local stores, tired of the same cheap Compaq, HP, Gateway, etc...we decided that online might be the best choice. My husband works in the electronics field so he knows how to put a system together as we've done that in the past, we just didn't have the time or want the worries of building our own system (computer shopper magazine is alot smaller these days but still a headache...pricewatch is not much easier...). We stumbled on a forum that was talking about gaming systems such as Falcon Northwest, Alienware, Falcon Graphics, and VoodooPC. We checked them all out, VoodooPC was nice, but they are in Canada... The rest were just way out of our budget... We are close (Chicago) but we just wanted the comfort of a US company. Due to cost and service (small company, small town courtesy... don't see that much here in Chicago... ) We decided to go with a Falcon Graphics Peregrine custom. We love it... We received it just last week.. They gave me some extra free upgrades because when we ordered they only had a 1.1Ghz and used CoolerMaster heatsinks and the like... They upgraded my cpu to a 1.2Ghz free, gave me a fUnc Pad free, upgraded my Heatsink to this huge dual fan ORB, and some other things... We did have to wait around 3 weeks to get it though (with Christmas in the middle that's pretty good..), but that's what I expected from custom system companies... I haven't had to return or replace anything yet as I just got it.. I'll let you all know if I have any problems... With the overnight replacement deal I think I'll be more than happy with my new system, I know my hubby is (not to mention the growing rugrats). Oh well... Hope this helps...

JK

 

[uwantasumwang]

luv2teach-- thanks! that gives me a little faith in them... i was scared to buy from them without any references....

 

[mastarecoil]

falcon nw overcharges a lot for there systems. i would not reccomend them. build youself.

Garrett.

 

[overnewbie]

http://www.cyberpowerinc.com

 

[overnewbie]

wrong link....

 

[peemo]

Ask around to find a local system builder with a good reputation. I picked all the parts for my system and because I bought them all from a small local shop, they did the assembly for free.

I wouldn't trust an Orb cooler to get a 1.2GHz T-Bird to 1.5GHz. And 11 case fans is stupid. You won't be able to hear anything above the roar. Get an MSI KT133 board or wait for KT133A. You might geta cheaper video card to start with and upgrade to NV20. I think the SCSI is unnecessary in that system and probably the RAID as well. You could get a much nicer system for less by doing a little research.

Good luck.

 

[uwantasumwang]

everyone here is greedy.. all the local companies like to rip you new holes.. i could get alienware cheaper...

 

[peemo]

Sorry to hear that there are no honest local dealers in Oklahoma. In Toronto, it's much better to find a local shop and choose your own components. I'm not in the computer biz and have no axe to grind. I'm not greedy. My last computer was a Dell and I currently have a bucket o' bolts assembled by these guys:

Promax

Enjoy your new PC, wherever you buy it.

 

[Wingznut]

 

[uwantasumwang]

Ok.. just incase anyone is wondering i think i"ve decided to go with falcon graphics(luv2teach said she was happy with them and i havent found anyone who wasnt..) when I get my system i'll repost and tell everyone how it is..

 

[uwantasumwang]

I finally did it... yall are prolly sick of hearing me wine about not wanting to make my own etc... etc... but anyways.. today i bought my computer from falcon graphics..
I bought one from the Peregrine Series
My total was $3886.23

I got the following
Thermal Take ORB Dual Fan, Video Cooling, func pad, Teac 1.44MB Floppy Drive,
SuperMicro 760A Case w/ 11 Case Fans,Full System Recovery CD Set, Falcon Graphics Custom System Info Binder, w/Benchmark Results, one year warranty withe overnight replacement, AMD T-Bird 1.2Ghz, Asus A7V KT-133, SuperMicro 760A 400Watt Full Tower, 128MB PC-133 Infineon SDRAM 7.5ns, Dual IBM Deskstar 45GB 75GXP, Promise ATA-100 RAID,
Asus V7700 Deluxe 64MB Geforce 2 GTS ,
Creative Labs SoundBlaster LIVE! 5.1 Platinum w/remote, Midiland S4 8200, Pioneer 16x/40x DVD-ROM 5th Generation w/Software Decoder, Plextor Plexwriter 12/10/32S SCSI ReWriter w/BurnProof, Adaptec PCI SCSI Controller w/external SCSI Support, Linksys LNE100TX, Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 5-Button PS/2-USB, Microsoft Internet Pro Keyboard PS/2-USB, Microsoft Windows 98SE , NEC-Mitsubishi MultiSync FP950 19inch 1920x1440 Aperture Grille
Shipping: FedEx Ground Shipping, $99
also i get Soldier of Fortune, Unreal Tournament, MDK2, Thief 2, Dues Ex, and thief
After i ordered falcon graphics called me and confirmed my order and also told me that since i was in pensacola they would deliver it so they would not have to charge shipping..also they told me i could upgrade my video card to the new asus ultra.. but it was like $200 more.. and I figured i had already spent enough (I want my wife to let me in bed sometimes in the next month hhee.