Why buy OEM computers?

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: dahunan

Originally posted by: Jzero
P4 1.7 - $120
256MB RAM - ~$50
40 GB HD - $64

Add XP and I'm already never going to break $340. And that's looking up the cheapest prices on pricewatch and sharkyextreme.

Before Shipping?
Or
After shipping?

All from the same company? Or do you have to call a different company for each warranty?

His point was that you can't come close, no matter how you go about it. I just looked up the configuartion again:

• Dell® 2-button scroll mouse
• Integrated Audio
• 1 Year Limited Warranty plus 1 Year On-site Service
• WordPerfect® Productivity Pack with Quicken New User Edition
• Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
• 256MB SDRAM
• Dell® Quietkey® Keyboard
• 30GB Ultra ATA/100 7200RPM Hard Drive
• 10/100 PCI Fast Ethernet NIC
• FREE UPGRADE! 40x/10x/40x Max CD-RW Drive with Roxios Easy CD Creator®
• Integrated Intel® Extreme 3D Graphics
• 6 Months of MSN Internet Access Included
• They don't list the case + PS
• Shipping free
• And that was way back on 11/17/2002

 

[Ryan]

Gateway 700x
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.66GHz w/ 512K L2 Advanced Transfer Cache and 533MHz FSB
Memory: 512MB RDRAM® PC1066 expandable to 2GB (2048MB)
Hard Drive: 80GB UATA100 7200RPM Hard Drive
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive
Optical Drive: DVD-R/-RW/CD-RW Recorder with Movie Creator Lite
Case: NEW Gateway Tower Case
Controller: Integrated Ultra ATA Controller
Expansion Slots: 5 PCI and 1 AGP
External Ports: (6) USB (2 in front and 2 in back are version 2.0, 2 more in back are version 1.1) Parallel, Serial and (2) PS/2
Certification: Energy Star Compliant
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Application Software: Microsoft® Works Suite 2003 - Including Microsoft® Word and Encarta
AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus 90 day Introductory Offer
Monitor: 18" LCD Flat Panel Display Analog/Digital (18.1" viewable)
Video: 128MB ATI Radeon 9700G PRO AGP Graphics Accelerator with TV Out and DVI
Keyboard and Mouse: Multifunction Keyboard and Logitech USB Optical Wheel Mouse
Sound System: SoundBlaster Audigy Audio w/ IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Speakers: Boston Acoustics® BA7900 5.1 Speakers
Modem: 56K PCI Voice Modem
Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
Internet Service Provider: One year America Online® Internet Access
High-Speed Internet Service: Save an additional $100 off this system when you sign up for broadband. Please have a Gateway sales rep. contact me and let me know if I qualify (new members only)
Limited Warranty Program: 1 Year Limited Parts/Labor/In-home Service/Technical Support
Promotion: Free TurboTax Deluxe coupon (redeemable at a Gateway Store near you!)
Promotion Software: The Sims? (Limited Time Promotion - a $49.95 value)
Gateway Music VaultSM: Gateway Music Vault
Price: $2,479.00 Prices (right now they have a free shipping promo running, so just pay taxes)

Newegg.com Prices
Processor: P4 2.66 - $296
Memory: 512MB RDRAM PC1066 - $239
Hard Drive: 80GB UATA100 7200RPM Hard Drive - $96
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive - $5
Optical Drive: DVD-R/-RW/CD-RW Recorder with Movie Creator Lite - $274
Case: NEW Gateway Tower Case - $100 (For a comparable tooless full sized case)
Mobo: Intel D850Emt2 - $143
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition OEm Full Version - $93
Application Software: Microsoft® Works Suite 2003 - Including Microsoft® Word and Encarta - OEM Full Version $73
AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus - $17
Monitor: PHILIPS 18" LCD Monitor Model 180B2W74 BLACK Retail - $625
Video: 128MB ATI Radeon 9700 PRO AGP - $291
Keyboard and Mouse: Multifunction Keyboard and Logitech USB Optical Wheel Mouse - $25
Sound System: SoundBlaster Audigy Audio w/ IEEE 1394 (FireWire) OEM - $64
Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 THX Certified 6 piece Personal Audio System - $358
Modem: 56K PCI Voice Modem - $10
Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet - $0
Promotion: Free TurboTax Deluxe coupon = $20
Price: $2,879 ($150 for shipping)


So sho said they could build a computer cheaper than an OEM?

Sorry CallTheFBI, you just got hung up on.

 

[ddeder]

I think you may have trouble finding that deal from Dell now. I'm guessing the $340 was after rebates? If so- I can knock another $70 or $80 bucks off the prices below by looking for rebates. A custom built computer from a local computer shop will cost more than a Dell. But assuming the person building the machine know what they are doing and what parts to use, the computer will be a much better machine than a Dell.

case - 55
mobo - 59
cpu - 49 (athlon 1700+)
hd - 64
cd-rw - 50
ram - 30
floppy - 10
modem - 10
keyboard - 5
mouse - 5
fans - 10

total = $347

Can probably get a cheaper case/psu.

 

[Bullhonkie]

Originally posted by: ddeder
I think you may have trouble finding that deal from Dell now. I'm guessing the $340 was after rebates? If so- I can knock another $70 or $80 bucks off the prices below by looking for rebates. A custom built computer from a local computer shop will cost more than a Dell. But assuming the person building the machine know what they are doing and what parts to use, the computer will be a much better machine than a Dell.

case - 55
mobo - 59
cpu - 49 (athlon 1700+)
hd - 64
cd-rw - 50
ram - 30
floppy - 10
modem - 10
keyboard - 5
mouse - 5
fans - 10

total = $347

Can probably get a cheaper case/psu.

It may be a better machine than the Dell, but you're not including everything the Dell system also comes with. Where's the operating system? 1 year on-site service/warranty? 6 months internet access? Shipping costs?

 

[Sid59]

some people like going the store to look at the pretty cases and ask questions about the computer and then get warranty if they break anything. They are paying people for convience and warranty.

I'm sure alot of people could build similar computers but few would want to be tech support for these people.

 

[Ornery]

"I'm guessing the $340 was after rebates?"

• NOPE

"I'm sure alot of people could build similar computers but...

• NOT for that low price!

I'm kicking around building a PC wrapped around the P4PE. I can't get decent configuration under $600.00 even without software! Damn...

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI

Originally posted by: Deeko

Originally posted by: CallTheFBI
Don't sellers of OEM computers like Dell basically slap a brand name on a computer loaded with generic parts? I know that's what Gateway does. Its ridiculous.

because some people don't know how to build a computer? Want tech support?

These days with jumperless motherboards and color coded inputs a complete idiot could build a computer.

Uh, well, wrong. You haven't met my parents yet.

 

[XZeroII]

You are all talking about crappy parts. I only use quality parts and that is why I don't buy from dell or gateway. A P4 1.7GHz from dell will run about as fast as my old 1.2GHz Athlon, and they use the SLOWEST harddrives when you buy the cheapest computers, which will slow down your system considerably. They use cheap and slow ram as well. If you look at actual performance, you can build a comperable computer for the same price, but have repuable parts that will last longer and will have less problems in the long run. That is the real issue.

 

[Alistar7]

agreed XZeroII, youre going to get crucial DDR with me, not kingston sdram, your going to get a 1700+ tbed ($50), not some old p4, an ata133 7200 rpm drive, not an ata66 5400, real video and sound, not integrated, etc.... Anyone that can build their own comp hardly needs tech support, besides if you purchased the parts each company will give you support which is going to be far more usefull than the basic dell or gateway rep. Who needs 6 free months of dial up??????? Yes dell can give you a complete running system cheaply and the tech support you WILL NEED, but if you want real quality in all your components across the board you will pay HUGE money through the big companies, far less that what you will pay doing it yourself.

 

[Danzilla]

Yes the OEM computer manufacturers do charge more than you can by it for yourself, but it's not alway true and sometimes worth it.

Not everyone can put a computer together and don't forget that's not all you have to do. There's partitioning your hard drive and installing the operating system. Not to mention all the miscellaneous software that some of these pre-built systems come with that you'll have to install. Then the added details like updating your OS and drivers and any special hardware you need setup. then there's only having to deal with one entity for all your warranty and help needs. These things and the time and fustration building a computer cause some people makes spending an extra 15% or so a good value.

Yes you'll find they charge more, especially for high end systems, than you'll be able to find on your own. Occasionally they actually have systems cheaper. A couple of recent Dell deals come to mind. One, a very nice compter deal, including a 15" LCD for around $500 or $600 I think it was, couldn't have been purchased for less. Another deal, even though only available to faculty, students, and staff, was an amazing offer of a P4 2.4 gig system for as low as $150 after rebates, depending on if you were valid for all the rebates. (Most people weren't able to use one of them and ended up costing them under $250 instead.)

You can still get a high end system from an OEM without loosing your shirt. Just don't spend on the high end extras that can be purchased elsewhere for significantly less. That 18" LCD for example in rbloedow's Gateway vs. Newegg comparison. You'll ofter find you can save money by buying your monitor and other high end parts (like that ATI 9700 card) separately from the base computer.

Just my thought on the subject,
D.

PS. I don't want to know about my spelling gramar. thanks anyway. I've been up a long time now.

 

[Alistar7]

and what type of COOL cases do they offer anyway? nothing.......go ahead, buy all the dells you want, lol

DUDE, you're getting F*cked...

 

[vash]

OEM computers such as Dell or Gateway are good for what they do: they provide an entire computer, tested, built, with lots of preconfigured goodies for a low price.

Most of the home enthusiats today cannot easily beat the prices that big OEMs like Dell offers on their computers because we are only purchasing one part at a time, whereas Dell buys many more at a time. The real key for enthusiats is the ability to upgrade those boxes, along with the intregrated parts on that system.

Did that P4 1.7Ghz come with onboard video, audio, NIC and modem? Its likely it came with, at least, onboard audio, video. For the home enthusiasts, that video isn't going to play Quake3 and the audio is AC97 compatibile audio, which isn't going to be the greatest for gaming either. These "downfalls" of the OEM computers aren't "downfalls" for your parents. They are likely to not play Quake3 and not care about the lack of 3D audio or support for four speakers.

If someone wants to build a comparible system, make sure you are including a motherboard that has integrated almost everything, a smaller case (not a lot of room of expansion) and a smaller PSU (probably 250 watt). Even when you compare that, the Dell prices are still probably better than buying from different places on Pricewatch.com. I would bet, however, you could buy a Dell-like system, from a local vendor at a price that is pretty close to Dell. Buying online parts is not cheaper as a whole for a system, the cost of shipping is too great.

vash

 

[Alistar7]

yes there are times when they have great sales that cant be beaten, but overall, you are going to wind up with at least one or two inferior quality parts....theres a certain pride in building, programming, MODDING your own rig too, those that cant will just have to keep buying from dell and never know the joy....

 

[Alistar7]

concerning shipping...


$5 flat shipping bestbyte.net

ordered 14 items, $5 shipped, and they take paypal and have some great mods...

 

[Alistar7]

my 2 ECS boards and 2 XP 1700+ were both purchased with free shipping included, as were my 2 chieftech dragon blue tower cases with psu, gurantee you could find everything shipped for free, maybe not all on the same day but within a reasonable time

 

[Danzilla]

Originally posted by: XZeroII
You are all talking about crappy parts. I only use quality parts and that is why I don't buy from dell or gateway. A P4 1.7GHz from dell will run about as fast as my old 1.2GHz Athlon, and they use the SLOWEST harddrives when you buy the cheapest computers, which will slow down your system considerably. They use cheap and slow ram as well. If you look at actual performance, you can build a comperable computer for the same price, but have repuable parts that will last longer and will have less problems in the long run. That is the real issue.

I wouldn't say that's alway true. I've built several systems for myself over the years. I upgrade about every 12-18 months and pass the old system on to a family member or friend looking for a still decent system. ANYWAY, I recently changed my tune and purchased a Dell system in a deal I couldn't beat elsewhere. The memory is what I consider to be quite good quality. They shipped with Samsung memory and from what I've heard, that's good stuff. As for sending you the slowest, cheapest HD you can get, yes, I opted to save a little money and get the 5400 drive, but you don't have to do that. Besides, I just replaced it (along with the cheap video card) with some quality parts purchased separately.

D.

 

[AU Tiger]

Because for the $390 I spent on my Dell 1.8ghz Dimension 4500 last year I doubt I could have built such a nice quiet system and an XP license as well. The silence of my Dimension 4500 is a nice change from the sounds I had coming from my homebuilt systems, especially the Athlons. It was hard to justify building another computer since the processor at the time cost almost half the purchase price of the Dell system.

 

[Alistar7]

add the rebate and coupon factor, the flat out free stuff you can get, why wouldnt you build your own????? Unless you just want an average everyday jane and bob computer or dont want to spend the time and effort......

 

[Alistar7]

if you had to replace the parts you wound up spending more.......

 

[Alistar7]

would love to see an honest poll of people using legit OS.......

 

[Danzilla]

Originally posted by: Alistar7
yes there are times when they have great sales that cant be beaten, but overall, you are going to wind up with at least one or two inferior quality parts....theres a certain pride in building, programming, MODDING your own rig too, those that cant will just have to keep buying from dell and never know the joy....

Not in the least. The recent OEM cases are actually quite nice. Front USB and head phones jack. The way the case opens is a good bit more practical then any of the standard cases I've had before (enlight, antec).
As for inferior parts, guess again. While I didn't see a name brand on the OEM nVidia card that came with the system, I don't consider it any less of a value than any other nVidia card. The only part in the whole system I'm unsure of would have to be the power suppy. I wasn't happy about going from an Antec TruePower to the Dell OEM, but it's fine so far (crossing fingers).
Finally, don't know what OEM page of history you stepped out of, but I haven't had any problems upgrading my system with components off the shelf and from other manufacturers. Only reason to go back to Dell for upgrades would be some misguided sense of loyalty I guess.

D.

 

[Alistar7]

no the point is he had to replace parts DEll gave him originally, of course the boards take good parts, but if you want them to use them you will pay $$$$$$$$$ and by cool cases I meant cool asthetically....

 

[AU Tiger]

The new Dell Dimensions can support up to 3.0Ghz P4 processors, though the older motherboards do not have hyperthreading support. The parts used in my Dell were quality parts. They often use Samsung or LG for their CD burners and cdroms which are rated highly by CDRLabs. I am quite happy with my 1.8Ghz and plan on grabbing a 2.5ghz or higher processor when the price gets right.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: XZeroII
You are all talking about crappy parts. I only use quality parts and that is why I don't buy from dell or gateway. A P4 1.7GHz from dell will run about as fast as my old 1.2GHz Athlon, and they use the SLOWEST harddrives when you buy the cheapest computers, which will slow down your system considerably. They use cheap and slow ram as well. If you look at actual performance, you can build a comperable computer for the same price, but have repuable parts that will last longer and will have less problems in the long run. That is the real issue.

I really hate to break this to you, but Gateway uses INTEL motherboards, Infinion ram, gives you a choice between 5200rpm or 7200rpms drives (they are usually Maxtor HDs), lite-on for their cd-rws, a choice of integrated sound or an Audigy sound card, and LG for their DVDs. Not to mention that their case quality totally kicks ass.

Maybe you're referring to Compaq and HP?

 

[XZeroII]

Originally posted by: Danzilla

Originally posted by: XZeroII
You are all talking about crappy parts. I only use quality parts and that is why I don't buy from dell or gateway. A P4 1.7GHz from dell will run about as fast as my old 1.2GHz Athlon, and they use the SLOWEST harddrives when you buy the cheapest computers, which will slow down your system considerably. They use cheap and slow ram as well. If you look at actual performance, you can build a comperable computer for the same price, but have repuable parts that will last longer and will have less problems in the long run. That is the real issue.

I wouldn't say that's alway true. I've built several systems for myself over the years. I upgrade about every 12-18 months and pass the old system on to a family member or friend looking for a still decent system. ANYWAY, I recently changed my tune and purchased a Dell system in a deal I couldn't beat elsewhere. The memory is what I consider to be quite good quality. They shipped with Samsung memory and from what I've heard, that's good stuff. As for sending you the slowest, cheapest HD you can get, yes, I opted to save a little money and get the 5400 drive, but you don't have to do that. Besides, I just replaced it (along with the cheap video card) with some quality parts purchased separately.

D.

You're right. You don't always get cheap and crappy parts, but with most of these great deals, you do get crappy stuff. There are always special deals and such, but their cheap stuff is usually just that, cheap.