Curse

Doooom · Nov 16, 2005, 03:59 PM // 15:59

What I meant to say is that the bargain-basement PCs look like a good deal, but they're usually inferior products....

Nefertem · Nov 16, 2005, 04:01 PM // 16:01

I agree.

And I'm of the opinion that they usually come with poor service and warranties, too.

kingwilliam wallace · Nov 16, 2005, 04:11 PM // 16:11

alien ware is ok it is better than hp and dell but yes the thing in my eyes is that what makes it cost so much is the cases also try to go with the PCI express video card becuase i hear it has higher bandwith and that the people that make apg motherboards and video cards are gonna stop and start only making the pci express

Xue Yi Liang · Nov 16, 2005, 04:12 PM // 16:12

Here's a review of high-end gaming PCs.

http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/200510121/index.html

These machines may be outside of your range, but it has a lot of interesting info. First of all, you'll note that Falcon has the best customer service in the industry - which is an important consideration. Secondly it's interesting that the tested Alienware machine build quality was disappointing - it was hastily assembled and stank of leaking coolant.

Based on that and other reviews I'd say that, with Alienware, you're paying for a name more than anything else. I bought a Dell gaming machine which gave me a lot for the money. Dell doesn't have a reputation for gaming machines since it only recently entered the gaming market - I'd give them a look because they offer some strong machines. I got a Dell XPS gaming laptop - has a 3.4GHz P4, an ATI Mobility Radeon 9800 card and a very good WUXGA 1920x1200 screen.

My next machine (when I can afford it) may just be a Falcon or an AAC.

Aracos79 · Nov 16, 2005, 04:24 PM // 16:24

Thanks for all the great feedback. I can see that opinions are pretty varied on what the best course of action is. Keep it going, I'm sure many people including myself are getting a lot out of it.

Doooom · Nov 16, 2005, 04:38 PM // 16:38

One major factor to consider is whether you'll need tech support. Don't build it yourself if you can't fix it yourself. Tech support can be great, and it just may be worth it if you don't know how to fix most problems.

Aracos79 · Nov 16, 2005, 05:00 PM // 17:00

That's a great point. I can't fix it myself... I would be relying on my brother to assemble the parts once I get them.

Xue Yi Liang · Nov 16, 2005, 05:24 PM // 17:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aracos79

That's a great point. I can't fix it myself... I would be relying on my brother to assemble the parts once I get them.

yeah. If you just want to plug-n-play and are not prepared to learn about it and tweak it - I'd go with a name brand.

Old Dood · Nov 16, 2005, 05:27 PM // 17:27

I don't understand why people rag on Dell's so much...they are actually solid systems. All three of mine have been. I do not like talking to MIKE or SAM from India though for any customer service. But, that is the nature of the beast today. My latest Dell Dim 5100 is well built...wires are out of the way...easy to get to things like the Ram slots. Also the new BTX cases are real quiet..even with my video card running full tilt. Sure I can build or buy cooler looking systems...with flashing lights..but why? That would annoy me.

Celdor Nailo · Nov 16, 2005, 05:43 PM // 17:43

if you're interested in a dell computer, keep an eye on www.edealinfo.com.

not only does that web site keep you updated of ongoing deals at dell, but it also keeps you informed of tech and non-tech deals all over the net.

Former Ruling · Nov 16, 2005, 06:18 PM // 18:18

I like looking at people wanting to buy new good computers. Theres usually 3 types of people.

1) The people that just want "a computer" and find the first computer for the lowest price and buy it for their kids. Usually wasting their money buying a product that has parts that are years old and not very upgradable.

2) The "hardcore" guys that just want the biggest numbers so they go out and buy parts, or a prebuilt with the biggest numbers and price tags. They are usually wasting money too - buying parts ormachines that are worth thousands less sometimes.

Then people that actually research and test the products.

First Global Advice:
1) Don't be lured into buying all those seperate parts and going through the hassle because you heard on some site that you save alot of money building a computer. Simple Fact Is - If you factor in building the machine legally, and factor in how much you save by researching - building a machine is no less expensive (and sometimes MORE expensive) then getting the same products shipped to you pre-built. I'll explain on down after the other advice.

2) Don't be fooled by these "hardcore" companies that show you impressive numbers and beautiful machines and make you think that there machines are worth thousands of dollars. Truth is - You are really only looking at that much money in a machine if you plan on doing some serious hardcore Video editting and production on it. Which probably isn't the case for most people (you yourself mentioned you are interested in gaming).

Now to explain some of my points.

People are lead to beleive that building computers is always cheaper because they see a $1,500 computer, and see that if they buy the parts It equals listed on that computers box it costs them like..maybe $1,000-$1,200. Those numbers are little misleading. First of all - companies that make computer packages get things cheaper than you ever will. You never think about that free OS and all that free support and software that came with that built computer..The top Window's OS' can cost $200+ by themsleves bought seperately from a computer package, and all that support, discs, software, etc you take for granted that came with that system can blow your mind in price if you tryed to get a portion of it yourself. They can afford to make a $500 computer with $600 worth of stuff it it because they get it cheaper..Window's Professional for example I think costs companies like HP/Dell around $30-$40 if that per computer..

Simple Fact is - when you are going for a full system update - Some of the companies offer product that is just as good as that hardcore big name stuff at half the price. You just gotta research what you are getting to see if its just the cheap machines they make for nonknowledgable people, or if its the real deal.

This is all just general information though

Now FOR YOU - you just want probably a Motherboard/CPU, and Graphics Update (maybe a new Power Supply if the new components demand). You have the components and probably a case that will suit. Thats fine to Buy some parts and let your brother go at it..

(I learn everything from my Technology Cooridinator, and I tend to trust him since he has numerous hard to get certifications, and runs a Video editting/production company on the side [tapes weddings, and things like that]). He runs on machines that blow your smallfry alienwares out of the water - and all on a decent middle class salary. He isn't afraid sometimes of "Dell" is written on the side of his case..

Aracos79 · Nov 16, 2005, 06:36 PM // 18:36

Great post there Ruling... thanks. Please keep the ideas flowing.

Follow up question: Are there any other companies out there (besides Dell/HP/etc.) that prebuild gaming style PC's? I know of Alienware because of all the press they get. Are there any other reputable ones out there?

Xue Yi Liang · Nov 16, 2005, 07:03 PM // 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aracos79

Great post there Ruling... thanks. Please keep the ideas flowing.

Follow up question: Are there any other companies out there (besides Dell/HP/etc.) that prebuild gaming style PC's? I know of Alienware because of all the press they get. Are there any other reputable ones out there?

Falcon Northwest, All American Computers, ABS, Cyberpower, Voodoo PC ...

Doooom · Nov 16, 2005, 07:18 PM // 19:18

Former, you do have a point to a degree. A lot of times people don't factor in the Windows cost. My situation was that I had a Compaq that I pulled parts from (keyboard, mouse, hd, cd burner, floppy, etc) and then bought a package deal with all the other parts (TigerDirect usually has good barebones/package deals).

I guess this is my recommendation:

If you just need a computer, go with Dell or Compaq (I don't like Gateways).

If you want a good gaming rig for personal use and need tech support, go with Dell or Compaq unless you can find a comparably priced AW or something.

If you want something to show off to your friends and brag about and are willing to spend extra for that purpose, get an AW or similar brand.

If you don't need tech support and want a gaming rig, buy a barebones and build one yourself.

D.E.V.i.A.N.C.E · Nov 16, 2005, 08:09 PM // 20:09

Yes I was going to mention the Operating System.. but I had to go with my uncle and test out rifles for deer hunting season.

However some of us "hard core" people forget buying an O/S since we upgrade the same machine; or kill the old one and use the same O/S...
I went to the U of MN and bought WindowsXP Pro & x64 edition for $3.67 from the student library; only 1 set per person

(I read in there school news paper they signed a $3M contract with MS)

I wish Dell would just give me a laptop without a O/S...

kg_lildude1 · Nov 16, 2005, 09:09 PM // 21:09

dell = same as alienware but 2 times cheaper for exact same computer
also get longer warranty

Xue Yi Liang · Nov 16, 2005, 09:21 PM // 21:21

A strong argument against Alienware ... for me at least:

I'm not crazy about their case designs. I really prefer my computers to look classy, functional and/or futuristic. I don't like the Alienware's penchant for gaudy colorful, bulbous cases with the "alien" theme. To me that all makes a $$$ machine look like it ought to have a "Fisher Price" logo on it. I don't need to have glowing alien-eyes logos on my machine ... that just scream out, "Hi! I'm a toy! Don't I look festive?!"

kg_lildude1 · Nov 16, 2005, 09:33 PM // 21:33

basically in

dell vs alienware

all your doing in alienware is paying $800+ for a fancy case

if you really want a cool case but want cheap computer, get a dell, buy a separate case, but keep the old case, because you will need it in order for warranty to be official, then just use your kickass case and when the need be switch back to dell's when you need their support/warrenty use

Cam_Payton · Nov 16, 2005, 09:36 PM // 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doooom

If you just need a computer, go with Dell or Compaq (I don't like Gateways).

Screw Dell, they're customer service is the biggest bunch of baboon's on the planet. After 3 years, and replacing all dell components the warranty ran out, and it still sucked. Only way to get it working was to rip out the hard drive and cd-r drive and keyboard and replace with new components from other companies. But hey, the monitor works like a charm! Alienware does look like a toy, I agree with the post above.

kg_lildude1 · Nov 16, 2005, 09:47 PM // 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam_Payton

Screw Dell, they're customer service is the biggest bunch of baboon's on the planet. After 3 years, and replacing all dell components the warranty ran out, and it still sucked. Only way to get it working was to rip out the hard drive and cd-r drive and keyboard and replace with new components from other companies. But hey, the monitor works like a charm! Alienware does look like a toy, I agree with the post above.

thats why being certified in CSS and other computer repair classes is the better option

i'm going to look for a price comparison between dell and alienware using the exact same components just to show how rediculus it is