<div class="IPBDescription">Hmmm...</div> I like the options that hp.com gives you but i've heard there are other, less expensive options as to where to buy good computers with good components for a lower place and ummm...ns ownz joo.
Dells and Gateways are for n00bs. You aren't a n00b, are you?
<a href='http://www.newegg.com' target='_blank'>http://www.newegg.com</a> - Best computer components retailer <a href='http://www.alienware.com' target='_blank'>http://www.alienware.com</a> - Best gaming computers prebuilt if you got the scratch <a href='http://www.falcon-nw.com' target='_blank'>http://www.falcon-nw.com</a> - Great computers are a budget price, or if you have the money you can get high-power computers.
Or better yet, just go to Newegg.com and build your own computer. It's not that hard.
Build your own ****! From buidling my own PC I have learnt to never EVER buy a computer as whole ever again. Build it yourself... do what you want with it without worrying about bloody breaking warrenties and crap. Theres plenty of help on the net if you have any problems and its also quite fun...
And I suppose you're a n00b if you don't overclock your machine or your video card too, huh? Give me a break.
Not everyone can just up and build their own PC. I used to build my own PCs, but my last two computers have been Dells. I went with Dell because I was tired of having hardware, bought OEM and cheap at computer shows or from online retailers, crap out on me and getting stuck with the replacement bill. At least this way, I have a warranty, and replacement parts come overnight. I don't have much time these days to troubleshoot or repair something that gives out, either, so I prefer something with a bit more rock-solid foundation.
I still tinker, though. I'd like to put together one of those mini-ITX computers, maybe as a firewall, or mp3 jukebox <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
Don't go with Alienware, unless you want to pay more for the same parts you can buy yourself. Everything in an Alienware system is available to you through places like newegg.com, tigerdirect, and others (except for Alienware's cases, and a few "video cooling" options). There is a bonus, though... Alienware assembles it for you, test it, and give you a warranty. It's up to you if that is worth the extra green.
My suggestion is... configure a Dell the way you want it, see how much it costs. Do the same for Gateway, Micron, or whatever other companies you may fancy. Do research... see what people say about those PCs on forums (cnet.com is a decent place to start), and go from there. Be informed!
If you really want to go with a complete OEM system, remmeber a few things:
9 times out of 10, you are buying a ghz number in a total POS system. And if you think the processor is the most important part of the system, methinks you need to do a little more research before buying.
I custom built my current one. Nothing like having twice the performace and stability for half the price.
btw, for anyone in canada, a good site is www.ncix.com
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->9 times out of 10, you are buying a ghz number in a total POS system. And if you think the processor is the most important part of the system, methinks you need to do a little more research before buying.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Absolutely. A friend of mine who's somewhat computer-literate was boasting about the 1.7GHz system he got a few months ago, until he realized that the only quality part in the whole system was the 1.7GHz processor. He ended up paying an obscene amount for it because he equated "1.7GHz" as being a "fast, reliable, better-than-yours" system.
Mine's an Athlon 650MHz that I built myself a few years ago using only top-of-the-line parts (at that time), and my system can still usually outperform his 1.7GHz.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->btw, for anyone in canada, a good site is www.ncix.com <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'll definetly second this recommendation. This is where I bought some of the components when I built the above-mentioned Athlon. I'm in Newfoundland, which is on the opposite end of the country from where the company itself is located, and the shipment only took <b>two days</b> from when I placed the order!!!
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
edited February 2003
yah, if you have the cash and want the fn l337 arsed rig, go for ailen (I would love a top o' the line alineware comp ;D)
if you don't have the $$ and don't have the know how on building a comp. I would personaly go with gateway or HP (I got issues with Dell)
if you want to make your own:
<a href='http://www.mwave.com' target='_blank'>http://www.mwave.com</a> (totaly reliable, I love these guys) <a href='http://www.newegg.com' target='_blank'>http://www.newegg.com</a> (good, but I have ehard of some bad things with them, as well as one iffy experiance) <a href='http://www.tigerdirect.com' target='_blank'>http://www.tigerdirect.com</a> (never delt with em, but I have friends who like em) <a href='http://www.crucial.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.crucial.com/</a> (for ram)
it is best to shop around, some times it will be worth buying a few parts at a higher price if you get free/reduced sipping. sometimes you are gona want to buy from many vendoers to get the best price (keep a running total, of how much different pieces are from diff place)
also if you want one piece and the 'new' verion will be coming out soon, hold out you will get the one you want at a slashed price <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
and if you just want a sorta cool toy for not that much $$ <a href='http://us.shuttle.com/specs2.asp?pro_id=87' target='_blank'>my lattest comp</a> this one was a external storage/portable movie [player <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> it has GOOD integrated sound/video, not top o' the line gaming rig (though it could run HL with 0 hitches). IT all depends on what you are willing to do and how much $$ you have <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
(this one ran me under $700 that included 80gigHD, 1.something AMD, 128DDr ram, ;D)
Don't buy a dell or a gateway, or a compaq. If you're gonna get a pre-built computer and don't have the cash for an Alienware (and who does? heh) then go for a Dell. They are the least of evils so to speak. :)
For my last PC, I bought the parts from both newegg.com and mwave.com. I didn't have any problems with either vendor though I have ended up prefering newegg for my online purchases.
I don't care whether you know how to build your own or not: build your own. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
Get the parts from <a href='http://www.newegg.com' target='_blank'>http://www.newegg.com</a>, and you're all set.
LikuI, am the Somberlain.Join Date: 2003-01-10Member: 12128Members
I use a Dell, it's great, but they gave me a bunch of programs that I didn't want. I got rid of it easly. And... What's overclocked mean? I've heard it, but I dont' know of it's meaning.
*Put on Flame Armor, then Flame Sheild, and hits the deck.*
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
edited February 2003
overclocking basicaly forces your proceser (be it CPU or video or what not) to run fast (and much hotteR)
it realy is not that samrt of a thing to do if you are unsure of what you are doing.
I personaly only like the idea of overclocking a dirst cheap CPU (celerons and the like) so you get a decent cpu
my brothers old comp was a dual over clocked celeron board (worked wonders ;D)
it requires either jumping a few conections, or breaking some (same deal with turning an AMDXP into the dual proceser one ;D)
yah, don't wory about stuff like that, the hassal is not worth the pay of unless you are a compleate tech freak (I don't do it simply b/c I don't care enugh to ;D) [edit] lol I just relized that the person who posted this topic seems to have died ;D [/edit]
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
yes, compaq bites
I...
wait a sec. hmmmmm
gona go check out mwave, I seem to remember them having an option of them installing/testing all the parts for you (for a small price). The one problem is that you don't get the warenty.
and yes, you can build a truly custom rig if you go to MWAVE, they wll do extensive testing with it to make sure everything works (they say 5+ days to make sure it all works, it takes my 5 hrs to put to gether a comp, so most of that is simply testing)
so that is something to add in if you are going to buy a premade, you will save money due to not buying a warenty
h, and if you ant a laptop BUY A BRAND NAME OR ELSE (trust me, you need that warenty on a lap top, they have a tendency to fall apart)
<!--QuoteBegin--Liku+Feb 23 2003, 09:49 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Liku @ Feb 23 2003, 09:49 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I use a Dell, it's great, but they gave me a bunch of programs that I didn't want. I got rid of it easly. And... What's overclocked mean? I've heard it, but I dont' know of it's meaning.
*Put on Flame Armor, then Flame Sheild, and hits the deck.* <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I honestly didn't think Dells were that bad, until my roommate and I tried to move his system into a new case. I have never been so frustrated in my entire life - Dell does everything in it's power to make upgrading your system as counter intuitive as possible.
Plus, they're expensive. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> Good notebooks though, although I recommend VPR Matrix for laptops.
Alright I went to www.nwave.com and I love the idea of them testing it out for you. I do not know anything about building computers though, but I want to learn and i want to save money. Is there any guides anyone knows of as to exactly all the components I need?
ThansalThe New ScumJoin Date: 2002-08-22Member: 1215Members, Constellation
ok, here is the deal, if you want to get into comp hardeware the best way to go is not when you are getting a new comp
I would suggest starting off with upgrading a comp.
vah, I personaly (seeing how as you have 0 experiance with this stuff) would say that you should probably buy a gateway or something(I say gate way b/c I know it is simple to latter upgrade one of their systems by your self).
Hey, we're all the guide you need, yelvis!! <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->
If you plan on building a system yourself from scratch, I'd suggest keeping the one you're on now until the other one is up and running. If you get stuck, there's several dozen regulars on these forums that'll be willing to help you out of a bind.
I somewhat disagree with Thansal's comment of starting off with upgrading. If you still have your initial system up and running during the installation, you can easily refer to online guides and manuals. If you haven't got much experience with installations, being able to get information on just about any component will be very useful. Also, when upgrading an older system, there's usually bound to be problems with older hardware being incompatible with the new toys.
Fortunately, most components nowadays are fairly easy to install. Basically all cable headers and connectors will only attach one way, so there's little or no chance of installing things backwards. Honestly, the jumpers on the hard drive(s) and the -rom's will probably be the most frustrating part of the installation.
Another potential frustration is incompatible components. If you're buying everything from one place, ask them if all the parts you're purchasing are compatible with each other. If they're unable/unwilling to verify the compatibility, just leave a message here saying what the components are, and we'll let you know.
Actually, if they're unable and/or unwilling, maybe you're better off getting those parts from somewhere else. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
Comments
<a href='http://www.newegg.com' target='_blank'>http://www.newegg.com</a> - Best computer components retailer
<a href='http://www.alienware.com' target='_blank'>http://www.alienware.com</a> - Best gaming computers prebuilt if you got the scratch
<a href='http://www.falcon-nw.com' target='_blank'>http://www.falcon-nw.com</a> - Great computers are a budget price, or if you have the money you can get high-power computers.
Or better yet, just go to Newegg.com and build your own computer. It's not that hard.
<span style='color:blue'>***MOVED***</span>
Not everyone can just up and build their own PC. I used to build my own PCs, but my last two computers have been Dells. I went with Dell because I was tired of having hardware, bought OEM and cheap at computer shows or from online retailers, crap out on me and getting stuck with the replacement bill. At least this way, I have a warranty, and replacement parts come overnight. I don't have much time these days to troubleshoot or repair something that gives out, either, so I prefer something with a bit more rock-solid foundation.
I still tinker, though. I'd like to put together one of those mini-ITX computers, maybe as a firewall, or mp3 jukebox <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->
Don't go with Alienware, unless you want to pay more for the same parts you can buy yourself. Everything in an Alienware system is available to you through places like newegg.com, tigerdirect, and others (except for Alienware's cases, and a few "video cooling" options). There is a bonus, though... Alienware assembles it for you, test it, and give you a warranty. It's up to you if that is worth the extra green.
My suggestion is... configure a Dell the way you want it, see how much it costs. Do the same for Gateway, Micron, or whatever other companies you may fancy. Do research... see what people say about those PCs on forums (cnet.com is a decent place to start), and go from there. Be informed!
I prolly bought over $1000 worth of parts thru newegg, never had a problem with them.
9 times out of 10, you are buying a ghz number in a total POS system. And if you think the processor is the most important part of the system, methinks you need to do a little more research before buying.
I custom built my current one. Nothing like having twice the performace and stability for half the price.
btw, for anyone in canada, a good site is www.ncix.com
Absolutely. A friend of mine who's somewhat computer-literate was boasting about the 1.7GHz system he got a few months ago, until he realized that the only quality part in the whole system was the 1.7GHz processor. He ended up paying an obscene amount for it because he equated "1.7GHz" as being a "fast, reliable, better-than-yours" system.
Mine's an Athlon 650MHz that I built myself a few years ago using only top-of-the-line parts (at that time), and my system can still usually outperform his 1.7GHz.
<!--QuoteBegin--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->btw, for anyone in canada, a good site is www.ncix.com <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'll definetly second this recommendation. This is where I bought some of the components when I built the above-mentioned Athlon. I'm in Newfoundland, which is on the opposite end of the country from where the company itself is located, and the shipment only took <b>two days</b> from when I placed the order!!!
if you don't have the $$ and don't have the know how on building a comp. I would personaly go with gateway or HP (I got issues with Dell)
if you want to make your own:
<a href='http://www.mwave.com' target='_blank'>http://www.mwave.com</a> (totaly reliable, I love these guys)
<a href='http://www.newegg.com' target='_blank'>http://www.newegg.com</a> (good, but I have ehard of some bad things with them, as well as one iffy experiance)
<a href='http://www.tigerdirect.com' target='_blank'>http://www.tigerdirect.com</a> (never delt with em, but I have friends who like em)
<a href='http://www.crucial.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.crucial.com/</a> (for ram)
it is best to shop around, some times it will be worth buying a few parts at a higher price if you get free/reduced sipping. sometimes you are gona want to buy from many vendoers to get the best price (keep a running total, of how much different pieces are from diff place)
also if you want one piece and the 'new' verion will be coming out soon, hold out you will get the one you want at a slashed price <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
and if you just want a sorta cool toy for not that much $$
<a href='http://us.shuttle.com/specs2.asp?pro_id=87' target='_blank'>my lattest comp</a>
this one was a external storage/portable movie [player <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
it has GOOD integrated sound/video, not top o' the line gaming rig (though it could run HL with 0 hitches). IT all depends on what you are willing to do and how much $$ you have <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo-->
(this one ran me under $700 that included 80gigHD, 1.something AMD, 128DDr ram, ;D)
And mwave=da shiznit
Get the parts from <a href='http://www.newegg.com' target='_blank'>http://www.newegg.com</a>, and you're all set.
Newegg = new hotness
Pricewatch = old and busted
*Put on Flame Armor, then Flame Sheild, and hits the deck.*
it realy is not that samrt of a thing to do if you are unsure of what you are doing.
I personaly only like the idea of overclocking a dirst cheap CPU (celerons and the like) so you get a decent cpu
my brothers old comp was a dual over clocked celeron board (worked wonders ;D)
it requires either jumping a few conections, or breaking some (same deal with turning an AMDXP into the dual proceser one ;D)
yah, don't wory about stuff like that, the hassal is not worth the pay of unless you are a compleate tech freak (I don't do it simply b/c I don't care enugh to ;D)
[edit]
lol I just relized that the person who posted this topic seems to have died ;D
[/edit]
<b>C</b>rusty <b>O</b>ld <b>M</b>ushed <b>P</b>arts <b>A</b>re <b>Q</b>uestionable.
I...
wait a sec. hmmmmm
gona go check out mwave, I seem to remember them having an option of them installing/testing all the parts for you (for a small price). The one problem is that you don't get the warenty.
It is all up to your preferences
and yes, you can build a truly custom rig if you go to MWAVE, they wll do extensive testing with it to make sure everything works (they say 5+ days to make sure it all works, it takes my 5 hrs to put to gether a comp, so most of that is simply testing)
so that is something to add in if you are going to buy a premade, you will save money due to not buying a warenty
h, and if you ant a laptop BUY A BRAND NAME OR ELSE (trust me, you need that warenty on a lap top, they have a tendency to fall apart)
*Put on Flame Armor, then Flame Sheild, and hits the deck.* <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
I honestly didn't think Dells were that bad, until my roommate and I tried to move his system into a new case. I have never been so frustrated in my entire life - Dell does everything in it's power to make upgrading your system as counter intuitive as possible.
Plus, they're expensive. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif'><!--endemo--> Good notebooks though, although I recommend VPR Matrix for laptops.
--yelvi5
I would suggest starting off with upgrading a comp.
vah, I personaly (seeing how as you have 0 experiance with this stuff) would say that you should probably buy a gateway or something(I say gate way b/c I know it is simple to latter upgrade one of their systems by your self).
If you plan on building a system yourself from scratch, I'd suggest keeping the one you're on now until the other one is up and running. If you get stuck, there's several dozen regulars on these forums that'll be willing to help you out of a bind.
I somewhat disagree with Thansal's comment of starting off with upgrading. If you still have your initial system up and running during the installation, you can easily refer to online guides and manuals. If you haven't got much experience with installations, being able to get information on just about any component will be very useful. Also, when upgrading an older system, there's usually bound to be problems with older hardware being incompatible with the new toys.
Fortunately, most components nowadays are fairly easy to install. Basically all cable headers and connectors will only attach one way, so there's little or no chance of installing things backwards. Honestly, the jumpers on the hard drive(s) and the -rom's will probably be the most frustrating part of the installation.
Another potential frustration is incompatible components. If you're buying everything from one place, ask them if all the parts you're purchasing are compatible with each other. If they're unable/unwilling to verify the compatibility, just leave a message here saying what the components are, and we'll let you know.
Actually, if they're unable and/or unwilling, maybe you're better off getting those parts from somewhere else. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif'><!--endemo-->