What Are The Best Computers To Buy?

MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
<div class="IPBDescription">Afterall, it's X-MAS time!</div> Okay I was just wondering what are the best computers to buy from companies (for gaming)? Do not post saying that making your own computer is better, blah blah blah, because...I just don't want to hear it!

I'm just curious because there is a slight chance I could get a new computer for x-mas and I don't feel like making another crappy one. The only two I have in mind are <a href='http://www.abspc.com/gamezone/index.html' target='_blank'>ABS Computers</a> or <a href='http://www.ibuypower.com' target='_blank'>I Buy Power computers</a>. I think alienware is a little TOO expensive and a little over rated, but if not, let me know! Thanks!

Comments

  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    If you can, build your own, and make it an AMD.
  • Smoke_NovaSmoke_Nova Join Date: 2002-11-15 Member: 8697Members
    but AMD is built by third-world nations, to help hackers!


    get an Intel chip and help spread the capitalist machine!

    (j/k)
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin--CommunistWithAGun+Nov 24 2003, 02:15 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (CommunistWithAGun @ Nov 24 2003, 02:15 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> If you can, build your own, and make it an AMD. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I said I didn't want to make my own computer! I've tried already and it sucked worse than any other computer alive...It never even worked thanks to the parts I bought which were "refurbished" (which I never found out until I got the bill). Please, just companies that sell good gaming computers.
  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    Well that rules you down to about zero...uh, If money is no object I can make some suggestions since you don't wanna build one
  • Degenerate_MonkeyDegenerate_Monkey Join Date: 2003-11-15 Member: 22934Members
    first off, i'd go with an AMD rig because they have a superior price/performance ratio vs. Intel chips. If you can afford it, get an Opteron system.. Or better yet, wait for the Athlon64's to be widespread and easily available. Second, mobo chipset.. stick with an nForce chipset 2 for amd-xp's 3-for opteron's) They are faster than VIA chip boards and a helluva lot more stable to boot. Plus, better driver support. Video card can be abything yu choose. That said, everything else is preferential.. Always plan on buying a system slightly more expensive than yu can go for, because it will be more worth it in the longrun.

    That said, Alienware is indeed overrated, but quite nice if you have the cash. I'd say you should try looking at Falcon Northwest as a competitor. They won't break your bank unless you really want them to. Above all, i have to reccomend that you stay away from the big name.. Dell, HP, Compaq, Gateway, etc.. They ALL have some sort of proprietary parts in them.. whether they are power supplies with extra connectors or mobos that are not quite ATX... it ammounts to expensive replacements that are triple the price when the part goes bad. Stick with ANY computer built by ANY manufacturer using *standard* OEM parts.. They might spray paint the case or premod it or whatever.. But get OEM parts, so yu can upgrade easily or replace faulty stuff quickly.
  • BurrBurr Join Date: 2002-11-19 Member: 9358Members
    This one is the best one...
    <img src='http://www.emba.uvm.edu/~cs002/images/computer.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image'>

    In twenty years, scientist predict the computer to be twice as large, five times as powerful, and so expensive that only the five richest kings of europe could own them!
  • DOOManiacDOOManiac Worst. Critic. Ever. Join Date: 2002-04-17 Member: 462Members, NS1 Playtester
    DOOM's tips for computer building:

    1) Count all $
    2) Spend that much on computer
    3) Congrats, you're top of the line for a few months

    <insert the Man Show's Uncle Phil giving a thumbs up here>
  • DubersDubers Pet Shop Boy Edinburgh, UK Join Date: 2002-07-25 Member: 998Members
    *cough*DELL*cough*

    Who said that?
  • enf0rcerenf0rcer intrigued... Join Date: 2003-03-16 Member: 14584Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--DuBERS+Nov 24 2003, 05:19 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (DuBERS @ Nov 24 2003, 05:19 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> *cough*DELL*cough*

    Who said that? <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    omg no no no.
  • BurrBurr Join Date: 2002-11-19 Member: 9358Members
    Dude, your getting a.....


    nope, not even going to go there.
  • VenmochVenmoch Join Date: 2002-08-07 Member: 1093Members
    edited November 2003
    <!--QuoteBegin--Burr+Nov 24 2003, 11:51 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Burr @ Nov 24 2003, 11:51 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Dude, your getting a..... <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    ....Dell

    Cue Crappy Hand Gesture.




    l did go there!
  • SoulSkorpionSoulSkorpion Join Date: 2002-04-12 Member: 423Members
    You don't have to physically assemble it yourself, but the best way to go is still to buy the parts you want. There are no specific computers you can buy. It's not like buying a car. There are only specific parts. There's no such thing as a standard X kind of computer, which we could recommend to you.
  • DubersDubers Pet Shop Boy Edinburgh, UK Join Date: 2002-07-25 Member: 998Members
    Love how we are so helpfull when it comes to UN-technical things.
  • Vulgar_MenaceVulgar_Menace Join Date: 2003-10-29 Member: 22118Members
    get a sexy top of the line alienware.
  • CommunistWithAGunCommunistWithAGun Local Propaganda Guy Join Date: 2003-04-30 Member: 15953Members
    If you don't build it yourself your probably getting screwed one way or another. The sheer fact your proud of dell, says enough <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • MrMojoMrMojo Join Date: 2002-11-25 Member: 9882Members, Constellation
    ABS Pcs always seem to have good parts for pretty cheap.
  • tseepratseepra Join Date: 2002-12-11 Member: 10530Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Vulgar Menace+Nov 24 2003, 02:44 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Vulgar Menace @ Nov 24 2003, 02:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> get a sexy top of the line alienware. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Looks nicer but costs five time more.
  • ZelZel Join Date: 2003-01-27 Member: 12861Members
    since he is sooo opposed to building one, i will reccomend having a local store build one, or falcon northwest.

    the small local store will listen to what you want, lots of ram, lots of power, good video card, cheap case. and build it to what you specify, the price will be reasonable, and service and support are only a drive away. as opposed to taiwan.

    falcon northwest is a top of the line computer manufacturer a lot like alienware, but at 75% the price, their machines are just as good or better, and they dont have that overpriced brand name. instead of the goopy alien head box, they use a sexy polished cube look! <!--emo&::nerdy::--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/nerd.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='nerd.gif'><!--endemo-->
  • MajinMajin Join Date: 2003-05-29 Member: 16829Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin--Zel+Nov 24 2003, 08:31 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Zel @ Nov 24 2003, 08:31 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> falcon northwest.

    falcon northwest is a top of the line computer manufacturer a lot like alienware, but at 75% the price, their machines are just as good or better, and they dont have that overpriced brand name.

    <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Thats who I would say you go to also, if you can't build!
  • TenSixTenSix Join Date: 2002-11-09 Member: 7932Members
    ABS is supposed to be really good for the price. No fancy cases, just raw power. Falcon Northwest can be moderatly priced if you forgo the car quality paintjob and Exotix cases. Of course, I won't be getting any gifts this year, so cry me a river you lucky ****!

    /needs sleep
  • MadCowMadCow Join Date: 2003-02-10 Member: 13398Members
    edited November 2003
    No no no no. Do NOT get a Dell. I can tell you from experience. I am using one right now, it's fine until you want to change something with it or it breaks.

    My processor fan busted a couple months ago and I'm thinking, that's fine, I'll just go buy another one, not a big deal right. Wrong, the Dell fans have this proprietary little connector that goes into the motherboard. If it's not connected the BIOS yells at you that the fan is off, EVERYTIME YOU REBOOT.

    Also, I have been looking into putting some more RAM into my machine, but NOOOOOO. Proprietary as well, AND you have to install them in pairs, AND the smallest module you can buy is 256mb costing $200. So if I wanted to put anything in my machine AT ALL that'd be $400. That's retarded. If I get a couple more hundred dollars together that's a new freaking computer, and that's what it's gonna be. Screw Dell.

    /rant
  • DiscoZombieDiscoZombie Join Date: 2003-08-05 Member: 18951Members
    I've gotta refer you to <a href='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=10&t=54328&hl=monitor' target='_blank'>this thread</a> and especially <a href='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=10&t=49802&st=0&' target='_blank'>this thread</a>. I came in with the exact same attitude as you -- I didn't wanna get my hands anywhere near the inside of my next computer. Luckily, some lovely forumites told me how to design my own system online AND have them put it together for me. Any day now, my new system will arrive, more powerful than any Dell I could choose, for probably 1/3 the price. Only thing I don't get with it is that lovely dell tech support that keeps you on hold for literally hours...

    <a href='http://www.mwave.com' target='_blank'>mwave</a> doesn't use refurbished parts unless you ask them to, so you'd be safe there... if your last computer malfunctioned because of refurbished parts, you should be mad at whoever sold you the parts, not at building your own computer...
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    edited November 2003
    Well the thing is, I didn't have that much money at the time. So I went to pricewatch.com and got the cheapest of everything I could find. The first day I built it, it worked for about 5 hours until the screen just went black.....my 20 dollar motherboard burnt both of my 512mb of ram sdram right up. So I take it to a computer store because I'm pis**d off, and they just put new ram in it and say everything should be fine. I get home and fire it up and it works fine.....for one day. The next day my geforce 4 ti 4600 "breaks"...and here I am now. Now I have to get a job and pay my parents back for about 400 dollars, then somehow find a way to get my money back or throw that computer away.

    Thats why I don't ever want to make a computer again.

    [edit]

    I'd actually love to make a new computer because I know what I did wrong from my last computer, but I'm scared it will just break again and I'll feel like a moron...... <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo-->

    [/edit]
  • OttoDestructOttoDestruct Join Date: 2002-11-08 Member: 7790Members
    <!--QuoteBegin--Mullet+Nov 24 2003, 12:50 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Mullet @ Nov 24 2003, 12:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Well the thing is, I didn't have that much money at the time. So I went to pricewatch.com and got the cheapest of everything I could find. The first day I built it, it worked for about 5 hours until the screen just went black.....my 20 dollar motherboard burnt both of my 512mb of ram sdram right up. So I take it to a computer store because I'm pis**d off, and they just put new ram in it and say everything should be fine. I get home and fire it up and it works fine.....for one day. The next day my geforce 4 ti 4600 "breaks"...and here I am now. Now I have to get a job and pay my parents back for about 400 dollars, then somehow find a way to get my money back or throw that computer away.

    Thats why I don't ever want to make a computer again.

    [edit]

    I'd actually love to make a new computer because I know what I did wrong from my last computer, but I'm scared it will just break again and I'll feel like a moron...... <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo-->

    [/edit] <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Can you not RMA the card back
  • BurrBurr Join Date: 2002-11-19 Member: 9358Members
    I have another suggestion...
    <img src='http://orbita.starmedia.com/fernandoschuh/imgx/hal9000.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image'>
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    edited November 2003
    <!--QuoteBegin--OttoDestruct+Nov 24 2003, 01:07 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (OttoDestruct @ Nov 24 2003, 01:07 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin--Mullet+Nov 24 2003, 12:50 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Mullet @ Nov 24 2003, 12:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Well the thing is, I didn't have that much money at the time.  So I went to pricewatch.com and got the cheapest of everything I could find.  The first day I built it, it worked for about 5 hours until the screen just went black.....my 20 dollar motherboard burnt both of my 512mb of ram sdram right up.  So I take it to a computer store because I'm pis**d off, and they just put new ram in it and say everything should be fine.  I get home and fire it up and it works fine.....for one day.  The next day my geforce 4 ti 4600 "breaks"...and here I am now.  Now I have to get a job and pay my parents back for about 400 dollars, then somehow find a way to get my money back or throw that computer away.

    Thats why I don't ever want to make a computer again.

    [edit]

    I'd actually love to make a new computer because I know what I did wrong from my last computer, but I'm scared it will just break again and I'll feel like a moron...... <!--emo&:(--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html/emoticons/sad.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='sad.gif'><!--endemo-->




    [/edit] <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Can you not RMA the card back <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Yes, I'm in the process of doing that right now, but that still dosn't change the fact that the computer I spent all of my money on was the biggest waste of money I've ever spent. I built it perfectly, nothing was wrong.....but it still sucked.

    I think I might order this computer : <a href='http://www.abspc.com/app/Config.asp?mono=1353&view=2' target='_blank'>Clicky!</a> Seems pretty good....
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    Maybe you guys are right.....I went to newegg.com and built everything that comes with the ABS computer and it was 1,000 dollars cheaper.... Okay I think I'm going to get this stuff, but what would you guys recommend me to follow as a guide when building it? I know how to build them, but I don't want ANYTHING to go wrong.
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