Dell or Build you Own?????

[mike511]

I'm looking to sort of build my own but mostly its picking the name brand parts i want in it and having the people at directron.com build it for me. All i have to do is add the vid card i want and then the keyboard,mouse,monitor,NIC card. What i want to know, is would it be worth it to do this or would it be worth while buying a Dell computer which has all the same specs for a little over 100 more? Though with the dell i don't know the name of the parts in it, except the monitor is a sony, which i was going to buy anyways. Thanks.

THE FUll Specs of BOTH COmputers ARe listed in a Few POSTs down.

[This message has been edited by mike511 (edited 07-30-2000).]

[Techie Dude]

Hey Mike,

Just a thought. Is this going to be your first computer, or have you used windows or similar before?

The reason I ask is simple. If you have a company build the computer for you, it will probably come with a copy of Windows, and the driver CD`s and / floppy`s for the extra hardware. Video card, modem, etc. Would you know how to install all of these? Would it be a major problem (if and when windows goes down) to re-install all this software for your hardware?

If you have no idea how to set up the hardware and drivers etc. Then you might be better going with the Dell machine. Most manufacturers supply a restore disc for your computer. To reinstall, it`s a simple matter of putting in the disc, and the floppy. From then on, it`s pretty much automatic.

It all depends on your ability with computers and (groan!) windows. Even if you go with the Dell at first, you will be able to learn how to do more with you computer (such as a re-install).

One other thing. The non Dell computer would probably be a better spec, since Dell would make a computer as cheaply as possible, unless you go for a really high spec. So, although the Dell is 100 more (dunno is that`s £ or $), choosing your hardware would give you a better spec, so you may actually be saving more money that way. Dunno if I made that too clear...

Why not type the spec`s of the Dell machine and the other one in a reply to this post. We at SysOpt will soon be able to tell what`s the better machine....

Hey, don`t be afraid to ask......it could save you a bundle of money. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Techie Dude (edited 07-28-2000).]

[chipbgt]

I agree basically the above post. If this is your first PC, then I would go with a brand name(Dell is a good choice by the way), but get something that can be upgraded easily (meaning non-proprietary). That way you can learn as you go, and have good customer service to back you up.

Whatever direction you go, people here will be more than happy to answer any questions. Give us some specs on what your looking for, and some background info on your computer knowledge.

[Roy]

You've been around SysOpt long enough for me to guess you're not starting from scratch with your first machine.

If you're comfortable with adding your own video card and NIC, then why not put the whole thing together? It's just about as easy and saves even more. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[SysOpt]

http://sysopt.earthweb.com/buildvs/

[socalgal]

^

[This message has been edited by socalgal (edited 07-28-2000).]

[mike511]

No, this isn't my first computer. I've been sitting and working on computers since i was 2 (i have the picture to prove it, LOL). All last year, for my high school, its a senior service thing, i had to completely rebuild dead systems, fix existing systems, add NIC cards, hard drive etc. One computer got hit by the monkey virus and so i had to get rid of the virus, re-format the hard drive, work of a dos boot disk i had, load the cdrom drivers in dos, load windows 98, load office, the set up the network connections. So i think i can get my computer running if it crashes on me.

The specs of the computer that i want to build is as follows.

Motherboard: Abit BE6-II revision 2
Processor : P-III 700E 100FSB with plans to overclock later on
Case: Fung Kai 603
Power Supply: 250W Athlon approved, even though i'm not using an athlon processor, but it comes with the case.
Case Fans: Two, one front, one rear
Cooling for processor: Golden Orb
ram: 128mg pc133
HD. 20 gig 7200rpm Wester DIgital Ultra 66
FDD: 1.44 sony floppy drive
sound blaster live, 12x toshiba DVD
vid card: ATI All in WOnder PRo 128 with 32meg ram. Since i'm going to colleg this card allows me to watch tv, plus gives me hardware decoding for the DVD.
windows 98
printer: hp desklet 930c
monitor: sony 19inch E400
keyboard: microsoft natural keyboard pro
mouse: microsoft wheel mouse
NIC card: 3com 10/100 3C905B
speakers: labtec spin-70 (I'M holding out for a new bose system coming out soon)
Grand Total, INcluding all shipping: $2194.52 US dollars.

THE Specs of the DEll

Motherboard: ????
Processor : P-III 800, but they say it runs at 133 FSB.
ram: 128meg pc-133
Case: ????
Power Supply: ?????
Case fans: ????
Cooling for procesor: ????
HD: 20 gig 7200 rpm, name???
FDD: 1.44 floppy
sound blaster live.
12x DVD, name????
Software decoding with
Vid card: 32meg TNT2 Geforce card
no tv. tuner
windows 98
printer: hp desklet 932Cse
monitor: 19inch dell p991 which is has the sony tritron tube.
keyboard: microsoft natural keyboard pro dell editoin
mouse: logtech wheel mouse
NIC card: 3com 10/100 3C905C
Speakers: ACS-340 with subwoffer
Grand Total, Including all shipping.. $2311.60 Us dollars

Thanks for all the help guys.
mike



[This message has been edited by mike511 (edited 07-29-2000).]

[Paul Hubrich]

Sounds like the computer you want to build would be the better machine - paticularly when you look at flexibility and upgradability. You will surely be able to do more with the Abit SmartMenu BIOS over the basic BIOS options on the Dell. (The big computer makers don't want to give you too much to play with in the BIOS because they have to troubleshoot/correct it under warrantee if you get it screwed up)

The drawback of course is that you lose out on the warrantee & tech support that Dell offers.

If you want a solid, reliable, no worries machine that you just turn on & use, get the Dell. But if you like to tinker (and it sounds like you do). Then build your own - there will always be something new you want to try, upgrades you will want to make, etc.

As far as price - a home built machine will probably cost you more in the long run because you'll always be buying new stuff to try out!!

[Dputiger]

A few things to consider:

Dell sells proprietary memory--you won't be able to upgrade with non-Dell SDRAM (or RDRAM, God Forbid).

Dell's are great machines, but the Pentium III is an outdated processor design. Though its still excellent today, there will be no upgrade options for it. This may not matter to you--depends on how much you like to tinker/enhance your machine.

Personally, if you want to buy a kickass system with top-notch parts but don't want the hassle of building it yourself, I say go with Alienware or Falcon-Northwest. Both build high-end gaming systems and won't cut corners.

[Dputiger]

It may be system-specific: I have a cousin who manages a Staples and is also highly computer literate (rare combination).

Many times, customers with Dells have brought in their systems to have the RAM upgraded, only to find that generic RAM DIMMs don't work in the system. When the DIMMs are loaded into other computers they work fine. So I can't say for certain that Dell's memory is proprietary or ever was--but I do know that its a VERY common problem where my cousin works.

[SysOpt]

Well, that was true in the past, but Dell uses standard SODIMM's for laptops, and SDRAM and RDRAM RAM for desktops these days. I've upgraded Dell's with standard RAM with no problems.

Scott

[Dputiger]

Thanks for the heads-up, Chief! In that case, I'd recommend Dell.

Frankly, though, for gaming Alienware still gets my top recommendation in terms of buying a gaming system.

[jjsole]

Since you are an adept/experienced computer person, Mike111, I suggest building your own. If you are willing to work through problems, its priceless experience, and will save $R (even though not much from what you stated), but certainly much in the future as you become more resourceful.

I recently was in the same position as you - had a local store build a machine with the parts I selected (learned A LOT, although didn't save much, and postsale support wreaked). Previously had bought Gateway, and needed to because it was my first pc, but now am building another 100% myself and am extremely glad I took this route.

[UKLee]

Dputiger, to the best of my knowledge Dell do not use proprietary memory, even if they say you MUST buy RAM from them at extortionate prices http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif I have two Dell systems, one bought in the last few months, and I can assure everyone that it was perfectly okay when I upgraded the RAM by adding another 128MB DIMM which I bought from Micron. In fact, the exisisting module was Infineon.

[mike511]

I'm not really looking for a high-end gaming machine, just the best product for the buck. What i was hoping to achieve with the computer that i want to build is to incorporate my TV, Stereo, COmputer, gaming, Videos, all in one machine since in college you don't have that much space. So anymore opinions on Dell or Build your own, IS Greatly Appriciated. Thanks already for the ones who have responded

[Fingers]

Build it! And do it yourself; there is no need to have any one else assemble it for you. You've already got all the makings of a fine PC builder. Besides, you can find everything that don't already know about building a PC right here at SysOpt.

If your not going to do it yourself, then get the Dell. I have had very good experience with Micron, but I don't think anyone builds better pre-built PC's than Dell.

From a purely economic standpoint, the Dell is probably a better deal. Consider the price of the Dell includes Windows, MS Office, antivirus, and probably some other useful software. These software titles could easily ad up to a couple hundred dollars.

Build it! You've already done your homework and made good decisions on hardware. All you need to do now is to put it all together.

Good luck

[LED]

Pride and Ownership...Do it for yourself...be able to upgrade and use the OEM warranty http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[mike511]

Thanks guys, yes pride of ownership something my mother doesn understand, thats why i'm trying to prove to her its better to build it then buy it. And actually, i don't have to buy any software except WIndows 98 because i bought a gateway last year, so I have Office 2000 Professional already on CD,and i also havce Macafee Office 2000 which has anti-virus and a whole bunch of other stuff that i got for free after the 50 rebate last year so i don't have to buy that, and then everything else i need i can download from the net.

[This message has been edited by mike511 (edited 07-30-2000).]

[Fingers]

Does your mother use a computer? If she does, ask her whom she wants to fix it when it breaks... her knowledgeable son, or the repairman from the PC store?

Mike, I'm no going to say whether it's right or wrong, but you're not legally allowed to use that Microsoft software on two computers at the same time unless you hold a license for each machine. I'm not judging, and I'll say no more about it; I'm just informing you of something you may or may not already know.

[mike511]

Yes i'm aware of the license's. I don't know yet i'll probably end up buying a license for my comptuer. Thanks for the info though.

[mike511]

Thanks guys for your input, i'm still working on convincing my mother the home built is the better route, but she still hell-bent on the warrenty.

Also, is there really a big difference between a P3-700e or a P3-800?

thanks

[Ruahrc]

Hello-

Sounds like you have the know-how and experience to build your own PC, so go for it!

My sister in college uses a system built by me http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif. All her friends (who lack technically savvy brothers http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif) bought Dells, Compaqs, Gateways, even an Imac (ewww).

Suffice it to say my sister's computer was the only one out of the whole lot that didn't mess up or crash at all the whole year, and even though it has somewhat dated hardware (was a P166, now K6-300) it was still a really nice computer because it was "clean" and stable. Her friends all were not happy with their consumer PC's because they all crashed at some point.

My opinion, all the Gateways, Compaqs, and even Dells nowadays, all fill their computers with little junk that you never use... Dell this, Dell that.... it just clogs your computer up. If something does go wrong with it, you have to put up with long holds from tech support on the phone because you can't get into the BIOS because it's been "Dellified". A home-built system would be preferrable to me because I know enough to know what is wrong and know how to fix it. I gather from reading this thread that you are the same. If something does go wrong, you can fix it yourself far faster than Dell can.

Again, I would recommend building your own computer. That way you know what's in it, and everything about it. It makes for a better, more customizable, more stable computer in the long run.

Hope this helps

Ruahrc

P.S. Just for the record I do not hate Consumer PC companies like Dell, I think they are a great thing for the average consumer but I like my computer so that I can dig in and tinker around.

[Warthog]

There are many sides to this argument.

IMO (basically):
If you can fix most problems on your comp and have a good amount of comp knowledge - build it

Can't - buy Dell

I really don't think Dell plops that much unnecessary stuff on a given comp. Also, Dell will send you new hardware if the old one breaks.

Warthog

[chipbgt]

to tell the difference between a p3 700 and 800, take that extra money and see what else you could upgrade on the system. for me, I would go with the 700 and maybe get a nice cordless keyboard and mouse, or upgrade my speakers or monitor.

[mike511]

Thanks Chipbgt, thats what i figurerd about the difference between the two also, but since my computer has the 700 and the dell has the 800 its just another thing i have to convice my mother about, since most of the money for it is coming from her(graduation gift).