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 by Geoff, Level 19
Last updated at December 12, 2008, 10:29 pm
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A little while back a friend of mine was bragging to me because he bought an Alienware computer. Talk about a colossal /facepalm. If you really want to waste money then by all means by an Alienware computer. Just for the hell of it, I went to their web site today to see how much they charge for a computer similar to the one below. How about $1600? Yep, want to waste $1000+? Go for it! For $1600 I could probably build a NASA supercomputer.
For the past 8 years I've always gone to newegg.com to purchase my parts. It's one of the most well known vendors on the internet and for good reason. You get some of the best prices around with the best customer service out there. If you are looking to build your own I highly recommend them. For under $600 you can build a computer that runs WoW like this:
http://www.thejca.com/images/ui.jpg
In that screen shot I'm running WoW at 1920x1200, every video option turned to the highest setting and the FSAA set to 4x. You can see what my FPS I'm getting at the top of the screen in titan bar. In highly populated areas like Dalaran during primetime, I get around 40-45 FPS consistently with dozens of people running around on my screen. My computer specs are nearly identical to the computer listed below. The only real difference between my computer and the one below is that I went for a more expensive motherboard for additional overclocking options. You can run WoW at the same resolution (24" monitor or higher required) and at similar frame rate on a computer that costs less then $600 to build. Here are the parts I would recommend:
Rosewill ATX Case w/PSU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147010
BIOSTAR BIOSTAR TForce TG31-A7 LGA 775 Motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138121
Radeon 4850 Video Card - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770
Intel E8400 Core 2 Duo 3.0GHz CPU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
4GB (2x2GB) G.SKILL Dual Channel DDR2 RAM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
Samsung 500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache SATA Hard Drive - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152052Â
LG 22X DVD Burner w/LightScribe - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136153
The public wishlish feature on NewEgg is horribly delayed right now, when it finally shows up I’ll post it here. The total cost of everything is $561.02, this includes shipping from California to Texas. NewEgg doesn't charge tax if you live outside California. I just got finished putting this exact computer together for a roommate and he is loving it. He use to play WoW on his 3 year old laptop, going from that to his new computer is like night and day.
There is a lot of room for tweaking as well. The E8400 Wolfdale CPU is currently one of the most overclockable CPUs on the market. I have mine running at 4.2GHz from 3.0GHz. I would highly recommend getting an after market heatsink though if you plan on going past 3.8GHz.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
That is the one I currently use, it's cheap and it works very well.
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Giggers Dec 12, 2008 at 11:06 pm
+1 votes
Nice build, and It's impressive at how well WoW runs on PCs these days. That'll run WoW fine, and it'll probably run Crysis at a good framerate too. The price is SWEET for a system that can run that well. I, personally, paid $1400 for my PC (before tax and shipping), and it runs everything well. EVERYTHING. And for the price, I expect nothing less. For that price, you'd expect good WoW performance as well.
When it comes to Alienware computers, they ARE overpriced. By a lot. However, when you look at the actual components, they are pretty good computers. Really, the only reasons to buy an Alienware computer is for the customer support, the warrenty, if you have the money, and if you don't want to build one yourself.
I've always wanted an Alienware for myself, mainly for the factory liquid cooling (Don't wanna work with that stuff), the cable management (I like clean cases), and the lights. (Don't get me started on the custom lighting tools). I'm happy with my current system though. It was a fun project, and I'd definately build my own PC before buying from Alienware.
To each their own, though.
When it comes to Alienware computers, they ARE overpriced. By a lot. However, when you look at the actual components, they are pretty good computers. Really, the only reasons to buy an Alienware computer is for the customer support, the warrenty, if you have the money, and if you don't want to build one yourself.
I've always wanted an Alienware for myself, mainly for the factory liquid cooling (Don't wanna work with that stuff), the cable management (I like clean cases), and the lights. (Don't get me started on the custom lighting tools). I'm happy with my current system though. It was a fun project, and I'd definately build my own PC before buying from Alienware.
To each their own, though.
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neLson Dec 13, 2008 at 2:05 pm
+1 votes
my friend had a horrible experience with alienware (**** computer and customer service), bought dell (lol i know) and hasnt had a problem. ive always thought alienware was overhyped and now id never touch them
Geoff Dec 12, 2008 at 11:34 pm
+1 votes
Elorah said
350w PSU?
Shaithis Dec 12, 2008 at 11:49 pm
+1 votes
The hell it can
http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html
Your setup with Radeon 2900 (highest allowed) = 539w
http://educations.newegg.com/tool/psucalc/index.html
Your setup with Radeon 2900 (highest allowed) = 539w
Slapnuts Dec 13, 2008 at 2:19 am
+1 votes
ROFL, that PSU is a terrible idea in that machine. Should be running at least 500 from a quality manufacturer like Corsair, Silverstone, PCPower, Thermaltake, etc.
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 4:51 am
+1 votes
Slapnuts said
ROFL, that PSU is a terrible idea in that machine. Should be running at least 500 from a quality manufacturer like Corsair, Silverstone, PCPower, Thermaltake, etc.
Slapnuts Dec 13, 2008 at 5:31 am
+1 votes
If you are going to spend money on a new rig the last thing you skimp on is a PSU, this is PC Build 101
Catscratch Dec 13, 2008 at 1:21 pm
+1 votes
Regardless, the build still stands,
there was a 600w power supply with a 4gb flash drive thrown in with free shipping for 44.97 about a month ago on newegg
there was a 600w power supply with a 4gb flash drive thrown in with free shipping for 44.97 about a month ago on newegg
whyisthisrequired Dec 13, 2008 at 8:09 am
+1 votes
PSU is one of the most important parts of your computer. When it goes, its taking at least one other thing with it..
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 11:04 pm
+1 votes
whyisthisrequired said
PSU is one of the most important parts of your computer. When it goes, its taking at least one other thing with it..
Catscratch Dec 14, 2008 at 12:12 am
+1 votes
oh, i'm bad.
yours was a good choice, i opted for http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019 though.
yours was a good choice, i opted for http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019 though.
Geoff Dec 14, 2008 at 12:27 am
+1 votes
Catscratch said
oh, i'm bad.
yours was a good choice, i opted for http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019 though.
yours was a good choice, i opted for http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118019 though.
Shaithis Dec 12, 2008 at 11:42 pm
+2 votes
would highly suggest using a better PSU; better to spend an extra $100 and not have to deal with random crashes due to power level fluctuations and possibly have a meltdown
besides, you need at least 500 watt supply for a 3Ghz processor; you should probably fix this on your roommate's PC before he starts having problems
besides, you need at least 500 watt supply for a 3Ghz processor; you should probably fix this on your roommate's PC before he starts having problems
Geoff Dec 12, 2008 at 11:46 pm
+1 votes
Shaithis said
would highly suggest using a better PSU; better to spend an extra $100 and not have to deal with random crashes due to power level fluctuations and possibly have a meltdown
besides, you need at least 500 watt supply for a 3Ghz processor; you should probably fix this on your roommate's PC before he starts having problems
besides, you need at least 500 watt supply for a 3Ghz processor; you should probably fix this on your roommate's PC before he starts having problems
Slapnuts Dec 13, 2008 at 2:20 am
+1 votes
It doesnt matter if it is low power or not, the CPU draw is one of the lesser worries in that system.
Pathetique Dec 13, 2008 at 12:25 am
+1 votes
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?Source=MSWD&WishListNumber=12746647
Was what I bought a little while back(roughly 4 months), some of the deals are no longer there, but it's a full set and shows some easy corners to cut to wretch every penny out of your machine.
Was what I bought a little while back(roughly 4 months), some of the deals are no longer there, but it's a full set and shows some easy corners to cut to wretch every penny out of your machine.
Realtalk Dec 13, 2008 at 2:48 am
+1 votes
im an idiot when it comes to computer hardware stuff.
i bought my computer from dell about 2-3 years ago. cost about 700$, not including ram and graphics card, which comes out to about 800$.
my fps is at around 6 fps when im on a flying mount in northernend. with all the video settings turned to the lowest setting.
ive been thinking of building a computer, but buying all the right parts seems very complicated
i bought my computer from dell about 2-3 years ago. cost about 700$, not including ram and graphics card, which comes out to about 800$.
my fps is at around 6 fps when im on a flying mount in northernend. with all the video settings turned to the lowest setting.
ive been thinking of building a computer, but buying all the right parts seems very complicated
Slapnuts Dec 13, 2008 at 3:10 am
+1 votes
sounds like it had onboard video, and not a dedicated card =/
Catscratch Dec 13, 2008 at 1:25 pm
+1 votes
do a little research on the e8400 bro.
4.2 is a on the high end for the overclock, but you can get it to ~3.8 without breaking a sweat.
4.2 is a on the high end for the overclock, but you can get it to ~3.8 without breaking a sweat.
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 10:45 pm
+1 votes
I know it can break 3.8 without a sweat, I just recommended a better cooling setup if you plan to go past it to be on the safe side.
Catscratch Dec 13, 2008 at 11:01 pm
+1 votes
Oh, i didn't even notice he didn't include an aftermarket cooler.
so, +1 to
"no heat issues?"
so, +1 to
"no heat issues?"
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 11:09 pm
+1 votes
Catscratch said
Oh, i didn't even notice he didn't include an aftermarket cooler.
so, +1 to
"no heat issues?"
so, +1 to
"no heat issues?"
smoktuki Dec 13, 2008 at 7:32 am
+1 votes
Actually you know what, if you build a Dell computer with the same specs, you get just about the same price.
A Dell Inspiron 530 Q6600, 4GB Ram, Vista, DVD burner, 500 GB HDD comes out to 594$ Free shipping. Add 150$ for the Radeon video card and it totals to:
746$.
Your setup with a Q6600 comes out to 576$, assuming you had all the calculations correct. Add 100$ for Vista/XP and it comes out to 676$.
So you save 70$, but you also have to build the computer yourself, you don't get computer warranty, and you don't get any software like Microsoft Works. You could also save 35$ by going 2 gigs of ram and buying a separate 2 gig chip, totaling 691$.
So your setup, 676$ vs a dell fully built customized setup 691$. Unless you have some way to account for the lack of an OS, Dell custom built wins overall.
A Dell Inspiron 530 Q6600, 4GB Ram, Vista, DVD burner, 500 GB HDD comes out to 594$ Free shipping. Add 150$ for the Radeon video card and it totals to:
746$.
Your setup with a Q6600 comes out to 576$, assuming you had all the calculations correct. Add 100$ for Vista/XP and it comes out to 676$.
So you save 70$, but you also have to build the computer yourself, you don't get computer warranty, and you don't get any software like Microsoft Works. You could also save 35$ by going 2 gigs of ram and buying a separate 2 gig chip, totaling 691$.
So your setup, 676$ vs a dell fully built customized setup 691$. Unless you have some way to account for the lack of an OS, Dell custom built wins overall.
smoktuki Dec 13, 2008 at 7:33 am
+1 votes
Save 55$*. Don't have permission to edit for some reason.
whyisthisrequired Dec 13, 2008 at 8:10 am
+1 votes
Problem is ... Dell gives you **** ram.. like 512 sticks ;/
AND their mobo's are terrible for future-proofing.
AND their mobo's are terrible for future-proofing.
smoktuki Dec 13, 2008 at 8:43 am
+1 votes
Dell gives you **** ram.. like 512 sticks ;/
They don't give you 512 sticks, so you're wrong on that count.
AND their mobo's are terrible for future-proofing.
Care to elaborate? If not then I completely disagree, a comp is a comp.
They don't give you 512 sticks, so you're wrong on that count.
AND their mobo's are terrible for future-proofing.
Care to elaborate? If not then I completely disagree, a comp is a comp.
whyisthisrequired Dec 13, 2008 at 10:59 am
+1 votes
Uhh, they give you 512 ALOT of the times.
Especially when you buy their "deals" - 3gb ram, 2 of them are 1gb sticks, 3rd and 4th are 512.
Their mobo's are garbage. Not much extra slots, terrible heatsink (and case design/fan cover do not allow for a good 3rd party one)
I mean, if you want to buy a Dell, no one is stopping you. I just prefer to build my own.
Especially when you buy their "deals" - 3gb ram, 2 of them are 1gb sticks, 3rd and 4th are 512.
Their mobo's are garbage. Not much extra slots, terrible heatsink (and case design/fan cover do not allow for a good 3rd party one)
I mean, if you want to buy a Dell, no one is stopping you. I just prefer to build my own.
Giggers Dec 13, 2008 at 12:05 pm
+1 votes
Fun fact, Dell owns Alienware.
Another interesting fact I found is that the lower end Alienwares are closer to the "do it yourself price."
For example, the lowest grade i7 for Alienware is $1000 more expensive than building one on Newegg.
Another interesting fact I found is that the lower end Alienwares are closer to the "do it yourself price."
For example, the lowest grade i7 for Alienware is $1000 more expensive than building one on Newegg.
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 10:52 pm
+1 votes
Giggers said
Fun fact, Dell owns Alienware.
Another interesting fact I found is that the lower end Alienwares are closer to the "do it yourself price."
For example, the lowest grade i7 for Alienware is $1000 more expensive than building one on Newegg.
Another interesting fact I found is that the lower end Alienwares are closer to the "do it yourself price."
For example, the lowest grade i7 for Alienware is $1000 more expensive than building one on Newegg.
Giggers Dec 14, 2008 at 11:14 am
+1 votes
The prices get rediculous with the highest end though. We're talking 2 - 3 thousand more. I've noticed a lot more computer building companies popping up recently. Namely, IBuyPower and Digital Storm. Alienware is finally getting some competition.
smoktuki Dec 13, 2008 at 10:25 pm
+1 votes
Especially when you buy their "deals" - 3gb ram, 2 of them are 1gb sticks, 3rd and 4th are 512.
Okay? But no one is talking about 3gb ram, we're talking 2gb ram here. And they don't give you 512 sticks, so I can understand why you misunderstood.
Their mobo's are garbage. Not much extra slots, terrible heatsink (and
case design/fan cover do not allow for a good 3rd party one)
I'll give you that, there are only a few extra slots if you intend to install a lot of things. But I don't, and I don't really see it necessary to install anything else besides a video card.
I mean, if you want to buy a Dell, no one is stopping you. I just prefer to build my own.
That's totally fine. You can build your own. But for people who don't know how to, or even the people know how to but don't want to deal with the hassle of items breaking in construction, then I suggest building it with Dell or maybe even other non-Alienware companies.
But the main point of this is, going with your own build does not save you a godly amount of money, if any at all. Dell will you give you the same specs for the same price, with extra guarantees and they will build it for you. Not saying Dell is godsend either but the specs it gives for the price it gives is just as good as any self-built computer.
Okay? But no one is talking about 3gb ram, we're talking 2gb ram here. And they don't give you 512 sticks, so I can understand why you misunderstood.
Their mobo's are garbage. Not much extra slots, terrible heatsink (and
case design/fan cover do not allow for a good 3rd party one)
I'll give you that, there are only a few extra slots if you intend to install a lot of things. But I don't, and I don't really see it necessary to install anything else besides a video card.
I mean, if you want to buy a Dell, no one is stopping you. I just prefer to build my own.
That's totally fine. You can build your own. But for people who don't know how to, or even the people know how to but don't want to deal with the hassle of items breaking in construction, then I suggest building it with Dell or maybe even other non-Alienware companies.
But the main point of this is, going with your own build does not save you a godly amount of money, if any at all. Dell will you give you the same specs for the same price, with extra guarantees and they will build it for you. Not saying Dell is godsend either but the specs it gives for the price it gives is just as good as any self-built computer.
whyisthisrequired Dec 13, 2008 at 10:34 pm
+1 votes
They don't give you the highest spec ram either. If you buy a q6600 from them you won't get far with your OC.
Geoff Dec 14, 2008 at 2:15 am
+1 votes
whyisthisrequired said
They don't give you the highest spec ram either. If you buy a q6600 from them you won't get far with your OC.
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 11:00 pm
+1 votes
smoktuki said
Especially when you buy their "deals" - 3gb ram, 2 of them are 1gb sticks, 3rd and 4th are 512.
Okay? But no one is talking about 3gb ram, we're talking 2gb ram here. And they don't give you 512 sticks, so I can understand why you misunderstood.
Their mobo's are garbage. Not much extra slots, terrible heatsink (and
case design/fan cover do not allow for a good 3rd party one)
I'll give you that, there are only a few extra slots if you intend to install a lot of things. But I don't, and I don't really see it necessary to install anything else besides a video card.
I mean, if you want to buy a Dell, no one is stopping you. I just prefer to build my own.
That's totally fine. You can build your own. But for people who don't know how to, or even the people know how to but don't want to deal with the hassle of items breaking in construction, then I suggest building it with Dell or maybe even other non-Alienware companies.
But the main point of this is, going with your own build does not save you a godly amount of money, if any at all. Dell will you give you the same specs for the same price, with extra guarantees and they will build it for you. Not saying Dell is godsend either but the specs it gives for the price it gives is just as good as any self-built computer.
Okay? But no one is talking about 3gb ram, we're talking 2gb ram here. And they don't give you 512 sticks, so I can understand why you misunderstood.
Their mobo's are garbage. Not much extra slots, terrible heatsink (and
case design/fan cover do not allow for a good 3rd party one)
I'll give you that, there are only a few extra slots if you intend to install a lot of things. But I don't, and I don't really see it necessary to install anything else besides a video card.
I mean, if you want to buy a Dell, no one is stopping you. I just prefer to build my own.
That's totally fine. You can build your own. But for people who don't know how to, or even the people know how to but don't want to deal with the hassle of items breaking in construction, then I suggest building it with Dell or maybe even other non-Alienware companies.
But the main point of this is, going with your own build does not save you a godly amount of money, if any at all. Dell will you give you the same specs for the same price, with extra guarantees and they will build it for you. Not saying Dell is godsend either but the specs it gives for the price it gives is just as good as any self-built computer.
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 12:36 am
+1 votes
Geoff said
That's interesting, I just put together a Q9400 XPS setup on Dell's homepage, $1134 minus tax and shipping. On newegg I put together the same exact setup, $660 before tax (no tax if you aren't in CA) and shipping. The amount of money you save by building your own is relative to the power of the computer, if you are building an absolute bottom-end PC, then the price difference will be smaller. If you are building a middle to high end PC, the price difference will be HUGE.
Geoff Dec 14, 2008 at 1:02 am
+1 votes
smoktuki said
LOL I went with the exact same build you mentioned in your blog, except with a Dell Inspiron. Unless you're claiming the computer you're suggesting to everyone is bottom-end then it should be the same.
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 1:37 am
+1 votes
Geoff said
I tried Inspiron but none of them afforded a real video card upgrade option, except a Radeon 3450, which is probably equivalent to a GeForce 3. On their site it costs $60 to UPGRADE to it, on newegg you can get a brand new one for $30...
Geoff Dec 14, 2008 at 2:18 am
+1 votes
smoktuki said
LOL I went with the exact same build you mentioned in your blog, except with a Dell Inspiron. Unless you're claiming the computer you're suggesting to everyone is bottom-end then it should be the same.
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 2:30 am
+1 votes
Geoff said
I tried it with an Inspiron, $894 with an integrated video card.
Choose Inspiron 530 starting at 279$ with Windows Vista.
Now upgrade it to Q6600. +190 = 469$.
Continue everything default, 2GB ram, until you reach HDD.
Add 500GB HDD for 50$. = 519$. (Arguably you don't even need a 500GB HDD, 250GB is enough and you can save 50$.)
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 [Included in Price]
LOL and you're done. Add 150$ for a video card and you have 669$ total. You can reduce it to 619$ with a 250GB HDD. Buy a separate 2GB RAM chip for 20$ on newegg with a total of 639$.
Pathetique Dec 13, 2008 at 12:04 pm
+1 votes
You should do some research on the quality of dell products before you start spewing that nonsense.
smoktuki Dec 13, 2008 at 10:34 pm
+1 votes
I have the Dell Inspiron 530 because I wanted a very good computer (at the time) for 400$, which I got. Trust me I've researched it before. It's never caused me any problems. I leave it on 24/7, never shut down (maybe once a month?) and it's still going strong after 2 years. It's customily built to handle everything they install the desktop with. I had a choice of building it myself or going with Dell.Â
I went with Dell because not only did I get all the components built for me, with extra software, recovery discs, driver updates etc. but the price and features were exactly same. It was a win-win.
I went with Dell because not only did I get all the components built for me, with extra software, recovery discs, driver updates etc. but the price and features were exactly same. It was a win-win.
smoktuki Dec 13, 2008 at 10:45 pm
+1 votes
Oh yeah, and to add, if an item is faulty or breaks-without-you-knowing it during installation, you'll have virtually no way of distinguishing which piece is broken. You'd have to send it to Fry's or somewhere to get it diagnosed, which means more $$, a LOT of time spent, no guarantee of a fix, and hassle that leaves you wondering why you didn't go with the custom-built already running computer. Been there done that.
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 10:53 pm
+1 votes
smoktuki said
Oh yeah, and to add, if an item is faulty or breaks-without-you-knowing it during installation, you'll have virtually no way of distinguishing which piece is broken. You'd have to send it to Fry's or somewhere to get it diagnosed, which means more $$, a LOT of time spent, no guarantee of a fix, and hassle that leaves you wondering why you didn't go with the custom-built already running computer. Been there done that.
whyisthisrequired Dec 13, 2008 at 11:14 pm
+1 votes
It's not that hard to figure out whats broken.
Post codes. Certain Mobos even have a little screen that gives you a code.
Regarding driver/reinstall CDs, you can roll you own image.
Post codes. Certain Mobos even have a little screen that gives you a code.
Regarding driver/reinstall CDs, you can roll you own image.
Slapnuts Dec 13, 2008 at 11:20 pm
+1 votes
smoktuki said
Oh yeah, and to add, if an item is faulty or breaks-without-you-knowing it during installation, you'll have virtually no way of distinguishing which piece is broken. You'd have to send it to Fry's or somewhere to get it diagnosed, which means more $$, a LOT of time spent, no guarantee of a fix, and hassle that leaves you wondering why you didn't go with the custom-built already running computer. Been there done that.
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 11:25 pm
+1 votes
Slapnuts said
LOL... If you are good enough to know your parts and put them together, it is generally a given that you know how to diagnose what is wrong. From post codes or minimal parts boots till you figure out what component gives the error. It isn't rocket science.
kavekk Dec 13, 2008 at 11:29 pm
+1 votes
And neither is assembling a computer!
Honestly, I think people assume it's much more effort than it actually is.
Honestly, I think people assume it's much more effort than it actually is.
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 11:32 pm
+1 votes
kavekk said
And neither is assembling a computer!
Honestly, I think people assume it's much more effort than it actually is.
Honestly, I think people assume it's much more effort than it actually is.
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 12:32 am
+1 votes
Geoff said
Yep, once you learn how to do it, installing the operating system takes longer then assembling the actual computer.
whyisthisrequired Dec 13, 2008 at 11:35 pm
+1 votes
If you played with legos as a kid, you can put together a computer.
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 12:41 am
+1 votes
kavekk said
And neither is assembling a computer!
Honestly, I think people assume it's much more effort than it actually is.
Honestly, I think people assume it's much more effort than it actually is.
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 12:31 am
+1 votes
smoktuki said
Oh yeah, and to add, if an item is faulty or breaks-without-you-knowing it during installation, you'll have virtually no way of distinguishing which piece is broken. You'd have to send it to Fry's or somewhere to get it diagnosed, which means more $$, a LOT of time spent, no guarantee of a fix, and hassle that leaves you wondering why you didn't go with the custom-built already running computer. Been there done that.
Geoff Dec 14, 2008 at 2:08 am
+1 votes
smoktuki said
I'm sure 99.9999% of the people who build a computer don't know what post codes, or minimal part boots are, which further supports my point that it complicates things so much. I can build a computer, I know all the parts, doesn't mean I know how to diagnose a broken computer, especially if it doesn't boot up, and I sure know that the vast majority does not either.
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 2:21 am
+1 votes
Geoff said
You can find a list of the post codes in the motherboard manual, takes about 5 seconds to figure out. I'm sure more then 0.0000% of the computer building population knows about it. My second build ever about 8 years ago had a DOA video card, IÂ opened up the motherboard manual and figured it out in about 2 minutes, RMA'd the video card and everything was good.
This is also a side point because your main point was that it was cheaper. It's not. Your other point was it provides benefits. It provides less benefits. There is little reason to build your own computer unless you have a specific goal in mind and aren't content with a blazing fast top of the line computer that can already run everything with max fps (see the amazing specs I linked above.) Going for a Dell (or HP or whatever else) is perfectly fine and in 99.999999% of the cases, it's beneficial to going for a custom built computer over putting all your parts together. You're justifying more work in your post with no benefits.
Geoff Dec 14, 2008 at 3:17 am
+1 votes
smoktuki said
Video card isn't integral to booting up the PC. Further, I've built computers in the past and I'm fairly knowledgable about all computer components, and I can't diagnose a broken computer. Especially if there's a motherboard problem, PSU problem or HDD, and the comp won't boot up. Then you've got even MORE problems. Sure I can say if my mouse is broken I know exactly where the problem is, but when a main component of the computer does not run, it is significantly harder to pinpoint the problem.
This is also a side point because your main point was that it was cheaper. It's not. Your other point was it provides benefits. It provides less benefits. There is little reason to build your own computer unless you have a specific goal in mind and aren't content with a blazing fast top of the line computer that can already run everything with max fps (see the amazing specs I linked above.) Going for a Dell (or HP or whatever else) is perfectly fine and in 99.999999% of the cases, it's beneficial to going for a custom built computer over putting all your parts together. You're justifying more work in your post with no benefits.
This is also a side point because your main point was that it was cheaper. It's not. Your other point was it provides benefits. It provides less benefits. There is little reason to build your own computer unless you have a specific goal in mind and aren't content with a blazing fast top of the line computer that can already run everything with max fps (see the amazing specs I linked above.) Going for a Dell (or HP or whatever else) is perfectly fine and in 99.999999% of the cases, it's beneficial to going for a custom built computer over putting all your parts together. You're justifying more work in your post with no benefits.
Do you want to start comparing top of the line computer build prices between custom building and Dell?
smoktuki Dec 14, 2008 at 4:19 am
+1 votes
It's called integrated video chipset.. Yeah, those exist, hard to believe isn't it?Â
If either the motherboard, PSU or hard drive do not boot, the computer won't turn on.Â
If either the motherboard, PSU or hard drive do not boot, the computer won't turn on.Â
Geoff Dec 14, 2008 at 8:54 pm
+1 votes
smoktuki said
It's called integrated video chipset.. Yeah, those exist, hard to believe isn't it?Â
If either the motherboard, PSU or hard drive do not boot, the computer won't turn on.Â
If either the motherboard, PSU or hard drive do not boot, the computer won't turn on.Â
Phrequency Dec 13, 2008 at 1:59 pm
+1 votes
How easy is it to OC on that board? I've had trouble oc'ing on budget boards before, and it would be a shame to waste the e8400 by running it at stock.
A decent PSU, which this build definitely needs, plus a good oc'ing mobo would put this build around 700 bucks which is great for what you are getting.
A decent PSU, which this build definitely needs, plus a good oc'ing mobo would put this build around 700 bucks which is great for what you are getting.
whyisthisrequired Dec 13, 2008 at 11:41 pm
+1 votes
don't have permission to edit comment,
p35-ds3r - if you want raid (crossfire only)
p35-ds3l - if you don't (no crossfire)
p35-ds3r - if you want raid (crossfire only)
p35-ds3l - if you don't (no crossfire)
Geoff Dec 13, 2008 at 11:49 pm
+1 votes
whyisthisrequired said
p35-ds3r cheap and works great for OC.
Phrequency Dec 13, 2008 at 2:00 pm
+1 votes
also: save 5 bucks and get this optical drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118011
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118011
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