What company builds decent computers?

I am looking to get a new computer in the coming months and This time around I want to buy it pre-built if possible as I don't want to deal with warranty for the next few years. What companies come to mind that have good support and don't majorly price gouge?

My budget is about 2000 before tax so around 2200ish.

I would also like recommendations for a build if I decide not to go the route I stated above and build it myself.

What do you mean you don't want to deal with warranty? You buy prebuilt you will be looking at probably a year or two warranty. If you actually build a computer yourself, you get lifetime warranties on most of the components and 3 years on the motherboard/GPU. If something goes wrong, you can RMA the specific component instead of sending away the whole rig. I had a prebuilt computer that had a failed DVD drive. I took the drive back to the place of purchase, which was CompUSA when they were around, and they refused to replace it unless I brought in the whole rig. Good joke.

Anyway, building your own computer you have access to bios features. Going prebuilt, you will most likely have limited or almost no control on bios tweaking. You will also have a much wider range of parts available for purchase because you can pick them instead of using ones only the manufacturer will use. I don't see why you wouldn't take an hour and built it yourself instead of overpaying, getting a more limited warranty, and less customization. Overclocking is another great reason, but even if you don't overclock you can at least set your memory timings/voltage and undervolt the CPU at stock speed to save power.

My build would be:


with two Samsung HD103SJ 1TB in RAID 0 for storage and NH-D14 or Venomous X for cooling. Then that should leave you just enough money for a bluray drive

I'd recommend Alienware for a prebuilt, they probably have something for your budget. Also consider a squaretrade warranty, they're pretty good deals.

For your custom build please answer these questions:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1349433

Dopamin3 is incorrect in the sense that prebuilt systems only offer up to 1-2 years of warranty. Ex: Dell offers up to 4 years, but really, do you want to be using the same computer for 4 years?

If I were to get a computer with your budget now, I'd probably get a Dell/Alienware (Dell owns Alienware). Either that or I'd get a Mac Pro.

Originally Posted by 450

Dopamin3 is incorrect in the sense that prebuilt systems only offer up to 1-2 years of warranty. Ex: Dell offers up to 4 years, but really, do you want to be using the same computer for 4 years?

If I were to get a computer with your budget now, I'd probably get a Dell/Alienware (Dell owns Alienware). Either that or I'd get a Mac Pro.

Personally, I would build my own at your price range. The price markup for a $2000 rig is insane from a place like Dell/Alienware. But if you don't have the know how and aren't willing to learn (it isn't that hard even I built 4-5 machines, successfully).

The forums are full of people with a lot of knowledge. They are all willing to help you through the process.

Also, warranties are kinda silly. You are paying Dell to claim their warranty from their component manufacturer. Basically you are getting robbed by the middle man.

As for second hand warranties I had a +3 year warranty deal from 2NET a while back. It was all great until halfway through my 3 year my computer died and I found out that 2NET went out of business... Never buying an extended warranty again.

Originally Posted by TechBoy

I am looking to get a new computer in the coming months and This time around I want to buy it pre-built if possible as I don't want to deal with warranty for the next few years. What companies come to mind that have good support and don't majorly price gouge?

My budget is about 2000 before tax so around 2200ish.

I would also like recommendations for a build if I decide not to go the route I stated above and build it myself.

Do you honestly believe that having to rely on 1-800-INDIA with the major PC manufacturers is going to be any better than just dealing directly with component manufacturers if you were to build yourself?

PC parts ARE going to fail, some sooner than later. You will always have to deal with warranty.

Man, I wish I had 2k to build a DIY system.
I just don't see why anyone posting [H]ere would *not* build their own.
Get nearly twice the system for your money...

Originally Posted by Dopamin3

What do you mean you don't want to deal with warranty? You buy prebuilt you will be looking at probably a year or two warranty. If you actually build a computer yourself, you get lifetime warranties on most of the components and 3 years on the motherboard/GPU. If something goes wrong, you can RMA the specific component instead of sending away the whole rig. I had a prebuilt computer that had a failed DVD drive. I took the drive back to the place of purchase, which was CompUSA when they were around, and they refused to replace it unless I brought in the whole rig. Good joke.

Anyway, building your own computer you have access to bios features. Going prebuilt, you will most likely have limited or almost no control on bios tweaking. You will also have a much wider range of parts available for purchase because you can pick them instead of using ones only the manufacturer will use. I don't see why you wouldn't take an hour and built it yourself instead of overpaying, getting a more limited warranty, and less customization. Overclocking is another great reason, but even if you don't overclock you can at least set your memory timings/voltage and undervolt the CPU at stock speed to save power.

My build would be:


with two Samsung HD103SJ 1TB in RAID 0 for storage and NH-D14 or Venomous X for cooling. Then that should leave you just enough money for a bluray drive

With that budget I'd definitely go for at least a 80GB SSD. 30 is too small for an OS. Also don't forget to add in the cost of a Windows 7 license.

Originally Posted by HardUp4HardWare

Man, I wish I had 2k to build a DIY system.
I just don't see why anyone posting [H]ere would *not* build their own.
Get nearly twice the system for your money...

When time becomes more important than money, thats when a prebuilt makes sense.

Originally Posted by 450

When time becomes more important than money, thats when a prebuilt makes sense.

That and support, I am just worried one day I will be too busy and won't be able to fix it if it breaks down on me and I'll need to use it soon after.

Well the consensus seems alienware, I really don't like their cases but Ill give it a look thanks.

I looked at the alienware machines, whats the deal with the memory? Kinda super off priced for low end spec'd DDR3. This stuff is 2x more expensive then me building it at least.

Originally Posted by TechBoy

I looked at the alienware machines, whats the deal with the memory? Kinda super off priced for low end spec'd DDR3. This stuff is 2x more expensive then me building it at least.

Called mark up value Alienware has to turn a profit from you buying it. People above told you this (not being an ass)

Originally Posted by Shockey

Called mark up value Alienware has to turn a profit from you buying it. People above told you this (not being an ass)

True. I just wanted reasonable pricing compared to me building it myself but seems that I can't. Guess I might just go and build it. Idk what to get these days though, I am soo out of touch.

If you want custom built, you could go for a boutique instead, like... damn, drawing a blank, lol. Haven't mentioned them in a while, but search the computers and gadgets subforum and you'll find 'em.