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Good computer manufactuerer?

H

[H]ardly

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 6, 2001
Messages
469
Alright, so I'm headed off to college in a few months, and i need to get a new computer, but i just dont have the time to throw one together myself, and i dont feel like the hassle either.

I havent bought i pre-built computer for about 8 years, so i really have no idea what the good companies are now.

I want system that uses standard parts and thats gonna be easy to upgrade. none of that propiety bullshit.

So, i know of alienware, Falcon Nw, and possibly dell are all pretty good builders. Anyone have any experience with them or any others? Thanks.
 
Since I'm assuming that you've built computers for 8 years instead of buying pre-built, and are knowledgable, I'm going to suggest you stay away from dell. In most cases their cases and power supplies are propietary. Alienware, Falcon Northwest, Voodoo, Hypersonic PC, and Velocity Micro are all good system builders if you're looking for pre-built.
 
riiiiiiiiiiiiiight, seriously though.


I just need the names of a few reputable companies. It doesnt even need to be a kick ass system. I'm already got a 9800 pro and 2 120GXP's i just need a basic setup; because i'm lazy and i dont ghave time to do the mobo and proc upgrades, which is what i'm really needing.
 
Get this right here, and stay AWAY from the Compaqs.
T2865 EMachine
Comes with an integrated Graphics Card but that should not be a problem because you can plop in your Video Card in the AGP slot provided.
Also having a sale at CompUSA. You can basically get this setup for $600 after $120 INSTANT rebate. Go check it out.

Alex
 
I'd say Dell. Sure the other two you mentioned are great and they are even less proprietary but they cost an arm and a leg.
 
Originally posted by HitMan-sC
Since I'm assuming that you've built computers for 8 years instead of buying pre-built, and are knowledgable, I'm going to suggest you stay away from dell. In most cases their cases and power supplies are propietary. Alienware, Falcon Northwest, Voodoo, Hypersonic PC, and Velocity Micro are all good system builders if you're looking for pre-built.
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You have some outdated information, my friend. Dell has publicly admitted to what they did, and have, for almost every P4 system they made, used a standard ATX PSU and standard ATX case. Their PIII systems used Dell popritary PSU and case combos. :( I have a 4100 so I know.
 
I can't complain about Dell, i have never had a problem repairing ANY of their machines. I always build my own PC, but if i didn't dell would be my choice.
 
Originally posted by ’m‚³‚ñ
You have some outdated information, my friend. Dell has publicly admitted to what they did, and have, for almost every P4 system they made, used a standard ATX PSU and standard ATX case. Their PIII systems used Dell popritary PSU and case combos. :( I have a 4100 so I know.
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My relatives had a dell P4 1.6ghz dell that died about a couple of months ago, and after I built them a new computer I took a look at it, and sure enough, the case would not fit standard atx motherboards. They probably have changed that by now, though. Should have figured, now I feel like an ass :D. Dell is a very decent company, the only reason I was not recommending them was because I thought they were still using propietary cases/power supplys.
 
Originally posted by HitMan-sC
My relatives had a dell P4 1.6ghz dell that died about a couple of months ago, and after I built them a new computer I took a look at it, and sure enough, the case would not fit standard atx motherboards. They probably have changed that by now, though. Should have figured, now I feel like an ass :D. Dell is a very decent company, the only reason I was not recommending them was because I thought they were still using propietary cases/power supplys.
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Yeah, I do believe that they have changed their ways. :) You probably had one of the last computers that had a case that was non-standard. :) Don't worry, you sure didn't come off as an ass. :D You were after all looking out for the other member's best interests. ;)
 
I can vouch for Alienware being good, though expensive.

My less informed friend decided to buy one a few years ago and even though I could've made him a better rig for cheaper, he insisted on have it his way :p

Anyway, when the time for a new PC came around, it was sure nice to be able to break down the Alienware because they use standard parts as you would build your own PC with, which is nice. My friend also had his mobo go dead and Alienware replaced it with little hassle.

If you don't mind the price, you can't go wrong with them imo.
 
IBM is the only common prebuilt computers worth buying, besides the performance orientated ones like Alienware, Falcon, etc. I refurbish/upgrade prebuilts for a living and IBM's are by far the most reliable and standards-orientated of them all. Dells are usually the most problematic of them all, their power supplies and motherboards are a little too cheap most of the time.
 
Originally posted by tdg
IBM is the only common prebuilt computers worth buying, besides the performance orientated ones like Alienware, Falcon, etc. I refurbish/upgrade prebuilts for a living and IBM's are by far the most reliable and standards-orientated of them all. Dells are usually the most problematic of them all, their power supplies and motherboards are a little too cheap most of the time.
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Any idea why my Zip drive won't work in my Dell, then? :p Since I say no to CD ROM, it's not a big deal.
 
I put a vote in for Voodoo. My old computer was a voodoo and I loved there support when I didnt know anything. Though they are VERY expensive
 
Just put your own together it takes me less then an hour and I have only put together 10 or so.
 
If you're not going high end, and you're not spending a whole lot Dell is definitely the best prebuilt in my experience. They've changed their ways, but even still for a basic machine you buy it and use it for a few years, after that its not a big issue.

Their new higher end stuff is pretty standard equipment, even if it is a specific Dell motherboard, I've never had more trouble with Dell stuff than I have with anyone else's. Alienware is horribly overprice IMO, they charge shelf prices for the components they use which makes absolutely no sense.
 
Originally posted by [H]ardly
riiiiiiiiiiiiiight, seriously though.


I just need the names of a few reputable companies. It doesnt even need to be a kick ass system. I'm already got a 9800 pro and 2 120GXP's i just need a basic setup; because i'm lazy and i dont ghave time to do the mobo and proc upgrades, which is what i'm really needing.
Click to expand...

In this case I'd watch for a Dell Small Business deal and buy a 2.4C Poweredge set up for 399.... You can't get better if you built it.
 
If you already have some parts, why don't you consider buying a barebones system from one of the multitude of online stores? That way, the part you say you don't want to do will have already been done for you, and you'll still be saving some money.
 
Originally posted by Elepsis
If you already have some parts, why don't you consider buying a barebones system from one of the multitude of online stores? That way, the part you say you don't want to do will have already been done for you, and you'll still be saving some money.
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Some of those barebones systems are really good deals. It's worth considering and building your own is quick, and besides you've not even gone to school yet, you've got plenty of time. :)
 
OK, let's examine the issue:

First, you need to establish a budget. $500? $1000? $2000? If under $1000, that basically rules out anything but a barebones or Dell. You also need to let us know what you already have: Monitor? Keyboard? Mouse? You've been pretty vague so far. Here's where I'd go:

If you have about $500, and a keyboard/mouse/monitor already, in addition to the parts you've named, buy a barebones system. Pull a cheap CD-ROM somewhere and upgrade as you go. This will be your best performance for the buck, no question. Use an old copy of Windows until you get to school, and you should then be able to buy a student copy of XP for $10 or so.

If you're missing most components and your budget is about $500, go with a Dell. This is basically your only option.

At $1000, you have some more room. Assuming you have the basics I mentioned, you can buy a nice barebones and assemble it yourself. You'll have a lot of room if you go this way - even so much as to buy a Micro-ATX case that will be much easier to handle in the dorms. Something to think about.

With $1000, you don't really have a GREAT option for a prebuilt. You'd be looking at a high end Dell or a low end anything else, unless you can find a hole in the wall somewhere that will use the components you already have to build off a barebones - in which case, do it yourself and save the labor costs.

$1500 is where you start having some real room to play. At this point, the sky starts to look like the limit. Building your own box and you basically have your pick of components. Buying a prebuilt will give you a middle to low end machine from any of the performance builders (Overdrive PC, Alienware, Voodoo, Falcon NW). Dell is out by this point for the most part.

Above that - do some research. Go to one of the high end manufacturers and have them build one for you. In all honesty, your best bet is to figure out what you want to do with the PC, and then decide what your budget should be - even if you have $2,000 to spend, do you REALLY want to blow it all on a PC? Unless you have a "computer only" budget, I would decide on a budget based on the projected uses. If we're talking research, word processing, e-mail, and MAYBE some gaming - go Dell. No point in spending more money and doing anything else. If you're a Comp Sci major, look into spending a bit more so you can have some real processing power. Same goes for graphic design or anything processor intensive.

Since you're going to college soon - don't spend more than you have to. College is expensive - outside of tuition and books, you'd be amazed at how quickly you can blow through money on beer, meals, and everything else available to you. Don't buy what you won't need.
 
Originally posted by SickOfItAll
Since you're going to college soon - don't spend more than you have to. College is expensive - outside of tuition and books, you'd be amazed at how quickly you can blow through money on beer, meals, and everything else available to you. Don't buy what you won't need.
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Beer? :p I'm a college student, and no beer for me. First, I'm 19. Second, it's not allowed on campus. Third, I don't live on campus, and I commute 30 minutes to and from school. If I had a hangover, man, that would just blow man ass.

Aside from booze, food is going to eat your budget. Haha, pun. I blow almost $100 a month on snacks. That's just snacks, not actual meals. I'm not tubby, and I'm not even getting there. Save up, you'll need it later.

Ah, last part... I'm dropping out. They only offer programming and other software related courses here. I've never really been a software dude, I've always been hardware. Going to go to OIT and learn Microprocessors.

for rich people, i reccoment falcon northwest.
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Strange you mention them, I'm going to be sending in a job application for a job with them in a few days if all goes well. ;)
 
Compaq? LOL ure fucking kidding I hope! ugh budget dell, lots of money then

Alienware, Falcon Northwest, Voodoo, Hypersonic PC, and Velocity Micro are all good system builders if you're looking for pre-built.
as Hitman said
 
Im gonna say the bare bones idea is best. There is something to be said about the little things that companies like falcon alienware and vodoo so right. If you dont wanna do your own cable management then buy one basically
 
No "Name brand" manufacturer, in my opinion, is up to par to be considered quality.

Every single "big boy" makes garbage nowadays. This includes, but is not limited to :

Dell
Hewlett Packard-Compaq
Gateway
IBM
Apple
Emachines
Packard Bell (which have returned in europe)


It is my personal and professional opinion that the only way to get a quality machine is to have it custom built, or do it yourself.
 
i like Alienware because ive done configs on their site and their pricing is pretty good
 
Fuck, packard bells are back!?

I had one of them ages ago. A pentium 75, before I knew much of anything about computers.

Hey, thread originator dude who's name I am too lazy to find, have you died? We're asking you questions, like how much $$, what do you plan to study?

For some things you might be better served by AMD over Intel, or vice versa. If you're doing some kinda media work certain areas might need to be beefed up, although at least contrary to popular opinion you do not need a mac. Im gettin tired of that one.
 
Originally posted by Roost426
Just put your own together it takes me less then an hour and I have only put together 10 or so.
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i dont want to put my own together. In case you missed it, I dont lack the knowledge or skills, I just dont feel like doing it.

Anyways, since i already have most of the parts, i think i will just go with a barebones. The main thing i was looking for was a good warranty, because i'm not gonna have the time or money to try and fix everything myself and buy new parts.

Thanks for the help.
 
It takes less than an hour to build a PC for yourself. I just did 2, and they were my 3rd one I built myself.

Its much more rewarding, cheaper, and much better performance.

You can do it!!
 
I figured I'd chime in here after reading your responses to everyone's suggestions. You say you "don't feel like" building the system yourself, so you want to pay Alienware or similar companies to do the same? Are you F'ing MAD?

Why the hell would you pay a company anywhere from $400 to $1000 EXTRA to build a system that would take one afternoon tops for you to do? If your that careless with money, buy the parts on Newegg, send them to me, along with the difference in price from that system to one Alienware, and I will put it together for you, and send it back. I guarantee I'll give more attention to detail than some company, and I'll even make you one of those flashy little binder thingies.
 
Originally posted by djnes
I figured I'd chime in here after reading your responses to everyone's suggestions. You say you "don't feel like" building the system yourself, so you want to pay Alienware or similar companies to do the same? Are you F'ing MAD?

Why the hell would you pay a company anywhere from $400 to $1000 EXTRA to build a system that would take one afternoon tops for you to do? If your that careless with money, buy the parts on Newegg, send them to me, along with the difference in price from that system to one Alienware, and I will put it together for you, and send it back. I guarantee I'll give more attention to detail than some company, and I'll even make you one of those flashy little binder thingies.
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lmao Lets make our own business. :p I'll do the West Coast orders, you do the East Coast orders. ;)
 
Originally posted by BBnet3000
i like Alienware because ive done configs on their site and their pricing is pretty good
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Hopefully this is sarcastic...

I would get Dell if I was gonna get a prebuilt...
 
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