I've been looking at buying a new desktop after a long time (my current computer is one of the original Dell XPS desktops, which has performed like a champion for over 5 yrs...) so I have lots of questions, but here's a specific one: I priced out a couple of different configurations of Nehalem desktops from big manufacturers (Dell, Gateway) and custom builders (which would be my preference; I liked the looks of Velocity Micro and Puget best among the ones I checked out e.g. FalconNW, Vigor, Maingear, AVAdirect, Digitalstorm...)
Config I:
Intel Core i7-920 (2.66 GHz)
3 GB RAM
ATI HD 4850 GPU
750 GB hard drive (7200 rpm)
CD/DVD drive
Vista Home Premium
Config II:
Intel Core i7-920 (2.66 GHz)
6 GB RAM
ATI HD 4870 GPU
300 GB VelociRaptor (10000 rpm)
CD/DVD drive
Vista Ultimate
Here what I got (where available) with warranty
....................................................I................................II...............................
Gateway (FX6800-01e)...........1470 (2yr)............................................................
Dell XPS 730x.......................2150 (2Yr).......................2600 (2 Yr)*...................
Puget Gaming Comp.............2354 (1Yr)**.....................3053 (1Yr)**......................
Velocity Micro Z55................1924 (1Yr)........................2604 (1Yr)......................
Falcon NW.................................................................2790 (1Yr)......................
* ATI HD 4850
**Lifetime labor
The Gateway is $1250 at BestBuy, but doesn't seem to come with a warranty, which is an extra $220 from the so-called "GeekSquad".
Now I fully recognize I'm comparing plenty of apples and oranges here in the parts used by different builders, service, etc. but the Gateway (even if it's not configurable) looks like a great value. Am I missing something?
Config I:
Intel Core i7-920 (2.66 GHz)
3 GB RAM
ATI HD 4850 GPU
750 GB hard drive (7200 rpm)
CD/DVD drive
Vista Home Premium
Config II:
Intel Core i7-920 (2.66 GHz)
6 GB RAM
ATI HD 4870 GPU
300 GB VelociRaptor (10000 rpm)
CD/DVD drive
Vista Ultimate
Here what I got (where available) with warranty
....................................................I................................II...............................
Gateway (FX6800-01e)...........1470 (2yr)............................................................
Dell XPS 730x.......................2150 (2Yr).......................2600 (2 Yr)*...................
Puget Gaming Comp.............2354 (1Yr)**.....................3053 (1Yr)**......................
Velocity Micro Z55................1924 (1Yr)........................2604 (1Yr)......................
Falcon NW.................................................................2790 (1Yr)......................
* ATI HD 4850
**Lifetime labor
The Gateway is $1250 at BestBuy, but doesn't seem to come with a warranty, which is an extra $220 from the so-called "GeekSquad".
Now I fully recognize I'm comparing plenty of apples and oranges here in the parts used by different builders, service, etc. but the Gateway (even if it's not configurable) looks like a great value. Am I missing something?