Which Computer System should I get?

[LChoy]

I have a month buy a computer so I was presented with these 3 options

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...23146(ME).aspx

http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/...OC=DX730X_F_2E

http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm...2AC579-2271663

- Dell one has OS and 500 gigs more memory, MemEx you get 300 dollar more expensive video
- Memory Express is local, Dell and NCIX I have to order in
- Dell has more promotional stuff, like speakers

I leave it to the experts of CP to dish out advice

[FanIn80]

pfft... Silly Quad-Cores. Real men use 8 cores.




(I kid, I kid. I would go with the Dell. If you're spending that kind of coin, you'll want service. I love MemEx, but I would never buy a pre-built from them. Just parts to upgrade or build my own.)

[dobbles]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

pfft... Silly Quad-Cores. Real men use 8 cores.

not to go off topic, but an office mate got one of these recently. has the dual quad cores and a couple 8800 video cards in it. that thing flies! she also got a 30" monitor. stupid graphic designers!!!! i am so jealous.

[cKy]

I would say it depends on your needs for a computer.

Do you game alot or would you if you had a machine that could do it?
Is it just for general internet/mail?
Gonna download like a 13 year korean hooker (I have no idea what that means)
Have Media Center/Photo Editing interests?

[Swayze11]

Anyone but the Dell.

[LChoy]

Originally Posted by cKy

I would say it depends on your needs for a computer.

Do you game alot or would you if you had a machine that could do it?
Is it just for general internet/mail?
Gonna download like a 13 year korean hooker (I have no idea what that means)
Have Media Center/Photo Editing interests?

I game mostly on console, but would like to be able to on the PC. I spend most of my time on the computer, so it'll be like my command centre for movies, games, and other entertainment. I figure I might as well get something good, and able to last me a long time. Guess I'm looking for the best deal for that price range. It's kind of like buying a fancy car, but not really getting it to go racing every day

[PsYcNeT]

Originally Posted by dobbles

not to go off topic, but an office mate got one of these recently. has the dual quad cores and a couple 8800 video cards in it. that thing flies! she also got a 30" monitor. stupid graphic designers!!!! i am so jealous.

Odd, she chose 8800 (GeForce gaming cards) over a Quadro set. What was her reasoning for it?

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by PsYcNeT

Odd, she chose 8800 (GeForce gaming cards) over a Quadro set. What was her reasoning for it?

Was going to ask the same thing. Maybe just $$?

[CubicleGeek]

I always though the Quadros and the 8800s were more or less the same thing, but the driver locked out much of the quadro capabilities. I remember there being some noise about modifying the drivers in such a way the quadro drivers could be installed for the 8800 series. Don't they both sport a G80 chip? Granted, my memory is pretty vague on this.

Oh, and to not derail this thread... If you're primarily using this for gaming, I'd focus on the better video card.

[Esoteric]

I just bought an XPS through my University Program. Actually came to a pretty good deal. If you're using it for gaming, you'll definitely need to upgrade the card.

I got the 730x with
i7 920 @ 2.66 ghz
6 gb ddr3
GTX 280 1024 MB
WD Velociraptor 300 GB HD
Soundblast X-Fi Titanium Sound Card

For around $2,400, which isnt too bad as opposed to building something through Memory Express or NewEgg.

I've had great experiences with XPS systems, especially the top models; they tend to be built well and are fully upgradeable. Everything in the 730x you can upgrade, uncluding the mobo. I plan on purchasing an additional GTX 280 to run in SLI, as well as purchase an additional HD for cheap, to store movies and music on, as the Velociraptor drive is going to run OS and applications only.

EDIT: Here is a link to a guy that reviewed it. I did a fair bit of research before, and his review leaves him pretty satisfied http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1033677886

[Cliche]

The WD 640GB's have apparently the same throughput as the 10k RPM drives due to bit-density.

Unsure about the Dell system, however, with both the NCIX and the MemEx systems, it'll be a snap to relplace the video cards (what I wound up replacing every 2 years or so in my system) I'm unsure about what junk they include with Dell, but the No OS MemEx and NCIX ones are fine for loading vista-64.

Really, the big thing is whether you want that 4870X2 in there or not. And while that card is pretty much ~the~ fastest single/double slot card, there's always something faster next year.

Also one other thing to note is that the computer quoted from Memory Express is a special order, so it would need to be built anyways. And really the cost savings may not be that much greater than just parting out a system and doing it yourself.

[Esoteric]

Edited: Dell sucks, never buy PC's from Dell. Glad I cancelled before they shipped.

[dobbles]

Originally Posted by PsYcNeT

Odd, she chose 8800 (GeForce gaming cards) over a Quadro set. What was her reasoning for it?

not actually sure. could have been apple that suggested it or IT.

[LChoy]

Thanks for the help CP
I ended up getting an NCIX build
http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm...2AC579-2271663
Didn't trick it out a lot since I figure I can get some other stuff for it later

[Esoteric]

Originally Posted by Lchoy

Thanks for the help CP
I ended up getting an NCIX build
http://pc.ncix.com/ncixpc/ncixpc.cfm...2AC579-2271663
Didn't trick it out a lot since I figure I can get some other stuff for it later

Be wary when upgrading in the Future, especially with graphics cards. A 750W PSU probably won't be able to handle any sort of SLI configuration.

Did you get an OS with that? When you get one, make sure it's the 64-bit, as the 32-bit setup won't read the 6 gb of ram you purchased.

But you're system looks solid, you shouldn't have to upgrade anything for a while.