Is this a good deal?

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Finner

hmm...good call. So get the video card and a power supply and spend an extra 350....

Now your up to $1400.00

Seriously. check locally before you pull the trigger.

[PsYcNeT]

Unfortunately with the checksum dealie in the i7 chips, ram is tri-channel now, and no longer dual (which explains the 6 GB of DDR3).

To be honest though, T@T is right, 3 GB would be more than enough for anyone thats not a hardcore gamer (and even then should be sufficient). Unless you plan to do 3D modeling (ha! not with that video card) or video/audio rendering, 6 GB is major overkill.

A 360 watt PSU is awful.

You forgot to mention shipping costs.

And really, who the hell pays for Vista? The manufacturer gets it at OEM price and marks up your desktop. You are screwing yourself buying prebuilt just for this reason alone.

Honestly, build your own. They are giving you things you dont need (6 GB of ram, vista, works) and stuff that sucks (360 watt psu, lousy case).

Not to mention all prebuilts have a locked BIOS and theres no way you could ever modify/overclock/overvolt the thing.

You would essentially be limiting the power of the PC.

PS NCIX has awful pricing.

EDIT: As an addenum, the i7 chips arent all they're cracked up to be. They are costly, and you MUST use a never mobo, and MUST use DDR3

You could save literally 250$ by getting a q9450 (close in benchmarking to low end i7), 4 GB of DDR2 (> 100$ for pc-800 or >$150 for pc-1066), and a nice 775 based motherboard.

Really, theres no reason to buy an i7 for at least 6 months or more.

[Finner]

Whats a good site to buy a prebuilt PC that i don't have to put together then?

Is something like this: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...22849(ME).aspx really that much of a better deal?

[PsYcNeT]

Originally Posted by Finner

Whats a good site to buy a prebuilt PC that i don't have to put together then?

Is something like this: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...22849(ME).aspx really that much of a better deal?

Yes and no.

Yes because it would push much better scores in game benchmarks

No because it would be worse in CPU marks.

The e8400 is a great little chip (overlclockable to upwards of 4 Ghz with the right ram/cooler) but not comparable to an i7.

The ram on that memex build is pretty shoddy I must admit. (pc-5300? bleh).

Do you not have any friends to build a unit for you?

To be honest, building is my hobby. If you were inclined to buy the parts and get them to me, I would build it for you. No charge...I just love tinkering with certain products.

You must remember, what is the primary reason you want this computer?

Applications (Photoshop, Protools, Illustrator, 3DSMax etc.)

Games (pretty self explanatory)

or just General Use (some gaming, some apps, but mostly browsing, music, movies)?

These are all big factors on what kind of rig you need and what you should build.

[Bobblehead]

While I agree with pretty much everything you said PsYcNeT (other than railing on the PSU - if it is a good brand then that may be just fine for what is in that box), if a user isn't going to be looking to OC or adding a bunch of stuff then quite often a Dell box is just fine for them.

In Finner's case, the only thing that would make me question his Dell selection is the, "I'm the type that buys a new low end 50-100 video card every year anyways just so i can keep running new games at the medium setting" part. If one of those new cards needs dual power lines or is a different form factor then the PSU/MOBO/case layout may be an issue. And really, the limitiation on this box will be the video card - you won't be CPU or memory limited for this box.

[PsYcNeT]

It's true that not everyone is going to be overvolting or up clocking or going SLI or whatever, but most prebuilts (gateways, acers, dells, HPs etc) use proprietary motherboards which are insanely limiting for any upgrade factor out there.

As well, god forbid you ever want to do something simple like put in a second harddrive, I've had to duct tape the things to case walls because certain models only have one drive bay!

Building your own is always cheaper, and ensures a sense that you are in fact 'future-ready', rather than 'send back to manufacturer' ready.

And really, a 360 watt PSU is about the bare minimum that system could handle. If he updgraded anything (RAM, videocard, CPU) he would have to blow another 80 bucks on a better psu.

[Bobblehead]

Meh, with what is already there I'm sure it could handle more ram and another HD. I'd be willing to bet that that box, as specced, wouldn't draw more than 240. I've opened up a few Dells and they have always been decently built (the older better than the newer, but I haven't looked inside on in the last couple years), but I have seen a couple nightmare HP.

And by getting it from Dell, you can usually be pretty sure to get the drivers from them.

And yeah, their motherboards are always proprietary, so if looking to be trying out a video capture card and additional audio card, and x2 variant of a video card, and setting up a raid, this box (probably) won't do it.

I'd be 80% sure this box would fit Finner's needs.
If you specced out something it would probably be 100% sure to fit Finner's needs for a similar price.
But if something goes wrong in 6 months, is Finner savvy enough to fix it himself? He has an option with the Dell to call their support (and probably speak to a nice person in India, but regardless, it is available).

Hey, I'm looking at building myself a new system. But if a person comes on here asking about a pre-made system then they are probably the right person to be looking for a pre-made system. People who know when/how to update specific components probably won't be asking about a Dell/HP/Lenovo.

[Finner]

In terms of what I'm looking for in a computer is just a relatively powerful computer that my girlfriend can play sims 3 on, and that I can play around with blender on. I want it to be able to run games (except for video card) relatively well for 5 years. I often run multiple applications (media player, itunes, several internet browsers, azureus, etc.) at the same time.

I could probably build it myself as I took A+ several years ago, but i like the security of buying something that I know has been tested and will work out of the box without driver issues or anything. I'm not interested in overclocking the new one, though my current desktop i might play around with once i buy a new one, just to learn how to do it. (It has a P4 3.0).

In terms of the power supply as mentioned earlier in the thread, if I upgrade the video card to the 512 mb Radeon HD , i believe it must come with a better PS as it is reccomended at least 400 (i think) as well as the price increase on dell must include a power supply or they are ripping me off big time.

[PsYcNeT]

Well you're obviously aware of the advantages/disadvantages of pre-builts, so I'd say your decision on the matter will likely be the best one.

I'm just inclined to push people away from prebuilts because of the upgrade and overclocking factors.

To me, a $1000 prebuilt runs at a theoretical 100% performance. A similarily priced custom build runs at about 115%.

However, once overclocked the right way (and at a truly stable level, none of this burn out in 3 months crap) that custom runs at 140%+.

That's what I call getting my money's worth.

[Finner]

hmmmm. options, options. The dell has free shipping on right now. I'm tempted to go to mem express and see what they can do but i'm worried about missing the free shipping.

Would you guys recommend the better video card (and better power supply) for an extra 350 if I did do the dell?

[Vulcan]

I know NCIX will build a computer to your specs and test it. Just pick out your parts from the sales page and then add the build options afterwards. They charged me $25 a year and a half ago and it was guaranteed for a year. Memory Express should do the same and you won't have to worry about shipping.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Finner

Whats a good site to buy a prebuilt PC that i don't have to put together then?

Is something like this: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Product...22849(ME).aspx really that much of a better deal?

Finner, as i mentioned before..don't go off their site for prices as they aren't updated enough. do yourself a favor and go into one of their stores and look around.
I'll almost bet you'll walk out happy.

[Vulcan]

You know the more I think about this Dell build, the less I like it. It's got the latest i7 processor but from what I've heard only the overclockers will be wanting to spend the money on this processor. This Dell is really unbalanced with it's poor stock video card and it's poor ability to be upgraded with it's limited PSU and case.

I'd look for something more balanced with a decent PSU, decent processor, and decent video card but if you really want that processor, go for broke with a system like this for $1699.99 plus an OS. It includes the assembly and testing.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...s&promoid=1048

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Finner

hmmmm. options, options. The dell has free shipping on right now. I'm tempted to go to mem express and see what they can do but i'm worried about missing the free shipping.

I have never paid for shipping from Dell, nor am I aware of anybody who has either. However their "free shipping" always seems to show an expiry date.

Spend the time if you want to explore your options. Dell will always be there to take your money.

[Finner]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

You know the more I think about this Dell build, the less I like it. It's got the latest i7 processor but from what I've heard only the overclockers will be wanting to spend the money on this processor. This Dell is really unbalanced with it's poor stock video card and it's poor ability to be upgraded with it's limited PSU and case.

I'd look for something more balanced with a decent PSU, decent processor, and decent video card but if you really want that processor, go for broke with a system like this for $1699.99 plus an OS. It includes the assembly and testing.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=35684&vpn=NCIXPC%2DV6200&manufacture =Bundle%20Deals&promoid=1048

Would someone be able to build me a PC on NCIX that would fall into something less then say 1200 that would fit my needs? I don't really care what type of processor. I just don't know enough about either processors, motherboards or types of ram to know what to pick?

Is NCIX a good site to order from?

[Finner]

For example would this be a better all round computer then the dell?

Entra XFire P4700 (Q2904154) YesQ2904154 $1,343.79$1,343.79 1 x PC ASSEMBLY AND TESTING (PRE-CONFIG OS IF PURCHASED)
1 x AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core Processor Socket AM2 2.2GHZ 4MB Cache 95W Retail Box
1 x Please Use The Heatsink Included with My CPU -NOT Available with OEM Processors
1 x Gigabyte MA790X-DS4 ATX AM2+ AMD790X CrossFire 2PCI-E16 2PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN 1394 M *IR-$10.00*
2 x Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5 4GB DDR2 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN Memory Kit
1 x Radeon HD 4850 OEM 625MHZ 512MB GDDR3 1.986GHZ PCI-E Dual DVI-I *Systems Only - 1YR NCIX Warranty*
The 3rd party brand name for this product may vary
1 x Antec Twelve Hundred Mid Tower Gamer Case 1200 ATX 12 Drive Bay No PS Top USB2.0 1394 Audio eSATA
1 x Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan
1 x Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64BIT DVD OEM
1 x Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB Hard Drive OEM 3YR MFR Warranty
1 x Samsung SH-S223F/BEBS 22X Speed Plus Black SATA DVD Writer OEM
1 x Logitech SBF-90 Black Optical Wheel Mouse USB OEM
1 x Logitech Classic Keyboard 200 Spill Resistant USB Black Keyboard
1 x Please Use The Onboard Sound Card Integrated On My Motherboard
1 x Please Use The Network Card Integrated On My Motherboard


Also does that say i get 4 gb of ram or 8 gb? And is it a good deal?

[dobbles]

just a question more than anything as i have not followed hardware since i built my computer back in the spring...

whats the big deal with these i7's? why not get something like a q6600? isn't that a lot less expensive and still a perfectly capable cpu? then you aren't as limited in mobo and ram decisions right?

i mean if sims 3 is the main thing its going to be doing, (aside from normal stuff) why push the envelope so much? am i missing something? it just seems like its an awful lot to spend on a machine thats not going to be a dedicated gaming rig or photo/audio/video editing machine.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Finner

For example would this be a better all round computer then the dell?

Entra XFire P4700 (Q2904154) YesQ2904154 $1,343.79$1,343.79 1 x PC ASSEMBLY AND TESTING (PRE-CONFIG OS IF PURCHASED)
1 x AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core Processor Socket AM2 2.2GHZ 4MB Cache 95W Retail Box
1 x Please Use The Heatsink Included with My CPU -NOT Available with OEM Processors
1 x Gigabyte MA790X-DS4 ATX AM2+ AMD790X CrossFire 2PCI-E16 2PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN 1394 M *IR-$10.00*
2 x Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5 4GB DDR2 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN Memory Kit
1 x Radeon HD 4850 OEM 625MHZ 512MB GDDR3 1.986GHZ PCI-E Dual DVI-I *Systems Only - 1YR NCIX Warranty*
The 3rd party brand name for this product may vary
1 x Antec Twelve Hundred Mid Tower Gamer Case 1200 ATX 12 Drive Bay No PS Top USB2.0 1394 Audio eSATA
1 x Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan
1 x Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64BIT DVD OEM
1 x Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB Hard Drive OEM 3YR MFR Warranty
1 x Samsung SH-S223F/BEBS 22X Speed Plus Black SATA DVD Writer OEM
1 x Logitech SBF-90 Black Optical Wheel Mouse USB OEM
1 x Logitech Classic Keyboard 200 Spill Resistant USB Black Keyboard
1 x Please Use The Onboard Sound Card Integrated On My Motherboard
1 x Please Use The Network Card Integrated On My Motherboard


Also does that say i get 4 gb of ram or 8 gb? And is it a good deal?

That's looks alright, that's the case I have and I love it..very quiet and keeps everything very cool.

I'm not a big fan of AMD's but I here they are good nowdays and I personally stay away from western digital HD's because I had 2 croak on me...I would add the $83 and go with the seagate.
I'm also a big fan of the Asus family of motherboards and a good one is only about $150.00.

Oh, and yeah you pick 8 gigs of ram

[Finner]

Originally Posted by dobbles

just a question more than anything as i have not followed hardware since i built my computer back in the spring...

whats the big deal with these i7's? why not get something like a q6600? isn't that a lot less expensive and still a perfectly capable cpu? then you aren't as limited in mobo and ram decisions right?

i mean if sims 3 is the main thing its going to be doing, (aside from normal stuff) why push the envelope so much? am i missing something? it just seems like its an awful lot to spend on a machine thats not going to be a dedicated gaming rig or photo/audio/video editing machine.

Sims 3 is for my gf . I actually am somewhat computer savvy, and would be doing gaming, as well as some video conversion, and perhaps some 3d modeling. Nothing exclusively but i want anything and everything to work, and work well.

[Finner]

Originally Posted by T@T

That's looks alright, that's the case I have and I love it..very quiet and keeps everything very cool.

I'm not a big fan of AMD's but I here they are good nowdays and I personally stay away from western digital HD's because I had 2 croak on me...I would add the $83 and go with the seagate.
I'm also a big fan of the Asus family of motherboards and a good one is only about $150.00.

Oh, and yeah you pick 8 gigs of ram

Would you pick that over the dell for $1400? What would you build on NCIX if you were me? Thanks for all the help BTW. It is much appreciated.

Edit: What do you think of this one?

Vesta Gamer Z2400 (Q2904190) Yes Q2904190 $1,242.87 $1,242.87
1 x PC ASSEMBLY AND TESTING (PRE-CONFIG OS IF PURCHASED)
1 x Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 Quad Core Processor LGA775 2.66GHZ Yorkfield 1333FSB 6MB Retail Box
1 x Please Use The Heatsink Included with My CPU -NOT Available with OEM Processors
1 x ASUS P5QL Pro ATX LGA775 P43 DDR2 1PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN Motherboard
1 x Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X4096-6400C5 4GB DDR2 2X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN Memory Kit
1 x Radeon HD 4850 OEM 625MHZ 512MB GDDR3 1.986GHZ PCI-E Dual DVI-I *Systems Only - 1YR NCIX Warranty*
The 3rd party brand name for this product may vary
1 x Compucase 6C28B ATX Case Black 4X5.25 2X3.5 4X.3.5INT W/ Front USB & Audio No PS
1 x Corsair TX650W 650W ATX 12V 52A 24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan
1 x Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64BIT DVD OEM
1 x Microsoft Office Ready 2007 SP1 60 Day Trial - Free with New NCIX or Nx Fusion PC Purchase
1 x Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 3.5IN 500GB SATA2 8.5MS 7200RPM 32MB Cache NCQ Hard Drive
1 x Samsung SH-S223F/BEBS 22X Speed Plus Black SATA DVD Writer OEM
1 x Please Use The Onboard Sound Card Integrated On My Motherboard
1 x Please Use The Network Card Integrated On My Motherboard


This one better then the dell for the price?