Build My own... or go with an Alienware????

[ChuckFerrera]

So I have been looking at some Alienware desktops the past few days and comparing them to the suggested computer builds on this forum.

Here is what I came up with for the Alienware but added 6GB RAM which made it about $750:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellst...s&vw=icon&leadtime=6/1/2012&showleadtime=True

Comparing that to the computer specs in the same price range I found this:

Foxconn P9657AA-8EKRS2H [i965P, ICH8R] ($92.99)
NEC 7170A-0B ($30.99)
Samsung SpinPoint T-Series HD403LJ (400GB, 7200, 16MB, SATA3.0, NCQ) ($99.99)
Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB PC2-6400 [2x1GB, [email protected]] ($139.99 after $50.00 MIR)
Antec Sonata II + 450W [12V@15+17] ($69.99)
JetWay X19PR-ED-256M Radeon X1950Pro 256MB ($144.99 after $15.00 MIR)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 [Conroe 2M, 2.16, 2MB, 1066, BX8057E6400] ($218.00)
$796.94
The extra allocation allows for a minor upgrade on the videocard but more importantly balances out the motherboard, CPU and storage options.


Any thoughts? I'm having a hard time deciding. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[wolfeking]

I do not see what you are doing there. If you are buying now, go for a modern system. Not a 965/ich8 system.

And just for a tip, for $5 more you can go for http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121419 and sink the x1950 in its tracks.
going to a i5-2500k will net about the same cost, its $220.
you can get a Seagate 1TB for $99 also. Storage is your choice though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220561 less than 1/2 of what you choose, and 4x the memory.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157304 about the same price, just a bit better and current.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017 worth the extra for 150 more watts and modular.

 

[johnb35]

Alienware is overpriced for the performance you get out of it. You can get much better system for about the same amount of money.