HP vs Custom PC Builder

H

hood

New Member
hey everyone!
Im not too knowledgeable about all of the computer specs and hardware performance. So i was wondering if someone here could help me identify the better computer system. The first list of specs is from hp.com and the second list of specs is from an experienced computer builder. I know that HP jsut mass produces their computer, but it seems like i can get more for cheaper. As for the computer builder, he says that his computer is better built with better parts and charges around 200$ extra.

My main use for this computer will be using Adobe programs and especially after effects and premier pro. So i will be doing a lot of video editing. Every once in a while i play a game.

Specs from HP.com:
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9550 (2.83GHz)
8GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM (4x2048)
1GB NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT, 2 DVI, HDMI adapter
Hard drive 500GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive edit
Primary CD/DVD drive LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports edit
PRICE: 1900$


Specs from custom builder:
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Overclocked to 3.6GHz, 12MB L2 cache
CPU Cooler: Tuniq Tower 120
Motherboard: ASUS P5Q Deluxe <click here> for specs
Memory: 8GB OCZ Reaper HTC DDR2 800 low latency
Video Card: ATI HD4870 with 512MB GDDR5 PCI-E 2.0 (speed is between
the GeForce GTX 260 and 280, and sometimes it beats them both)
Sound Card: ASUS Supreme FX 7.1HD Onboard
DVD Burner: LiteOn 20X DVD Burner with LightScribe Tech
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 750GB with 32MB L2 cache, SATA 3.0
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider 750Watt power supply
Case: Lian-Li V1000 Plus (I've included a picture with it)
Windows OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 64bit - SP1
PRICE: 2200$

I simply just dont know how to compare these two... Hp.com offers a 1GB card, but the custom builder says his gfx card is better.
These performance differences make it hard to distinguish the better computer.

If possible, please tell me the biggest differences between these comps. (pros/cons)
Thank you in advance for the help.
-Leon
 
Last edited:
the custom built computer has a better graphics card and in all likelihook a better motherboard and power supply (bc those things are not listed for the HP), and it has a better hard drive. the only thing better about the HP is the CPU, and its barely better at all, especially since with the custom computer you can overclock the 9450 higher than the stock 9550 anyway.

the custom computer goes for about $1700 with a little shopping if you ordered the part from the internet and built it yourself. if the extra money is worth having somehody else do it for you, then go for it. but the custom computer is definitely a better gaming computer, by a lot.

also, you definitely do NOT need 8gb of RAM. 4Gb is plenty.

edit: i didnt read the part about video editing before. the custom computer is a far superior video editing computer because the 4870 is a much more powerful video card than the 9600GT. also, with video editing, i guess it couldnt hurt to have 8gb of RAM, although i dont think you will use it all
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top