Purchasing New Computer - Which one do I choose?

M

MassMoron

New Member
Hi guys, this is my first post and I'd like to get some input on which computer to get. I've been looking at two computers for more of a gaming purpose so I was looking between a Dell XPS 630 or an Alienware Aurora.

I know Alienwares are generally better in terms of the gaming aspect but I'd like to get some opinions!

To start.. the Dell Specs Are...

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™2 E8500 (6MB,3.16 GHz, 1333FSB)
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
MEMORY 2GB Corsair Dominator DDR2 SDRAM 800MHz-2 DIMMs
HARD DRIVE 500GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
SOUND CARD Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ XtremeGamer (D) Sound Card
GRAPHICS CARD Dual nVidia GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
OPTICAL DRIVE Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability edit

The Alienware...

PROCESSOR AMD® Athlon™ X2 6400+ 3.2GHz Dual Core 2 x 1MB L2 Cache
Power Supply Alienware® 750 Watt Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
Memory 3GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 2 x 1024MB + 2 x 512MB
Video Card 512MB ATI® Radeon™ HD 3870
Motherboard Alienware® Approved Asus AMD® 790FX Motherboard
Includes PCI-Express 2.0, ASUS BIOS Overclocking Utility, and Support for AMD Phenom Quad-Core Processors
Operating System Windows Vista® Home Premium – DirectX 10 Ready!
Hard Drive 250GB SATA 3Gb/s 7,200RPM 16MB Cache
Optical Drive 20X Dual-Layer Burner (DVD±RW)
Sound Card High-Definition 7.1 Performance Audio - Standard

Also Added: Liquid Cooling

Edit: I looked into a one model higher for the Alienware and it works out to like an additional 200-300, but can maybe work the price down a bit... Heres the new system...

Processor Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E8500 3.16GHz 6MB Cache 1333MHz FSB
Power Supply Same as the other
Video Card Dual 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GT – SLI Enabled
Memory 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 x 1024MB
Hard Drive 250GB SATA 3Gb/s 7,200RPM 16MB Cache
Optical Drive 20X Dual-Layer Burner (DVD±RW)
Sound Card High-Definition 7.1 Performance Audio

Also added liquid cooling... but would it be necessary to have it? Because if I don't need it then it'll be $200 less, also, is one 512 GeForce 8800 GT fairly good enough or is dual absolutely necessary for games in the future? If I only need one I can save another $300





I know the comparisons are a little off but thats basically how each of the systems were broken down on each of the sites.

Both systems end up around the same price of $2200 after tax so I'd like some of your opinions now! Also if anyone has suggestions on parts to switch around feel free to say so!

Thanks for your time!
 
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the Dell specs are better for gaming, but dell urgh, alienware is the better company but the gfx card aint so good
 
No intent on building it yourself?? What are the prices for those 2 machines.

I personally have the AMD 6400+ with 8800GT and 2GB (2x1) of Corsair XMS2 and everything is smooth and wonderful.

Edit: I thought building one would be hard but it's really quite simple. It's everything after building it that took the most time. But it definitely saves a lot of money.
 
How much does each system cost? If you feel up to it you can build your own PC with similar or better specs for a lot cheaper than buying a pre-built.
 
They're both $2200 after tax so thats why its a bit harder for me to decide. I am a little nervous about building the computer myself though I am aware that it would be less costly.

I'll consider building it myself as another alternative but from so far the Dell is likely the better one?

Edit: I added a third system and the price is coming close, its $2400 after taxes for now
 
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yea defently less costly like $800 less to build the same computers there i would defently build it is not as hard as it seems i buit my first computer when i was 9 an i had never been in a computer befor an it worked great, i guees it is just logic everything only fits in ont spot if u want to build let us know an what your budget will be
 
E8500 is better than 6400+ for gaming

8800GT is faster than HD3870

So, the dell computer is overall better for gaming
 
I think you should build it yourself, it save a lot. Or go for custom-build like avadirect/ ibuypower/ cyberpowerpc

Also I think Garethman!! mention in his computer sales post that he is now building some PC and sell in ebay. You could PM him and see if he can put something together for you within your budget.

Edit: I think this is a better value machine than dell/Alienware
 
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