Killer Gaming System

cyberrico · 05-24-2003, 04:59 PM

A buddy of mine called me this morning asking my opinion of a system he wanted to buy.

The toss up is going with an Alienware configuration or building one from scratch. Personally, I build all of my systems.

He's looking at a high end P4 with a gig of RAM, blah blah blah. Alien wants $2700 for it. He also went on pricewatch and not including case, fans and cables he could build it for $1000 less. Now the alien case is about $140 retail their killer cooling system us about $150 and they offer a 3 year on site warranty which is probably a lot better than Dell and Gateway.

I'd like to hear your opinions on building vs. turnkey. Obviously, the majority here is going for the do it yourself approach. My friend isn't an idiot when it comes to computers, but he calls me to save his butt on a semi-regular basis about more technical stuff.

Also, if you absolutely had to buy a gaming system, which company would you use?

Thanks in advance.

rastagard · 05-24-2003, 07:49 PM

I'd love to know where to get one of those cool Alien cases. Or is this a different case?

My opinion on the question you asked is if he can afford the Alienware box and isn't necessarily up to the task of building a computer and maintaing his own tech support, he should go turnkey. I really don't believe build-yer-own is for everyone.

I bought my Dell 5 years ago and the tech-support was excellent. I had to rely on them for just about everything in the beginning. Not only technical assistence but replacement of components as well.

My next computer will be self-built, but I feel I am ready for that at this stage. I think some people may never be, while others would not buy a manufactured box in a million years. The security that comes from a good manufacturer is probably well worth the added expense to many people.

I think Alienware (from what I have read) is one of the top computer manufacturers today. He could do worse.

orb36O · 05-24-2003, 10:05 PM

I build my systems myself. but I'm looking into a laptop... most likely an alienware area 51 with all the options

**jrwap** · 05-26-2003, 12:46 AM

There are a couple of reasons to pay more for a system from Alienware or Falcon Northwest.

First, you get a warranty even on overclocked parts which is very nice. Most of those type companies have great tech support... hey you are paying an arm and a leg for it.

Second, most companies create their own set of drivers for componenets like video cards and motherboards which can lead to even more performance.

Basically, you are getting a super fast PC that has been 110% tested and broken in... just waiting for you to get gaming right away.

Of course all this comes at a cost... a usually high cost. I built me last two systems and saved alot of money. I have purchased a complete system from a gaming PC vender and had a great experience.

Check out MonsterBoxPc.com ....

Good luck,

-JRw

Cirga · 05-27-2003, 09:54 AM

Another option for a case.. would be one of the Chieftec Dragon cases. You can get them at a great price from www.jab-tech.com.

I am going to be building my next PC this week.. all the parts are on their way.. cant wait to dig in and get it up and running

And the chieftec case you can even get with a side window.. in case you ever wanted to mod your PC at all.

They look pretty sweet for a good price

05-24-2003, 04:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
cyberrico Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 327	Killer Gaming System A buddy of mine called me this morning asking my opinion of a system he wanted to buy. The toss up is going with an Alienware configuration or building one from scratch. Personally, I build all of my systems. He's looking at a high end P4 with a gig of RAM, blah blah blah. Alien wants $2700 for it. He also went on pricewatch and not including case, fans and cables he could build it for $1000 less. Now the alien case is about $140 retail their killer cooling system us about $150 and they offer a 3 year on site warranty which is probably a lot better than Dell and Gateway. I'd like to hear your opinions on building vs. turnkey. Obviously, the majority here is going for the do it yourself approach. My friend isn't an idiot when it comes to computers, but he calls me to save his butt on a semi-regular basis about more technical stuff. Also, if you absolutely had to buy a gaming system, which company would you use? Thanks in advance.

05-24-2003, 10:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
orb36O x4841434B4552 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Strongbadia Posts: 254	I build my systems myself. but I'm looking into a laptop... most likely an alienware area 51 with all the options __________________ -----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK----- Version: 3.12 GCS d- s+:-- a--- C++++ UL++ P+ L++ E W++ N-- o-- K- w++ O- M-- V- PS-- PE++ Y PGP t+ 5- X- R !tv b++ DI+++ D+ G e h !r z? ------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------ Decode Here Used to have a sig, but the friggin' sites don't allow remote linking...

05-27-2003, 09:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
Cirga Lurking AdMiN Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: In my own little world. Buts its ok. They know me here. Posts: 3,245	Another option for a case.. would be one of the Chieftec Dragon cases. You can get them at a great price from www.jab-tech.com. I am going to be building my next PC this week.. all the parts are on their way.. cant wait to dig in and get it up and running And the chieftec case you can even get with a side window.. in case you ever wanted to mod your PC at all. They look pretty sweet for a good price __________________ Vote For Us! -- It will get you hot chicks. No really It will! ---- www.myTego.com - Give your devices a face! Dont be a conformist!

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05-24-2003, 07:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
rastagard Humble Idiot Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 2,271	I'd love to know where to get one of those cool Alien cases. Or is this a different case? My opinion on the question you asked is if he can afford the Alienware box and isn't necessarily up to the task of building a computer and maintaing his own tech support, he should go turnkey. I really don't believe build-yer-own is for everyone. I bought my Dell 5 years ago and the tech-support was excellent. I had to rely on them for just about everything in the beginning. Not only technical assistence but replacement of components as well. My next computer will be self-built, but I feel I am ready for that at this stage. I think some people may never be, while others would not buy a manufactured box in a million years. The security that comes from a good manufacturer is probably well worth the added expense to many people. I think Alienware (from what I have read) is one of the top computer manufacturers today. He could do worse.

05-26-2003, 12:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
jrwap Admin Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Gorham Me Posts: 243	There are a couple of reasons to pay more for a system from Alienware or Falcon Northwest. First, you get a warranty even on overclocked parts which is very nice. Most of those type companies have great tech support... hey you are paying an arm and a leg for it. Second, most companies create their own set of drivers for componenets like video cards and motherboards which can lead to even more performance. Basically, you are getting a super fast PC that has been 110% tested and broken in... just waiting for you to get gaming right away. Of course all this comes at a cost... a usually high cost. I built me last two systems and saved alot of money. I have purchased a complete system from a gaming PC vender and had a great experience. Check out MonsterBoxPc.com .... Good luck, -JRw