To Build or To Buy? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

MageB420666 · 07-14-2006, 11:46 AM

I'm in need of a new computer because my laptop has finally crapped out. I'm going with a desktop this time because I really have no need for a laptop and I am on a budget. So far I've surfed newegg.com and come up with everything I need to build my own computer(I hope), and I've gone to dell and created a comp there for roughly the same price.

So basically, am I being a complete idiot with what I've come up with as a build-your-own? Am I going to get any better performance graphics wise from building it my self, or am I better off going with dell and saving myself some time and effort.
All I really need the computer to do is surf the web, play Guild Wars and various other games, and play movies. And I'm not a huge gamer either, I was playing GW on my laptop with a 32mb Radeon 7500(which is probably why its crapped out)

The Build it:
Case: Apex PC-115
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro SLI 939 socket
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice
Memory: Corsair XMS 512 (x2 for 1GB)
Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 80 GB
Video Card: ATI Radeon X1300 pro 256 mb
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster SB0570
Power Supply: Antec Smartpower 2.0 Sp-500
Monitor: Samsung 940b
Misc: Keyboard: Rosewill RKM810SLV
Disc Drive: Sony DDU1615

The Dell:
2.8 GHz Processor (Pentium D)
Windows XP Media Center
Nvidia Gforce 7300LE Turbo Cache 256 Mb
1GB DDR2 SDRAM
250 GB Harddrive @ 7200 rpm
16x DVD Burner
19” Ultrasharp Monitor 1907FP Flat Panel
7.1 Audio
Keyboard and Mouse

Thanks for any advise.

cj2112 · 07-14-2006, 12:09 PM

Build it...I would suspect that the dell you're looking at has onboard video (thereby sharing memory), and that the ability to upgrade is going to be limited at best. Also the Dell is going to come loaded with a ton of crap you don't need, or want. There are some advantages to buying a Dell, and that is warranty, and tech support. If something goes wrong, they have to figure it out not you. If the advantages of building aren't important to you, then you're better off buying Dell.

MageB420666 · 07-14-2006, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj2112

I would suspect that the dell you're looking at has onboard video (thereby sharing memory), and that the ability to upgrade is going to be limited at best.

I would hope that the Dell wouldn't use shared memory or an integrated video card. That's one of the main reasons that I'm wanting to get a desktop this time around, I wasn't able to upgrade the video on my laptop at all.

Jinn · 07-14-2006, 01:52 PM

You can buy a computer from a huge manufacturer that is just as fast and just as powerful as any machine you can build yourself. The only reason to go for a home-built one is PRICE.

When you buy a Dell, or an HP, or an Alienware -- you're paying for assembly. You're paying for the wages of the Tech Support people that you can call when there's trouble. You're paying for the warranty on your parts, or whatever. And you're paying for the software that they pre-install.

If you build your own PC (and I recommend it, and only do it) you have to remember that you are taking a risk. All the parts that you buy individually may or may not be compatible. Furthermore, if they break, you're likely on your own. No warranties. You might be able to RMA it, but I wouldn't count on it. Furthermore, any software that you need.. like Windows.. you're going to have to buy or ..borrow.

It's cheaper, but it's riskier.

Of the two boxes you have listed, I personally wouldn't go with the Dell. It sucks, and the machine you've laid out is much better.

The Build it:
Case: Apex PC-115
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro SLI 939 socket
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice nice chip
Memory: Corsair XMS 512 (x2 for 1GB) GOOD memory
Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 80 GB
Video Card: ATI Radeon X1300 pro 256 mb decent
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster SB0570
Power Supply: Antec Smartpower 2.0 Sp-500
Monitor: Samsung 940b Cost:
Misc: Keyboard: Rosewill RKM810SLV
Disc Drive: Sony DDU1615

The Dell:
2.8 GHz Processor (Pentium D)
Windows XP Media Center do you really need to pay for MCE?
Nvidia Gforce 7300LE Turbo Cache 256 Mb There's a reason it's called the LE - the Light Edition it's a 60 dollar card and it won't be good in another 6 months..
1GB DDR2 SDRAM
250 GB Harddrive @ 7200 rpm
16x DVD Burner
19” Ultrasharp Monitor 1907FP Flat Panel
7.1 Audio
Keyboard and Mouse

Jack1.0 · 07-14-2006, 03:35 PM

I have built every computer that I have owned for the past 15 years or so, however I don't recommend this to anyone but a hardcore geek. You will spend a significant amount of time researching and gathering the parts. Once you have all the parts together you will spend even more time building and testing the system. If you are lucky, none of the parts will need to be returned. Troubleshooting and isolating a defective part can be a major pain. I still do it because I actually enjoy tinkering with the parts, testing, benchmarking, tweaking, testing, etc. It is getting to the point for me though that it is no longer worth the cost of my time to accomplish it all. If you have plenty of time and not so much money then building can definitely save you bucks. If like me though your personal time comes at a premium and you value your free time more than you do what's in your bank account, give serious consideration to buying. There is a great sense of freedom in knowing that the parts have all been tested together and that if anything is broken that you can just send it back. Sometimes the savings just isn't worth it.

MageB420666 · 07-14-2006, 03:36 PM

As far as software goes, I already have everything I need, including Windows XP Pro. I do need to find that damn reinstall disc again though, I know I have it somewhere.

If it looks like I'm missing anything from the list I gave, please let me know. I'd like to get this done ASAP..... I need my Guild Wars fix

(I've never built a computer before, but I do know what is what on the inside, right now I just need to get something up and going for the coming school year)

shakran · 07-14-2006, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JinnKai

Furthermore, if they break, you're likely on your own. No warranties.

that's the only quibble I have with your post - - -there IS a warranty on ANYTHING you buy, even if the company claims there isn't one. It's called the Warranty of Merchantability, and it's the law. It basically says that if someone sells you something it has to function the way it is supposed to when you first use it. So if you get a DOA motherboard, even if the company denies it, you can return it under the warranty of merchantibility because the motherboard is supposed to function as a motherboard and not a paperweight

MageB420666 · 07-14-2006, 03:45 PM

Jack: I do have a good bit of spare time right now, and money is somewhat of an issue, I want to get the most that I can out of my money.

I do know that I'm not going to be playing a FPS with 60 frames/s. I'm fine with an average system, I just don't want to buy a whole lot of parts, then find out I can't boot the system because I missed a $5 dollar doohicky. So on that front a dell is fine with me, I just hate the idea of having all that AOL crap and other misc. junk already loaded on there. My laptop was a dell, and it ran fine for 3 years, even though I was really abusing the system. I'm just trying to get all the info I can on building a system before I spend a good bit of money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakran

that's the only quibble I have with your post - - -there IS a warranty on ANYTHING you buy, even if the company claims there isn't one. It's called the Warranty of Merchantability, and it's the law. It basically says that if someone sells you something it has to function the way it is supposed to when you first use it. So if you get a DOA motherboard, even if the company denies it, you can return it under the warranty of merchantibility because the motherboard is supposed to function as a motherboard and not a paperweight

Thats always good to know.

Dilbert1234567 · 07-14-2006, 05:18 PM

does the x1300 have hyper memory or not?

as for the dell, Turbo cache means that there is not as much memory on the card as listed, it uses some from the main system memory.

as for warranties, JinnKai is flat wrong.

Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro SLI 939 socket 3 year warranty
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice 3 year warranty
Corsair XMS 512 (x2 for 1GB) lifetime warranty
Seagate Barracuda 80 GB 5 year warranty
Antec Smartpower 2.0 Sp-500 3 year warranty
Keyboard: Rosewill RKM810SLV 1 year

I could not find the warranty info for the rest, but I know they have them
Case: Apex PC-115
Monitor: Samsung 940b Cost: could not find
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster SB0570
Video Card: ATI Radeon X1300 pro 256 mb
Disc Drive: Sony DDU1615

The CD is probably 1 year, same with the video and sound card, monitor is probably 3 years. Look into the warranty lengths before you buy, I know newegg.com will let you return hardware if it arrives broken.

MageB420666 · 07-14-2006, 06:10 PM

I'm not too worried about the warranties for any individual item, seperatly they're not that large of a cost, its only when they all get lumped together that it gets really expensive.

I think I'm gonna go ahead and try to build it. It'll be a fun experience and make it that much easier to figure things out as I need to do upgrades or repairs.

I just hope that I get everything I need in one go.

cj2112 · 07-14-2006, 06:35 PM

do all the cables you're going to need come w/ the components you're purchasing?

MageB420666 · 07-14-2006, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj2112

do all the cables you're going to need come w/ the components you're purchasing?

Hell if I know, but I guess thats why Radio Shack is still in business.

captobvious · 07-14-2006, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cj2112

do all the cables you're going to need come w/ the components you're purchasing?

From the looks of the setup you're planning to build, you should have all the cables you need, and you'll probably have at least one extra since you're replacing the power supply that comes with the case.

docbungle · 07-14-2006, 11:34 PM

If it's your first time building a pc, the only thing that should give you any problems is wiring the motherboard to the case. The directions can be a bit ambiguous, and sometimes the diagrams just don't match up. Everything else is a piece of cake.

shortynickel · 07-15-2006, 12:06 PM

I didnt see a mouse in that list

seriously tho, you are soo much better off building ur own(if you know how to). most of dell's tech support is from india and most of them suck really badly. as for radio shack, they are still in busines cause they charge an arm and a leg for anything. Tho thats my opinion.

MageB420666 · 07-15-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortynickel

I didnt see a mouse in that list

Check out the Keyboard I chose, it comes with a wireless mouse. Plus, I already have a mouse from my crapped out laptop. So I'm covered all around

soccerchamp76 · 07-15-2006, 02:20 PM

Here is my .02

1) No need for a sound card as your motheboard chosen includes 8-channel Realtek audio.
2) For an extra $20, you can purchase a Western Digital HDD with 160GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136009

crazybobmarley · 07-15-2006, 03:03 PM

If you're going to play games, you don't want a Dell cause they run Intel exclusively.

Saving money isn't the idea here, one of the main drawbacks to using Dell is their prorietary motherboards, and anyone who has done this knows that the motherboard is often the most important part of the system. So you become limited as far as customizing and upgrading in the future.

In fact I think the only worthwhile thing about a Dell is the ingenuity of the cases.

AMD is cheaper and much better for that sort of use, and if you're getting an SLI motherboard why would you go with ATI ? If you don't want to get 2 video cards, [NVIDIA for SLI or ATI for Crossfire], then get a non SLI motherboard and save a bunch of money.

And the wiring isn't the difficult part, it's actually finding individual components that will work together correctly. Drivers and software aren't much of a problem anymore since XP is so friendly to those sorts of things. I would be more then happy to make system recommendations if you wanted to outline your budget.

oberon · 07-15-2006, 04:07 PM

Yeah, I have to agree... you aren't really going to save much $ on building. But you can usually get better parts for the same price. I've built most of my non-laptops myself for about 10 years. I never trusted manufacturers to use quality parts, even if I paid them a lot of money.

Something I forgot to mention... try using a "machine building tool" at a place like http://www.aberdeeninc.com/ to build a machine. Then just buy the parts they use and put it together yourself. That way you don't have any problems with compatibility.

MageB420666 · 07-15-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazybobmarley

AMD is cheaper and much better for that sort of use, and if you're getting an SLI motherboard why would you go with ATI ? If you don't want to get 2 video cards, [NVIDIA for SLI or ATI for Crossfire], then get a non SLI motherboard and save a bunch of money.

Hmm, So THAT'S what that means.....I had no clue what was going on there, Looks like I'm back to newegg to find a new mobo. I want to stick with ATI because thats what I've had in the past and I've gotten great perfomance from them.

So I've done a little searching and found this mobo
Here
As far as I can tell it will go with the CPU, Graphics card, and everything else. And I'm guessing it will allow me to get much better graphics if/when I upgrade the system.

I'm not too concerned about the money since its still under $100.

Well, I've gone ahead and ordered everything except the moniter (I have access to a cheap one to make sure the system works). Good luck to me on getting everything together correctly.

captobvious · 07-16-2006, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oberon

Yeah, I have to agree... you aren't really going to save much $ on building. But you can usually get better parts for the same price. I've built most of my non-laptops myself for about 10 years. I never trusted manufacturers to use quality parts, even if I paid them a lot of money.

Something I forgot to mention... try using a "machine building tool" at a place like http://www.aberdeeninc.com/ to build a machine. Then just buy the parts they use and put it together yourself. That way you don't have any problems with compatibility.

I also agree that you don't really save much money by building your own computer anymore. It's more about getting to choose exactly what you want and knowing exactly what's in your computer.

Anyway, sounds like Mage just has to wait on the parts to arrive now. Good luck putting it together!

Dilbert1234567 · 07-16-2006, 10:33 AM

I know for a fact that dell has used old parts in new systems, plain and simple. my old roommate got a dell and I was checking it out for her, with in a week of her getting it, in the S.M.A.R.T. data on the hard drive, the power on hours were listed at several months, not hours like a new drive that has just been set up should read.

samiam · 07-23-2006, 06:47 AM

I normally have computers built for me since I do not know enough about them to build them myself, but I had an interesting problem with the last one. The insurance company would not insure it unless I provided a complete list of all components including serial numbers. Has anyone else faced this or do I need a new insurnce company along with my next computer?

NotAnAlias · 07-24-2006, 12:32 AM

Build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The experience alone makes it worth it. You will have not only a greater understanding of computers in general, but a greater understanding of yours when things go wrong.

You will regret buying a dell when it comes to upgrading. That and STUPID design flaws in cases, infuriating assembly, insane setups with passive heatsinks to cut cost and reduce component lifetimes. Jesus, stay away from the dells, build it!!!

You're lucky to be able to use newegg, being in NZ, i can only dream of having such a supplier.

AlmoundJoy18 · 07-24-2006, 01:03 PM

Update: I've got the computer built(mostly) and running. It works fine. The only compatability issue was with the mobo and the case. None of the screws that came with the case were long enough. Also, the case didn't have a lowered section for a metal plate on the mobo to sit in.

I've already figured out how I'm going to fix it without replacing the case. I'm just going to take some fish tank air hose and cut it to the right length to support the mobo when I screw it in so that it doesn't get bent when I tighten the screws to secure it in place. Secondly, I'm going to get some longer screws.

But since that issue doesn't prevent me from actually turning the thing ON, I've already got XP loaded on it and it seems to be working fine.

Thanks everyone for the help and advice. It kept me from screwing up when I picked out the components I wanted.

P.S. - Oops, forgot I was on my girlfriends computer...... I forgot to log off of her account.

MageB420666

Dilbert1234567 · 07-24-2006, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmoundJoy18

Update: I've got the computer built(mostly) and running. It works fine. The only compatability issue was with the mobo and the case. None of the screws that came with the case were long enough. Also, the case didn't have a lowered section for a metal plate on the mobo to sit in.

Did you place the raiser into the case before you placed the mother board in? There should be a bunch of small copper colored hex shaped threaded screws that you place in the case and screw the mother board into those screws. Can anyone find a picture to post what I am talking about?

NotAnAlias · 07-24-2006, 08:03 PM

MageB420666 · 07-25-2006, 08:21 AM

OOHHHHHHHHHH.... So THAT'S what those little things were....

The single page of instructions had nothing in there about those. Nothing else mentioned them either. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

kutulu · 07-25-2006, 08:49 AM

Building really isn't that complex. When I built my pc I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Most of the cords only fit into one specific place so it makes it a lot easier. I plugged it all in and it started up with no problems.

One thing I noticed was that your HDD is only 80 GB. Did you get a bigger one because that is pretty small...

MageB420666 · 07-26-2006, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kutulu

One thing I noticed was that your HDD is only 80 GB. Did you get a bigger one because that is pretty small...

Unfortunatly, I went with a 160GB hd...... I say unfortuntly because the damn thing was faulty, it just freezes up at random times. Sometimes the motherboard doesn't even detect that there is a hard drive there, and other times it does. It took me a while to find this out because I didn't run the computer for more than five minutes at a time the first day I got it finished.

captobvious · 07-26-2006, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MageB420666

Unfortunatly, I went with a 160GB hd...... I say unfortuntly because the damn thing was faulty, it just freezes up at random times. Sometimes the motherboard doesn't even detect that there is a hard drive there, and other times it does. It took me a while to find this out because I didn't run the computer for more than five minutes at a time the first day I got it finished.

Have you put the motherboard on the risers yet? If not, then that's probably the cause of your problem, not a faulty hard drive. The risers prevent the motherboard from touching the case, which could cause a short circuit. If you screwed the motherboard directly to the case, then it's likely you were creating a short circuit and potentially damaging the motherboard. It's a common mistake for first timers (myself included).

So if you haven't put the risers in, do it immediately! It's much more important than just having the screws fit. Hopefully, that will fix your hard drive issues.

MageB420666 · 07-30-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captobvious

Have you put the motherboard on the risers yet? If not, then that's probably the cause of your problem, not a faulty hard drive. The risers prevent the motherboard from touching the case, which could cause a short circuit. If you screwed the motherboard directly to the case, then it's likely you were creating a short circuit and potentially damaging the motherboard. It's a common mistake for first timers (myself included).

So if you haven't put the risers in, do it immediately! It's much more important than just having the screws fit. Hopefully, that will fix your hard drive issues.

I put it on the risers the night I read the post about them, before that I just had the mobo sitting in there, but not screwed down.I had figured the shorting issue really early on. I'm pretty sure that its not the mobo because the drive stops working no matter which SATA port I use and when I go into the BIOS system it will recognize my external hd, but it only occasionally finds the internal one. Also, when the comp freezes while doing something, I can unplug the hd SATA connection, then plug it back in and nothing happens, but if I unplug the power for the hd, then plug the power back in, it starts back up and continues the operation until it freezes again (yes i know that unplugging anything with the power on is a really bad idea, but i don't have a spare hd to test with right now).

Right now i'm thinking that the hd is overheating and causing it to cut off(even though the drive is still spinning) because one part of it gets fairly hot and it runs longer if it starts cool.

07-14-2006, 11:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
MageB420666 <Insert wise statement here> Location: Hell if I know	To Build or To Buy? I'm in need of a new computer because my laptop has finally crapped out. I'm going with a desktop this time because I really have no need for a laptop and I am on a budget. So far I've surfed newegg.com and come up with everything I need to build my own computer(I hope), and I've gone to dell and created a comp there for roughly the same price. So basically, am I being a complete idiot with what I've come up with as a build-your-own? Am I going to get any better performance graphics wise from building it my self, or am I better off going with dell and saving myself some time and effort. All I really need the computer to do is surf the web, play Guild Wars and various other games, and play movies. And I'm not a huge gamer either, I was playing GW on my laptop with a 32mb Radeon 7500(which is probably why its crapped out) The Build it: Case: Apex PC-115 Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro SLI 939 socket Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice Memory: Corsair XMS 512 (x2 for 1GB) Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 80 GB Video Card: ATI Radeon X1300 pro 256 mb Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Power Supply: Antec Smartpower 2.0 Sp-500 Monitor: Samsung 940b Misc: Keyboard: Rosewill RKM810SLV Disc Drive: Sony DDU1615 The Dell: 2.8 GHz Processor (Pentium D) Windows XP Media Center Nvidia Gforce 7300LE Turbo Cache 256 Mb 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 250 GB Harddrive @ 7200 rpm 16x DVD Burner 19” Ultrasharp Monitor 1907FP Flat Panel 7.1 Audio Keyboard and Mouse Thanks for any advise. __________________ Apathy: The best outlook this side of I don't give a damn. Last edited by MageB420666; 07-14-2006 at 05:52 PM..

07-14-2006, 01:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	You can buy a computer from a huge manufacturer that is just as fast and just as powerful as any machine you can build yourself. The only reason to go for a home-built one is PRICE. When you buy a Dell, or an HP, or an Alienware -- you're paying for assembly. You're paying for the wages of the Tech Support people that you can call when there's trouble. You're paying for the warranty on your parts, or whatever. And you're paying for the software that they pre-install. If you build your own PC (and I recommend it, and only do it) you have to remember that you are taking a risk. All the parts that you buy individually may or may not be compatible. Furthermore, if they break, you're likely on your own. No warranties. You might be able to RMA it, but I wouldn't count on it. Furthermore, any software that you need.. like Windows.. you're going to have to buy or ..borrow. It's cheaper, but it's riskier. Of the two boxes you have listed, I personally wouldn't go with the Dell. It sucks, and the machine you've laid out is much better. The Build it: Case: Apex PC-115 Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro SLI 939 socket Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice nice chip Memory: Corsair XMS 512 (x2 for 1GB) GOOD memory Hard drive: Seagate Barracuda 80 GB Video Card: ATI Radeon X1300 pro 256 mb *decent* Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Power Supply: Antec Smartpower 2.0 Sp-500 Monitor: Samsung 940b Cost: Misc: Keyboard: Rosewill RKM810SLV Disc Drive: Sony DDU1615 The Dell: 2.8 GHz Processor (Pentium D) Windows XP Media Center do you really need to pay for MCE? Nvidia Gforce 7300LE Turbo Cache 256 Mb There's a reason it's called the LE - the Light Edition it's a 60 dollar card and it won't be good in another 6 months.. 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 250 GB Harddrive @ 7200 rpm 16x DVD Burner 19” Ultrasharp Monitor 1907FP Flat Panel 7.1 Audio Keyboard and Mouse __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel Last edited by Jinn; 07-14-2006 at 01:58 PM..

07-14-2006, 03:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jack1.0 Tilted	Build or Buy I have built every computer that I have owned for the past 15 years or so, however I don't recommend this to anyone but a hardcore geek. You will spend a significant amount of time researching and gathering the parts. Once you have all the parts together you will spend even more time building and testing the system. If you are lucky, none of the parts will need to be returned. Troubleshooting and isolating a defective part can be a major pain. I still do it because I actually enjoy tinkering with the parts, testing, benchmarking, tweaking, testing, etc. It is getting to the point for me though that it is no longer worth the cost of my time to accomplish it all. If you have plenty of time and not so much money then building can definitely save you bucks. If like me though your personal time comes at a premium and you value your free time more than you do what's in your bank account, give serious consideration to buying. There is a great sense of freedom in knowing that the parts have all been tested together and that if anything is broken that you can just send it back. Sometimes the savings just isn't worth it. __________________ Jack1.0 ---------------------------------------------- I've learned to embrace my inner Geek. I haven't found anything else I'm good at.

07-14-2006, 03:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
MageB420666 <Insert wise statement here> Location: Hell if I know	As far as software goes, I already have everything I need, including Windows XP Pro. I do need to find that damn reinstall disc again though, I know I have it somewhere. If it looks like I'm missing anything from the list I gave, please let me know. I'd like to get this done ASAP..... I need my Guild Wars fix (I've never built a computer before, but I do know what is what on the inside, right now I just need to get something up and going for the coming school year) __________________ Apathy: The best outlook this side of I don't give a damn.

07-14-2006, 05:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
Dilbert1234567 Devils Cabana Boy Location: Central Coast CA	does the x1300 have hyper memory or not? as for the dell, Turbo cache means that there is not as much memory on the card as listed, it uses some from the main system memory. as for warranties, JinnKai is flat wrong. Gigabyte GA-K8N Pro SLI 939 socket 3 year warranty AMD Athlon 64 3800+ Venice 3 year warranty Corsair XMS 512 (x2 for 1GB) lifetime warranty Seagate Barracuda 80 GB 5 year warranty Antec Smartpower 2.0 Sp-500 3 year warranty Keyboard: Rosewill RKM810SLV 1 year I could not find the warranty info for the rest, but I know they have them Case: Apex PC-115 Monitor: Samsung 940b Cost: could not find Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster SB0570 Video Card: ATI Radeon X1300 pro 256 mb Disc Drive: Sony DDU1615 The CD is probably 1 year, same with the video and sound card, monitor is probably 3 years. Look into the warranty lengths before you buy, I know newegg.com will let you return hardware if it arrives broken. __________________ Donate Blood! "Love is not finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Keen

07-14-2006, 12:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
cj2112 Unbelievable Location: Grants Pass OR	Build it...I would suspect that the dell you're looking at has onboard video (thereby sharing memory), and that the ability to upgrade is going to be limited at best. Also the Dell is going to come loaded with a ton of crap you don't need, or want. There are some advantages to buying a Dell, and that is warranty, and tech support. If something goes wrong, they have to figure it out not you. If the advantages of building aren't important to you, then you're better off buying Dell.

07-14-2006, 06:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
MageB420666 <Insert wise statement here> Location: Hell if I know	I'm not too worried about the warranties for any individual item, seperatly they're not that large of a cost, its only when they all get lumped together that it gets really expensive. I think I'm gonna go ahead and try to build it. It'll be a fun experience and make it that much easier to figure things out as I need to do upgrades or repairs. I just hope that I get everything I need in one go. __________________ Apathy: The best outlook this side of I don't give a damn.

07-14-2006, 06:35 PM	#11 (permalink)
cj2112 Unbelievable Location: Grants Pass OR	do all the cables you're going to need come w/ the components you're purchasing?

07-14-2006, 11:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
docbungle It's all downhill from here Location: Denver	If it's your first time building a pc, the only thing that should give you any problems is wiring the motherboard to the case. The directions can be a bit ambiguous, and sometimes the diagrams just don't match up. Everything else is a piece of cake. __________________ Bad Luck City

07-15-2006, 12:06 PM	#15 (permalink)
shortynickel Addict Location: Central PA	I didnt see a mouse in that list seriously tho, you are soo much better off building ur own(if you know how to). most of dell's tech support is from india and most of them suck really badly. as for radio shack, they are still in busines cause they charge an arm and a leg for anything. Tho thats my opinion. __________________ What type of... "Parents have forgotten how to be parents" Aaron Lewis "Get your ass back here, your a white boy walking thru the ghetto" - at the end of a bachalor party said to the bachalor while walking home.

07-15-2006, 02:20 PM	#17 (permalink)
soccerchamp76 Go Cardinals Location: St. Louis/Cincinnati	Here is my .02 1) No need for a sound card as your motheboard chosen includes 8-channel Realtek audio. 2) For an extra $20, you can purchase a Western Digital HDD with 160GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136009 __________________ Brian Griffin: Ah, if my memory serves me, this is the physics department. Chris Griffin: That would explain all the gravity.

07-15-2006, 03:03 PM	#18 (permalink)
crazybobmarley Psycho Location: weeeeeeeeeee	If you're going to play games, you don't want a Dell cause they run Intel exclusively. Saving money isn't the idea here, one of the main drawbacks to using Dell is their prorietary motherboards, and anyone who has done this knows that the motherboard is often the most important part of the system. So you become limited as far as customizing and upgrading in the future. In fact I think the only worthwhile thing about a Dell is the ingenuity of the cases. AMD is cheaper and much better for that sort of use, and if you're getting an SLI motherboard why would you go with ATI ? If you don't want to get 2 video cards, [NVIDIA for SLI or ATI for Crossfire], then get a non SLI motherboard and save a bunch of money. And the wiring isn't the difficult part, it's actually finding individual components that will work together correctly. Drivers and software aren't much of a problem anymore since XP is so friendly to those sorts of things. I would be more then happy to make system recommendations if you wanted to outline your budget. Last edited by crazybobmarley; 07-15-2006 at 03:06 PM..

07-15-2006, 04:07 PM	#19 (permalink)
oberon Quadrature Amplitude Modulator Location: Denver	Yeah, I have to agree... you aren't really going to save much $ on building. But you can usually get better parts for the same price. I've built most of my non-laptops myself for about 10 years. I never trusted manufacturers to use quality parts, even if I paid them a lot of money. Something I forgot to mention... try using a "machine building tool" at a place like http://www.aberdeeninc.com/ to build a machine. Then just buy the parts they use and put it together yourself. That way you don't have any problems with compatibility. __________________ "There are finer fish in the sea than have ever been caught." -- Irish proverb Last edited by oberon; 07-15-2006 at 04:08 PM.. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

07-16-2006, 10:33 AM	#22 (permalink)
Dilbert1234567 Devils Cabana Boy Location: Central Coast CA	I know for a fact that dell has used old parts in new systems, plain and simple. my old roommate got a dell and I was checking it out for her, with in a week of her getting it, in the S.M.A.R.T. data on the hard drive, the power on hours were listed at several months, not hours like a new drive that has just been set up should read. __________________ Donate Blood! "Love is not finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly." -Sam Keen

07-23-2006, 06:47 AM	#23 (permalink)
samiam Crazy	I normally have computers built for me since I do not know enough about them to build them myself, but I had an interesting problem with the last one. The insurance company would not insure it unless I provided a complete list of all components including serial numbers. Has anyone else faced this or do I need a new insurnce company along with my next computer?

07-24-2006, 12:32 AM	#24 (permalink)
NotAnAlias Tilted Location: Auckland, New Zealand	Build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build, build!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The experience alone makes it worth it. You will have not only a greater understanding of computers in general, but a greater understanding of yours when things go wrong. You will regret buying a dell when it comes to upgrading. That and STUPID design flaws in cases, infuriating assembly, insane setups with passive heatsinks to cut cost and reduce component lifetimes. Jesus, stay away from the dells, build it!!! You're lucky to be able to use newegg, being in NZ, i can only dream of having such a supplier.

07-24-2006, 01:03 PM	#25 (permalink)
AlmoundJoy18 Upright Location: Cookeville/Mt. Juliet, TN	Update: I've got the computer built(mostly) and running. It works fine. The only compatability issue was with the mobo and the case. None of the screws that came with the case were long enough. Also, the case didn't have a lowered section for a metal plate on the mobo to sit in. I've already figured out how I'm going to fix it without replacing the case. I'm just going to take some fish tank air hose and cut it to the right length to support the mobo when I screw it in so that it doesn't get bent when I tighten the screws to secure it in place. Secondly, I'm going to get some longer screws. But since that issue doesn't prevent me from actually turning the thing ON, I've already got XP loaded on it and it seems to be working fine. Thanks everyone for the help and advice. It kept me from screwing up when I picked out the components I wanted. P.S. - Oops, forgot I was on my girlfriends computer...... I forgot to log off of her account. MageB420666 __________________ Skin-tight jeans Hair dyed red Ruby lips Smokey eyes She's the mask For your masquerade

07-24-2006, 08:03 PM	#27 (permalink)
NotAnAlias Tilted Location: Auckland, New Zealand

07-25-2006, 08:21 AM	#28 (permalink)
MageB420666 <Insert wise statement here> Location: Hell if I know	OOHHHHHHHHHH.... So THAT'S what those little things were.... The single page of instructions had nothing in there about those. Nothing else mentioned them either. Thank you, thank you, thank you. __________________ Apathy: The best outlook this side of I don't give a damn.

07-25-2006, 08:49 AM	#29 (permalink)
kutulu Junkie	Building really isn't that complex. When I built my pc I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Most of the cords only fit into one specific place so it makes it a lot easier. I plugged it all in and it started up with no problems. One thing I noticed was that your HDD is only 80 GB. Did you get a bigger one because that is pretty small...