[Allanon]

Alright: Here is my situation...

I dont' know much about computers, but I do know the very basics and I like to play computer games (I'm not extreme but in moderation it's a very low-key thing to do). I need now to buy a computer that will fullfill the following requirements:

A) Be a very reliable, user-friendly computer (with, preferiably, reliable tech help since I'm not the best computer guy).
B) Be a solid and very, very good gaming computer that will enable me to play the best games.
C) Be 'A' and 'B' for about four years with minimal upgrade expenses.

I've gone through numreous suppliers and I was wondering if you guys would be so kind as to give me reviews as well as suggestions for what I should get (ie: What I should put in the cpu as far as hardware goes), what I shouldn't, etc.

I'm thinking of either buying through:

alienware.com
dell.com
visioncomputers.com

So any help as far as what my computer should like like as far as RAM, hardware, videocard, etc as well as recomendations concerning who I should buy through would be very much appreciated!

Thanks a lot!

[Maggz]

Alienware makes alright computers.

I also reccomend http://www.falcon-nw.com/index.asp Falcon is good.

[shadowcat]

You could also check out ABS Computers (also reviewd on PC World as a good desktop).

[Allanon]

Thanks a lot for the help!

What would you guys recomend in terms of specific parts on a 3.5 k budget?

[Deathblow]

3.5K Budget?! Boy could I build me a system for that

If you wanna play the latest games, I'd suggest at least a 2.6mhz processor (preferably 3ghz or better). Minimum of 512megs of ram (1 gig or better would be good) 80 gig HD, Either a Nvidia Geforce 5900, or a Radeon 9800 Pro (Possibly a Geforce 6800 or a Radeon X800, but they are a little steep in price at the moment).

My rule of thumb when buying a system is always get the best you can afford at the time, because they all become obsolete, and the cheaper it is, the faster it will be a paperweight.

[flyeater]

The best rigs for gaming are the ones you build yourself. Build it to be expandable & it can last you for years with moderate upgrades. No better tech support than what you learn with hands on training. It's also a lot easier & cheaper than you think. Two to two and a half will build you a smoker.

[Allanon]

flyeater,

How would I learn how to build it myself? I wouldn't know how to begin

Deathblow,

Ok... how to I buy a great system now and insure that I have room to expand later?

[shadowcat]

Here's a few guides to help you to start building:

Extremetech.com Build It
http://support.tcwo.com/video.cfm? - has videos for installing various types of CPUs, cables, etc.


For reviews of individual hardware parts:

tomshardware.com/
anandtech.com/
CNET Reviews -- I look at the editors' ratings. Take the member ratings with a grain of salt because you can vote anonymously and more than once.

Pricing Guides:

Pricewatch.com - to find out the lowest prices for parts. Be aware about 70% (in my opinion) of the low price retailers listed are duds.

pricegrabber.com - another site for prices that also gives member ratings of the e-tailer/retailer.

Where I like to shop:

newegg.com
zipzoomfly.com
Circuit City (sometimes they have decent deals;for times I have a last-minute need for items; and I like their return policy)


Just some advice:

1. Power supply is the backbone of your system -- buy a reliable brand like Antec, Enermax and make sure you have enough Watts to support your system.

2. Same rule for most hardware -- go with reliable brands.

Good luck!

[Allanon]

Thanks for all the help

I don't know if I'm up to actually building my own system, but I'll definately look at into it (most I've ever done is install RAM).

Thx for the help

[shadowcat]

Here's another article PC Magazine's build it or buy it computer guide.

[Deathblow]

It's always good the first time you put your own system together to have someone there that knows what they are doing and can walk you through it. If you have a friend that knows their stuff, then see if they can help ya out like that.

As for getting a system that is expandable later, your probably best off with a local shop or possibly something like Alienware, just make sure you discuss future upgradability with them. I'd stay away from Gateway, Dell, etc since most of their systems use proprietary components.

I get most of my Systems from local shops (parts anyhow), and then put them together myself. This way if there is a problem, I have someplace I can drive to for replacements or repairs.

[Skivvywaver]

Micron builds some kicking machines, and they are fully upgradeable. You can build your own online if you don't want to try to tackle it yourself.
www.buympc.com

[flyeater]

If you can install ram you can build a PC. Besides software is always the biggest problem even with a brand new machine.
If you must buy prebuilt & you appear to have the coin to go high end, consider Falcon Northwest or Alienware as stated above. These are very nice rigs. You'll pay extra for their knowledge & components but they can be the best prebuilt rigs.
Avoid any "off the shelf" PC. HP, Compaq, E-Machines, etc. Nothing but dogs.

How about the following system?

____________
$3517

Dimension XPS




Catalog Number / Description Product Code SKU Id



Dell Dimension XPS:
Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology 3.2GHz w/800MHz FSB/ 1MB cache MPB328H [221-4468] 1


Operating System:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional WPXP [420-1922][313-7222] 11


Operating System Enhancements:
Combo: Microsoft® Plus! for Windows XP and Digital Media Edition DMEPLUS [412-0662] 65


Mail-in Rebate Offer:
Save $150 with mail-in rebate. Price shown before rebate. 150Q2 [463-0706] 56


Memory:
1GB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz 1GB4 [311-3124] 3


Video Card:
NEW 256MB DDR ATI RADEON™ 9800 XT 256XT [320-3664] 6


Sound Card:
Sound Blaster Audigy™2 (D) Card w/Dolby 5.1, and IEEE 1394 capability SBA2X [320-0667] 17


Dell Media Experience:
Dell Media Experience™ DMX [412-0519] 115


Hard Drive:
FREE UPGRADE! 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) 250SP [462-4830] 8


CD or DVD Drive:
Dual Drives: SAVE $99! 16x DVD-ROM +12xDVD+RW/+R w/ dbl layer write capable D12DVRP [463-0717][430-0594] 16


Enhanced Software for CD or DVD Burner:
RecordNow!Deluxe:Burn,Copy CD Music/Data,Backup,Labeling(CD-RW/DVD+RW only) RNDLX [430-0949] 72


Floppy Drive and Additional Storage Devices:
3.5 in Floppy Drive FD [340-1927] 10


Modem:
56K PCI Telephony Modem 56KWS [313-2280] 14


Internet Access Services:
No ISP requested NISPFSS [461-3063][412-0625] 37


Network Interface:
Integrated Intel® PRO 1000 Ethernet IN [430-0742] 13


Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options:
SAVE $60 (system price shown before rebate) 4 Yr Ltd Warr plus 4 Yr At-Home QPRO4OS [950-7447][950-4400][950-4403][412-0359][980-4897] 29


Monitors:
19 in 1901FP Dell Ultrasharp™ Digital Flat Panel Display 1901FP [320-3847] 5


Speakers:
Altec Lansing THX Certified ADA995 Surround Sound 5.1 Speaker System ADA995 [313-0725] 18


Keyboard:
Dell® Enhanced Multimedia Keyboard EMK [310-1696] 4


Mouse:
Dell™ Optical USB Mouse OM [310-4037] 12


Productivity Software:
Productivity Pack including WordPerfect® CORELM [412-0395][412-0555] 22


Personal Finance Software:
Microsoft® Money 2004 Standard MNY [412-0551] 83


Security Software:
Norton Internet Security™, 90 day trial NIS90 [412-0626] 25


Digital Music:
Dell Jukebox powered by MUSICMATCH MMBASE [412-0516] 27


Digital Photography:
Dell Picture Studio, Paint Shop Pro Trial, Photo Album Starter Edition DPS [412-0521] 28


XPS Specialized Support:
Dimension XPS, Specialized Support XPSSUPP [960-2697] 31


___________


My wife has basically this same system except she only has the 128mb ati9800 pro graphics card (the 256mb card was not available yet)

It is an outstanding gaming machine. The image quality on the Dell ultrasharp flat panel display is awesome, and the Altec Lansing ADA995 speaker system can rattle your windows.

[Allanon]

Great! THanks everyone!

Mowergun,

So you and your wife have no complaints about the LCD screen? I've heard quite a lot of people say that they're no good. What do you and your wife so insofar as this goes (your own personal experience)?