|
should I buy a dell desktop?
|
|
|
t229955
Junior Member
|
21. June 2006 @ 10:27 |
Link to this message
|
|
hmmm?
it sports a pentium d 630 processor 3.0ghz
2gb of ddr2
500gb hdd
the motherboard is no less than a intel 955 series because only that and above can support Viiv technology...
geforce 7900gs
dvd-rw
and a 19" lcd monitor
it costs $1800.
is it worth the purchase? should I trust them and what is the upgradeability of dells like? I mean I didnt see any screws or anything on the case so is it like sealed?
btw, what the hell is viiv?
BOB
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
21. June 2006 @ 11:39 |
Link to this message
|
Gif by Phantom69
 This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 21. June 2006 @ 11:40
|
AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
|
21. June 2006 @ 12:52 |
Link to this message
|
|
No.
If you're not confident enough to buold a system yourself (don't worry neither am I for now) then buy a customised build or buy the components and have a computer shop fit them for you.
|
Senior Member
5 product reviews
|
21. June 2006 @ 12:54 |
Link to this message
|
|
If you ask that question on a pc building forum then you will get the answer no because.
There are little to no benfits of dell
However building it yourself you get a system designed to you cheaper!
So build it yourself. its fun and money saving!
|
AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
|
21. June 2006 @ 13:02 |
Link to this message
|
|
I didn't want to force that upon you t229955, but he's right, Dell computers are for people who "just want a computer" that listen to the odd mp3 through windows media player, type in Word and use msn messenger. That being it. When they start adding graphics cards and big hard disks they cost way too much for what they are.
My new PC may be costing me a bit more than that due to VAT, but it's about the same overall. I may not be getting a monitor and I'll have 287GB of storage (still the same amount of money on HDDs though) but i'm getting a much faster dual core CPU, top class mobo, two drives, a very cool case full of modifications, a good power supply, proper sound and a thorough and quiet cooling system. For the exchange of a monitor that's not a bad deal. Did I mention the graphics card? an X1900XT, one of the fastest in the world, and it'll steamroller a 7900GS.
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
21. June 2006 @ 14:33 |
Link to this message
|
Well I'm not one to build computers, yet. But I own a Dell and they are easily upgradable. I do a lot more with my Dell than sammorris thinks.I have editted 1000s of mp3s, I've captured audio off LPs in digital form and made them into cds. I've converted VHS tapes into DVD movies. I've downloaded pix from digital camera and editted them. I've run all the programs for backing up DVDs and with only 256MB RAM until 4 months ago when I added 256 more rambus. Every programs that has been installed on my system that I wanted to use, has worked flawlessly. I can back up a movie with AnyDVD and Nero Recode with advanced analysis and slow encoding in less than 35 min complete. My pc is getting old 3yrs now but it does what I want when I want. I have 3 DVD burners connected, 1 scanner , 2 printers and 2 extra hard drives. I will admit I'm not into gaming and would be slow running new games but for the $1400 I paid I got more than my money's worth. If you want a pc to brag about by all means build yourself one, but don't let the condescenders detract from what YOU want or need. It would be a good idea to start a thread to find out the % of responders at AD who have built their own rigs. I'm sure the number would be smaller than the retail buyers. Remember if you build it you must service it also. I intend to build my next system by the way. Just my 2 cents. Come on other Dell owners we're not the plague, speak up.
|
|
t229955
Junior Member
|
21. June 2006 @ 21:01 |
Link to this message
|
|
garmoon, is it actually possible to physically open the desktop case yourself?
and to all; I know that dell is kinda crap but you see, im based in the UK (for now), and 2 main building sites are pcspecialist.co.uk and vantagecomputers.co.uk. the problem is that with pcspecialist you dont know what parts your getting and with vantagecomputers the choice is very limited. also, the price for the same spec computer as that dell is EXACTLY the same, and with dell I actually know what brand of monitor im getting and other parts, etc.
so does anyone know any other pc building sites for the UK?
BOB
|
AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
|
22. June 2006 @ 02:38 |
Link to this message
|
|
I looked at PC specialist, but the best site is who I used, www.aria.co.uk - use their custom PC builder, if that ain't customised I don't know what is! Cheap too.
|
|
janrocks
Suspended permanently
|
22. June 2006 @ 02:54 |
Link to this message
|
|
I'm sitting here looking at a 5+ year old dell P3 600 and it does what I want it to.. ok it's a bit slow at some things but what did it cost..Not much, it came off a tip and I threw some bits in it I had hanging around. Total system less than £90 including dvd and cd burners. Can't fault the reliability once I got rid of the windoze that was stifling it. It's on 24/7..in fact last time it was turned off was for a hdd change about 3 weeks ago. It doesn't like being turned off so I just find it something to do while I'm out or in bed and let it get on with it. Nothing wrong with Dell as 2nd user systems, but I would never buy anything ready built anyway. Not my style.
Build it yourself.. It's really easy. Everything just sort of plugs together.. Plus you know how it works too for when you do want to upgrade anything
Watch out for "specialist" sites..they just charge as much as the shops do for an off the shelf product. How do you know that they haven't ripped you with 2nd hand ram and mobo etc and charged you for new. I don't trust anybody in the UK anymore when it comes to this kind of thing. I see some horrors at work on the weekends. Like the P2 266 that was overclocked to 333 and sold complete for £295 in March..No L2 cache and it was running xp.....barely! More than a couple of apps and it crashed. Reputable trader too...Ho Hum...
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 22. June 2006 @ 03:02
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
22. June 2006 @ 03:51 |
Link to this message
|
|
@t229955
Mine's a clam shell type case. You push 2 buttons and it opens up. Easy access to any part. Drive cage doesn't have to be removed to replace or add a drive; just slides out.
|
AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
|
22. June 2006 @ 03:58 |
Link to this message
|
|
The difference is, this is a place that sells components like newegg. You just add the stuff to your basket then add the PC build labour charge, which isn't too extortionate and you've got a lot of hassle off your hands. You know exactly what you're getting because you added it to the basket!
|
|
janrocks
Suspended permanently
|
22. June 2006 @ 06:18 |
Link to this message
|
|
Sorry sam..I misread what you said and thought it was one of those ebay type people. You make the list and they put it together for you.
@ Garmoon...I have one of those cases too..Really cool especially for changing a HDD in seconds.. lol.. Dell optiplex GX110 (there's an antique)
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 22. June 2006 @ 06:19
|
AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
|
22. June 2006 @ 06:26 |
Link to this message
|
|
If you can get the damn molex off, I borrowed an old Dimension XPS700r when my PC went up the duff, and I spent 5 minutes prying the power lead from the hard disk. Thank goodness for Hiper easygrips, even if I've never used them!
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
22. June 2006 @ 07:26 |
Link to this message
|
quote garmoon
Well I'm not one to build computers, yet. But I own a Dell and they are easily upgradable. I do a lot more with my Dell than sammorris thinks.
i do not want manufactures software junk installed on my computer..
that the main reason i build mine
i build mine and it was 1/2 the price of yours and i can do whats ye did and more.
here a DELL WEBSITE FTP-WEB-SITE
DELL WEBSITE WHEN THERE CLICK ON EACH TOPIC FOR WHAT YE NEED..
CLICK HERE
http://ftp1.dell.com/
|
Senior Member
5 product reviews
|
22. June 2006 @ 11:29 |
Link to this message
|
|
Also remember if you buy a computer from dell its all averaged out. All the components are of exact same quality for the average joe that buys the average dell.
However for example, my dad:
He needs a computer for work not play. so when dell give him a p4 3ghz and a half decent graphics card and 512mb of (Slow) ram. I tell him he just got ripped off.
Thats what he wasing going to get instead he got:
A fast computer dual core.
Faster/more ram
Onboard video (Which for the average worker is fine!)
So get a pc suited to yourself and build one yourself. Take the plunge and do it!
|
AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
|
22. June 2006 @ 11:49 |
Link to this message
|
|
My point was actually referering to if you just word process etc. A dell is the best option, it's cheaper, but for performance, dell prices shoot up, so go prebuild for anything above the bottom rung.
|
AfterDawn Addict
|
22. June 2006 @ 13:28 |
Link to this message
|
|
@ireland
I understand what you saying but 3yrs ago when i bought my present Dell I had no knowledge to build a pc. God had fried my first Dell Dimension 233 in my Daughter's room (lightning with surge protection.) I have never used DOS and self taught on every aspect from windows 95 98,ME(POS) and now XP (semi POS). The first and only time I had a Dell glich was the original PC. I turned it on and the monitor did not come on. I knew I had it plugged in correctly. Dell told me to just get a monitor and try that(yeah like I had one just hanging around).Finally they told me to reseat the video card. Very nervously did that and it worked. I had already been inside the damn thing before I had ever used a pc. I will build my next one and I will expect your help!!!
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
AfterDawn Addict
4 product reviews
|
22. June 2006 @ 14:02 |
Link to this message
|
|
Lol go for it. We're here to help!
|
