2x Radeon HD 3870x2 1GB - 2x$260 = $520 (better for high-res video, based on what I have read)
-or-
2x Radeon HD 4870 512MB - $285 = $570 (better for gaming, based on what I have read)
-All that you would still need is a case & a few case fans (unlike alienware, I don't force you to use a cheap-o mid-tower case with a door blocking the optical drive)...and the total for the parts here (minus case & case fans) is under $2000 shipped.
[edit] I use ATI, if you prefer NVIDA, make appropriate changes to video card selection.
I looked at a lot of the alienware computers, and they are horribly overpriced. It is totally not worth it. They may look kindof cool, but I don't think they are worth it at all.
That particular raidMax PSu has better reviews that the corsair unit at nearly twice the price. Also, he is looking at dual-core intel, so I know a quad-core AMD would be faster. I also know that he won't have to throw away his mainboard when AM3 comes out.
If you wanna use Intel, use intel. If you wanna use Nvidia, use Nvidia. If you wanna use a better power supply than alienware uses,
the raidmax unit qualifies.
The point is: IT IS CHEAPER & BETTER TO BUILD IT YOURSELF THAN TO BUY IT FROM ALIENWARE.
Also, the 3870x2 thing: the 4000 series is better for gaming, but 2GB VRAM is better for CAD & other such 3d apps.
Hmmm, WELL he said he wanted a Quad core. He has a huge budget of 2 grand, no need to cheap out with AMD. Corsair 650TX is also cheaper than the Raidmax, and I would trust the Corsair way more.
Also he said he wanted it for gaming, Not CAD. So the 4800 series is a much better option.
Raidmax PSUs are appalling, no questions asked. If it's got good reviews, people obviously aren't using very much power through it. All Raidmax PSUs are bad, no exceptions.
Also agreed, if you've got a remotely decent budget, Intel is your only choice.
