This computer is cheaper to buy than to build!!

Member

29. July 2006 @ 09:27

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http://www.mdg.ca/en/offers/?id=1&from=main

check it out
i think it actually cheaper than if you built it because of all the extra stuff

what do you think?
should i buy it?

ps. keep in mind that its canadian currency

Senior Member

29. July 2006 @ 09:52

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When you add all the software and hardware upgrades I do believe you are correct.
I currently use AMD but if I was looking for a computer I might buy it, I really havent seen much better deals!!!
_edit_ I would get the mobo details and see about upgrading video/ audio cards first.

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 29. July 2006 @ 09:56

Member

29. July 2006 @ 10:06

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o ya, you might have missed this, but their also giving away a free mp3/mp4 player! the big bar blocked it

Senior Member

3 product reviews

29. July 2006 @ 12:24

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I still wouldn't buy that system!

What have they actually told you about the system you're getting?
You don't know what MB you're getting, is it branded? it could be anything with an Intel chipset, what memory is it? 4x512KB or 2x1GB and what spec, it?s probably value ram, but what speed is it?

The video card will be onboard, but there?s no mention what spec that is (probably as low as they can get!).

The soundcard will be onboard as well, and what make is the chipset on that card, and what spec it that?

No mention about the PSU make or rating.

No mention of the HDD spec either, it may be 500GB but what make, speed, interface, cache size.

What about the CPU, although they say it is being upgraded from the 3.6 P4, it doesn't say what dual core you're getting, and to get anything other than a dual core duo now its out would be mad.
The older dual cores from Intel do not come near the AMD 939/AM2 CPUs, but if they are giving you a newer duo core, then you're getting a very fast powerful CPU, the older ones aren't worth getting.

Although you seem to be getting a good, deal, if you imagine how much they have to save to give the extras you are tempted by.
They do this, buy supplying low end poor performing PCs, that people soon get frustrated with, and then find an upgrade path is almost impossible, or just not worth it, as the limitations in what you can fit, and what power it is when fitted make it pointless.

Chances are, half the software you'll never use, and if you shop around, you can get software cheaper than first thought, even eBay can provide cheap software, but ensure you don't just get ripped off with copies.

True this system is straight out the box, plug in and turn on, but from that moment it is all turning into throw away technology, at least a self build can re-use most parts on newer upgrades.
If you remember how crap PCs were 3-4 years ago, and then imagine using such a low spec system all the time, thats what will happen to what we all use now.
Its just you're already at lot further down the road, than if you self build.

Enough said, only my opinion, but at least it may make you think closer on the whole deal before you commit to it.

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 29. July 2006 @ 12:27

pulsar

AfterDawn Addict

29. July 2006 @ 12:58

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Wouldn't touch it with a barge pole!

Gif by Phantom69

Senior Member

29. July 2006 @ 13:19

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I feel bad because everybone disagrees with me. Maybe I wasnt clear with my response. I think everyone agrees that better computers can be built for about the same or less total cash, and the one in question is "last years model". I know I agree, I wouldnt trade my Asus and AMD Opty for anything. The question was "Is this a good deal" and for whats on the market for those who dont want to build themself I think this is.
Pulsar---good response :P it reminded me of and old saying among guys "Shes so ugly I wouldnt touch her with YOUR (favorite male anatomy slang here)

vegeta66

Suspended due to non-functional email address

30. July 2006 @ 05:37

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i bought a $300 compaq with a sempron(1.8ghz), i'm really happy with what i got, most of the parts were crap. suprisingly its still good enough to beat my bros p4 3.0ghz with ht. point being i have to agree with deaddrum i think its a decent enough deal. however ur getting shortchanged in the video department on that system. i thnk that "# 3D Audio PRO Sound and 3D Video, means crappy integrated.(probly ati xpress 200 or a geforce 6100" i'd recommend going to tigerdirect.com for ur pc purchases they give a great deal of info on there pcs. i also have something to add to bigdk's response, alot of those parts were probly pulled from other more expensive systems that probly broke, alot of companies do that.

vegeta66

Suspended due to non-functional email address

30. July 2006 @ 05:44

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i found this pc at tigerdirect for alittle less no monitor or printer though and its refurbed
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details....

Member

30. July 2006 @ 07:06

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on the mdg website, they say they only use parts from western digital, kingston, ati, intel and so on.. so i don't really think that ill be an issue but has anyone been to mdg?

pulsar

AfterDawn Addict

30. July 2006 @ 07:54

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These deals are OK, as long as you don't want the PC to do much more than offered. You pay for what you get. I just prefer the choice of building your own.
Love this quote from the above/this deal;
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details....

"With an nVidia PCI Express video card that comes with 64MB of RAM plus a turbocahce feature that can also use system ram up to 256MB! Fast and furious nVidia graphics ? you?ll be mesmerized by the most vividly realistic graphics you have ever seen!"

Not sure what "turbocahce is though! LOL!!
Doesn't actually say what card it is.

Gif by Phantom69

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 30. July 2006 @ 07:55

Senior Member

30. July 2006 @ 09:29

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It steals resources from your RAM to "fully maximize" capability.
Some bargain.
jaysfan--- all this talk about bad video and audio, was one of the reasons I originally said check the board details. Some people do not want to build the whole things themselves. Example, I was trying to talk a friend into building vs. buying at the beginning of the year. He didnt want to and after pricing things out he bought some HP Pavilion media center for about $800US. It has ASUS mobo, AMD3800x2, 250GB HD the works. He slapped an ATI video card in and he's got a machine that plays games and encodes movies as well as mine for less than what my overall build was. Granted that he already maxed out his "tweaks" and I am still pretty stock with much room for upgrade is a different story and goes back to why people like to build it themselves.

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 30. July 2006 @ 09:32

pulsar

AfterDawn Addict

30. July 2006 @ 09:48

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Sigh, did you not spot the satire in my comments?. The spelling was all wrong, turbocache & turbocahce! See?

Gif by Phantom69

Senior Member

30. July 2006 @ 09:58

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Of course I seen it, it would not be a reply by PULSAR if it wasnt without some offhand remark (I), but we both know the next question some casual lurker that decides to jump in the thread will ask
"No really what does it mean?"

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 30. July 2006 @ 09:58

vegeta66

Suspended due to non-functional email address

30. July 2006 @ 23:09

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turbocache in other words its basically a add-on integrated video card. it may maximize your capability's but it will slow the rest of your systems performance down. fast and furious lol

Member

31. July 2006 @ 05:19

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can't you just load up on ram?
cuz thats cheaper than buying another card

sukhvail

Senior Member

31. July 2006 @ 06:13

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the core of the card sucks tho. in games you still wont get near the performance you would with a card with 256mb dedicated of gddr3 ram.

Senior Member

3 product reviews

31. July 2006 @ 08:25

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I think you also need to read the small print, as the price isn't as good as it sounds.
I especially like the way they managed to put all this text in front of some other text so it can't be read without cut and paste or at least highlighting.
It looks as though you'll have to add tax, also 3% if you're not paying cash, and presumably its a 2006 model as it is using duo core 2 processor so will be subject to another $300, plus up front you'll have to pay more and claim some back after mailing in for a rebate.
Chances are all this is added after you've already decided to buy, and a good salesman will get you to close the deal before you've fully appreciated the extra cost you never intended to pay out.
If after all that you still go ahead with it, then enjoy it while you can.

(1) This offer is available in MDG stores only. Taxes are not included with selected products, call store for details. All products are 3% cash discounted. Prices are subject to marginal errors and change without notice. Add $300 for 2006 models. Prices are applicable after mail-in rebates. Mail-in rebates do not include any tax paid on the amounts before rebates. Systems may not be exactly as shown. Promotional offers cannot be combined and claimed at the same time. (2) Six months, no pay or six monthly payment options are available on approved credit only. The no interest only option applies if your balance is paid in full within six months from the date of purchase, otherwise interest will be applied from that first day (subject to administration charge). Applicable in MDG stores across Canada only. (3) Please speak with your MDG sales representative for detailed information on parts and labour warranties. (4) Desktop upgrades, as described above, are available only in MDG stores. (5) Desktop upgrades are available only where advertised, after applicable mail-in rebates. 20" LCD monitor upgrade is only with the purchase of an Apton desktop system. Products may not be exactly as shown. Promotional offers cannot be combined or claimed at the same time. See in-store for full details. (6) Mail-in rebates do not include any tax paid on the amounts before rebates. (4) Desktop upgrades cannot be substituted. (7) Desktop upgrades may be subject to marginal errors in pricing, images displayed and descriptions presented. MDG Computers Canada Inc. and MDG stores cannot be held responsible for such inadvertent errors

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 31. July 2006 @ 08:26

sukhvail

Senior Member

31. July 2006 @ 09:18

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it doesnt even use core 2 duo, it uses pentium d. check out the upgrades they give you: http://www.mdg.ca/en/offers/?id=1&from=main

Senior Member

3 product reviews

31. July 2006 @ 12:16

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Again the way they have worded things is open to individual interpritation.
A new Intel dual core could mean the newest type, or just an unused CPU depending on how you read it.
Chances are though, that the CPU is only going to be one of the older types, especially if being fitted in the same board, as I'm not that sure that too many board still support the duo's.
Either way, if the system is classed as 2006 spec, then it is subject to an extra $300 charge.

maybe look at a barebone kit instead.
You'll have to add a few parts but should be no more than what you were looking at.
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.a...

moatezhab

Junior Member

1. August 2006 @ 14:33

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I live right beside MDG. The fact is you have to buy one computer from them, then you swear never to buy from them again. Trust me read reviews from them before you buy, then you will know how crap the customer serivice is and how garbage the parts are. Most of everything listed is onboard trash and value items.

This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 1. August 2006 @ 14:34

rbrock

Senior Member

1. August 2006 @ 14:54

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You can't build a cheap PC they buy parts by the truckloads you can build a good high end PC with all your spec's and be proud of you efforts I built mine I'm still way ahead of the cruve It's 3 years old

RBROCK

rbrock

Senior Member

1. August 2006 @ 14:57

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and I agree I never will by a store bought PC with all their crap they put on them ! Compaq junk Dell from Hell and rotten Apples

RBROCK

Member

1. August 2006 @ 18:23

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wow,
i just read some reviews about mdg on epinions

they were bad

they say mdg likes to do the "bait-and-switch" thing where they tell you that the item is sold out and u gotta buy another (more expensive) one

and thanks alot BigDK for that
thanks everyone for all your help

im definately not gonna get the computer

Senior Member

3 product reviews

2. August 2006 @ 01:59

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Hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!

Senior Member

2. August 2006 @ 05:58

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You will be happy in the long run.
Go into some other forums
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/344865 (Intel vs. AMD)

or

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/84660
(official building thread)
Those are long threads so if you want you can read the last, most recent entries to see what people are putting together themselves.