What a Computer Dilemma!!!

[Rockstar]

I am in a pickle:

-- Build my own custom computer

OR

-- Buy a Mac

Has anyone had a good/bad experience with these two choices? I have no idea! I cannot make up my mind! ugh! If I want a Mac though, should I wait for the new Intel chip they are going to use on them next year or what?! Then again, with a custom comp. I can spend less while getting more! ahhhh. help!!!!

 

[Uleepera]

I am in a pickle:

-- Build my own custom computer

OR

-- Buy a Mac

Has anyone had a good/bad experience with these two choices? I have no idea! I cannot make up my mind! ugh! If I want a Mac though, should I wait for the new Intel chip they are going to use on them next year or what?! Then again, with a custom comp. I can spend less while getting more! ahhhh. help!!!!

I've custom built my last 2 PC's as well as over 100 of them for friends and clients... as far as price and quality you can't beat it. Plus I get my parts pretty damn cheap I would love to get a mac personaly but there just isn't anywhere near enough support for it. Right now I'm running 1 win XP box and one Fedora box.

-Marc

P.S. If you'd like I'd be more than happy to help you put one together.

 

[Aramis]

It's not even a competition.

Build your own PC if you can. I can say from experience that you will enjoy it more.

 

[spazntwitch]

I, like Uleepera, prefer to build my own computer. That way I know what is inside and if anything goes wrong, I know how to fix it. It is very satisfying. Plus I am biased, I build and repair computers for a living. :tongue:

 

[morriefisher]

Buy a Dell, once you have it you can add stuff to it very easily & never have to reactivate. Change your hd's, memory, etc.

 

[Apocalypse716]

If I knew how to build my own computer, I would, but since I dont,
I stick with ordering from dell and upgrading from there, like morriefisher said.

 

[Rockstar]

2 Questions

1. Now, if I first buy a PC from, let's say, Dell or HP and it comes configured with a Pentium 4 Processor... Can I change the motherboard and processor? Will it still work the same?

2. Where do you guys live? I want to have YOU guys build my computer, if I do it MYSELF, I am 99.999% sure something is going to go wrong! ahhh.

 

[carasage]

LoL... Sorry.

Unfortunately with Dell or HP and other bigger brand computer companies they use low quality motherboards for their lower end desktops. so beware.

The better it is as the price goes up. so you pay for what you get.

However, my experiences with Dell have been good. Their building organization of wires and components are extra clean and nice. No hanging wires. Very professional.

I never dealt with HP.

I would say build your own PC... Basic components you need are:

1x PC Case
1x Power Supply that is in compliance with your PC Case (ATX, SATX, etc..)
1x Motherboard
1x CPU + Heatsink + Fan
1x Memory
1x VideoCard
1x Monitor

These are all you need to boot up. Once you see a screen and all you see is the NO HD Error And No Keyboard Error. you're good to go.

Then just plugin the following:
1x Harddrive
1x Soundcard
1x DVD/CD Rom
1x Mouse
1x Keyboard

Optional:
1x 10/100/1000 Network Interface Card

Bootup, press delete at Post then change your start up Drive to be DVD/CD Rom.
Pop in a OS disk, and reboot.

Install and you're set.

 

[spazntwitch]

I don't recommend Dell at all. Their cases are proprietary and to even get a floppy disk drive in there, you have to buy it from Dell. Their motherboards are typically some weird design and not the standard design which means you can't upgrade later on. This is from my experience working with Dell. HP is along the same line and I wouldn't recommend their desktops either.

 

[MrGovernator]

well, why not get both LOL

 

[Rockstar]

Thanks so much you guys! One more question: Carasage mentined the Network card, where in the Computer do you install it? Thanks!

 

[Rockstar]

Another questions:

How do you install extra cooling devices? I am looking to buy a Pentium D Processor, and I heard they heat up BIG TIME. I don't want my computer to fail! Any suggestions?

 

[Erik]

Go Mac.

 

[Rockstar]

So I've found a few parts, I will list the price in which I can get it for...

$85 - Case

$125 - MB

$230 - Memory

$55 - PS

I'm also planning on a Seagate 400 GB HD, HP LightScribe DVD Burner, and a CD+RW/DVD-ROM...

Do these look good?

Also, how can I insert a Memory Card Reader? Remote? "TIVO" type device? Thanks!

 

[myanmarguy]

What are you planning to do with your computer? Gaming? Office job? etc...
By looking at your Motherboard and memory.. you are planning to build a pricy system..

 

[O_loung1]

I don't recommend Dell at all. Their cases are proprietary and to even get a floppy disk drive in there, you have to buy it from Dell. Their motherboards are typically some weird design and not the standard design which means you can't upgrade later on. This is from my experience working with Dell. HP is along the same line and I wouldn't recommend their desktops either.

i dissagree with the dell choice as well. take a look at their power supply units..

 

[Rockstar]

I will be using my computer for:

-- Photo editing

-- VERY Light Gaming

-- Multimedia

-- Multimedia

-- Multimedia?

-- POSSIBLY Video editing

-- TV Viewing if available

-- Music music music

So basically I want a multimedia machine that can handle HEAVY Multitasking. I like running 10 programs at a time :tongue:!

 

[MrGovernator]

so how much you gonna pay for the system?

 

[Rockstar]

More/Less $1000

How does this MoBo sound?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131536


This was on a review for one of the products, this person used these parts, how do the sound? I don't really like the case, but will a 256 MB Video Card be compatible in the dual formation?



-Rosewill TU153 case
-Rosewill 500w PSU RE502
-Intel Pentium D 3.0ghz dual core
-ASUS p5ND2 - SLI DELUXE motherboard
-2 Gigabyte 128MB 6600GT's in SLI
-2 gb (4 x 512mb) corsair pc4200 ddr2 memory
-1 x 160gb Sata 2 WD HD
-COOLER MASTER Hyper 6+ heatsink (cools idle speed down by half compared to stock intel heatsink)

 

[Rockstar]

A few computer cases...

Antec Computer Case

Aspire #1

Aspire #2

Aspire #3

Thanks for helping!