Alienware computers!

[Thaer]

First of all, I choose this section of the forum because it contained more than just cases, cooling and CPUs. General Hardware seemed to fit into this.

To the point!

I was first thinking of buying my own computer system in parts and then build it myself.
Here was the part I thought of:
Case: Thermaltake Tsunami Dream (Black w/ window)
Processor: AMD64 3500+
Mainboard: MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum
Graphics: HIS Excalibur x800XT 256mb ICEQ-II
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 1024mb PC3200
Storage: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 200GB S-ATA (Raid 0)
Optical: LG DVD-ROM 16x/48x, LG DVD-RW 12x Dual Layer

Now to the Alienware Aurora Extreme:
Case: Black Alienware
Processor: AMD64 FX-53
Mainboard: ASUS AV8 Deluxe VIA K8T800 Pro
Graphics: ATi Radeon x800XT 256mb
Memory 1024mb DDR Dual Channel
Storage: 1 x 160GB Seagate Barracuda S-ATA
Optical: Plextor DVD-RW 12x

Extras: Alienware cooling system, Alienware game optimizer, bla bla bla.
Some stuff that makes if faster.

The Alienware costs just a little bit more than the "own-picked" system.

To the problem: The Alienware doesn't display which kind of memory the computer contains, do you guys know? Don't want a bad CS2.5 or CAS3 memory.
The storage is smaller in the Alienware PC but actually, I don't need more.
If i upgrade it though Alienware, it'll cost me very much because they use the WD Raptor HDs.

So what do you think?

Really need your help guys!
Thank you! /Thaer

 

[Goi]

When you build a system yourself, you get to choose exactly what you want. You get to prioritize your system, spend more money on the things that matter more to you, and less on those that don't matter as much. Because of this, it's possible to custom make a system that fits your needs exactly (assuming you know your needs very well). In addition to this, you gain experience fiddling around with your system. With any prebuilt system, you lose these abilities in part. With Alienware, at least they give you powerful parts, but at a cost premium of course. Then there's the warranty issue too.

 

[Thaer]

Yeah, you're right. But I have read a lot on the internet so I'm prepared for my own computer, so I know quite a lot know.
But the Alienware pulled my eyes their way because of the looks mostly, dunno why, but it did.

When I buy the Alienware, will I ever need to overclock it, will the warranty go away?
And what did you mean with "Then there's the warranty issue too."?

 

[EazyJeezy]

You should get a 939 socket processor instead for future upgrades. I don't think they cost much more. I picked up my AMD Athlon 64 3500+ 939 socket at NewEgg for $350. They're back up for $420 for some reason, though. And do you really like the Tsunami that much? IMO you it's a ripoff, it's $120 without a power supply? The case+psu is up to you, but I'd definitely reccomend the Antec Sonata. It looks classy, comes with a 380W TruePower psu, AND it's only $99.

And since you don't really need more HD space than 160, why don't you just get 2x 160 GB drives in your own system instead of the 200 GB?


IMO you'd be better off building your own PC.

 

[Thaer]

First of all, what does IMO mean? Only know the swedish words, not the english versions of them.

Second of all, I've already chosen a Socket 939 system. If you look carefully, it says AMD64 3500+ (There aren't ant S754 at 3500+)

Third of all, I was going to buy the Sonata before I found out that the PSU above was to close to the processor and that it would disrupt with bigger heatsinks, like the Zalman 7000A-CU. It didn't fit I guess so that's why I skipped it. Or does it really fit?
Why don't you guys like the Tsunami Dream?

Last, I chose 2 x 200GB instead of 2 x 160GB because the price differences was not big AT ALL!

 

[EazyJeezy]

Oh ok. I don't know why I thought you had a socket 754. For some reason I thought you said MSI K8N Neo Platinum, not Neo Platinum 2, so I figured you had a socket 754.

In my Sonata, I don't have any trouble with my Silent Tower heatsink. I actually have about 2 inches of room between the heatsink and PSU (if I remember correctly, I don't have my comp here right now. I'm not sure if you'll have trouble witht the mobo you selected.

IMO means In My Opinion.

 

[Thaer]

Everybody can make mistakes!

So do you think that the ZM-7000A-CU will fit? Do you have a friend or so who own one of these so you can try it?
Would appreciate it. If so, then I shall buy the Antec Sonata.

Regarding IMO: That's what I thought!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Alienware = overpriced crap. Build your own.

- M4H

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Alienware = overpriced crap. Build your own.

- M4H

 

[dennisjai215]

when you said.. "The Alienware costs just a little bit more than the "own-picked" system."

thats a LIE something you can build on your own alienware builds it for 1.5x the price atleast..
so something you can build for 1k alienware will be atleast 1.5k!

 

[JimRaynor]

People that buy alienware computers do so mostly because of the looks. If the "look" of an alienware computer is worth 50% more $ then buy it, if not, don't.

 

[howdyduty]

Build it!

 

[guptasa1]

My own opinion is that these manufacturers legitimately ARE good manufacturers. But they also are expensive.

I had my own machine built by GamePC a few years ago. (GamePC's don't look quite as cool, but they are a VERY high quality manufacturer.) I think Alienware, GamePC, Falcon NW, and some of the others are very similar in a lot of respects. High quality, customizable machines, but more expensive than your stnadard fare too.

While I'm good with computers and continually learning new things about hardware, I have to admit I get nervous when I'm messing with hardware myself and sometimes feel over my head. Building a system would be very cool, and I may try it someday, but at the same time, it can be nerve-wracking.

Where these "uber-machine manufacturers" fit in is their own niche. Gamers like me don't want a Dell because, while it's a good machine, most of the time we'd like to pick our own components or customize more than mainstream manufacturers like Dell allow.

On the other hand, we're nervous about building ourselves if we don't feel we have the skillset to do it or are just afraid of messing it up.

Places like Alienware, GamePC, Falcon NW, and others give people much more power as far as customizing their machines but still are built by professionals, and yes, they do charge extra for that (and also support their machines).

Is it worth it? Depends on the person, their budget, and how comfy they are with doing it themselves. But I think it's good that the choice is there. If you're completely comfy with building yourself, I'd do it and save yourself the cash. If not and you can afford to, doesn't hurt to get the machine built and upgrade it yourself later, knowing you have a solidly built machine as a baseline.

 

[Adn4n]

I was actually looking into getting the 939 socket myself, but I opted for the 754. I'm not going to have to upgrade for a while, but when I do I want it to be the newest MoBo available. Which is why I opted for the 754 as of now. I save money on it, and I do not invest in the first line of a new socket type.

 

[DragonFire]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire
Alienware = overpriced crap. Build your own.

- M4H

I wouldnt say there crap but they are overpriced......

Tho I dont understand why everyone wants to get a skt939 athlon 64 so bad. By the time there is enough software (OS & games) to make full use of it, I would think dual cores will be out along with DDR3 which by then skt939/940 will be the duron of today.

 

[EGGO]

Alienware is overpriced. When I first even thought of the components for my upcoming system, I went to Alienware first and put in the specs I wanted. For over $5,000+ they get lower specs than what I'm getting for about $3,300 (and I think I put it with no peripherals either).

If you know how to build your computer, do it. It's cheaper, and you'll get better stuff as well. I know most $1,400 will preform more than Dell's XPS at $2000.

 

[cmdrmoocow]

Instead of an x800, I'd reccomend a 6800 card - it gives more power at relatively similar prices.

 

[DragonFire]

Originally posted by: cmdrmoocow
Instead of an x800, I'd reccomend a 6800 card - it gives more power at relatively similar prices.

Even better, simple save your money and wait a few more months.

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: guptasa1
My own opinion is that these manufacturers legitimately ARE good manufacturers. But they also are expensive.

I had my own machine built by GamePC a few years ago. (GamePC's don't look quite as cool, but they are a VERY high quality manufacturer.) I think Alienware, GamePC, Falcon NW, and some of the others are very similar in a lot of respects. High quality, customizable machines, but more expensive than your stnadard fare too.

While I'm good with computers and continually learning new things about hardware, I have to admit I get nervous when I'm messing with hardware myself and sometimes feel over my head. Building a system would be very cool, and I may try it someday, but at the same time, it can be nerve-wracking.

Where these "uber-machine manufacturers" fit in is their own niche. Gamers like me don't want a Dell because, while it's a good machine, most of the time we'd like to pick our own components or customize more than mainstream manufacturers like Dell allow.

On the other hand, we're nervous about building ourselves if we don't feel we have the skillset to do it or are just afraid of messing it up.

Places like Alienware, GamePC, Falcon NW, and others give people much more power as far as customizing their machines but still are built by professionals, and yes, they do charge extra for that (and also support their machines).

Is it worth it? Depends on the person, their budget, and how comfy they are with doing it themselves. But I think it's good that the choice is there. If you're completely comfy with building yourself, I'd do it and save yourself the cash. If not and you can afford to, doesn't hurt to get the machine built and upgrade it yourself later, knowing you have a solidly built machine as a baseline.

Try it before you say this It's ridiculously simple, that's why it's so absurd to pay Alienware $500-$2,000 or more simply for the service of putting together the ~7 pieces of your computer for you. There are multiple guides on doing it, not that one's really necessary, which you can find in seconds on google. Plus I've read that Alienware cases are very flimsy - you'd think for their extreme markup you'd at least get a solid case, like an Antec... but apparently that'd cut into profits too much :roll:

 

[tiap]

Don't waste your money. Alienware is far too over rated. This is as first hand an experience with them as you'll find.
I convinced a friend of mine to buy one because I didn't want him calling me all hours of the night and day for support. At first I felt a little guilty because of their rediculous cost. But considering that when he first got it, he didn't know how to turn it on and what a mouse was, and that 2 months later he was on a personal first name basis with all the reps on their free 24 hr tech support, I didn't feel so bad any more. I think they ended up in the hole on that one.
Then within the waranty period, the motherboard went bad, and it took 3 months and numerous phone calls to get it replaced. They sent out a contracted tech to do it that was not too bright. They replaced the motherboard with a used one. If I remember correctly, I think the cpu slot had changed on their current models and instead of doing the proper thing and explaining the truth and offering a later motherboard and cpu even if it was slower, they just kept stringing him along for months.
The really sad part is we only live 20 miles from where Alienware is located, (in the middle of little cuba on Miami (Kendall)). It's really not that big an operation. Just in the middle of some rented warehouse park. My friend offered to drive there to drop it off and pick it up etc and they refused repeatedly.
He was really pissed and kept records of it all planning to take legal action. Today we have replaced everything again but still use the original Alienware case. I think it's an Antec.
Another thing they used to do is make a big deal about your personalized Manual. What a joke. My 10 year old neice coul put together a more professional manual (just a 3 ring binder). This thing had about 4 pages printed on a really poor color inkjet with diagrams that were unreadable.
As far as I know they still use off the shelf parts, that anyone can order themselves and the bit about the systems being optimized and designed for best performance is just a bunch of hype. Any 13 yr old can do as good a job these days.
The good part is that if your unsure of what components to get and if you dig deep enough on Alienware's website you can find listings for all the parts in their systems and just order the parts at discount dealers on the web.
For a couple of hours work you can easily save over a $1500.00
They string you along when you order saying that they are really busy when in reality they are waiting for the latest part just like the online sellers. So don't get fooled in to beleiving you will be the one and only with a unique system

 

[mflacy]

I'd say go Alienware.

A screwdriver is pretty tough to use.

 

[guptasa1]

Originally posted by: Gurck
Try it before you say this It's ridiculously simple, that's why it's so absurd to pay Alienware $500-$2,000 or more simply for the service of putting together the ~7 pieces of your computer for you. There are multiple guides on doing it, not that one's really necessary, which you can find in seconds on google. Plus I've read that Alienware cases are very flimsy - you'd think for their extreme markup you'd at least get a solid case, like an Antec... but apparently that'd cut into profits too much :roll:

Point taken. I *might* be inclined to try it at this point. I've installed a lot more hardware in the last few years and have much more experience with what I'm doing. Still, I doubt I could do it quite as neatly as I've seen. LOL.

I actually was going to go the Alienware route and decided on GamePC because at the time I wasn't too impressed with Alienware's customer service. GamePC is pricy too (all of them are I think), but they DO have quality cases and components and they build a very neat machine (as in cables and such are arranged for easy access). I can't complain. Would I build my next PC or buy from them again? I don't know. I would consider both, probably, and have the price difference be the deciding factor.

Thanks though - you do have a point. I have a bad tendency to underestimate what I can do and not try it if I have any doubts. LOL.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

Originally posted by: mflacy
I'd say go Alienware.

A screwdriver is pretty tough to use.

I've seen way more tales then I should have people slipping and gouging holes into their mobos...

Unless you have no ambition in computer building don't get an alienware. Just look at all the parts they use and get them from newegg or where ever.

 

[shimsham]

build it yourself. im about to save my buddy ~1000 bucks building his comp that has the same specs (different brands) except for a different case.

 

[imported_jediknight]

Alienware makes nice laptops, though..
if money weren't an issue, I'd get one of those :->