Best OEM Computer Builder?

[arynn]

I have a friend who is looking to buy a new OEM computer. He is currently looking at Dell and HP. I am not too familiar with OEM build quality etc. He just needs a system for general use, but wants it to last for 3-5 years.

Does anyone know which OEMs actually ship a copy of Windows with the system instead of a restore disc? Which tend to use the most standard components, thereby allowing for future upgrades? Which seem to be the best for reliability and support?

I would expect the top three to look at would be Micron, Gateway and Dell.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cutty]

I got a copy of Windows XP CD-ROM from my Dell Dimension 4500.
I'm very happy with my Dell system and I'm happy with Dell's customer service too.
If he wants trouble free then buy 3 years warranty, but I don't think it worth any longer.
Don't expect to use it for 5 years, 3 years is enough.

 

[tbates757]

I would say Dell, great service. You can pretty much eliminate HP from your list, I'm just waiting for what's his name to come in with the plug for e-machines...

 

[arynn]

After some brief configuration browsing, it seemed that the MPC (formerly MicronPC) computers are priced very similarly to a comparable Dell (I was looking at the Millenia 910i and the Dell 4550 - it is obviously not possible to configure the machines identically). As an added benefit, MPC has the option of an Athlon XP on the nForce2 platform. It seems they use the MCP-T southbridge. However, it is not apparent whether the low end graphics option is the integrated graphics or a card. (Either way, the low end graphics will likely be suitable as he has been using a fairly old computer.) Does anyone have any experience with MPC (micon)?

 

[KidChaos]

>>>>>>>>>>>>> AbsPC <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Does anyone know which OEMs actually ship a copy of Windows with the system instead of a restore disc? AbsPC does.

Which tend to use the most standard components, thereby allowing for future upgrades? AbsPC uses regular components like you would find in at your favorite hardware vendor (i.e. newEgg). So, it fulfills your future upgrade requirement.

Which seem to be the best for reliability and support? AbsPC wins award after award.

 

[mikecel79]

I highly recommend Dell. We have been using them for the past 3 years at my work place (were slowly standardizing on Dell desktops) and we have only had 2 failed HDs and one bad motherboard in the past 3 years! Most of these machines are on 24/7. The service is also excellent.

 

[newbiepcuser]

Don't know, that Steven guy got caught smoking the wacky weed.


If you buddy needs a monitor along with it, Dell has the best bargain right now with an LCD too. Check out the hot deals forum.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

Best OEM computer builder - your friend/co-worker/classmate/neighbor or yourself who knows computer.

 

[Ilmater]

Gateway? I'm sorry, you were looking for quality, right? Gateway sux! I cannot stand them. I don't know a single person that was happy with their Gateway purchase. I don't know how they stay in business.

Get Dell.

 

[Krk3561]

Dell uses some proprietary parts so your upgrade options for a Dell system are limited. But, Dell definately has good support and their systems are pretty reliable. Before I had this computer that I'm using now I had a Dell and I only had one problem with the system, my hard drive failed. I called Dell support and they sent out a brand new drive with rush delivery and return labels at no charge. I had had a 60GB HD and they sent me an 80GB one to replace it. I was pretty happy

 

[rudder]

I recently purchased an OEM computer that was a VPR Matrix. Its actually Best Buys brand. At the time it was cheaper that any other manufacturer. So far it seems they are very good quality, intel motherboard, real video card (although it came with a geforce2), and the case is good quality. Although I hate BestBuy, they did have 18months free financing. Other than getting pestered to buy the service plan and $20 usb cables, everything went okay.

 

[newbiepcuser]

Originally posted by: Kingofcomputer
Best OEM computer builder - your friend/co-worker/classmate/neighbor or yourself who knows computer.

He wants 3 to 5 years support. I've been down this road, tech support, RMA request etc. Let Steven and the Dell interns take care most of the work for him. He also wants a legit verison of Windows XP, unless you have major hook ups, the cost of building Pent IV rig comparable to Dell Deals isn't worth the effort for a non OCer and gamer.

 

[Cerb]

Dell is great. Don't get MicronPCs. After the split they had, the new ones run well for 7-10 months and then have wierd stuff go wrong with them for no apparent reason. From attempted fixing, the most likely culprit was PSUs being lesser quality and damaging things (mainly since it tends to be predictable restarts and such common to PSU trouble, but new parts don't fix it).
BTW, I'm speaking of, more specifically, their PIII-based cube servers, and P4 1.6-2GHz w/ PC800 RDRAM desktops.

 

[Convergys]

Well. I would say definitely Dell.. Not HP... Hp's are BAD BAD BAD!!!!

 

[Gibson486]

Gateway? I'm sorry, you were looking for quality, right? Gateway sux! I cannot stand them. I don't know a single person that was happy with their Gateway purchase. I don't know how they stay in business.

How can you recommend Dell when they use pretty much the the same parts as Gateway

 

[LouPoir]

Dell is #1. The only better way is to build your own.

Lou

 

[pelikan]

Another vote for AbsPC- http://www.abspc.com/
Why?
1-They are owned by NewEgg - and I think NewEgg is by far the most highly recommended pc parts vendor.
2-Their systems are completely upgradable - Dell systems are not.
3-Great prices.
4-Well configured systems.
I build my own, but if I didn't I'd buy from ABS.

 

[psy44]

I bought from Ibuypower, and the service is pretty good. Ibuypower does send a version of windows

 

[StattlichPassat]

Wow, NewEgg owns ABS? :Q I had no idea- they're more successful than I thought!

 

[compudog]

I'd also say Dell. The only drawback is their special power supply. I have done all sorts of upgrades to Dell machines with no problems.

 

[pelikan]

You can put new parts in a Dell, but not the motherboard, or the power supply. Unless you put a new power supply and then a new motherboard.

 

[Hulk]

Dell, for their thermal design alone. Shows me that someone is actually thinking at the company and not just throwing parts into a box.

 

[KidChaos]

Dell, for their thermal design alone. Shows me that someone is actually thinking at the company and not just throwing parts into a box.

Did ya read the first post?

Originally posted by: Arynn
Which tend to use the most standard components, thereby allowing for future upgrades?

Don't worry. I do it sometimes myself.

 

[Hulk]

Originally posted by: KidChaos

Dell, for their thermal design alone. Shows me that someone is actually thinking at the company and not just throwing parts into a box.

Did ya read the first post?

Originally posted by: Arynn
Which tend to use the most standard components, thereby allowing for future upgrades?

Don't worry. I do it sometimes myself.

The good thermal design of Dell doesn't preclude upgrades. You can upgrade a Dell's video card, hard drive, 5-1/4" drive, sound card, modem, cpu, memory, etc... just as easily as any other computer. Only a mobo swap is a pain due to the pin layout of the PS.

The good thermal design implies good system integration which leads to a stable, reliable system.

 

[chiwawa626]

Alienware always sounded nice but overpriced
It seems that most oems just use sorry ass parts made by the smallest or least reputable companies.