Best ready-made PCs?

[mike0292]

My dad's computer is really on it's last legs, and it is time to upgrade. I'm looking for a cheap system capable of running XP and some general web browsing/word processing. I don't really feel like spending the time building him a cheap-o computer myself.

Any ideas? The first thing that came to mind was Dell, but I've had bad experiences with Dell in the past, namely with them using crappy parts to drive down the price. As far as I know they are the cheapest, but I'd rather spend a little extra money to get a decent computer that will last him a few years. Again, I just need a cheap computer that will run XP and some simple programs.

 

[Dr X]

Originally posted by: mike0292The first thing that came to mind was Dell, but I've had bad experiences with Dell in the past, namely with them using crappy parts to drive down the price.

Name one value OEM that doesnt. The simple law of business says we cant pay the least and have the best - fi you're buying a cheap computer, expect cheap parts.

 

[mike0292]

Just as an example of crappy Dell parts, the computer is barely two years old and the processor is already starting to go. It makes a TON of noise and often makes this weird sound where the fan starts to kind of click. I checked inside and there is no interference from the ribbons, so I don't know what's up. I just want to get a cheap computer with some decent parts.

 

[rusted embrace]

On the cheap parts topic...is your dad really going to know or notice the difference? If so maybe build a comp instead? I don't know, I've had a couple of dells of my own and my sister has too and the only major problem we've had was one crash / new parts / reformat, which a tech came out and took care of. One thing the factory computer companies have going for them is tech support. I know they're horrible, but at least its a cushion in case something breaks and nobody else is around to fix it. For lesser problems, I've asked specifically to speak with someone in a higher tier which was much much better than dealing with the level one guys (is the computer plugged in?? is it turned on?? lol)

so yeah long story short, if it's general computer usage (word / browsing) i'd say check out the dells. you can upgrade almost everything if you wish and they do have decent prices and warranties.

 

[LBmtb]

Originally posted by: mike0292
Just as an example of crappy Dell parts, the computer is barely two years old and the processor is already starting to go. It makes a TON of noise and often makes this weird sound where the fan starts to kind of click. I checked inside and there is no interference from the ribbons, so I don't know what's up. I just want to get a cheap computer with some decent parts.

Then build it yourself. Or pay someone like Dell, HP, or Sony in which case you should expect them to cut corners in order to maximize profit.

You can't have a cheap machine with decent parts from an OEM. Sure you can spend a lot and get decent parts but then you'd be spending a lot

BTW . . . you said you dont feel like spending time building him a cheap-o computer? Are you too busy to spend a few hours building your old man a good computer?

 

[rusted embrace]

also there is UsAndThem's thread for part suggestions on all levels of computers, both AMD and Intel based.

Found here

 

[cockeyed]

I would go with Dell. Intel CPU's, Intel motherboards, Western Digital HDD's, ATI videocards, etc., are not junk parts. IMO, it's hard to beat the value that Dell provides.

 

[dukdukgoos]

Why not get Monarch or another system builder to build one from parts you select. You'll get much higher quality than Dell and won't have to build yourself...

 

[batmanuel]

Originally posted by: mike0292
Just as an example of crappy Dell parts, the computer is barely two years old and the processor is already starting to go. It makes a TON of noise and often makes this weird sound where the fan starts to kind of click. I checked inside and there is no interference from the ribbons, so I don't know what's up. I just want to get a cheap computer with some decent parts.

It is probably just a processor fan going, causing the CPU to overheat. Happens to the best of them, especially if you don't go in and clean out the dust bunnies on a regular basis. A simple swap of the HSF unit for a new one will likely fix the problem.

 

[moonsite]

Yeah, I would go for Dell too. I had problem with Dell in the past as well. There is no way you can beat a Dell price when they have their special sales.

 

[sniperruff]

dell of buy an nforce2 IGP with a barton and a small antec case.

 

[Hurricane Andrew]

I haven't bought a Gateway in almost 7 years, but the G6-350 I bought back in October 1998 is still going strong (after bumping the RAM to 384MB, swapping out the CPU with a PIII-550, and adding a couple new HD's and a CD/RW). Heck, the MOBO is still rock solid (the 440BX chipset was ahead of its time), haven't even had to replace the CMOS battery. The old Toshiba DVD-ROM drive still works fine (a bit slow on audio extraction, but a solid reader by any stretch). All in all, if I ever have to buy a pre-built again, I'd feel guilty if I didn't go with Gateway. That said, I don't think I'll ever buy another pre-built for personal (or extended family use) anyway

 

[flatblastard]

Originally posted by: dukdukgoos
Why not get Monarch or another system builder to build one from parts you select. You'll get much higher quality than Dell and won't have to build yourself...

:thumbsup:

And not to mention the free games they give you if you configure with an AMD cpu/mobo. Your dad probly wont use them, but maybe you will.

 

[Erwinn]

I've gone with Dell for the last 3 comps i've purchased and would'nt hesitate to do it again.
Dell rocks IMHO.