BUDGET AMD SYSTEMS

[Googer]

Originally posted by: furballi
I'd go with these from Fry's...

-NF3 with 3100 Sempron overclocked to about 2400MHz (or 2250MHz in BIOS) for $90...http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4705559
-1GB Corsair Value Select RAM for $50...http://www.outpost.com/product/3746086
-Antect SLK3000B case for $48...http://www.provantage.com/antec-slk3000b~7ANTG02Y.htm
-NEC 3550 DVD burner for $37...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827152060

Overclock your computer. It is never a good Idea to overclock someone elses computer, because when something crashes or goes wrong a very pissed PC owner will call you and want a piece of your Neck.

 

[996GT2]

Looks good...you could save a few dollars by getting a different HDD and DVD drive, but it's only like a 5 dollar difference.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: bamacre
This is where you should buy a prebuilt.

Look for a 9100 or XPS 400.

Here is a comparison of an XPS 400 vs the 3500+ e-machine mentioned above...

Originally posted by: bamacre
Pictars.... (and biased review below)


T6524 and XPS 400 Front View

T6524 and XPS 400 Rear View

T6524 Inside #1

XPS 400 Inside #1

T6524 Inside #2

XPS 400 Inside #2


As you can see, both systems were upgraded with 256MB X800 GTO video cards (Sapphire Blade Edition), coincidenally.


What the Dell has that the eMachine does not...
1. Screwless case
2. Screwless hard drive enclosure
3. Physical support for heavier video cards
4. Better ventilation
5. Better cable management (although there are just not as many cables in the emachine)
6. Better design for optical drive assembly
7. Supports standard optical drives
8. Standard 128MB X300 PCIe video card

What the eMachine has that the Dell does not...
1. Option for AMD cpu's (depending on model)
2. Bigger standard hard drive (200GB PATA over upgradeable 80GB SATA)
3. Media Card reader is standard (Dell offers as upgrade)
4. Standard Integrated ATI Express 200 Video

PSU differences
1. eMachines comes with 250w, Dell has a 375w.
2. eMachines PSU has almost no free power connectors, Dell's has plenty
3. eMachines PSU has no PCIe power cable, Dell has one.
4. Zero SATA power connections in the eMachines, Dell's has at least 3.

Costs:
eMachine Fixed $650 - $50 MIR plus tax (shipping usually free) (no monitor)
Dell - Varies (with Dell Outlet, you can pick them up <$400, or retail, currently starts at $969 w/19in LCD)
Of course, most of you know Dell offers coupon codes, hot deals, and with new systems in Dell Outlet, cost varies quite a bit)


I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison. If you disagree, feel free to buy both and review them yourself.

Arguements 1-6 hardly matter to the average home user, they do not care to open a PC case but if they did they would be building one for them selves. Cheap DELL's come with a steel panel just like the Emachine does. I know this is true because I poped the cover off the Emachines T6524 at Costco a few months ago. I had no tools on me I opened the case with out trouble; in case yours did not include the standard tooless deisgn the screws on the back were thumbscrews that can be bought for $2 almost anywhere. Problem solved and your arguement is mute.


Also these two arguements are rather NULL or errorenous

7. Supports standard optical drives
8. Standard 128MB X300 PCIe video card

The drives in the T6524 are standard. Also for Internet an X800 is almost overkill. Intergrated Video is plenty for email and office work. The opening poster was going to use onboard video in his build anyways. I do not see how that matters since his uncle is not going to be playing games.

3. Physical support for heavier video cards

What are you talking about? If you want to upgrade later for some reason the T6524 has a PCI-e x16 slot. It will support an "Heavier" Video Card like an 7800GT.

2. eMachines PSU has almost no free power connectors, Dell's has plenty
This is not a problem or any sort of deciding factor. Yes there are some free power connectors in the emachine and if you run out a Y-shaped power splitter will fix that problem. Most users do not care about their power supply and if a new one is needed they often go to compusa and buy the $15 special.

3. eMachines PSU has no PCIe power cable, Dell has one.
4. Zero SATA power connections in the eMachines, Dell's has at least 3.

I do not remember checking for that when I saw it at Costo. But if that is the case most video cards come with Molex adapters and low power cards like the 6200 or X300 usualy do not need auxillary power and can plug streight into the motherboard. The same goes for SATA cables, Adapters work fine since the drives still run on 12v and 5v. For the average home user that the emachines is aimed at, the power supply won't matter to them. I cannot see many emachines owners spending $200+ on video. Most emachines spend their entire lives running on their original OEM equipment.

1. eMachines comes with 250w, Dell has a 375w.

Older Emachines had 250watt PSU's. But newer ones may have larger ones


2. Bigger standard hard drive (200GB PATA over upgradeable 80GB SATA)

The Radeon Xpress Chipset supports SATA. It is on the motherboard. Your Statement sounds biased: "(200GB PATA over upgradeable 80GB SATA)" -As if there are not 500GB PATA drvies and there are SATA ports on the Emachines. Using the word "upgradeable"to describe a lesser drive on differant interface sounds like you are slightly biased twords a bigger brand selling a lesser machine.

As fo

It recieved a very good rating from CNET.
http://reviews.cnet.com/eMachines_T6524/4505-3118_7-31556305.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/eMachines_T6524/4505-3118_7-31556305-2.html?tag=nav

 

[bamacre]

Googer,

I stand by my review, however biased it may be . You brought up some valid points, and I think we can both agree that the information provided should be used at a buyer's discretion based upon his/her needs.

However I will make some comments in regards to what you stated...

The drives in the T6524 are standard. Also for Internet an X800 is almost overkill. Intergrated Video is plenty for email and office work. The opening poster was going to use onboard video in his build anyways. I do not see how that matters since his uncle is not going to be playing games.

True to a point. Vista may want something more powerful than integrated video, if that is a desire upgrade down the road. Also, some apps, like nasa's WorldWind, can use faster 3D acceleration via a more powerful GPU. Also, integrated memory is using system memory, where as a video card is not.

3. Physical support for heavier video cards

What are you talking about? If you want to upgrade later for some reason the T6524 has a PCI-e x16 slot. It will support an "Heavier" Video Card like an 7800GT.

What I meant was there is physical support for heavier video cards, there is a blue colored bar you can see via the pictures that provides this support. It's just an example of the thought and detail that went into the design.

2. eMachines PSU has almost no free power connectors, Dell's has plenty
This is not a problem or any sort of deciding factor. Yes there are some free power connectors in the emachine and if you run out a Y-shaped power splitter will fix that problem. Most users do not care about their power supply and if a new one is needed they often go to compusa and buy the $15 special.

There was only one free 4pin molex connector in the two T6524's I bought.

 

[Googer]

People who buy PC's for Internet and Email only are the slowest in the world to make upgrades. I know a ton of people who still use Windows 98 for their everyday tasks, "emailers" are not like "gamers" and are very slow to adopt new technology and especially operating systems. 3D is not required for Windows Vista and a 2D normal/classic mode is avalable to those who prefer it or simply cannot run the 3D looking glass aero interface on their PC. I for one will probably stick with 2d even though I might be using an x1900 when it comes out.

 

[Zebo]

Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

 

[alimoalem]

Processor: S939 3200+ venice ~$170

Motherboard: i'm not sure what the current "best" is for motherboards with built in graphics but get one of those for $85 or less (~$85)

ram: corsair, g.skill, or ocz value ram (1 1gig stick so u can upgrade to 2gb without going 2T) (~$80)

optical: i'm pretty sure nec and ben-q are around $40 for dvd +/- rw ($40)

case: your choice..your antec is $82

hard drive: WD 250gb SE16 $110

floppy: don't know why you need it but - $13

OS: $112

total is $682

$5 more than your build 2 system...double the drive space, much faster cpu...newer and less probably of being outdated soon

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Zebo
Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

I agree. AMD does not requre as much cooling as Intel. That translates into lower noise and cheaper power bills. AMD will help your Uncle can keep his sanity

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Zebo
Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Yeah, right, like the emachine doesn't. :roll:

Another thing I left out, the XPS 400 supports SATA RAID 0/1, e-machine does not.

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

WTF is that supposed to mean? I am seiously confused here. I replaced my memory and video card, added a floppy and a sound card.

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

Well, Dell has made it possible to get Intel cheaper than AMD. My $900 system (with 2GB and a GTX) will blow away a ton of other BYO's, I'm sure.

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: Zebo
Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

I agree. AMD does not requre as much cooling as Intel. That translates into lower noise and cheaper power bills. AMD will help your Uncle can keep his sanity

My dell is more quiet than the two emachines I bought.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Zebo
Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Yeah, right, like the emachine doesn't. :roll:

Another thing I left out, the XPS 400 supports SATA RAID 0/1, e-machine does not.

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

WTF is that supposed to mean? I am seiously confused here. I replaced my memory and video card, added a floppy and a sound card.

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

Well, Dell has made it possible to get Intel cheaper than AMD. My $900 system (with 2GB and a GTX) will blow away a ton of other BYO's, I'm sure.

Here we have another Ignorant Intel fanboy who says my Intel 2.4GHz is faster than your AMD 2.2! Your AMD does not stand a chance!

I bet that you have stock in DELL and maybe a share or two possibly invested in Intel.

(By the way you never told us what kind of Intel CPU you own in that DELL) And I doubt his claim of a $900 DELL with a GTX. Currently the 7800GTX costs $450-500. And 2GB of RAM is around $180-220 That leaves very little money to spend on a CPU, no less a DVD and Hard Drive. 5400RPM anyone?

 

[AwesomeJay]

thanks for all the input guys.. i'm pretty sure alot of the prices/links are in USD which doesnt help but it gives me ideas to look at other stuff.. thanks again

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Zebo
Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Yeah, right, like the emachine doesn't. :roll:

Another thing I left out, the XPS 400 supports SATA RAID 0/1, e-machine does not.

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

WTF is that supposed to mean? I am seiously confused here. I replaced my memory and video card, added a floppy and a sound card.

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

Well, Dell has made it possible to get Intel cheaper than AMD. My $900 system (with 2GB and a GTX) will blow away a ton of other BYO's, I'm sure.

Here we have another Ignorant Intel fanboy who says my Intel 2.4GHz is faster than your AMD 2.2! Your AMD does not stand a chance!

I bet that you have stock in DELL and maybe a share or two possibly invested in Intel.

(By the way you never told us what kind of Intel CPU you own in that DELL) And I doubt his claim of a $900 DELL with a GTX. Currently the 7800GTX costs $450-500. And 2GB of RAM is around $180-220 That leaves very little money to spend on a CPU, no less a DVD and Hard Drive. 5400RPM anyone?

Uh oh, here comes the name calling. :roll: Ignorant huh?

I have zero stock in Dell, and same for Intel. I am not an Intel fanboy, in fact I build systems with both cpu platforms. I sell desktops for a living. I am well aware AMD is better than Intel in gaming, and their dual core cpu's (X2's) pretty much beat Intel in everything.

Let's stop the name calling and the assumptions, heh?

I currently run a Dell 9100, which is basically the same as the XPS 400. I have stated this before, but will be happy to give the run down on my system again...

I paid $399.xx for this...

Dell 9100
Pentium 630
1GB DDR2 533mhz
Dual DVD
80GB 7200rpm SATA
128MB X300 SE
Win MCE

I added a 7800 GTX ($460) and added another GB of ram ($70 at the time, prices have gone up ). I also sold off the X300 for $20. Final cost, $910. And, yes, I bet my Dell rips apart any BYO at the same price.

System spec's

FEAR FPS test

 

[NoStateofMind]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Zebo
Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Yeah, right, like the emachine doesn't. :roll:

Another thing I left out, the XPS 400 supports SATA RAID 0/1, e-machine does not.

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

WTF is that supposed to mean? I am seiously confused here. I replaced my memory and video card, added a floppy and a sound card.

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

Well, Dell has made it possible to get Intel cheaper than AMD. My $900 system (with 2GB and a GTX) will blow away a ton of other BYO's, I'm sure.

Here we have another Ignorant Intel fanboy who says my Intel 2.4GHz is faster than your AMD 2.2! Your AMD does not stand a chance!

I bet that you have stock in DELL and maybe a share or two possibly invested in Intel.

(By the way you never told us what kind of Intel CPU you own in that DELL) And I doubt his claim of a $900 DELL with a GTX. Currently the 7800GTX costs $450-500. And 2GB of RAM is around $180-220 That leaves very little money to spend on a CPU, no less a DVD and Hard Drive. 5400RPM anyone?

Uh oh, here comes the name calling. :roll: Ignorant huh?

I have zero stock in Dell, and same for Intel. I am not an Intel fanboy, in fact I build systems with both cpu platforms. I sell desktops for a living. I am well aware AMD is better than Intel in gaming, and their dual core cpu's (X2's) pretty much beat Intel in everything.

Let's stop the name calling and the assumptions, heh?

I currently run a Dell 9100, which is basically the same as the XPS 400. I have stated this before, but will be happy to give the run down on my system again...

I paid $399.xx for this...

Dell 9100
Pentium 630
1GB DDR2 533mhz
Dual DVD
80GB 7200rpm SATA
128MB X300 SE
Win MCE

I added a 7800 GTX ($460) and added another GB of ram ($70 at the time, prices have gone up ). I also sold off the X300 for $20. Final cost, $910. And, yes, I bet my Dell rips apart any BYO at the same price.

System spec's

FEAR FPS test

I know he is he is telling the truth.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: PC Surgeon

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Googer

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: Zebo
Googer already pwned your Dell marketing post but I'll add some.

I'm sure there are a few things I have left out, but I think this is a decent comparison

Yea just a few things bamacre, Like Dell uses a propritary case motherboard and PSU affording no upgrade of "off the shelf" motherboard or PSU in future. Like Tax. Like insane shipping usually (my last dell was $90)

Yeah, right, like the emachine doesn't. :roll:

Another thing I left out, the XPS 400 supports SATA RAID 0/1, e-machine does not.

Screwless case

So What? Can't replace anything yourself so why would you ever want to get in there?

WTF is that supposed to mean? I am seiously confused here. I replaced my memory and video card, added a floppy and a sound card.

Better ventilation & Dell has a 375w.

Better be with those HOT arse power sucking Pentium chips.

Well, Dell has made it possible to get Intel cheaper than AMD. My $900 system (with 2GB and a GTX) will blow away a ton of other BYO's, I'm sure.

Here we have another Ignorant Intel fanboy who says my Intel 2.4GHz is faster than your AMD 2.2! Your AMD does not stand a chance!

I bet that you have stock in DELL and maybe a share or two possibly invested in Intel.

(By the way you never told us what kind of Intel CPU you own in that DELL) And I doubt his claim of a $900 DELL with a GTX. Currently the 7800GTX costs $450-500. And 2GB of RAM is around $180-220 That leaves very little money to spend on a CPU, no less a DVD and Hard Drive. 5400RPM anyone?

Uh oh, here comes the name calling. :roll: Ignorant huh?

I have zero stock in Dell, and same for Intel. I am not an Intel fanboy, in fact I build systems with both cpu platforms. I sell desktops for a living. I am well aware AMD is better than Intel in gaming, and their dual core cpu's (X2's) pretty much beat Intel in everything.

Let's stop the name calling and the assumptions, heh?

I currently run a Dell 9100, which is basically the same as the XPS 400. I have stated this before, but will be happy to give the run down on my system again...

I paid $399.xx for this...

Dell 9100
Pentium 630
1GB DDR2 533mhz
Dual DVD
80GB 7200rpm SATA
128MB X300 SE
Win MCE

I added a 7800 GTX ($460) and added another GB of ram ($70 at the time, prices have gone up ). I also sold off the X300 for $20. Final cost, $910. And, yes, I bet my Dell rips apart any BYO at the same price.

System spec's

FEAR FPS test

I know he is he is telling the truth.

You live in Tennisee and he is in Virginia, how do you know he is telling the truth?

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: AwesomeJay
thanks for all the input guys.. i'm pretty sure alot of the prices/links are in USD which doesnt help but it gives me ideas to look at other stuff.. thanks again

You are welcome. Lets all hope that some time real soon Newegg.com will open up a Canadian Site for our freinds north of the border.