Is this a good deal on a custom system?

[syseng]

A local reputable system builder provided the following quote. Is this a good deal?

I have been told that if I don't have internet access (I don't at home), then I might have problems getting all the latest drivers and patches to really make the system work. I have never built a PC before.

Any suggestions?

PC configuration:

Motherboard: Asus or comparable brand such as MSI or Gigabyte (no Abit)
CPU: Athlon 1.2 GHz DDR
RAM: 512 MB, PC2100 Kingston CAS2
Disks: (2) 40 GB, ATA 100, 7200 RPM, IBM 60GXP model
Disk Controller Promise FastTrak-100 disk controller
DVD: Toshiba 16X
CD-R/RW: Plextor 16x10x40
Floppy Disk Drive: 3 ½"
Video: ATI Radeon LE
Sound: Creative SoundBlaster Live Value
Network: 10/100 card for ADSL connection
Case: (4) 5.25" and (2) 3.5" -- external bays (300W) minimum
Operating System: Win2000 Pro

cost of system as configured above $ 1473.00

UPGRADE OPTIONS add $$

CPU: Athlon 1.4 GHz (200 FSB) $85.00
Case: 350 - 400W power supply $99.00

Notes:
1. The Promise FastTrak-100 controller to be configured in RAID 1 for mirrored disks.
2. Assemble system, load software and latest drivers, and exercise system (burn-in test) min. 72 hours.
3. PC will be connected to: ADSL, 21" NEC monitor, HP 4M LaserJet, HP color inkjet printer, scanner.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I will make the modification on the Radeon LE to work as DDR.

Thanks!


It would probably be a better idea, that you used the "General Hardware" section for finding information on configuring a system.
Then come back here, to find the best deals on the parts you'll need.

AnandTech Moderator

 

[VRoOMdesigns]

I'd only pay $1470 if I got a nice 19" monitor with it.

 

[Tharpertx]

Seems high considering the other deals listed here if you can put it together yourself.

 

[reicherb]

In about 3 minutes I was able to put together the same system for $199 less.

 

[acbimmer]

<< In about 3 minutes I was able to put together the same system for $199 less. >>



i bet that if u really tried..you could beat it by alot more than $199

 

[reicherb]

<<

<< In about 3 minutes I was able to put together the same system for $199 less. >>



i bet that if u really tried..you could beat it by alot more than $199 >>



I bet you are right.

 

[ProUser]

I'd have to agree, that price is too high..

 

[DrDave]

Since you haven't built a system before, is it worth a few hundred $ to have the security of being able to go back to a reputable dealer if something goes wrong? Or would you be prepared to potentially jump through the hoops yourself if all wasn't well with a system you built?

Personally, I'd save the $ and build it myself. But I'm a tightwad.

 

[fataIerror]

I put together basically the same system with Klispch 4.1's and a Hercules Prophet II GeForce2 Pro and a 17 inch Samsung 753DP for the same price

 

[fataIerror]

And a baybus. I take that back, it didn't have two harddrives, just one 45gb IBM drive.

 

[XZeroII]

No good. You arn't even getting a monitor with that (unless I missed it). That's a rip off. I could come up with something alot better for that kind of money.

 

[jimmyhaha]

hey junior
if u are new to pc and haven't build one yourself yet...
I suggest u don't buy a custom system, just too much trouble

buy dell and other brand name

and u seems to have a lot $$$ to burn

 

[Sigity]

Hey buddy...this goes in the &quot;Is this a good deal&quot; thread


these newbies!!!

sig.

 

[MrProblematic]

reicherb-

I'm currently building a system myself and worried about excessive spending.
$199 or less? I'd really like to see it if you'd mind spending a minute posting the specs?

 

[flight23]

syseng
First off, turn on your Private Messaging (PM).. its in your 'customize' options.
Secondly, no that is not a good deal.. for the same amount you can get a slightly slower computer with a nice monitor from dell, or you could get an equivalent refurb from dell with a monitor for about the same price.
Drop me a PM when you get that working and Ill help you out.

 

[DoubleN]

As many other people have pointed out, this is NOT a good deal. I'd definitely go with DELL becuase I'm sure you could get an equally powerful system and if you've never built one before...you're better off getting the DELL and then over time upgrading it or something to get you more familiar with computers than gettnig a custom one that might be full of headaches unless you know stuff well.