New Alienware computer system.

[KeepItRed]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums for those that don't already know

Well as time passes I need some advice on what to go with. I have the following Options/Money for:

1) Intel 3.6/3.8Ghz Processor (Dual Core), 160GB HD, Radeon X900 (Waiting until fall)
2) Intel 3.0Ghz Processor (Dual Core), 120 GB HD, Sapphire Crossfire Ready motherboard with dual X850 XT PE / X900 (When it comes)

P.S, Sound cards and other facts are not listed because they are mainly integrated/cheap I just need help on the motherboard layout, video card, and processor. Thanks

EDIT: This post is in the Video section because im almost sure about everything else but the Video card...

 

[pulsedrive]

Ok, all I have to say is don't waste your money on an Alienware. They are HIDEOUSLY over priced and I don't care what they say you do not get good support through them, I have been disappointed time and again when having to deal with them. I just built my own machine from the ground up for less than half what it would have cost to purchase it from Alienware/FNW/ABSPC, etc. All of these places are for people with more money than sense/time.

 

[KeepItRed]

Hmm...I customized the exact same computer (cvery similar) on Dell and Dell was double the price, and building my own computer seems risky when I think about it..

 

[tenub]

It's not at all risky as long as you get the proper information and take your time to put it together correctly.

 

[ZobarStyl]

For starters, there are no 3.6/3.8 ghz dual core Pentium D's, and there won't likely be any on 90nm process. Secondly, if you are going to blow that much cash on a system for games, get an Athlon 64 or X2, they just mop up P-D's when gaming. Of course, most importantly, build your own. Most of the time you could build 2 whole systems for what alienware wants for one...thus the risk is well worth the reward. There are numerous guides available around here that would walk you through it; save your money.

 

[blckgrffn]

Try Falcon NW instead. When I owned a talon they took AWESOME care of me... I was transporting the computer, and the power button connection worked itself loose. I called, and left a message with my name and numbre and problem. 10 minutes later a very friendly and english speaking tech called me back, and we spent about 20 minutes tracking down the problem. Before he even called he had a gotten an identical computer and walked me through it step by step. Awesome. You pay a premium, but awesome.

For what it is worth, why don't you get an X2 and some SLI'd or even single 7800GTX goodness? Available at falcon

Nat

 

[imported_humey]

To buy or build any Intel rig today is dumb esp at that price, go AMD64, and them ATI 850s are old tech, get 6800 range or 7800 range GPU

You can always build better than can be bought.

 

[KeepItRed]

Yea, this computer is going to be for harcore gaming I just don't know why people pick AMD for gaming, all I hear is that its easier to modify. Intel is nice and simply

 

[Keeir]

People pick AMD64 (and X2) for gaming because Dollar per dollar, Ghz for Ghz, Heat Usage (Electrical Usage) and Decibel for Decibel they provide better preformance than an Intel Processor. On top of that, AMD gives the best absolute performance as well. *Note, I am considering Framerate and load times to be the measurements of "gaming" performance



Alienware is okay if you what you ordered in the box. If you dont, or have hardware problems later on, expect the computer to be out of commision for more than 1 week.


If you want to go high end, you will always save 1/3 to 1/2 by buying the parts yourself. The best part is on most "retail" componets there is a warranty as well. Building a PC isn't that hard and considering you could save upwards of a 1000 dollars on your specs.....

 

[Crescent13]

I didn't know you had started this thread before I sent you the PM, Just DON'T BUY ALIENWARE, or INTEL!!!

 

[imported_mitch2891]

People pick AMD for gaming for one very simple reason - they are faster.

Also they are both virtually identical to install so intel is no easier.

As I see it the only reason to go with intel dual core now is if you are on a budget.

Oh and build it yourself - just work out what you want to build and people here will be more than happy to tell you if you are going to get any problems

 

[imported_humey]

You hear wrong, thats why all n00bs bought Intel as of the ilegal dealings they did to try get sales over AMD hense legal battle now with antitrust.

A old AMD XP1700 games as good as or greater than a P4 2.5gig and thats easy to find proof on google as AMD cpus do more commands per clock ( CPC ) so a kick in the face to the MHZ MYTH.

You wont look back even hardcore users of Intel from 21-55years old on my irc channel are going over to AMD.

You obv need do bit of homework and read lots of WWW findings and try not believe tomshardware sh1tty site, i believe he aint on AMD payroll only Intels.

 

[KeepItRed]

Hmm.. I'm leaning towards building my own now..but lets say the soon to be Radeon X900 is like $1000 CDN...then considering you still need everything else, I don't know how people save.. lol

 

[Mirko]

Originally posted by: KeepItRed

I just don't know why people pick AMD for gaming

Have you looked up any benchmarks?

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2410&p=7

X2_4200+: $520
P4_840: $550

Half Life 2
X2_4200+: 81.3 fps
P4_840: 66.3 fps

 

[nitromullet]

Hmm...I customized the exact same computer (cvery similar) on Dell and Dell was double the price, and building my own computer seems risky when I think about it..

Yea, this computer is going to be for harcore gaming I just don't know why people pick AMD for gaming, all I hear is that its easier to modify. Intel is nice and simply

...walk before you run. If you aren't confident enough to build your own rig, you have absolutely no business doing any modding/over clocking at all.

 

[KeepItRed]

Well i was only planning for overclocking using software lol I've just never seen someone build a rig, so I don't know what it's like..We need guides!

 

[Munky]

Building your own computer is the only way to get what you want and not overpay for it. You have to do some homework and pick out the right parts, but it's not hard once you get more familiar with the various hardware.

Another reason to build your own is because very few companies will sell you A64 systems, when in fact the A64 beats the best of intel in almost everything, and the dual core X2 will totally wipe the floor with intel, while running cooler, quieter, and using less power. Intel will do whatever they can to spread their propaganda, but their processors are inferior to AMD.

 

[Keeir]

Originally posted by: KeepItRed
Hmm.. I'm leaning towards building my own now..but lets say the soon to be Radeon X900 is like $1000 CDN...then considering you still need everything else, I don't know how people save.. lol

because Alienware will most likely charge 1200+ CDN to put the card in your system

 

[imported_humey]

WWW.GOOGLE.COM try keywords > "How to build a PC guide"

 

[KeepItRed]

Where can I find out what's compatible and works optimal with what? I don't know where to get started.

 

[BeakerChem]

If you are worried about building a PC from scratch, read through this first and see how you still feel about it. I am building for the first time myself and a bit nervous, but the price difference convinced me to go for it. I priced the rig in my sig at Alienware at ~$6k, got it for $2700 instead as parts.

 

[BeakerChem]

Blech! Double posted the same info and forgot the link:

Here is the link MechbGone's Guide for Newbies

 

[hootpie]

1) Build your own computer.
2) Use AMD
3) Use Nvidia
4) ???
5) Profit.

 

[Zebo]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums for those that don't already know

True dat. I can tell w/ Alienwware -- Intel -- Radeon... Try BYO, X2, 7800GTX

 

[Icepick]

If you're considering building your own system then check out this mid-high end system buyer's guide. It's loaded with recommendtations for parts.
http://www.anandtech.com/guides/showdoc.aspx?i=2426

If you see something you're not sure about then just post in these forums and you'll get tons of suggestions.