Recommendations on server choice - gateway/dell?

[randomact]

We're looking into getting a new workstation for our office. We can get a Gateway with a 1000mHz AMD Athlon processor for $1548, or a Dell with a 750mHz Pentium3 for $2183. The only thing holding us back from the Gateway is that soneone here has heard that sometimes they're not so hot on networks (we use a Novell product, but are probably switching to NT). Any thoughts? Thanks in advance

 

[midnightrat]

What are you guys using the system for? If it to be a server, consider Compaq. If it's gonna be a desktop system/workstation, I'd go with the Dell. It might be more expensive but Dell makes pretty good systems. I always thought of Gateways as more for the home.

My 2 bits.

 

[reicherb]

you've got to be kidding. You really think the Dell is worth $635 more than the Gateway? Dells are good stable machines with good support but lacking in performance. I would also recommend you look into Compaq as well if this is going to be used as a server, Otherwise go with the Gateway.

 

[midnightrat]

your right I wouldn't pay that much more for a Dell desktop. For $1500 I'd most likely build my own system, maybe even a server, but that's me.

 

[Daniel]

Are you getting the exact same things, I know it seems like a stupid question but a buddy asked me to build a system for him the other day. He showed me a gateway quote for a 1 gig athlon, it had crap video, 64 megs of ram, a 4800 rpm hd, it was pathetic, how about you show us the specs or post a url for the 2 systems you are considering and it would help the process greatly.

 

[Vegito]

I work in a dell shops.. their price are way too expensive.. usually buy the system with little memroy like 32 or 64 and goto crucial to get the same thing for half price, their accessory is like retail price.. you may be better off ordering the strip down system and putting in a better cd/cdr/dvd/video card,etc..

but anyway.. these dells are decent, not best performer but rarely goes down.. never used compaq before for servers but their desktop is so limited, dont see how the server wouldn't be the same.

 

[vi edit]

Man for that much $$, you have to be looking at their Precision line up w/ Rambutt. Look at the Optiplex 110s w/ SDRAM.

I've been nabbing Optiplex 733's w/ 10 gig HD's, 128 RAM, and TNT2 vanta 16 meggers for around $1,000. You're getting ripped on the price.

 

[Ladi]

In my experience, Dell *support* has been unparalleled, especially in the corporate environment (home users too, though). If something does break, they'll send a tech out to fix it fast. It may not be the cheapest option, but support/upkeep/maintenance costs are something else to keep in mind.

~Ladi

 

[hausdave]

Go with the Dell. Gateway is really just for consumer use.

 

[blstriker]

Get a Dell. Right now they have $300 and free shipping on the PowerEdge server line. You can get a basic box with a p3 800 for around $700.

 

[yoyo25]

If you want to spend just a little bit more, some of these IBM servers are pimp:
ibm servers

 

[Edski]

From a business & networking stand, only go with the Dell. If you want a dedicated server, Compaq 580DL. Save yourself all the head aches and gray hair...do NOT go with the Gateway. We have over 700 systems where I work and each department has their own budget to get new PC's, not a single one is Gateway, let alone anything with an AMD processor.

EDIT: The Compaq servers are nothing like their desktop systems, I would gladly take an older Compaq server over ANY Compaq desktop, hell, I wouldnt take the desktop if it was the latest and greatest and FREE.

 

[Pghpooh]

HI
Over the past 8 to 10 years the company I work for has bought a few Gateway and IBM and Dell computers. When I say few, I mean few thousand!!
My experience with Dell computers has been all positive. We have old 486 machines that were plugged in and turned on years ago and still going!! I currently use a Optiplex machine. Got it 2 years ago, set it up and it runs 7 days/24 hours a day! Never turned off!!!
The support from Dell is fantastic!!! If I send a e-mail requesting help, I get a reply within a few hours. If I need on line help,, one call is all it takes. Since we buy the extended warranties, and when in house help is needed, they are there sometimes the day we request it, mostly the next day. Yes,, Dell is expensive. But,, for what we use them for,, 100% reliable.

Pghpooh

 

[BigDady92]

neither..both suck for performace, support, and SLA's. I use only Compaq, and thats it..I work for Citibank in Florida. We purchased over 20mil in Compaq servers fromt the dual p3's with 2 9gbs to the Quad xeons with 18gb raid arrays with 4 gb of memory...trust me don't play around with the lil boys when it comes to servers..only stick with the tried and true for maximum uptime and support..COMPAQ!!!

 

[Shuxclams]

Always go with the Workstation level PC's from any of the companies, Compaq = Deskpro, Dell = Precision, Gateway = professional series, etc.... I prefer Compaq Deskpro's.
Server's are touchy, if the choice was between Dell and Gateway alone I would go with Dell, but as many have said here you really can't beat Compaq servers.






SHUX