The big boys vs. the underdogs

[xshizzlex]

Looking at buying a new computer...I need lots of power because I'm a graphics artist for a web design company. I'm considering Dell and Alienware (I'd prefer not to get a mac), but I've always been a fan of the underdog and I found some smaller companies that look interesting...

www.pugetsystems.com
www.sgcustom.com
www.bullypc.com

What would you guys go with?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Underdog = gone in 6 months taking your warranty with them

I'd say either build it yourself with parts from Newegg, or get a Dell. Unless you want it to be a l337 gaming rig there's no reason to pay the extra cost of Alienware, and there are no Hot Deals like Dell has all the time.

 

[xshizzlex]

Sound's like you're into Dell, but I saw an article in computer shopper about "pc makers you've never heard of" or something. They can't be that bad just because they're not big can they??

 

[DaveSimmons]

They may be fine until they go out of business, at which point the warranty goes away too.

I've been building my own computers since the 386 days, I just recommend Dell for business computers and for non-gaming people who don't want to learn to build their own. For gaming you'd want an AMD A64 based system, and Dell doesn't carry AMD.

 

[Maximilian]

http://www.michaelscomputers.com/ <-- anyone remember this guy?

Well this underdogs pretty bad. He advertises hard drives that havent been invented yet and claims an 8 year warrenty. Plus claims a whole load of other crap. "Buy from me because im a christian!" What a fantastic reason to buy a comp from somone!! Would you trust this unheard of company??

Id stick to the well known brands.

 

[xshizzlex]

hah, you're right soviet, I love the quote on their homepage "My computer from Michael's Computers was leading edge when I bought it and still is leading edge today." Yeah right. Also, I think i should clarify Dave, I do play some games, and this PC is going in my home, not at work. I mentioned my profession because I often take work home after hours.

 

[compusaguy]

The computer market has gone bust. It's either the huge players or do it yourself. The smaller stores either cannot compete or will stiff you on the warranty or replacement.

 

[xshizzlex]

boy that's depressing. why are the small guys even trying?

 

[aatf510]

OMG, I found a good deal @ Micheal's computer - http://www.michaelscomputers.com/MX8AMDSystems.htm
AMD ATHLON 64 4000+ 64-BIT SOCKET 939
True Power 430 Watts Noiseless
CORSAIR 3200C2 333MHZ 256MB CAS2 DDR Memory W/HEAT SPREADER
240GB-120 GB X2 RAID 7,200 SATA-X 150
Nvidia FX 5700 DDR 8X AGP W/TV & DVI
Creative Labs SoundBlaster AUDIGY 2
8X8 DVD Rewriteable DVD-R DVD-RW Drive
52X/32X/52X CDRW BURN PROOF
High Quality TEAC 3 1/4" Floppy Drive

All of these for only $2671

I am going to order it right now since it's going last twice as long as other computers and it's leading edge.

 

[xshizzlex]

but seriously, take a look at the configurators on SG Custom Computers and Puget Systems. They both seem nice.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

If I were in your situation I would buy a prebuilt system from Monarch. They are a very reputable parts supplier, and you can pick your parts and they will assemble test and give you a warranty for $89. They are an established company that will be there if you have problems. You can get a system comparable to Alienware for much less $

Going this method will allow you to upgrade in the future if you need to. If you buy from Dell the upgrade path is zero!

 

[necine]

Build yourself, go dell, or get a decent computer on ebay that you can upgrade.

 

[bactiman]

Have you looked at monarch computers . Seems to be very popular around here.

 

[xshizzlex]

ok, thanks for the advice...I'll definitely consider monarch

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: xshizzlex
ok, thanks for the advice...I'll definitely consider monarch

Monarch does have a good reputation here.

For excellient gaming, and very good power for business / design applications, you might want to get

AMD A64 3200+ - 3500+
Socket 939 motherboard
1 GB RAM (maybe 1.5 - 2 GB if you do a lot of PhotoShop work on large images)
nvidia 6600 GT graphics card (good gaming at 1024 x 768 screen resolution)
any plain DVD-ROM reader (Liteon, Asus, ...) <-- some games won't run from a burner
NEC 3520 DVD burner
Samsung makes good, quiet and cheap hard drives.

 

[airfoil]

Any reason why you wouldn't want to try building your own? We're always here to help and believe me, once you build from the ground up and succeed, it will all seem ridiculously easy when you look back. Nothing like putting it all together yourself - and you did say you like backing underdogs, right?

Take a look-see at MechBgon's guide to get a preview of what you'll be getting yourself into.

The bottom line is, you'll get the most value for your money by putting it together yourself (better, high end parts), and learn something in the process!

 

[Harvey]

I have no problem buying from small, local companies where I can get a handle on their stability. There are also well established companies that sell components online. Newegg and zipzoomfly seem to have good reps.

The most important thing is a good choice of components. You can definitely build a better machine at any price point than you can buy from Dell, HP, etc., but it helps to know what you want. Folks on the forums will be glad to help. It'll help a lot if you do some of your own research on AT and other review sites, too.

I don't use a Mac, but if I knew the software I needed for a particular job was only available on a Mac, I'd buy one in a heatbeat. It's a tool. If someone's goint to pay you to do a job, and you need a phillps screwdriver, you won't get much done by insisting on using a pair of pliers. Hardware just doesn't listen.

 

[PrayForDeath]

Originally posted by: toattett
OMG, I found a good deal @ Micheal's computer - http://www.michaelscomputers.com/MX8AMDSystems.htm
AMD ATHLON 64 4000+ 64-BIT SOCKET 939
True Power 430 Watts Noiseless
CORSAIR 3200C2 333MHZ 256MB CAS2 DDR Memory W/HEAT SPREADER
240GB-120 GB X2 RAID 7,200 SATA-X 150
Nvidia FX 5700 DDR 8X AGP W/TV & DVI
Creative Labs SoundBlaster AUDIGY 2
8X8 DVD Rewriteable DVD-R DVD-RW Drive
52X/32X/52X CDRW BURN PROOF
High Quality TEAC 3 1/4" Floppy Drive

All of these for only $2671

I am going to order it right now since it's going last twice as long as other computers and it's leading edge.

Nah, I'd take a Goliath instead

 

[kini62]

Nothing wrong with Dell. It's fast, quiet, 4 year warranty etc....
I tried the "custom" pc route. Didn't work out for me.
You really can't go wrong with Dell, just wait for a 25% or 34% off sale or check out their hot deals.

I can play any game out so far with everything "on" at 1680x1050 (except for Doom III- 1280x1024)

 

[qbek]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
If you buy from Dell the upgrade path is zero!

:thumbsup:

 

[kini62]

By the time you "need" to upgrade, you're more likely better off buying a whole new computer. And the upgrade path is not zero. I can change video cards, HDDs, add a PPU (if and when they are available or actually make a difference). I'm kind of limited in the CPU department- but that's not Dell's fault, Intel is moving on to dual core and chose not to have current chipsets support them.

Then again I don't see myself "needing" to upgrade for quite some time, nor do most users. The "but you can't upgrade them" is a lousy argument against buying a Dell or Apple or whatever. It doesn't matter to 99% of users.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Underdog = gone in 6 months taking your warranty with them

I'd say either build it yourself with parts from Newegg, or get a Dell. Unless you want it to be a l337 gaming rig there's no reason to pay the extra cost of Alienware, and there are no Hot Deals like Dell has all the time.

Right, I have seen that happen too many times. If you want to go with a small vendor, choose one that is established; like falcon n-w.

http://falcon-nw.com/

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: Soviet
http://www.michaelscomputers.com/ <-- anyone remember this guy?

Well this underdogs pretty bad. He advertises hard drives that havent been invented yet and claims an 8 year warrenty. Plus claims a whole load of other crap. "Buy from me because im a christian!" What a fantastic reason to buy a comp from somone!! Would you trust this unheard of company??

Id stick to the well known brands.

look at his March press relese! How bogus is this!


MX8 VIPER SPECIAL MARCH $995

Latest Processor - Intel Pentium 4 3800MHz Processor with SSE3 Instruction set outperforms AMD and all Apple processors. Michael's Computers continue to be the world's only instant computer systems and most reliable with a rock solid 8 year for any MX8 Viper! There is no computer on the market that performs as best. Compare to any system and you just won't find the speed or power better than in a Michael's Computers.


ATI's PCI Express x850[/b] Video Card is In. Three times as Fast as 8X AGP. The x850 video processor was designed to have a native 16 lane support, or ?true? PCI Express interface. As a result it can communicate directly with the PCI Express bus at PCI Express speeds. Other graphics companies have cards that are compatible with PCI Express, but they are still only AGP cards that are ?bridged? by a second chip to be physically compatible with PCI Express slots on the motherboard. And you Need this human reality visual card! Graphics are ultra Real.

"When someone hears about Michael's fastest computers they have to own one" - 1000's of clients worldwide voice the same after seeing a system from Michael's Computers. That's why those who use Michael's Computers are the only fortunate customers to experience near Click Instant performance. Outdated computers are those that when you click something, you have to wait for it to load to come on. All programs launch instantly on Michael's Computers MX5.

There is never a point in buying a system, unless you have stellar software to run and show off the performance. Michael's Computers bundles top of the line software that makes computing more useful, productive and fun. With the longest 8 year warranties in the business, world's only proven systems to load programs and run operations nearly instantly, best service and web posted benchmarks, Michael's Computers have personally proven to have manufactured the perfect computer system, both desktops and laptops, for the professional and gamer user.

United States Navy Sidewinder Missile Division in California - "We have computers from every company, and your MX Systems surpass every computer we have ever tested. Our technicians saw your latest systems and they practically drooled over them" Where parts may be similar, side by side, no other computer can be as instant or as fast.

Many wonder how this is possible? Simple explanation - Ever wonder how one V8 engine in a car can be beat by another manufactures V8 in another car? It's always the way a system is built and optimized that makes the total difference. Who builds your system at Dell, Compaq, Gateway, HP, IBM, Alienware or any other company? Do you actually get to know the maker? Why do you think more people trust Michael's Computers?

About Michael's Computers
Michael's Computers, founded in 1996, is the world leader in design and manufacturing of the highest performance computer systems under the brand names MX8 (Previously MX7 which the MX stands for "Michael's Xtreme" and the number stands for years in warranty And business). The company does 100 Percent business online and can be contacted by mail at 4712 Admiralty Way, Suite 359, Marina Del Rey, Ca 90292.

Michael's Computers have been designing world performance systems for Gamers, Web Designers, 3D Cad Designers, Law Offices, Realtors, Doctors, Movie Producers, Audio Enthusiasts and personal within the US Navy, US Air Force and US Marine Corp since 1996. Michael's Computers systems are sold throughout the United States and also ship as far as Canada, Alaska, Ireland, Australia, Germany, UK and London. Michael's Computers are sold exclusively online at MichaelsComputers.com

Owner: Mike J Gonzales
Company http://MichaelsComputers.com California/Worldwide
Mailing Address Contact :
Michael's Computers
4712 Admiralty Way Suite 359
Marina Del Rey, Ca 90292


All branches of the US military have reported that they do not own or use any home-built pc's made by this guy. they all use dell.

 

[Auric]

When did "designing" come to entail choosing off-the-shelf parts? I mean, there isn't even room for creativity as with home interior designing. I'm sure the US DoD buys mission critical systems from dudes working out of their mum's rumpus room all the time. Besides, Christians are inherently trustworthy... just ask Benny Hinn!

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Monarch