Should I custom build or buy a Dell?

Question

It use to be a no brainier with building vs. buying.
Building gave you the components you wanted and with a little "sweat equity" you had a superior PC for a fraction of a brand name.
Now the cost factor has shrunk and the choices for P4 boards is just plain confusing.
I don't even understand the advantages/disadvantages between main board sockets (423, 478, etc.)
I am currently running on a P3 with processor and memory topped off and parts from about 3 different computers.
It's getting me by because I'm not a gamer and I use it more for business applications, but I know I will need a solid P4 build of some sort in the near future.
Any suggestions on an inexpensive but reliable build. Also should I consider a AMD or Celeron? I would love a core 2 but it may be too pricey. I'm trying to keep it well below a grand.

Answer 1

Custom build if you know how. You will get exactly the components you require and be happier with the end result. The cost is indeeed a factor, but you'll find the build quality of Dells to be inferior. You do, however, lose out on the Dell support.



Also, you can go Core2 below a grand easily. My latest build was under £650. E6400, 512Mb Ati X1950X, 3x SATA2 drives, 650w PSU, 2GB DDR2, Case.

Answer 2

With your requirements, I don't see a reason to build. Dual core isn't that expensive but does cost more. If you go with the 939 chipset you can start with a standard processor and later upgrade to the dual core if you want. Best bet is to get an idea of what you want and speak to the salesman at Dell. Be wary though of being oversold on the video card. If you aren't gaming or using CAD, you should be able to get by on an inexpensive card like the Nvidea 5700LE. Go for at least 2gb of ram since Vista will require it and you will eventually be sucked into that. I bet you can hook up for around $800 as long as you only need the box.

Answer 3

I just built a P4 using the 478 pin processor / motherboard combo for just under $300. These are reliable and can find them cheap. You can find some new, in box 478 sockets on ebay. Or tigerdirect.com has a 3.33GHZ celeron for only $45, but that's a 775 socket. You can build a new computer for under $250 (without monitor) if ou shop around.

Answer 4

since u'r brand preference for a dell,

xps 410

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DXCWNF1&s=dhs



Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300 (2MB L2 Cache,1.86GHz,1066 FSB)

Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium

1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz - 2 DIMMs

250GB Serial ATA 3Gb/s Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™

Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability

19 inch E197FP Analog Flat Panel

256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache

Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio

Dell AS501PA 10W Flat Panel Attached Spkrs for Analog Flat Panels

Dell USB Keyboard

Dell Optical USB Mouse

56K PCI Data Fax Modem

Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD

McAfee SecurityCenter with anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall, 15-months

Trial pack- Basic and trial products from Corel and Yahoo

1Yr Ltd Warranty and At-Home Service

6 Months of America Online Membership Included

Also Includes

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.0

Windows Vista™ Premium



$999



but only suggestion i'd make here is try get 2 gb ram instead of 1 gb > add $130

perfectly worth added investment, considering long term !

Answer 5

I would suggest build. You will end up w/ a better quality PC. Sure if you get a Dell you will have support, but thats also the downside, since the PC is likely to break you will have fun sitting on hold talking to some dude in pakastan or india reading solutions from a computer screen.



If you must buy, give any local PC shops a shot before going w/ a big box like Dell. They usually build PC's to suit your needs, still support their product and they are higher quality and easier to upgrade should the need arrise

Answer 6

If you don't feel comfortable with the technology, you either need a guru to help you or it's time to simplify by buying 'off-the-rack' systems. Some packages offered today are quite good so I understand your dilema. It's a big investment so research is key. This is a good start asking for input here. If you don't game then a lot of the cutting edge stuff isn't necessary for you and should help keep the cost down. Does the grand ceiling include cost of the OS?

Answer 7

Custom build is still the way to go for cost effectiveness, especially if you already have the keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc... If you just need the tower, a custom build will still be lower than retail.



AMD is the cost effective choice for a duel core processor. The main socket types right now are socket AM2 for AMD duel core, and socket 775 for core 2 duo and P4 Intel processors.



For work and non-highest-of-the-tech games, you would not be able to tell the difference in speed between Intel and AMD. With that in mind, AMD seems to be the logical choice considering its less than half the price.



I've found the best way to custom build a new machine is through a web site calle www.mwave.com



You can click on "Barebones System" on the menu on the left and choose between AMD and INTEL, Black case or White case, and then a list box for each compatible component will appear with prices.



Here, i just did it for you. Heres a snap of my desktop at mwave: http://www.photosleeve.com/d/295032-1/untitled.bmp



Its a Gigabyte motherboard, AMD x64 duel core x2 processor, 1 Gig of high frequency ram, case, power sup, dvd rw, flash media reader, and 320 gig SATA hard drive for only $380!

Answer 8

If you are a gamer Dell's are a No! But since you are not using it for games a Dell would be a reasonable choice. Keep in mind that Dell tend to make their own components which can sometimes cause driver problems. I have had friends who have bought computers with SoundBlaster cards and the latest SoundBlaster drives complain they can't find the device because its a Dell SoundBlaster and requires a Dell driver. AMD/Pentium really mean nothing unless you're a gamer. Always try to get the best technology for your price because the more recent the technology they longer you can keep it before upgrading it but don't go over your budget. Always try to go for higher memory for your situation a processor is a processor and you can go for whatever meets your budget.

Answer 9

well, if u only use your PC for office purpose like just emails

and documentation etc etc..and u dont want to spend money

i suggest to buy celeron PC because its a light duty and good one...i put 7 PCs in my office network and they r celeron..but what i m using in my home is un-branded because i cant find that one in branded, and if i m going to buy in brand then it will cost me around 300 to 400% expensive..well if u need to buy and good one so it is much better to buy P4, but in my veiw my celerons r working perfect from the last three years..

Answer 10

I would suggest keeping the computer you have because there is no need to upgrade when all your going to be doing is work, but stay away from dell computers(they import cheap incompatible parts from Korea) If you will upgrade i suggest An AMD 64-bit Because Intel is still using that obsolete x86 technology and is not very efficient.

Answer 11

Hello. I usually recommend building one but in your case I must say go for a pre built. I also recommend HP as they have great products, reasonable prices and competent tech support. (unlike the most popular).

Answer 12

Bulding it yourself is your best option for getting exactly what you want. If you don't have the time or know how I would not recomend a Dell. They are poor quality computers with poor service. Instead, look to HP and Compaq for quality, factory built computers.

Answer 13

i just bought a dell e 521 over christmas . its awesome you get what you want on it let me say doing it thru dell isnt cheap i spent nearly 3 grand on it.

Answer 14

you can custom build thru dell.com,pic your base model,then go thru all options your looking for,some of the most expandable series dell has lets you choose many different options..