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twhitemore   09-29-2007 at 02:55:56 AM

Hello,
Thinking about going with an Alienware instead of building a new one this time...

With the popular main items (8800GTX, Core 2 E6850 3.0 gig, 2Gig Ram 800mhz) lined up,
I noted that they only specify Alienware mobo and Ram, with no product names given...

Do you think $2,000 for this system would equal one that I could build and specify my choice of mobo and ram?

also is this a mid-budget machine, and will it run the newest FPS/racers, and FSX well??

kinda open ended...just not sure I want to build another machine...assume Alienware will put together a more gaming specific machine than the more common companies (dell, gateway, etc)

Thank you for you help...

Tom W.

------------------------------ Racing is life, everything else is just waiting
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StevieD   09-29-2007 at 04:01:05 AM
- 0 +

Alienware is Dell. Just like Voodoo is HP.

You pay a premium for Alienware to build you a computer. Everbody is going to chime in and say build your own. But as long as you are aware of the premium and happy with it, then by all means go with the prebuild.

When I say "aware of the premium" I do not mean that you know that a premium is being charged, rather that you know the exact amount of the premium.

I just spec'd out a Dell workstation.

By the way, the parts for Dell, HP etc may not be specified, but in most cases you can figure out that Seagate or WD makes the HD's, Asus makes the MB etc etc.

Anyway I spec'd out a Dell workstation. Essentially same parts from Newegg. The only thing in debate was the PSU and Case. I just added $100 for a combo PSU and Case and figured I was close.

The price that I would pay for the Dell was $xxx more than the parts and programs if I bought them from Newegg. $xxxx workstation. $xxx premium. And for that premium I get a 3 year onsite warranty and free shipping.

Fair enough. I bought the Dell. I know how much I am paying. And I don't have to spend 2 hours building it and hoping that I don't screw it up or some critical part is defective and needs to be RMA'ed. A lot of piece of mind for that $xxx amount.

Sure I am going to have to tweak the Dell. There ain't enough RAM. The graphics card is wrong for my usage. I am still going to have to partition the HD's etc. But I know the exact $ amount that I am paying to have a working computer delivered and the exact $ amount to make it work to my liking. I also know what the parts and programs would have cost if purchased separately.

A knowledgable customer is a happy customer. I am happy.

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StevieD   09-29-2007 at 04:11:24 AM
- 0 +

As far as Alienware being more GAMING than Dell, Gateway etc, the simple fact is a 8800GTX is a 8800GTX. Being installed in one computer over another will not make a bit of difference, especially at the low and mid price ranges when the parts installed are set at standard stock settings.

Yes at the high end Alienware (and Dell and Gateway to some degree) will add some overclocking or watercooling or other features to separate the parts from a routine off the shelf computer. But at the $2k price point everything is going to be stock parts and settings.

With Alienware you are paying for the cool case and mystique of the name versus a basic Dell or Gateway with the same parts list.

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twhitemore   09-29-2007 at 08:19:44 AM
- 0 +

Thanks for the thoughts and information StevieD....

Maybe I should open my mind and dig into the other companies prices...I guess that I assumed the 'gaming' company used different, better, mobo's and RAM than the other companies...

Thank you...

Tom W.

Reply to twhitemore
twhitemore   09-29-2007 at 10:52:19 AM
- 0 +

Wow, I scoured some of the other companies, and most dont supply the top CPU or graphics cards....and, the prices were much higher.
Seems that ppl in the forums are talking about 2K being a good mid-budget machine...using the main parts i originally mentioned.
I dont plan to over-clock, so I figured on the 880GTX and the Core 2 6850....hope they arent over kill....

Reply to twhitemore
sharp910sh   09-29-2007 at 10:35:34 PM
- 0 +

2k is a high budget, you will be foolish to gibe away your hard earned money to gay dell/alienware such a waste of money when you can build it for less. dell/alienware is evil and cheap

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