About to Buy a New Computer. Help me compare options

[Archer 007]

Here are the 8 systems Im looking at:

Dell:
P4 3.0 GHz, XP Pro, 512 MB RAM, GeForce FX 5200 vid card, 120 GB HD, 8x DVDRW, Sound Blaster Live 5.1 sound card, includd Money, Wordperfect, Paint Shop Pro, Turbotax
Cost: $1387

Compaq:
Athlon 64 3200+, XP Pro, 1 GB RAM, GeForce FX 52000 XT vid card, 160 GB HD, 8x DVDRW, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card, includes Works, Money, Word, Encarta
Cost: $1566

Alienware:
Athlon 64 3200+, XP Pro, 512 MB RAM, GeForce FX 52000 vid card, 160 GB HD, 16x DVD, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card, no software
Cost: $1983

Emachines:
Athlon 3000+, XP Home, 512 MB RAM, GeForce 4 vid card, 160 GB HD, 4x DVDRW, some sort of "standard" sound card, includes Works, Money, and Encarta
Cost: $730

IBM:
P4 3.0 GHz, XP Pro, 768 MB RAM, GeForce 4 MX vid card, 120 GB HD, 16x DVD, Cadenza sound card
Cost: $1384

Gateway:
P4 3.2 GHz, XP Pro, 512 MB RAM, GeForce FX 5200 vid card, 160 GB HD, 8x DVDRW, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card, includes Works Suite
Cost: $2210

Falcon NW
P4 2.66 GHz, XP Home, 512 MB RAM, GeForce FX 5200 vid card, 80 GB HD, 16x DVD, ? sound card
Cost: $1339

ABS
P4 3.0 GHz, XP Pro, 512 MB RAM, Sapphire Radeon 9800 vid card, 160 GB HD, 4x DVDRW, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card, includes Works Suite
Cost: $1749

Which is the best buy and, for fun's sake, which is the worst buy?
(I know which is the best specs-wise, but I'm more interested in a specs-price comparsion.

 

[Turner]

Best Buy: I dunno. I like ABS myself.
i
Worst? That kinda depends on your POV. I'd say eMachines, myself. But they all have their problems.

It really boils down to what you're willing to put with when you buy the system.

 

[FireBall]

Whatever happened to cutom-buliding?

Um, I've always liked Dell, Alienqware is good too, awesome cases and such. I, personally would reccomend an ATI vid. card, just because I prefer them over Nvidea's G-Force..

As for Processor, I prefer Intel, though many don't....

As for worst buy, well... E-machines isn't all that good, not a big fan of Gateway myself, I think they're overpriced...

Have fun with your new PC!

If you're going with a High-end video card, look for some good monitors too...

 

[Comraddict]

custom build. you don't want to pay for that crappy video cards.

 

[Dell19]

Where I got my computer from:

http://www.meshcomputers.com/updated/index.htm

 

[Archer 007]

All of those prices include a 17" CRT monitor.

 

[Archer 007]

Originally posted by Turner_727
Best Buy: I dunno. I like ABS myself.

Any particular reason why?

 

[Archer 007]

Originally posted by Dell19
Where I got my computer from:

http://www.meshcomputers.com/updated/index.htm

I'll look into it.

Edit: They don't ship outside the UK.

 

[Azadre]

Where is the apple?

 

[Azadre]

http://www.apple.com/powermac/

 

[Archer 007]

I already have lots of software for PC, and it would all be wasted if I bought a Mac. Otherwise, I would highly consider it.

 

[phoenix_night]

Custom build. Far cheaper and you get a better computer for it.

 

[Goober]

Well, custom build, or have someone build it for you. I somehow doubt that most people would be able to build their own computer!!!

I got mine built, I think it is better then an equivalent computer being pre-built.

 

[Comraddict]

Custom built. Decide quality of your parts. You cannot have last ASUS or ABIT motherboard with up to date chipset, and with built by ATi video card in any branded computer.

 

[Archer 007]

I don't know to build, but i'm sure one of my friend's does. One perk of buying pre-made is the ability to finance the purchase. Where would I look for parts if I want to build it myself?

 

[Goober]

Out of the above options, I would go with the second option, mainly because I dislike Pentium, but definitely try to get it custom-built for you, or build it yourself. Prebuilt computers tend to come with all kinds of crap on them that is pre-installed that you don't want.

I would recommend the Compaq, its seems the best, I guess . . .

 

[Comraddict]

best place to shop for parts in US is www.newegg.com

 

[Vancouver 2010]

Personally, I would just build it myself. I don't really have an opinion on any pre-built system.

 

[Turner]

Originally posted by Archer 007

Originally posted by Turner_727
I dunno. I like ABS myself.

Any particular reason why?

I've looked into just about every brand up there when I started looking to buy a new comp last year, and ABS had the setup I liked the most. It started with the cases having windows and neon lights, and when i looked further, I liked what I saw. I've never actually used one, but they have recieved some awards (from PC Mag, I think it was) for service, and they systems are moderately priced. Seems to be a good deal.

 

[Rheinmetall]

I'd recommend custom build. But if you have to take one of those above and you plan to play other games than civ don't touch the ones with FX 5200. It's slower than the old R8500 or even R9000 Pro. GF 4 MX is even worse.

Then you have to ask yourself. For what would you need a WXP Pro when Home version is enough for most users.

That Compaq has probably the second worst video card in the lot.
The XT behind the name says it's underclocked FX 5200.

That Emachines one doesn't look bad to me (but I don't know what kind of reputation they have) It has reasonably fast processor, GF 4 (if it really is pure GF4, not MX) is fast enough for todays games, enough memory for now (easily upgaradeable), CHEAP!.