Dell? Gateway? Someone else?

S

Semulin

Bad Kitty
Joined
Oct 24, 2003
Messages
173
Location
USA
Howdy folks. I'm ready for a new one. I want a computer that can play all the games I like today, and has the potential to be upgraded to play the ones I"ll want tomorrow.

So far the Dimension 8400 or Gateway 5200 fit the bill. I was wondering what other options are out there that you folks might know of...

I have about $1100 to play with and want...
3Ghz processer or AMD equilivant
1gig ram
160 + Harddrive
PCIe grafics card with 128 memory (or more)
needs to include a monitor also, though not necesarrily a new fangled flat screen.

So far Dell is leading in my mind, they have the same fetures for a bit less. Anywhere else I should look?

thanks!
 
It would be far more fun and a bit cheaper to just build your computer.;) newegg.com is the best place to buy parts from.
 
I don't know much more than real basic stuff about computer building. Do they have a "How to build a computer for dummies" book or something?

I'm also curious as to why Azadre dosen't like gateways. That's what I have now, and it's been a great computer for 7 years, just getting a bit old.
 
Semulin said:
I don't know much more than real basic stuff about computer building. Do they have a "How to build a computer for dummies" book or something?
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Not that I am aware of. I built my own and I didn't know much about computer hardware when i started. www.pcguide.com is where I learned about different parts. ;) If you choose not to build your own then buy from DELL. Great support from them.
 
Dude, get an HP! (Dell sucks along with Gateway)

I think mine only costed $1150 or something like that. They are definately the best kind.
 
homeyg said:
Dude, get an HP! (Dell sucks along with Gateway)

I think mine only costed $1150 or something like that. They are definately the best kind.
Click to expand...

You must be joking :eek: :twitch: HP has the worst support ever. It used outdated parts when the built it, not to mention the tech support was really bad.
 
homeyg said:
Dude, get an HP! (Dell sucks along with Gateway)

I think mine only costed $1150 or something like that. They are definately the best kind.
Click to expand...
I bought a computer from Dell, and it sucked, but that was because I didn't pay attention to its specifications. I accidentally bought an office computer when I wanted a game computer. But that was entirely my own fault. My mother bought a laptop from them, and we had no problems. Just make sure you look at what you buy first.

Anyway, please say why you think that the different companies suck. I'm sure you have the time for it.
 
I don't know why. Maybe it's just because I've never owned any type of computer besides HP or Compaq. But I have seen plenty of Dells completely crash to the point where they won't even turn on.
 
In my experience, Compaqs/HPs tend to be junk. If you get one, don't try to open it up... they're an extreme pain to get open (especially with the useless plastic junk on the front, which likes to break if you try to remove it). My newer computer (a Gateway) is much better, and is quite good for digging around in. I've only ever called tech support once (my first and last time), with Compaq, and it was awful. I have nothing to compare it to, since I've never needed tech support from Gateway.

So, if you plan to add anything to the computer or open it up for any reason, I wouldn't suggest Compaq.
 
Padma said:
I have been a fan of DIY for years. The last computer I *bought* was back in 1992.

If you make your own, then you can be sure the various components are *quality*, not just something cheap the manufacturer threw in to make the specs look good. ;)
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Yeah. But you forgot the most important part: Its FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! :p
 
what applies to desktops doesn't apply to laptop computers, since neither hp nor dell nor gateway design theirs.

one is for sure, they will screw you with some outdated/cheap part unless you pay fortune for configuration.
 
I buy computers for a living, and have some experience with the manufacturers. We mostly build our own now, so my experience is limited, and possibly out of date. The reason we build our own is that the most popular manufactures universally make computers using poor-quality parts, and use designs that make upgrades more difficult than they should be. Considering those statements, here is my opinion.

Compaq HP: Overpriced. Decent service. Acceptable manufacture.
Dell: Good service. There was a bad period when manufacture was unacceptable, but I think they're over that now. They still seem too proprietary to me.
Gateway: Overpriced. Poor service. Acceptable manufacture, but too proprietary.
Ocean: Low price, not proprietary, but cheap components.
ATI: Unacceptable manufacture.

To summarize, I'm with the others - build your own. You'll get a better machine for the same or lower price, and upgrades will be easy.
 
To me, upgrading and gaming are the keys to your decision.

If you are a gamer, you could build a nice system a lot cheaper than paying someone else to do it, and be assured that it has the horsepower to do what you want it to.

If you want to upgrade later, what better way to know what are the best upgrade options than if you built it yourself in the first place. Also, most of the beige boxes either use substandard parts or are so proprietary in nature that you can't upgrade them at all.
 
I've had no problems adding parts to my Dell computer. I just remove a panel (I don't even need a screwdriver!), and there I am. The only backside is that the front panel wouldn't fit after I put it back when I installed my new DVD-burner.

But personally I think that building your own is a better option. (Especially after that lousy Dell deal.) Most computer stores can even build one for you with your specs. Just make sure you get a list of the price of the components you ask for, to make sure sure the store doesn't play dirty.
 
Semulin said:
Howdy folks. I'm ready for a new one. I want a computer that can play all the games I like today, and has the potential to be upgraded to play the ones I"ll want tomorrow.

So far the Dimension 8400 or Gateway 5200 fit the bill. I was wondering what other options are out there that you folks might know of...

I have about $1100 to play with and want...
3Ghz processer or AMD equilivant
1gig ram
160 + Harddrive
PCIe grafics card with 128 memory (or more)
needs to include a monitor also, though not necesarrily a new fangled flat screen.

So far Dell is leading in my mind, they have the same fetures for a bit less. Anywhere else I should look?

thanks!
Click to expand...


I think you can get all that except it's 512 ram for 700 dollars from best buy. Then you can just buy another 512 stick of ram for about 100 dollars.
 
Shadylookin said:
I think you can get all that except it's 512 ram for 700 dollars from best buy. Then you can just buy another 512 stick of ram for about 100 dollars.
Click to expand...

You can shave a some money off of that if you buy from newegg.com Much cheaper prices. The parts are all quality to. :)
 
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