Hi everyone,

I need a new computer bad, and want to get the most for my money, but don't want to get a peice of crap. I have a Gateway P3 1.1GHz, which won't play Warcraft 3 nicely, one major reason for me wanting to upgrade.

Basically what's the real difference from buying a company from one of the major retailers like Gateway, Dell, HP, Compaq, etc. over lesser known computer manufacterers which sell online? Basically support, is that it? Can someone recommend a/some reliable companies like this? I think I'm looking for possibly a P4 2.4GHz.

I would greatly appreciate the help, thanks!

Dan

Support/warrenty, you pay alot for the name. I like those "alien ware" or whatever pcs, don't own one but worked on one of their laptops looked real nice.

Basically what's the real difference from buying a company from one of the major retailers like Gateway, Dell, HP, Compaq, etc. over lesser known computer manufacterers which sell online? Basically support, is that it?

The difference? Better support. But in almost all cases, the big-name companies use cheap proprietary parts in building their computers and you do pay a bucketload for support.

You do save a lot if you build a computer by yourself. It's relatively easy (there are an unlimited number of online computer building topics on the web :)), and you'll be able to find support from the friendly Arstechnica.com, Anandtech.com, etc. message boards.

I just built my computer this past summer (first time building a system, and received much troubleshooting help from the PC forums) and from comparing my computer specs to Dell, I saved ~$800. And the parts on my computer are among the top you can purchase for the price.

Specs are as follows:

XP AMD 2100+
Samsung Original PC2700 DDR 512MB
Asus A7V333 RAID
Western Digital 80GB (Special Edition 8mb cache)
Antec 1080B w/ TruePower
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz
etc.

I like those "alien ware" or whatever pcs, don't own one but worked on one of their laptops looked real nice.

Alienware PCs are among the top "over-priced" gaming PCs you can purchase on the market. Although their parts are a bit above average, and the look-appeal is nice, they are way overpriced than what you can purchase from other dealers or build by yourself.

I would recommend heading over to PCWorld.com and looking at the latest tabs on the PC desktops. :)

I've been pleased with the computers I've gotten from this company.
http://www.cyberpowerinc.com
You can go with their basic setups or customize to suit you, choose a different motherboard, chipset, hard drive make, video card, add fans, etc.
They've got a cool looking gaming computer right now for $1100.

Dan I thought you made a fortune out of selling DNF :D So now you can afford a P4 3.06 Multithreading "Satan Inside" :D

Also, when purchasing products online, make sure you check their rating at: http://www.resellerratings.com

It's a very useful tool. :)

Never thought of actually building a computer progex, good idea, I just looked into it but I don't really want to bother with it, would rather just buy one already put together. Thanks for the link madmouser and progex again for the links I'll check them out.

And TC, I don't want to spend basically most of the money I made on a computer, hopefully parents will pay for a good portion of it, since I got a new computer last year I think they expect me to use it longer, heh..

Then maybe you can call Steven, he can talk to your parents:

- Mr and Mrs Gessler, you need a Dell ! :D