Should I buy Dell or go with a custom built computer?

Question

It use to be a no brainier with building vs. buying.
Now the cost factor has shrunk and the choices for P4 boards is just plain confusing.
I don't even understand the difference in socket 423, 478, etc.
I am currently running on a P3 with processor and memory topped off and parts from about 3 or 4 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

Ok, theres a few ways you can go. AMD is better for building and for Vista. I personally like it better all around, but Intel isn't a bad choice. The socket setup is simple, the 478 socket motherboard uses a socket 478 processor. Its just the processing ability...kinda. Like a 2.8 socket 478 runs slower then a 2.8 socket 775. If you want a good computer, but not top of the line, building can be cheaper. It just depends on exactly what you want.

AMD I am personally switching to cause it runs better. And under almost no circumstances should you want a Celeron unless you can't afford a computer. The Celeron is the cheaper version that runs cooler but alot slower. I used one that took 30 seconds to open a folder, and a Pentium 4 equivalent ran it in about 3 seconds. Celeron = really slow. If you want a dual core one, AMD Athlon 64 X2 is the best bet. You can build a computer that will make the P3 look ancient for fairly cheap.

www.newegg.com and www.tigerdirect.com are the sites I buy from. You can buy from ebay, they sometimes are cheaper, but I dont really trust ebay for computer parts, id prefer a company that is for computers.

I built a quick one, you can go by it or something similar. I am about 95% the parts are compatible, I didnt spend time to research it all. But I could if you needed.

https://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/Wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=3689229&WishListTitle=Good+cheap

Hopefully this is something that your looking for. its about 550$, and this computer will be upgradable. Like the processor can be a 4400 the ram can be more, it just depends on what you want. This is a good start I think.

And for all that its worth, don't buy brand names. The cheap ones are cheap for a reason. Like HP, I ran antispy and virus when I first turned it on, never online, and I found 70+ things. I deleted them all cause they were spyware, and about 70% of the programs stopped working. Then when I got online, about 100+ things wanted to access the internet. I also bought a Sony, it came with alot of sony stuff, and without it, it won't run right. And if you redo windows you have to download patches and drivers otherwise the computer stuff work. So yeah, no company made computers.

Answer 2

Pentium 4 is going to be discontinued shortly by Intel, so Pentium D or Duo-Core should be the minimum CPU for a scratch build. Forget Celeron and make the choice between Intel and AMD...
Check out: http://tomshardware.co.uk/
for reviews and opinions. I bought a Dell Dimension 9150 a year ago and am already upgrading memory and adding a 500GB hard drive. I can upgrade up to a Pentium D for my motherboard chipset max and even this is getting OLD now...
After a year's experience I would now have rather built from scratch, selecting a MB which could support more advanced dual core technology. Dell is a good make and any dual core model can be upgraded with memory/hard drives out of yr old machine...

Answer 3

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 4

Go with a CUSTOM built computer.. ONLY if you have a reputable person or company with many years in business close to you….

Heck.. I like HP better than hell… opps,, D .. D

Custom built computers cost about $200.00 more than most systems but they are usually better… (The REVERSE when you are talking DELL.. Dells are marked up WAY too much on their higher lines.)

You can get a SCREAMING system for about $1500.00.. I’m talking ALL OUT TV Watching, Game playing, High Quality Stereo system, blast your friends outa the world computer…..

Look for components like INTEL processor AND Motherboard…
If they use INTEL you will know the product is good and sound..

AMD is good, but people use weak motherboards to support them… If you get a HIGH QUALITY motherboard with an AMD Chip you will be satisfied. But not many people do the HIGH QUALITY AMD boards when building…

You get the FULL Version of Windows .. (Do XP, Vista isn’t tried and true yet.)

ASUS and INTEL boards come with 3 years from the Manufacturer warranty.. They take about 10 days to replace and back on your desk..



Since you are doing this for BUSINESS keep in mind that AMD does NOT work with certain proprietary programs like ALL DATA for car repair. (I’ve seen it crash and not load many times.)

Stay away from Celeron.. The Pentium Duo is only about $198.00 for the (Conroe) processor. That is a Socket 775… You CAN get boards that will run the DUO and the OLD Pentium D … The D is going for $98.00 … Just do the DUO and spend the extra $100.00…. Even if you have to SAVE and extra 2 weeks for it….

My Email is OPEN if you need help....

Answer 5

The cost factor hasnt shrunk by ANY means! The fact that many PC companies advertise 400 dollar PCs is whats changed! These ads mislead the average buying public into believing they are getting a system that will do all! This is far from the truth! Most of these systems aint much good for anything but browsing the internet! As far as Dell, I wouldnt pay for any one of their models! They have some of the poorest support, they arent very compatible with aftermarket hardware, and they cost a fortune to fix! I build all of my own but for the average buying public, I would say HP all the way! Most people should sit down with paper and pen and decide what it is that they want their PC to do and then order accordingly.
NUMAN, you need to quit pretending you know somethin! AMD rules!

Answer 6

AMD is cheaper and better. Check out what's available at http://www.pricewatch.com
And I would never consider Celerons. Junk.
AMD Athlons cost about the same and are vastly superior.
I have seen dual core AMDs in laptops (Acer) with 100GB HDD and all the niceties you'd expect (wireless, bluetooth, video card, LAN, 15" TFT screen) for about $760.00
Desktops should be less with even higher power.
Check specifics at Tom's Hardware.com

Answer 7

Go with Dell. Buying parts seperately will cost a lot. Also, AMD prossecers have lower quality. (No offense AMD) But AMD is for everyday use so AMD is good in this situation.