I'm interested in space saving design (OptiPlex Series) from the Dell Business Line. The competing option is HP Pavilion Slimline Series. I would like to minimize the space of my workstation at home and get away from a tower, but was instructed that it is actually a risk to stop using a larger tower. Was told that the reduced case size doesn't allow proper airflow and can shorten the lifespan of the components. Is this true?
Also, is HP or Dell better choice in terms of both technical support and value? Additionally I am not an individual who modifies PCs so all included hard drive, RAM, CPU, video and sound cards, etc is what I intend on keeping for the duration of ownership.
2007-06-07 10:43:16 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
DELL.
2007-06-07 10:45:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
HEAT should not be an issue with small cases if you choose the newer processors and stay away from the HOT Pentium 4s and Ds. The new Pentium E2140/2160 are based on Core2 Duo and run cooler.
I am unable to comment on Dell because I only own a Compaq. BUT my experience w/ so many laptops at the office and my current 3 laptops and 5 desktops is that if you take good care of them, 99% of the time, your problem will be software related rather than hardware. And the serious geeks here would be helpful w/ software issues most of the time.
2007-06-07 18:20:09 · answer #2 · answered by Karz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dell is an overpriced proprietary architecture. You can do better off the shelf. A small case is suicide if you use it hard - CPU and graphics card. You've got minimum 150 watts of heat to dump if you are a serious user. High temperature kills. It's got to blow through there.
Know what you need today and a year from today. Unless you have an overriding reason otherwise (video format conversion), forget Intel and go top end AMD Athlon (and FX if it going to crunch flat out for hours and hours - bigger CPU safety margin for overheat).
http://www.abscomputers.com/
Build it on-line with pricing as you go. Compare performance with what you can get elsewhere for the price. Don't skimp on the power supply or the CPU fan. Power supply rating continuous is no more than 90% of what is advertised. If it is a hot summer day and you are working it, 70-80%.
2007-06-07 18:00:44 · answer #3 · answered by Uncle Al 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Smaller computers have less efficient airflow. It does not mean they will break the computer. If a computer is well kept and maintained, then it will last for a long time. I think HP has better support than Dell these days. My company uses slim HP computers. They work and I haven't had a problem with it yet.
2007-06-07 17:49:12 · answer #4 · answered by Simpleofmind 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you buy a computer 'out of the box' and you intend to keep it for the 'duration' of ownership, I HOPE that you intend to buy a BRAND NEW COMPUTER every two years, and to have one that is 'way too old' for most of the time. Your 'slimline' may be 'necessary' for some reason of 'space' where you live, but if you are just getting it because it 'looks nicer' then you are WRONG to do so ... my husband actually paid MORE for just the two 'empty towers' that now hold our computer parts because they are 'aluminum' and are lighter in weight but have MORE FANS to keep our computers cooler ... we have them sitting on the floor under our desks, and can put disks in and take them out quite easily that way, without the 'cluttered look' on the top. We both have the 'flat screen' monitors, too ... but we also have 'individual keyboards' ... mine is 'ergonomic' and 'remote' and we both have 'remote mice' because that works best for us, but my husband's keyboard is a 'standard' wired one. My husband 'built' our computers 'from scratch' by going online and finding 'the best we could afford' ... they cost about $750 each (not including monitors, which we already owned) and are SUPER POWERFUL. My husband is a Web Developer and took classes in 'computer maintenance and repair' so he knows 'how to build one' (but so do I, with NO classes!) but if you don't want to 'go to the trouble' to do that, I suggest you call your local 'community colleges' and ask to speak to the 'computer maintenance teacher' ... and tell him that you will 'buy all the parts and let his class(es) put your computer together as their 'assignment' if he'll help you 'choose the best you can afford' ... you will LOVE your computer and it will actually 'last longer' ... especially if you get a 'tune up' from the next class every year.
2007-06-07 18:14:04 · answer #5 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well mike, i also sure you are interested in a better system for the buck too, and i can help you with that part too.
I custom build computers and i can offer you better systems at a better price, and also,
if you are worried about heating, then may i suggest a type of watercooling or underclock your components.
Message me if you would be interested in getting a better systme for the $
2007-06-08 07:28:47 · answer #6 · answered by Seneca P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would go HP just because i always have problems with dell and because HP has good basic stuff for you if you don't like to modify PCs
2007-06-07 17:50:28 · answer #7 · answered by carpagio16 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are into gaming, I wouldn't go with HP. I have had a HP and tried to play games on it, you just run into nothing but trouble
2007-06-07 20:23:53 · answer #8 · answered by oracle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gateway, get that, its awesome...
2007-06-07 17:45:58 · answer #9 · answered by abagtha_778 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋