How does Alienware charge so much?

Question

http://www.alienware.com/product_detail_pages/Aurora_ALX/aurora_specs.aspx?SysCode=PC-AURORA-ALX-R7&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT#pdp-nav
Is this a joke? I just built about the same computer (w/o the Athlon 6400--but with a 6000 overclocked to a 6600, with a slightly cheaper video card and a slightly cheaper psu) for $1100...4,000?

If someone's technically enthusiastic to spend that much on a computer, wouldn't they know that they're being ripped off?

Why is it that people demand Alienware so much?

Answer 1

Well actually for the $4099, it comes with the 6000+, the 6400 is more. While it might be a little overpriced, I still think you might be shortchanging it a bit. Notice that that price includes 2 of the 8800GTXs, not one. Also it includes a built in liquid cooling system, for both the processor and the graphics cards. Actually after doing a quick scan of the component parts, I would estimate it at about $3200 to build something similiar, so while it is overpriced, still not nearly as overpriced as some would believe.

Answer 2

When it comes to Alienwares systems they are very good at what they do. You are not paying just for the components that go into the Alienware system. You are paying for the best hardware that you can buy from an OEM vendor. Over clocking processors is something that Alienware does and does well. Your could buy the parts elsewhere and over clock the system your self using standard hardware and you would more than likely not get the same results that they do. There is also a high demand for their systems and they need to charge a higher price to be able to keep up with that demand. They have to pay the people that assemble and test their systems. You cannot just hire people that do not know what they are doing when you things like over clocking. You need people that know what they are doing and that also costs more. You are also paying a little for the Name. Another company that makes great very fast custom systems is FalconNorthwest and they are just as expensive as Alienware on a comparable system.

Answer 3

Yes they do charge the bucks there.
I think Dell is even worse on overcharging for their XPS 700 series. Dell even uses 'delled' parts that are missing features from the retail editions of the same sound card or video board.

Congratulations on your new machine!
Most people just aren't up to the task of building it themselves. You should advertise locally for building custom computers.

I've replaced every part of every machine over the years but I'm still too chicken to do the whole thing myself...
It would be fun to learn side by side with an expert like yourself while building. Or have someone to bail me out if I make a mistake.....

Answer 4

Because like buying a very expensive sports car you over pay, it's completely retarded how people pay all that money for their products! But some people have this disease, they cannot buy anything that doesn't have a name brand label attached to it, and it's sad. They waste all that money for what? I work on alienware system on a regular basis and they are nothing special to be honest with you. The system you built is probably better because you took the time to build it right.

Answer 5

Yeah Alienware is just about the hype anyway. Cool looking cases and high end cards will cost you. Personally you can easily build one allot faster and cheaper than Alienware. + you can get a better looking case aswell.

Answer 6

They make it sound like they have the fastest gaming systems. People who have no concept of computers buy a $4000 machine when they could get one for half price somewhere else. Same with the Dell XPS!!!!!

Answer 7

i hear you but it all comes back to the law of supply and demand

Answer 8

Same concept as iPods.