Self-build challenge: Can you beat this Dell?
To StaffsMike, Webby, and all the other usual (and not so usual) suspects:
Can you build a PC that is as good as the following Dell system for less money?
The kicker for me is the 4 yr warranty it comes with.
Purpose of the PC is, amongst other things: Accounts, web browsing, Word, iTunes / iPod syncing (but not music playing). Loads of printing via a heavy duty HP laser.
Games will be solitaire and (very occasional) Diablo II LOL!
I should also mention that the owner will not be interested in any future upgrades, at least not internally to the base unit, so i'm quite happy with the stock case and stock PSU.
The quad-core is admittedly overkill, but what the hell:
Quote:
Base Intel® Core™ 2 Quad-Core Q6600 Processor (2.4GHz, 8MB cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Memory 3072MB 800MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024 + 2x512]
Keyboard Dell™ Entry Quietkey USB Keyboard - UK/Irish (QWERTY)
Monitor 23in S2309W WIDESCREEN UK Black (1920 x 1080)
Video Card 256MB ATI® Radeon™ HD 3450 graphics card
Hard Drive 500GB (7200rpm) SATA Hard Drive
Floppy Drives and Additional Storage Devices 19-in-1 Media Card Reader
Microsoft Operating System Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium with Service Pack 1, 32-bit
Mouse Dell 2 Button USB Scroll Optical Mouse - Black
Modem No Modem
Optical Devices DVD +/- RW Drive (read/write CD & DVD)
Sound Cards Integrated 7.1 Channel High Definition Audio
Speakers Creative Labs Inspire T10 Speakers Black UK - 'Designed for Dell'
Microsoft Application Software Microsoft® Works 9.0 - English
Standard Warranty 1Yr Limited Warranty - Collect & Return
Enhanced Service Packs 4Yr In-Home Warranty Support, including evenings and Saturdays
Protect your new PC No Security/Anti-Virus Protection - English
USB Memory Keys Lexar JumpDrive Firefly USB Flash Drive - 8GB
Total = £704.85 all in ( inc VAT, inc Delivery).
Appreciate any alternative suggestions.
Re: Self-build challenge: Can you beat this Dell?
About two months ago I built a work rig (uni work and interne browsing) for £620:
Motherboard: Asus P5K-VM
Ram: Geil pc6400 4Gb
CPU: E2200
Graphics:Gainward 3780XT
Case:LianLi V350B
PSU: Zalman 650 Heatpipe
HDD: 320Gb Maxtor
Monitor: Dell 248WFP
Dvd: NEC Lightscribe unit
Mouse: Logitec G5
It's a fantastic setup, and nearly as powerful as my gaming rig. Drop the Lian Li Case, and buy a cheap generic black one, Swap out the PSU for a Corsair unit, and the CPU for the Q6600. 500Gb hard drives are the same price now as the 320 was when i got it, so that shoul dget you a better specced pc for around £100 less. Main componants from Aria, Ebuyer, and the monitor is from overclockers who currently have an offer on the 23" monitor, and one on a 1920x1080 24" as well.
RwD
Re: Self-build challenge: Can you beat this Dell?
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1...basket4hn4.jpg
Only saving £85 though, admittedly better case and PSU (could probably find something a bit cheaper maybe ~£50), faster and larger hard drive, 4GB of RAM, Vista 64 and lower power consumption.
I would have to say though the Dell is a mighty fine price. Not sure if the quad is worth it for the projected use though. The 4 year warranty is nice as well.
I guess its a toss up between power efficiency, and lower capital cost. Against extended warranty and power enough to do whatever the future may hold.
Edit: Here this case and PSU instead http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130947 £53 :) and swap the motherboard for a 780G and save a bit more http://www.ebuyer.com/product/146837 £53. Total savings from those two swaps £45 for a total saving of £130 which is a bit more of an attractive offer.
Re: Self-build challenge: Can you beat this Dell?
I'm logically aware that Quad Core is not needed for most tasks, but i want something that "feels fast", will boot quickly, handle Vista well etc. The potential owner is already familiar with Vista and doesnt want anything new (no, not even XP!).
As I said, the 4 yr warranty is the most impressive part for me, and should mean a real weight off my mind (reducing those 9pm phone calls!).
Thanks everyone.
What i did notice is that when you use Dell's website, the final price can vary wildly depending on what spec you start from. EG upgrading from an E8400 to 8500 (a £20 difference at Scan) cost sometimes £20, sometimes over £100!!!
Other upgrades also varied in a similar fashion, especially hard drives and graphics cards - it all reeks of Dell scamming people who dont know better :(
All in all though, i think a careful shopper can still get a good deal there.