Need Advice on Computer set up

[cg2_mang]

wsup guys/gals ive been looking to build a computer for photography mainly and just basic things on the side like music and what not im not no computer guy but i was wondering what is a good build on a budget i got roughtly 700 dollars and ive been looking at the local frys set up and was wondering if anyone here would happen to know a cheap but good set up that would last me awhile thanks for the help oh yeah if it matters i live in California so parts will be coming from there unless cheaper somewhere else

-g.

[cg2_mang]

oh yeah thats just for pc build i know i need to add more on top for monitor and etc as well

[MaxxuM]

Here's what I put together for a friend. It can give you something to compare other choices or as a base for a do-it-yourself system. It includes everything except an OS.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=600213

[tkbslc]

Honestly, you can't beat dell even building yourself. I have built every computer I have ever had, from 1997 up until last year. I put together the parts list and Dell beat my self build by $200+. You might get a tiny bit better parts, but with dell you get a warranty and support if crap goes wrong. It just is not worth putting toghether your own PC anymore unless you really love doing it.

Here's what I would get:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&dgvcode=ss&c=US&l=EN&vw=list&oc=DDDADG4&dgc=CJ&cid=7420&lid=0&acd=10495476-227502-151368-n-10

It's $500, but comes with on onboard crap video card and no monitor. Add your own half decent Video card and monitor and you have a killer system.

[zeva]

you cant over clock with dell though! D=

[cg2_mang]

thanks for the advice what do you mean by over clock zeva?

[tim]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overclocking

[MaxxuM]

Honestly, you can't beat dell even building yourself. I have built every computer I have ever had, from 1997 up until last year. I put together the parts list and Dell beat my self build by $200+. You might get a tiny bit better parts, but with dell you get a warranty and support if crap goes wrong. It just is not worth putting toghether your own PC anymore unless you really love doing it.

Here's what I would get:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=19&dgvcode=ss&c=US&l=EN&vw=list&oc=DDDADG4&dgc=CJ&cid=7420&lid=0&acd=10495476-227502-151368-n-10

It's $500, but comes with on onboard crap video card and no monitor. Add your own half decent Video card and monitor and you have a killer system.


It's worth noting what PC manufacturers do to get these low prices; if you're willing to sacrifice then Dell would be a perfect fit. (1) Dell (and ilk) will oft bundle crapware that must be removed from the system, but this still leaves residual code in the registry and file system. Some software will actually reinstall itself if not completely gotten rid of from a restore point on a different partition/drive. (2) These companies will try to cut costs in any way they can and that usually begins with using plastic as much as possible - Dell cases, though rigid, are 95%+ plastic. (3) Most often physical restore DVDs are not included or must be purchased for a minimal charge. This keeps costs down. (4) Be prepared to recieve mail and e-mail advertisments often (now on spam list). (5) Hit or miss support - all PC manufactuerers suffor from low to mid customer satisfaction numbers and higher failure rates than Apple. (6) Cheaper parts - lowest bidders get the contracts. (7) Budget systems are typically not very upgradeable. (8) No higher performace parts for most systems to save money - this means higher failure rates after 2-3 years due to failed parts (when computers are most likely not to be under warranty).

[tkbslc]

I actually disagree with almost everything you've said.

1- Dell actually installs NO crapware. Well I take that back, there is one support tool that can be uninstalled in 2 minutes. There are no trials, demos or the like. My MIL's Compaq was completely bogged down with crapware, though.

2- Who cares what your case it made of. It is going to sit on your desk.

3- I got a restore DVD with mine. Wish I got the windows media, though, yes.

4- Yes, but I also get emailed by newegg from when I ordered components for another build.

5- How does the hit or miss dell support compare with the NO support you will get for building your own PC? The apple failure rate numbers are overstated. It was by less than 1% vs Dell and HP if I recall.

6- My Dell has a Foxconn M/B, Intel CPU, Micron RAM, ATI video card and Hitachi hard drive. All good brands.

7- I have a 10 year old Micron and an 8 year old compaq I got free. Both still work with the original parts. Anything you buy will be obsolete and unsupported within 3+ years on any computer.

Anyway, like I said, I used to build for many of the reason you listed, but last year I compared and it no longer made sense unless you like building your own for the sake of doing it. Lots of people like customizing their rigs with "cool" cases and lights and special heatsinks and RAM, etc, that at the end of the day do little for the way the computer runs. It can be fun though :)

[MaxxuM]

I actually disagree with almost everything you've said.

That is your prerogative and I cannot dispute it – everyone is entitled to their personal opinion.

1- Dell actually installs NO crapware. Well I take that back, there is one support tool that can be uninstalled in 2 minutes. There are no trials, demos or the like. My MIL's Compaq was completely bogged down with crapware, though.

It depends on what model you buy and if is for home, business, education or government. Home users get the blunt of the junk software while business and education get minimal junk – but all save government contracts get the Dell ‘package’ of limited programs, complimentary anti-virus, Google Desktop and Search Bar as well as a host of unnecessary startup programs. Some companies also ‘hide’ installed packages (HP & Compaq in particular) so that the only way to see all the ‘bonus’ feature uninstalls is to use a third party uninstaller like CCleaner.

2- Who cares what your case it made of. It is going to sit on your desk.

I would venture a guess that most people care what their computer’s look like otherwise we would still have those ugly rectangle beige boxes.

3- I got a restore DVD with mine. Wish I got the windows media, though, yes.

So, you agree – you have to purchase/order your recovery software (OS)?

4- Yes, but I also get emailed by newegg from when I ordered components for another build.

You should have unchecked the box that gave them permission to do so. I’ve ordered an excess of $10,000 from Newegg in ‘08 and have only ever received order confirmations.

5- How does the hit or miss dell support compare with the NO support you will get for building your own PC? The apple failure rate numbers are overstated. It was by less than 1% vs Dell and HP if I recall.

You missed my point. You do not buy support for DIY computers but you do from Dell (and ilk). If you pay for something it shouldn’t be hit or miss. Apple has set the standard for customer support, customer satisfaction and failure rate – for that I use them as a standard. Dell is second and Gateway is last. All of this can be found on Consumer Reports if you are so inclined. They are the most neutral source I know.

6- My Dell has a Foxconn M/B, Intel CPU, Micron RAM, ATI video card and Hitachi hard drive. All good brands.

And all of these companies sell low budget as well as premium equipment. My point is that it is likely you did not get high grade parts and that is fine since you are not likely to need their more expensive line of parts. Some people however do demand more from their computers. In that case, you would need to build your own or buy a Workstation and that starts costing a lot of money.

7- I have a 10 year old Micron and an 8 year old compaq I got free. Both still work with the original parts. Anything you buy will be obsolete and unsupported within 3+ years on any computer.

Glade they still work for ya – but that was a different era. These days we do not demand good, we demand cheap and cheap is what we are getting. You get what you pay for these days.

Odd choice of companies; Micron and Compaq both failed in the computer manufacturing business.

Anyway, like I said, I used to build for many of the reason you listed, but last year I compared and it no longer made sense unless you like building your own for the sake of doing it. Lots of people like customizing their rigs with "cool" cases and lights and special heatsinks and RAM, etc, that at the end of the day do little for the way the computer runs. It can be fun though.

Sure, if you want a simple budget computer, buy from Dell or HP or Gateway. I won’t dispute you there – they are dirt cheap. My Apple Mac Pro’s price makes me look insane compared with one of these systems. However, when I build my own PC’s I buy parts that Dell could not afford to sell except at Alienware (at a premium I might add). It will be more expensive than Dell’s, but it will also be better than Dell’s in every single respect – and sure, it will cost more. But I know quality isn’t always in the price tag, cheap or expensive.

[tkbslc]

I think we are agreeing and disagreeing at the same time. The OP said $700 budget, and it is unlikely that you will get significantly better components and a licensed operating system for that price compared to Dell.

For premium builds, yeah you can beat the pants off Apple and Dell and get very high end components.