Build to order computer - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

daArch · 11-03-2007, 04:44 PM

I'm starting to think about a new computer. This one is about seven years old, Dell, 900 MHz, with about 256 RAM (hard drives have been upgraded)

Anyway, Dell doesn't seem to give me enough choices, plus I am so happy with Win2K that I am very resistant to "move up" to XP or Vista (I don't like the "loser friendly" security plus other handcuffs)

Does anyone know of a good source that allows me to choose what I want.

I am leaning toward one of the dual core processors with about 2 gig RAM. Extra bays to add MY OWN DVD burner and plenty of USB ports. Not so sure I need "theater sound" or high end graphics card (I'm NOT a gamer). My 17" LCD monitor is FINE. And I will probably get a KVM switch to run this one and the new one simultaneously with single mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

Anyway, suggestions for a "geeks-on-line" who build with good components ?

firemike · 11-03-2007, 05:41 PM

Check your local computer shops. Many can give the same if not better pricing than big boxes like Dell, and their service is usually much better. I built my last two, but before that I had a local company build them.

With them I got more for my money than if I had ordered online, and serivce is right around the corner too. And they use easily available parts, not some special order or proprietary part you have to order from the manufacturer.

Another thought, do you have a geek in the family or a friend that can build one? They are so easy to build these days versus 10 to 15 years ago when you really had to watch what parts you used. My grandson built one in two hours from the spare/recovered parts I had laying around and from various other computers. It isn't fast, but it is good enough for typing his schoolwork and checking email. Plug and Play components make it real simple.

A W Smith · 11-03-2007, 06:03 PM

I used to build my own and get parts here, I watch TV and blast loud surround sound 5.1 music on this computer.
http://www.pricewatch.com/
but now computer manufactures have become more competitive and its just as cheap to get an entire package from the manufacturer

daArch · 11-03-2007, 06:09 PM

Mike,

Thanks. I will be asking around for a local store.

I am sure I could build one, but the problem is knowing the best parts (considering reliability, performance, and price) would be my bigest stumbling block. If I could consult with someone about my needs and get a list, then that is what I would love.

I do have a geek bro in Houston - little far from Mass. And being a big time Linux user, he would steer me away from anything compatible with Windoze.

a2zhandi · 11-03-2007, 06:11 PM

if its the handcuffs that prevent you from xp, there is a book out there- get this: "Hacking xp for idiots." I have it and it tells you how to turn all that extra garbage off. Making your system boot, and run faster. Just a thought. I like xp. I have heard nightmares about vista.....

KillerToiletSpider · 11-03-2007, 06:13 PM

My nephew built this one in my office, and the one I have at the chassis shop, to what I wanted, for less than my wife's Dell cost, and it is a better machine. Dell wanted to charge quite a bit for 5 gigs of RAM and a 400 gig hard drive.

**Ed the Roofer** · 11-03-2007, 06:21 PM

Here is the parts list and prices from www.NewEgg.com for 2 new systems I had buil this past March, minus the 22" LCD monitors.

My Geek frien built them both and had me help in less than 2 hours plus some time to load my old hard drive and new softwares.

It probably would have only taken him half the time without my help.

Ed

2 x Lian Li Solid Aluminum Casters (WB-01) = $65.90------------------------------------------------------Sub-Total: $65.90United Parcel Service (1 x 6.00lbs) (Ground): $10.01Total: $75.91Delivery Address------------------------------------------------------thats the wheels

2DISCOUNT FOR COMBO #30856 GIFT
Item #: COM $-79.98 Item(s) shipped from CA Tracking Number:

#1ZW098R41205565945, #1ZW098R41205565972, #1ZW960F11200959233, #1ZW960F11200959242 Track 4Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136073

Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy $539.96 Track 2ASUS P5N32-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813131073

Return Policy: Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy $419.98 Track 2Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6600 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115003

Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy $616.00 Track 1Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 SP2B - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116179

Return Policy: Software Return Policy $139.99 Track 2THQ Gift - Supreme Commander PC Game - OEM
Item #: N82E16800997016

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $79.98 Track 2LINKSKEY LKA-CR15BW 52-in-1 USB 2.0 Internal 3.5" USB Card Reader - Retail
Item #: N82E16820309001

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $29.98 Track 2EVGA 512-P2-N635-AR GeForce 7950GT 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 KO Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130061

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $459.98 Track 4Link Depot IDE Round Cable Model ELATA-18-BLUE-2 - OEM
Item #: N82E16812104002

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $25.96 Track 2SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5" Internal Floppy Drive Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP - OEM
Item #: N82E16821103116

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $15.98 Track 4Thermaltake A2018 120mm Blue LED Case Fan - Retail
Item #: N82E16811999122

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $47.96 Track 2Sunbeam Quarterback IC-QB-SVBK Silver/ Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811166036

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $119.98 Track 1CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 675 (PC2 5400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-5400c4 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820145015

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $139.99 Track 3Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G6400LLK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820220144

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $560.97 Track 4LITE-ON LightScribe Black 20X DVD±R Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write Black IDE Model LH-20A1H-186 - Retail
Item #: N82E16827106045

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $155.96 Click here to obtain a detailed listing of your packages and their contents. Item(s) shipped from NJ Tracking Number: #1Z5AE6660305864845 Track 2Rosewill RP550-2 ATX 2.01 550W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817182017

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy $129.98
Please be aware that Newegg does not deliver packages on Saturdays or Sundays. Delivery attempts will be made on weekdays only. Subtotal:$3,402.67

Tax:$0.00Shipping:$89.72Rush Order Fee:$2.99Printer-friendly Version Total: $3,495.38

thats the computer without office and office will be next Track 1Microsoft Office Professional 2007 Upgrade Tech Sku - Retail
Item #: N82E16832116166

Return Policy: Software Return Policy $329.99 Please be aware that Newegg does not deliver packages on Saturdays or Sundays. Delivery attempts will be made on weekdays only. Subtotal:$329.99

Tax:$0.00Shipping:$1.82Printer-friendly Version Total: $331.81

Mike Finley · 11-03-2007, 06:47 PM

The last 10 or so computers I've bought have all been from Dell. It seems about every other new computer I get the bug of maybe I should see who else is out there. I always end up back at Dell.

I've never had a problem getting the computer the way I want it, you can order it with empty bays, just buy it in a full tower instead of a mini tower. If you really want to customize it do it by phone with them. I've never yet been limited on what I could or couldn't do. I've never been limited to a economy component if I was willing to upgrade to a better one either.

If I was capable of building a computer and got off on it, I'd do it. But since I'm not and Dell can do it for me at a reasonable price... (I don't think it's a bad thing to pay a bit more for someone else's expertese and guarantee everything will work and be compatible)... so that's where I end up again and again.

I would not be scared of XP professional at all.

liltrainerboy · 11-03-2007, 07:00 PM

815-494-3278 Adam... hes my bro... currently designing my new web site... a comp genius.... www.MBBR-Siding.com

thom · 11-03-2007, 07:20 PM

Try www.cybertronpc.com

Click on the left "barebone systems"

this will take you to a listing of the various basic systems (processor types). After selecting this, you just follow the list it gives you to put into it whatever you want.

It's a great way to build a specialty pc, gives you almost infinite choices, and the pricing for each choice is right there.

**framerman** · 11-03-2007, 08:43 PM

dell is good

alienware is a good, high end type gamer looking comps.

I started building my own years ago and it's not that hard. You just have to make sure you match the right parts.

For cost and value, you'll want something like dell, but I have to say beware of the junk they throw at you in their software.

I pay more, but I get exactly what I want for parts and I install a stripped down version of xp with nLite to get rid of microsoft junk also.

put as many hard drives into a raid 0 as you feel comfortable without losing data and get programs to open almost instantly along with start up times.

I'd definitely pass on Vista. It's a huge, huge microsoft dud.

xp is the way to go. it's stable and has 3 service packs to protect the security stuff.

MinConst · 11-03-2007, 08:46 PM

You're favorite back yard computer guy might not be your best bet in putting together a system. I've been building, fixing, designing them for years and have seen some bad system builds. If you use your computer for your business buy one from a reputable company. Unless you know how to fix, troubleshoot, you might find yourself in trouble with a home built.
You can always buy an XP machine from Dell and wiper the hard drive clean and then reload your copy of 2000. The product activation did not start until Windows XP and above. So as long as you have the PID (registration number) your fine.
Also XP is a very solid OS. Vista is even better but does have some complaints with older software.

BuildingHomes · 11-03-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daArch

I do have a geek bro in Houston - little far from Mass. And being a big time Linux user, he would steer me away from anything compatible with Windoze.

Think of it like this.. There are no hardware components for desktop computer designed for anything other than Windows. Linux is an afterthought

Just look in your local newspapers for the computer ads. Pick a store, go in and tell them what you want. There is still a lot of crap out there, so try and stick with a namebrand motherboard such as ASUS. Less expensive boards will usually have video built onto them and this will be fine for what you need.

Then just add CPU, RAM, hard-drive, wrap it up in a case and away you go.

You might have a problem using a KVM. Many boards these days will not have PS/2 ports on them anymore favouring USB ports for mouse/keyboard. You may have to purchase adapters for them to use a KVM.

I'd recommend get the new computer, set it up the way you want, but keep the other one just hanging around. Once you have everything you need on the new one and have used it for a while, ditch the old one. You don't want to end up like me with a couple of dozen machines sitting around thinking you might find a use for them..

Edit: And I always recommend Dell. You can usually put together what you want online, warranty is good and the hardware is generally good too. And you will not find anyone who will get you Win2K anymore. XP may be difficult in some areas now too.

daArch · 11-03-2007, 10:34 PM

Well thanks all. That's what I love about this place, some rock solid answers.

I did look quickly around the links, but I have not kept abreast of technology to know what fits well with what. Chalk one up for the Big Boxes.

Also these geek places seem to be putting together some serious s*hit. As I said, I'm not a gamer nor do I edit audio/video, so I really do not need these higher end machines.

In the middle of thinking, my wife reminds me she gets a Dell discount through work.

PLUS my 16 year old son has been putting the bug in our ears that his 5 year old e-machine 900 MHz Celeron with XP and 128 RAM really isn't functioning as well as he needs ........ and his birthday (17) is Monday.

So I goes to the Dell site for grins, look at "Value Deals" and "customize" a Inspiron 530.
AMD 2 x 64 5000+ (equiv to 2.6 Ghz), 2 Mb RAM, 128 Mb GeForce card, w/ Vista (grrrrrrrr). AND add in Jake's XPS M1330, 1.6 Ghz Intel dual, 2 gig RAM plus other stuff.

There's an instant rebate of $300 on mine. Plus the wife's discount and both computers with shipping and sales tax are a total of $2200.

Had to go with it.

I figured I would spend at least $500 worth of my time researching, piecing together, and building.

But thanks guys, your input REALLY helped.

RobertCDF · 11-04-2007, 08:33 AM

I have built computers since I was 8 and my dad would give me all the old crap laying around. And I still usually buy a dell. In fact my desktop is an old P4 1.7 with 256 and 2 hard drives (40 <-- Original and zero problems, and a free 80 gig) I was going to upgrade my desktop and played with some friends who had a nice brand new one. Found out it is not much faster than what I have for what I do with it. So I just keep using what I got.

Agent Ezzard · 11-04-2007, 10:19 AM

I just bought a Dell and I was going to build my own but I could not have built what I bought for the same price. If you take advantage of Dell's coupons you'd be suprised at the amount you can save.

Rough Description:
2.33 mhz E6550 Core2Duo 1333Mghz FSB
2Gigs 800mhz RAM
320 gig SATA HDD
DVD burner DL drive 1
CD RW drive 2
multi media card reader
24" digital widescreen monitor (nice screen)
GeForce 8500 GT

$950

gideond · 11-04-2007, 12:07 PM

The only issue I have with prebuilts is that they use a lot of proprietary hardware. For instance in Dells you usually can't change out the motherboard without a lot of hassle. They lay it out oddly and use weird connections for the front panel. They use to crosswire the power supply so if you put anything but a Dell PSU in it you would fry your board. Thankfully they've come more into standard spec over the past several years.

Here is a list of things you might want to look at if buying a prebuilt.

www.pcdecrapifier.com
This program will scan your system (mainly designed for Dell and HP) and strip out all the garbage programming that come preloaded. It's the most efficient way to clean up a new PC in a minimal amount of time.

free.grisoft.com
AVG Antivirus free edition. If this is a personal computer this software is a free virus scanner that does a very good job without all the bloat that the preloaded Norton/McAfee/TrendMicro will bog you down with.

www.superantispyware.com
The free version of this will scan your system for harmful spyware and adware apps. It's more effective than most of the ones you pay for. The paid version will give you active shields to keep the spyware out.

www.javacoolsoftware.com
Spywareblaster will let you immunize your system to keep bad software out to begin with. Also free, very simple and very effective.

www.ccleaner.com
Will clean out temporary files and tidy up your registry. Run it on a weekly basis to keep junk from piling up on your PC.

www.tweakguides.com
Download the free Tweaking Companion. There is one for XP and Vista. These are massive (170+ pages) guides to tweaking all aspects of windows for performance and security. You can get XP running as smoothly as 2000 and still have your pretty new interface.

**framerman** · 11-04-2007, 04:16 PM

LOL, now that's a good name for it, pcdecrapifier.com. That is the way to describe your business! But oh so true. Junk, bloated software add on crap from dell and hp and compaq. That's why I make my own xp disc and strip that junk out.

RobertCDF · 11-04-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by framerman

LOL, now that's a good name for it, pcdecrapifier.com. That is the way to describe your business! But oh so true. Junk, bloated software add on crap from dell and hp and compaq. That's why I make my own xp disc and strip that junk out.

So true. Whenever I rebuild I install and then delete for about 1.5 hours. Getting it all set up the way I want it again.

**framerman** · 11-04-2007, 05:56 PM

you should look into nLite. It's a program that customizes the xp disc setup. It can make your life easier by getting at that stuff beforehand. I usually reformat every 3-6 months depending on what junk I accumulate in my comp. If you set it up correctly, it installs xp without you even needing to be there to manually enter items.