Someone please help me talk some sense into my dad!

For some reason, my dad insists on getting a dell as our new family computer. I'm not an expert, but I know enough to know that we'd be better off getting it elsewhere, even if we just ordered parts and I put it together(I know how to).

Here are the specs:

Intel Core 2 duo E6650(4MB L2 cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 FSB)

2 GB dual channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz-4DIMMS

20 inch E207WFP Widescreen digital flat panel

320 GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ DataBurst Cache

NVIDIA 8600 GT

Dell 13-in-1 Media Card Reader

and then a keyboard, mouse, stuff like that, all for about $1,700

Is he getting ripped off? If so, can you recommend a better computer in that price range? Keep in mind that this is for multipurpose use, not just for gaming.

Yeah, that's a horrible deal. If your Dad agrees to let you build a computer, what price range would it have to fall into?kodex1717

about $1500 to $1800

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 $300

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P$160

RAM: Corsair XMS2 2 x 1GB $105

Hard Disk: WD Caviar 250GB SATA HDD $67

DVD Burner: ASUS Lightscribe DVD Burner $28

Case: NZXT Apollo Case $70

Video Card: EVGA 8800GTS 640MB $380

Power Supply: OCZ GameXStream 600W $110

Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Fatal1ty Professional Series $146

TOTAL = $1476

Go tell your dad that Dell fails epically.

I'll come back an edit this message with a list of parts that puts that Dell to shame.kodex1717

I can't wait for the ownage...

That Dell is horrid...simply horrid.

Even if your dad wants to get a pre-built system, you can do better than that. I just put together a basic config on http://www.ibuypower.com/ that is in the same ball park...

Case ( [New !!!] Nzxt Hush Gaming Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Black )
Case Lighting ( None )
Power Supply ( 600 Watt -- Power Supply SLI Ready )
Processor ( Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6750 (2x 2.66GHz/4MB L2 Cache/1333FSB) )
Processor Cooling ( Certified CPU Fan and Heatsink )
Motherboard ( [$15 OFF Mail-In Rebate] MSI P35 Neo-F P35 Chipset w/7.1 Sound, Gb LAN, S-ATA, USB 2.0 PCI-E MB )
Memory ( 2048MB [1024MB X2] DDR2-800 PC6400 Memory Module Corsair XMS2 Xtreme w/Heat Spreader )
Video Card ( NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS 320MB w/DVI + TV Out Video )
Video Card Brand ( Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA )
Hard Drive ( 320 GB HARD DRIVE [Serial-ATA-II, 3Gb, 7200 RPM, 16M Cache] )
2nd Hard Drive ( None )
External Hard Drives [USB 2.0/eSATA] ( None )
CD/DVD Drive ( 16x DVD-ROM Drive - Sony Black )
CD-RW/DVD-RW Drive ( Sony Q170A Dual Format/Double Layer 18X DVD±R/±RW + CD-R/RW Drive Black )
Sound Card ( 3D Premium Surround Sound Onboard )
Speaker System ( None )
Network Card ( Onboard LAN Network (Gb or 10/100) )
Floppy Drive ( Mitsumi 1.44 MB Internal Floppy Drive Black )
Monitor ( None )
2nd Monitor ( None )
Keyboard ( None )
Mouse ( None )
USB 2.0 Accessories ( Build-in USB 2.0 Ports )
Meter Display ( None )
Flash Media Reader/Writer ( 12-In-1 Internal Flash Media Card Reader/Writer Black )
Operation System ( Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium + [Free 60-Day !!!] Microsoft Office 2007(Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access ....) 32-Bit )
Media Center Remote Control & TV Tuner ( None )
IEEE-1394 Fire Wire Card ( None )
USB Flash Drive ( None )
TV Tuner ( None )
Video Camera ( None )
Headset ( None )
Power Protection ( None )
Printer ( None )
Warranty ( Warranty Service Standard 3-Year Limited Warranty + Lifetime Technical Support )
Rush Service ( Rush Service Fee (not shipping fee) No Rush, Ship Out in 5~10 Business Days )
Sub Total: $1,221.00

Then add keyboard, mouse, monitor and speakers from anywhere you want.

Pick a case you like. You could up it to a Q6600 for and extra $90 and if you don't want the extra DVD ROM drive (usefull for making backup copies), you can save $23.

Just remember, you need to add the shipping costs on this since Dell has "free" shipping.

Post edited. I can't emphasize how many times better this computer is that that Dell.

EDIT: I forgot a monitor, but add any one you want and the Dell is still crap for more money.

Post edited. I can't emphasize how many times better this computer is that that Dell.kodex1717

I'd run with a different case for a family computer. A Cooler Master Centurion would be a much better fit. I'd probably drop the sound card as well, and pick up one of the Mitsumi floppy/card reader things. Also, where's your monitor?

[QUOTE="kodex1717"]Post edited. I can't emphasize how many times better this computer is that that Dell.RayvinAzn

I'd run with a different case for a family computer. A Cooler Master Centurion would be a much better fit. I'd probably drop the sound card as well, and pick up one of the Mitsumi floppy/card reader things. Also, where's your monitor?

Yeah, I figured it would be out of place in a general setting, but I wasn't sure if a 8800GTS would fit in a Centurion 5. I just kinda' threw the sound card in there for S&G and said he can pick whatever monitor he wants. I'd probably recommend a Hanns-G, as they're pretty good screens for the price.
kodex1717

My X1900XT fits in the Centurion 5, so the 8800GTS will fit as well. It'll be a little bit tight, but not terrible.

haha i remember my dad almost made me buy a dell, but i talked him into lettin me buy my own comp

dell was charging like $200 for a super special upgrade to the ati X950 or somethin lamo, i coulda gotten a X1950 pro with that money

My X1900XT fits in the Centurion 5, so the 8800GTS will fit as well. It'll be a little bit tight, but not terrible.RayvinAzn

For 1,700 you can get an awesome gaming rig that can play Crysis easily, get a Q6600 instead of normal dual core though, you won't regret it :)HaloFire111

Honestly I don't know what everyone's beef is about dell. Those customer service problems are things of the past. Dell although obviously should not be the first choice for a gaming PC is still a pretty good deal for a standard home PC that does a little bit of gaming. Sure it is more expensive then building, but way better then that ibuypower and cyberpower crap.Dell is the biggest name brand of personal computers for a reason and that is quality and service. My father won't buy anything but a Dell for good reason. Any HP he has owned has crapped out on him or has had problems with the hardware. Anyway most of you guys don't even include a monitor or speakers which can easily add 200-300 dollars to the price of building from scratch not to mention the little things that are not listed. I am in no way advocating Dell, but I honestly think that most of this Dell hate is unfounded. Think about the prices for one moment, you are paying for labor for building the pc, optimizing, and other things like a warranty on the entire PC which is not available if you build. Do whatever you want, but your dad is not crazy for believing that Dells are good quality machines. ChevelleFan

WTF are you talking about? A Dell warranty is going to cost another $200. That could be used for the monitor in which you speak of. And anyway who wants to wait 2-4 weeks for Dell to "Fix" or replace your computer, when you can do ityouself on the same day. PC's dont need "fixing" Just replacement or upgrade of hardware or software installation. Theres nothing to FIX on a PC.

[QUOTE="ChevelleFan"]Honestly I don't know what everyone's beef is about dell. Those customer service problems are things of the past. Dell although obviously should not be the first choice for a gaming PC is still a pretty good deal for a standard home PC that does a little bit of gaming. Sure it is more expensive then building, but way better then that ibuypower and cyberpower crap.Dell is the biggest name brand of personal computers for a reason and that is quality and service. My father won't buy anything but a Dell for good reason. Any HP he has owned has crapped out on him or has had problems with the hardware. Anyway most of you guys don't even include a monitor or speakers which can easily add 200-300 dollars to the price of building from scratch not to mention the little things that are not listed. I am in no way advocating Dell, but I honestly think that most of this Dell hate is unfounded. Think about the prices for one moment, you are paying for labor for building the pc, optimizing, and other things like a warranty on the entire PC which is not available if you build. Do whatever you want, but your dad is not crazy for believing that Dells are good quality machines. Cracker__Jack

WTF are you talking about? A Dell warranty is going to cost another $200. That could be used for the monitor in which you speak of. And anyway who wants to wait 2-4 weeks for Dell to "Fix" or replace your computer, when you can do ityouself on the same day. PC's dont need "fixing" Just replacement or upgrade of hardware or software installation. Theres nothing to FIX on a PC.

I don't know if you know this, but the warranty is included in the price. Every Dell PC comes with at least a one year warranty. If a part craps out on you with a built PC you better hope it has a one year warranty and you will have to send it back and wait for a replacement which for most people will take at least a week. By the way I wasn't trying to get hostile with my post, but you seemed to take it that way.

Do you guys even own a dell or previously owned one or do you just go by rumors? I can understand if all of you have had bad experiences, but it just seems like plain Dell hating for no reason.

We don't normally list monitors, speakers, mice, and keyboards because it is assumed that the person already has those things. A machine from Dell and a machine build yourself may cost the same if you're being all-inclusive, but the machine you build will have better parts.

The warranty argument isn't very valid. If you do your own tech support and find that a part has failed, it's most likely still under warranty itself. Sure, you get phone tech support, but I've sat on the phone for hours for a supposedly simple fix. Something could be fixed faster on a forum with the collective knowledge of all the users. You likely won't learn anything about a computer from tech support either. I've learned all I know about PC's from internet forums. That $250 extended warranty isn't worth as much as figuring out the problem yourself and being able to help other people with it in the future. That's my 2 cents, anyhow.

We don't normally list monitors, speakers, mice, and keyboards because it is assumed that the person already has those things. A machine from Dell and a machine build yourself may cost the same if you're being all-inclusive, but the machine you build will have better parts.

The warranty argument isn't very valid. If you do your own tech support and find that a part has failed, it's most likely still under warranty itself. Sure, you get phone tech support, but I've sat on the phone for hours for a supposedly simple fix. Something could be fixed faster on a forum with the collective knowledge of all the users. You likely won't learn anything about a computer from tech support either. I've learned all I know about PC's from internet forums. That $250 extended warranty isn't worth as much as figuring out the problem yourself and being able to help other people with it in the future. That's my 2 cents, anyhow.

kodex1717

AMen bro

We don't normally list monitors, speakers, mice, and keyboards because it is assumed that the person already has those things. A machine from Dell and a machine build yourself may cost the same if you're being all-inclusive, but the machine you build will have better parts.

The warranty argument isn't very valid. If you do your own tech support and find that a part has failed, it's most likely still under warranty itself. Sure, you get phone tech support, but I've sat on the phone for hours for a supposedly simple fix. Something could be fixed faster on a forum with the collective knowledge of all the users. You likely won't learn anything about a computer from tech support either. I've learned all I know about PC's from internet forums. That $250 extended warranty isn't worth as much as figuring out the problem yourself and being able to help other people with it in the future. That's my 2 cents, anyhow.

kodex1717

Like I said I am not advocating Dell at all. I am not even trying to sway anybody to buy a PC over building, just enquiring as to why there is specifically so much Dell hating going on. All these guys talking down to me like they are all high and mighty when I would the first one to agree that building a PC is probably a better route. All I am saying is that most people don't want to deal with individual warranties or self tech support. For those people I think that Dell is a a very viable and probably the best option for that route. No need for anyone to get hostile over an opinion.

Like I said I am not advocating Dell at all. I am not even trying to sway anybody to buy a PC over building, just enquiring as to why there is specifically so much Dell hating going on. All these guys talking down to me like they are all high and mighty when I would the first one to agree that building a PC is probably a better route. All I am saying is that most people don't want to deal with individual warranties or self tech support. For those people I think that Dell is a a very viable and probably the best option for that route. No need for anyone to get hostile over an opinion.

ChevelleFan

Do you guys even own a dell or previously owned one or do you just go by rumors? I can understand if all of you have had bad experiences, but it just seems like plain Dell hating for no reason.

ChevelleFan

No reason? You might have money hanging out of your butt but $500 is a huge reason. That's $500 you could save by building yourself or going with another company like cyberpower.

And Dell's tech support is a joke. They RDPed into my girlfriend's computer when she had a firewall problem and couldn't figure out her problem. Her internet just wouldn't work when she would connect at home but everywhere else it would... She worked with tech support for six months and they couldn't help her. I sat down and within two minutes I had her 3rd party software firewall turned off and her internet was working...how did they NOT check that?

No reason? You might have money hanging out of your butt but $500 is a huge reason. That's $500 you could save by building yourself or going with another company like cyberpower.

D9-THC

I assume you do all your maintenance on your car yourself then? Take care of all home repairs, file your own taxes, take your trash to the dump yourself, make your own clothes, prepare all your food from scratch, etc.? You do all that stuff, right? People pay for services - everyone does it. I can do most of the things above, but there are times when I just choose not to because it's easier to let someone else take care of it for me, and I enjoy my own personal time over money. I guarantee you do it as well, and I'm willing to bet it costs a hell of a lot more than $500 every few years.

As for recommending a company like CyberpowerPC, please tell me you're joking. If you think Dell's customer service is a joke, try calling CyberpowerPC - Dell took the computer back and tried at least, CyberpowerPC will likely just laugh at you and deny ever having heard of you. Not to mention their build quality is terrible. If you're going to get a custom-built PC, get it from a company that does a good job, not one that half-asses things.

[QUOTE="D9-THC"]

No reason? You might have money hanging out of your butt but $500 is a huge reason. That's $500 you could save by building yourself or going with another company like cyberpower.

RayvinAzn

I assume you do all your maintenance on your car yourself then? Take care of all home repairs, file your own taxes, take your trash to the dump yourself, make your own clothes, prepare all your food from scratch, etc.? You do all that stuff, right? People pay for services - everyone does it. I can do most of the things above, but there are times when I just choose not to because it's easier to let someone else take care of it for me, and I enjoy my own personal time over money. I guarantee you do it as well, and I'm willing to bet it costs a hell of a lot more than $500 every few years.

As for recommending a company like CyberpowerPC, please tell me you're joking. If you think Dell's customer service is a joke, try calling CyberpowerPC - Dell took the computer back and tried at least, CyberpowerPC will likely just laugh at you and deny ever having heard of you. Not to mention their build quality is terrible. If you're going to get a custom-built PC, get it from a company that does a good job, not one that half-asses things.

Yeah but I don't go to best buy and pay $400 for a Geforce MX P.O.S.

Don't act like Dell is the ONLY company that sells computers because there are hundreds if not thousands. Dell is a big name. It's a major rip off just like Apple. You're paying for the name.

You don't HAVE to do it all yourself that's the point. He can still go with another company (avoid cyberpower) and save a ton of money. There are always options with capitalism...

Dell PCs are a rip off and that's the bottom line. I don't have to do the service on my cars to know when I see a car that is overpriced. It's common sense...why pay more when you can get the same thing from somewhere else for a lot cheaper?

Don't act like Dell is the ONLY company that sells computers because there are hundreds if not thousands. Dell is a big name. It's a major rip off just like Apple. You're paying for the name.

You don't HAVE to do it all yourself that's the point. He can still go with another company (avoid cyberpower) and save a ton of money. There are always options with capitalism...

Dell PCs are a rip off and that's the bottom line. I don't have to do the service on my cars to know when I see a car that is overpriced. It's common sense...why pay more when you can get the same thing from somewhere else for a lot cheaper?

D9-THC

Find me another decent company that can build a cheap, reliable (and admittedly non-gaming) computer for significantly less then - Dell is no worse than any other major company out here. As for knowing something is overpriced on a car, how would you know? Just because the other major mechanic shops in your area are also overpriced, you think your $30 main-in-rebate on the oil change after you spend $400 to replace your serpentine belt isn't "overpriced"? You can work on your car and save thousands of dollars in a matter of years. Not hundreds, but thousands. Not with professional equipment either, but with maybe $500 worth of tools, if not less. Why pay some overpaid mechanic hundreds in labor hours when you can fix your car for less? All the mechanics in the world laugh at people who spend tons of money on car repairs that they could easily do themselves with a $10 wrench set and just a tad more common sense than a styrofoam cup.

All the mechanics in the world laugh at people who spend tons of money on car repairs that they could easily do themselves with a $10 wrench set and just a tad more common sense than a styrofoam cup.

RayvinAzn

Even though it wasn't dell, the time that I thought "oh, I have to get a prebuilt and have tech support!" I got a sony computer from fry's. In order to have my dead hdd fixed for free, the comp had to be shipped to sony for 3 months, JUST TO SWAP FOR A NEW HDD... what were they doing with it??? It takes a couple min to swap the hdd, and for the software they preload... it would not take that long for them to toss the disks in. When the hdd was acting up on my built comp, I had it fixed same day.Munkyman587

Amen bro

Find me another decent company that can build a cheap, reliable (and admittedly non-gaming) computer for significantly less then - Dell is no worse than any other major company out here. As for knowing something is overpriced on a car, how would you know? Just because the other major mechanic shops in your area are also overpriced, you think your $30 main-in-rebate on the oil change after you spend $400 to replace your serpentine belt isn't "overpriced"? You can work on your car and save thousands of dollars in a matter of years. Not hundreds, but thousands. Not with professional equipment either, but with maybe $500 worth of tools, if not less. Why pay some overpaid mechanic hundreds in labor hours when you can fix your car for less? All the mechanics in the world laugh at people who spend tons of money on car repairs that they could easily do themselves with a $10 wrench set and just a tad more common sense than a styrofoam cup. RayvinAzn

And a good guide/book/website.
Only time I have paid a mechanic has been when I needed to actually get somewhere.

And a good guide/book/website.
Only time I have paid a mechanic has been when I needed to actually get somewhere.

LordEC911

I figured the guidebook could easily fit within the $500 budget. Granted, there are some jobs that can't be done without professional tools (tire balancing, fluid flushing, etc.), but cutting back on the basics that people pay for is much more condusive to saving money than saving $300 on a computer that you're only likely to buy once every 3-5 years.

Do you guys even own a dell or previously owned one or do you just go by rumors? I can understand if all of you have had bad experiences, but it just seems like plain Dell hating for no reason.

ChevelleFan

price reasons should count

People citing the "one year" Warranty is a bunch of bull crap.

I built my computer from the ground up, and I didn't have Tech Support, but what I got for Warranty on each of the products in my Machine...

Motherboard: eVGA=Lifetime

8800 GTS: eVGA=Lifetime

Mushkin Redline Memory=Lifetime

Hard Drive: Seagate 320gb=5 Years

Processor: Q6600=3 Years

Power Supply(The least extensive): Antec Trio 550=2 Years

One year Tech Support is a hoax, nothing more, nothing less.

I didn't list my Antec case, who needs a warranty on a case?! *Rolls eyes* or my DVD-RW, which is a LG, which I bought for $30, if I have a problem, I'll buy a new one. Yippie! $30 isn't nothing.

So, how is that 1 Year looking now?

P.S: I'm checking my Processor, a Q6600. (Edit: Was 3 Years.)

P.S.S: And the whole computer, roughly cost me 1400, total.

[QUOTE="RayvinAzn"][QUOTE="D9-THC"]

No reason? You might have money hanging out of your butt but $500 is a huge reason. That's $500 you could save by building yourself or going with another company like cyberpower.

D9-THC

I assume you do all your maintenance on your car yourself then? Take care of all home repairs, file your own taxes, take your trash to the dump yourself, make your own clothes, prepare all your food from scratch, etc.? You do all that stuff, right? People pay for services - everyone does it. I can do most of the things above, but there are times when I just choose not to because it's easier to let someone else take care of it for me, and I enjoy my own personal time over money. I guarantee you do it as well, and I'm willing to bet it costs a hell of a lot more than $500 every few years.

As for recommending a company like CyberpowerPC, please tell me you're joking. If you think Dell's customer service is a joke, try calling CyberpowerPC - Dell took the computer back and tried at least, CyberpowerPC will likely just laugh at you and deny ever having heard of you. Not to mention their build quality is terrible. If you're going to get a custom-built PC, get it from a company that does a good job, not one that half-asses things.

Yeah but I don't go to best buy and pay $400 for a Geforce MX P.O.S.

Don't act like Dell is the ONLY company that sells computers because there are hundreds if not thousands. Dell is a big name. It's a major rip off just like Apple. You're paying for the name.

You don't HAVE to do it all yourself that's the point. He can still go with another company (avoid cyberpower) and save a ton of money. There are always options with capitalism...

Dell PCs are a rip off and that's the bottom line. I don't have to do the service on my cars to know when I see a car that is overpriced. It's common sense...why pay more when you can get the same thing from somewhere else for a lot cheaper?

....Your clothes and shoes probably costs a dollar to make. Even if you paid $5 (which I doubt) each you still got ripped big time and if you wear brand name clothing...that's a even bigger rip. I'm not defending Dell for being a rip, I'm just making you aware that yours/mine/everyone's lives are generally a huge rip.

....Your clothes and shoes probably costs a dollar to make. Even if you paid $5 (which I doubt) each you still got ripped big time and if you wear brand name clothing...that's a even bigger rip. I'm not defending Dell for being a rip, I'm just making you aware that yours/mine/everyone's lives are generally a huge rip.

Aznsilvrboy

[QUOTE="Aznsilvrboy"]

....Your clothes and shoes probably costs a dollar to make. Even if you paid $5 (which I doubt) each you still got ripped big time and if you wear brand name clothing...that's a even bigger rip. I'm not defending Dell for being a rip, I'm just making you aware that yours/mine/everyone's lives are generally a huge rip.

RayvinAzn

The parts I put in my rig are better then anything they put inside a Dell, it costs less, and has better/longer warranty then a Dell.

Why should I buy a Dell, AT ALL?!

Sure, some people can't build their own PC's, but this guy said he probably could. If you have the means, and the cash to do so, why spend more, and get less on all three areas of a machine. Quality, Warranty, and Cost?

(EDIT:Changed some wording+fixed grammar)

Sure, some people can't build their own PC's, but this guy said he probably could. If you have the means, and the Cash to do so, why spend more, and get less on all three areas of a Machine. Quality, Warranty, and Cost?

IvIajora

Then that's fine - but for people who say that you can save hundreds on a computer, but then go around and throw thousands upon thousands of dollars away on other services they can easily provide for themselves, it just strikes me as blatantly hypocritical.

[QUOTE="IvIajora"]

Sure, some people can't build their own PC's, but this guy said he probably could. If you have the means, and the Cash to do so, why spend more, and get less on all three areas of a Machine. Quality, Warranty, and Cost?

RayvinAzn

Then that's fine - but for people who say that you can save hundreds on a computer, but then go around and throw thousands upon thousands of dollars away on other services they can easily provide for themselves, it just strikes me as blatantly hypocritical.

I been fixing/building computers since I was 12, I'm in College now. I can do most anything hardware wise with a machine, and quite a bit software/network issues. But if someone told me to fix the Transmission in my car, I wouldn't know where to begin. Sure, I could probably find it, and most likely open it and look inside, but I'd be lost.

Now my father been fixing cars since he was 12, and if someone said to fix that transmission in that car, he'd ask when did you want it done. But if you asked him to install a Heatsink on a CPU, he'd look at you like you were an alien.

Different people have different skills is what I am getting at here, and to say someone telling someone who wants to build a PC, that they're being hypocritcal when they don't go and change the Head gasket in their car is borderline moronic.

I been fixing/building computers since I was 12, I'm in College now. I can do most anything hardware wise with a machine, and quite a bit software/network issues. But if someone told me to fix the Transmission in my car, I wouldn't know where to begin. Sure, I could probably find it, and most likely open it and look inside, but I'd be lost.

Now my father been fixing cars since he was 12, and if someone said to fix that transmission in that car, he'd ask when did you want it done. But if you asked him to install a Heatsink on a CPU, he'd look at you like you were an alien.

Different people have different skills is what I am getting at here, and to say someone telling someone who wants to build a PC, that they're being hypocritcal when they don't go and change the Head gasket in their car is borderline moronic.

IvIajora

I think people missed my point - everyone has some areas where they're lacking. I'm fairly good with both cars and computers (although far from an expert at either), so that's why I compared them (and "fixing" a transmission is definitely going to require some much more serious tools - a hoist at the very least). Not everyone can do everything for themselves though, like devoting the time to learn the basics of computers or car mechanics. Calling people morons for not knowing that their 915 chipset isn't compatible with a Core 2 Duo E6550 processor and trashing major computer builders because they "screw" you out of a few hundred really is moronic. People pay for all sorts of services, and there's no harm done. As in your example, your father would probably think you were crazy if he found out you paid $500 to change your serpentine belt, just as you'd think him weird for paying Geek Squad $100 to tell him he needs a new power supply.

Nobody has time to learn everything, and people should be more understanding of that.

[QUOTE="IvIajora"]

I been fixing/building computers since I was 12, I'm in College now. I can do most anything hardware wise with a machine, and quite a bit software/network issues. But if someone told me to fix the Transmission in my car, I wouldn't know where to begin. Sure, I could probably find it, and most likely open it and look inside, but I'd be lost.

Now my father been fixing cars since he was 12, and if someone said to fix that transmission in that car, he'd ask when did you want it done. But if you asked him to install a Heatsink on a CPU, he'd look at you like you were an alien.

Different people have different skills is what I am getting at here, and to say someone telling someone who wants to build a PC, that they're being hypocritcal when they don't go and change the Head gasket in their car is borderline moronic.

RayvinAzn

I think people missed my point - everyone has some areas where they're lacking. I'm fairly good with both cars and computers (although far from an expert at either), so that's why I compared them (and "fixing" a transmission is definitely going to require some much more serious tools - a hoist at the very least). Not everyone can do everything for themselves though, like devoting the time to learn the basics of computers or car mechanics. Calling people morons for not knowing that their 915 chipset isn't compatible with a Core 2 Duo E6550 processor and trashing major computer builders because they "screw" you out of a few hundred really is moronic. People pay for all sorts of services, and there's no harm done. As in your example, your father would probably think you were crazy if he found out you paid $500 to change your serpentine belt, just as you'd think him weird for paying Geek Squad $100 to tell him he needs a new power supply.

Nobody has time to learn everything, and people should be more understanding of that.

I see where you are coming from, and I digress that my last post was very...upfront, or rather offensive. Although I am no expert, however I did use it as a reference. Growing up with a father as a mechanic, does tend to rub off, as does my computer knowledge falls onto my father. I could without a doubt, change a battery, oil, belts(Tthough sometimes they can be a real *****, but I would never, ever let someone charge that much for a lousy belt. And I would tell someone giving me that quote that they can take their belt and place into somewhere the sun doesn't shine.) But everyone has their limits. But sometimes people *are* stupid, and is why places like the Geek Squad, and some of the crazy prices for Car repairs thrive.

Sometimes people are just lazy...

But thats going way to deep, and going off topic...

[QUOTE="RayvinAzn"][QUOTE="Aznsilvrboy"]

....Your clothes and shoes probably costs a dollar to make. Even if you paid $5 (which I doubt) each you still got ripped big time and if you wear brand name clothing...that's a even bigger rip. I'm not defending Dell for being a rip, I'm just making you aware that yours/mine/everyone's lives are generally a huge rip.

IvIajora

The parts I put in my rig are better then anything they put inside a Dell, it costs less, and has better/longer warranty then a Dell.

Why should I buy a Dell, AT ALL?!

Sure, some people can't build their own PC's, but this guy said he probably could. If you have the means, and the cash to do so, why spend more, and get less on all three areas of a machine. Quality, Warranty, and Cost?

(EDIT:Changed some wording+fixed grammar)

The point is that don't go off bashing Dell for being a rip and then turn around and knowningly get ripped even more elsewhere. This comment isn't targeted at you, just at the hypocrites.

For some reason, my dad insists on getting a dell as our new family computer. I'm not an expert, but I know enough to know that we'd be better off getting it elsewhere, even if we just ordered parts and I put it together(I know how to).

Here are the specs:

Intel Core 2 duo E6650(4MB L2 cache, 2.33 GHz, 1333 FSB)

2 GB dual channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz-4DIMMS

20 inch E207WFP Widescreen digital flat panel

320 GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/ DataBurst Cache

NVIDIA 8600 GT

Dell 13-in-1 Media Card Reader

and then a keyboard, mouse, stuff like that, all for about $1,700

Is he getting ripped off? If so, can you recommend a better computer in that price range? Keep in mind that this is for multipurpose use, not just for gaming.

basketballman99

Your dad just doesn't trust you with the delicate parts. Also Dell has a good reputation for customer service, and your dad may not want to go to company "A" for customer service, and then later on go to company "B" for another part. But if you can show your dad that you can take apart a PC and put it back together, he will feel better. Also tell your dad that most PC like Dell, HP/Compaq, and other, come with a crappy PSU, that can BLOW OUT. Now that isn't good.

Hmm... Lemme try to put one together for around $1700 CAD w/ monitor.

MoBo: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe ($160)
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ ($225)
GPU: EVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320MB ($300)
PSU: Corsair HX620 620W ($135)
RAM: OCZ Gold XTC PC2-6400 2x1GB ($80)
HDD: Western Digital SE16 320GB ($100)
Optical Drive: Pioneer DVR-212D DVD(+ and -)RW ($40)
Case: Antec Nine Hundred Mid Tower ($120)
Monitor: Samsung Syncmaster 225BW ($325)
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 ($140)
Total: $1625 CAD = $1575 USD with a way better GPU, way better PSU, bigger monitor. And you have about $100 to spend on a nicer keyboard, and mouse. Or maybe upgrade to a 8800GTS 640MB.

I see where you are coming from, and I digress that my last post was very...upfront, or rather offensive. Although I am no expert, however I did use it as a reference. Growing up with a father as a mechanic, does tend to rub off, as does my computer knowledge falls onto my father. I could without a doubt, change a battery, oil, belts(Tthough sometimes they can be a real *****, but I would never, ever let someone charge that much for a lousy belt. And I would tell someone giving me that quote that they can take their belt and place into somewhere the sun doesn't shine.) But everyone has their limits. But sometimes people *are* stupid, and is why places like the Geek Squad, and some of the crazy prices for Car repairs thrive.

Sometimes people are just lazy...

But thats going way to deep, and going off topic...

IvIajora

[QUOTE="IvIajora"]

I see where you are coming from, and I digress that my last post was very...upfront, or rather offensive. Although I am no expert, however I did use it as a reference. Growing up with a father as a mechanic, does tend to rub off, as does my computer knowledge falls onto my father. I could without a doubt, change a battery, oil, belts(Tthough sometimes they can be a real *****, but I would never, ever let someone charge that much for a lousy belt. And I would tell someone giving me that quote that they can take their belt and place into somewhere the sun doesn't shine.) But everyone has their limits. But sometimes people *are* stupid, and is why places like the Geek Squad, and some of the crazy prices for Car repairs thrive.

Sometimes people are just lazy...

But thats going way to deep, and going off topic...

RayvinAzn

People aren't dumb for going to BestBuy or Dell. They just haven't been "enlightened" to the path of Newegg and NCIX.

Using a Buddhist "type (can't write s.t.y.l.e.)" of writing is much more peaceful!:)