Comparing My (future) Build to a Comp at the Store.

jeffhghtn · #1 3rd Sep 2009, 13:44

I posted earlier about building a computer, and I am ready to do it with these specs:

Processor: AMD Phenom II X4 955
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-MA790X
Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
Hard Drive: Western Digital WD1001FALS Caviar Black Hard Drive
Video Card: SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890
Power Supply: CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX 520W ATX12V
Case: COOLER MASTER Elite NV-334-KWN1-GP
DVD/CD drive: Sony Optiarc 24x
Heat Sinks/Fans: XIGMATEK Dark Knight

I went out today and was looking at pre-built computers, and I found one for 1500 bucks (canadian). It was running an i7 core, had 12GB of ram, and a 1000Gb hard drive. I was in a rush so I didn't get the exact specs, but I might go back. It had an Nvidia card + the upgrade to windows 7 and it came with a 22 inch monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

It is nearly the same price as the computer I want to build, a fair bit more after taxes but nothing the 22 inch monitor doesn't compinsate for. Anyone know what the catch is? I was pretty sure I'd be getting a way better deal buying the parts individually.

Thanks in advance!
- Jeff

**Carbon** · #2 3rd Sep 2009, 14:24

You should be (also DDR3 doesn't work with the regular 790X). Not knowing the graphics card, that's probably the difference - it's probably got some cheap thing in there.

**Razer** · #3 4th Sep 2009, 06:46

Vapor x coolers are pretty awkward, I've seen reviews where in some games they get a bit more performance and in some they get less performance. Might want to look it up unless Sapphire have fixed the blasted thing.

Judging by the fact you're getting such a high end graphics card, I can assume you're a gamer. Avoid quad core for games.

Back on topic:

What store was it you went to? If it was Bob's PC Shop or something, avoid it. Cheap hardware that's going to break. Chances are that it'll be a graphics card with 1Gb of VRAM which is slow and a graphics core which is slow too, like a GTS150 (I think) which isn't much good for gaming on a 22" monitor.

The PC is worth around £850 in UK money so a good graphics card might come with it but it's better to get the specs of the other store computer and list them as you have done with your own up there, we can make a direct comparison from there =)