[emmaonline]

I have been shopping around for a new PC and am trying to decide if I wan't to go through the headache of building another PC or just giving in and buying my ultimate gaming rig from Dell?

I am really on the fence... I like the idea of building the PC the way I want with what I want but I kind of long for less hassel that I believe Dell will give me.

Decisions, descisions!

[Dave Hybrid]

I would never buy a PC pre-built, but then I may be biased as I can build a computer and install windows in about an hour and a half.

[CG Man]

Dell can't beat what anyone can build we have the ability to build with any component and use the saved cash for the pub later on.

[Dave Hybrid]

Forgot to add that if i had to buy a branded PC, like at gunpoint or something, I'd only buy Dell.

Not because they're better than the others, because they're cheap.

[CG Man]

3D effects studios use Boxx Tech or Dell, Boxx Tech have better support and build more extream performance computers. and they look alot nicer too.

[sa1uk]

Build your own then you get what you really want.Dell cheap and nasty............

[alex]

I'd never buy dell. Simply because once you start going for bigger hdd's or a faster cpu (over the base spec) the price increase is ludicrous.

As an example, at the mo Dell are charging 30.00 for an e6300 over an e4300. It's a 6.00 increase online.

They're also stating that Vista will not work on an e6300 but will on an e4300, this is simply not true. The e6300 is the faster chip.

And if you've ever seen a Dell with its sidepanel off (cellotape was prevalent in the xps i was upgrading) you'd be shocked.

Unfortunately for the public at large Dell have been rather successful due to the fact they have an (admittedly) fantastic marketing dept. As Joe Public as a whole has no idea the costs involved in components in PC's they'll see the glossy adverts and quality looking rigs and just assume Dell is a good place to buy.

Personally, i prefer to build as you can spec exactly what components go into your rig, and theres a real satisfaction once you finish the build, and seeing it running, knowing you did it all.

But if you do go down the pre-built route, theres many a builder out there, budget dependent of course. The guys at Vadim are superb, as are the guys at pcspecialist. Don't constrain yourself to Dell. Best bet would be to surf the forums, and look for feedback. Also some builders have feedback areas within their sites from people that have purchased from them.

On a lot of these sites you can almost spec the exact components you want, i say almost because you're obviously tied to whatever they stock.

[Dave Hybrid]

Another good post, thanks Alex.

[mcbee]

I agree with Alex. Dell are ok if you only want a basic computer. I have gotten a few for friends by watching for their offers and knowing that an upgrade would not be needed. As alex stated Dell's upgrades are wildly overpriced.

[webcrawler]

Buying a clone seems to be more practical than buying a branded PC like Dell. One is the cost factor and your flexibility in building your desired PC. However, if your purpose is for heavy use like using it as a server type running 7/24, I think the branded PC is still the better option.