and it happens again... I'm buying a new PC and.....

[occult]

I have two questions really... here's the deal... I'm currently using a Dell demension 2300 desktop ( ya know, 256 RAM, 40 gig, intell 4, with a 7500 PCI ATI video card which I had to get) and I play PC games ALOT so I need to get me a new computer. My aunt said she would fund me a new PC (She's so nice) but on her terms sort of. So.. I have 3 choices.

1. Custom build one (which is what I really want to do but it's a last case situation for my aunt)

2. Buy another Dell but this time upgraded (My aunt wants that the most because she has an account with like $1500 in it with them, but I'm not really interested in getting a PC with an "Intell inside"

3. Or get an Alienware (which is second to my Aunt. She's ok with getting one because of the whole pay monthly thing and an athlon would be nice. But I heard that they were going out of buisness soon or that the company was doing bad, so because of that she's a bit worried now)

Basicly what I'm asking is: I'm a PC gamer so should I get an upgraded DELL and/or is Alienware really doing badly right now? Or if anyone knows an alternitive source that I can pay in installments and is pretty good.

[liljim]

Custom would be the best way to go (in my opinion)as long as you or someone you trust can build it.You save a TON of money,get EXACTLY what you want and new parts are covered by warranty.Make a price list of the hardware()you think you would want,then go to dell and compare to one of there systems with simular/same specs.As far as buying an upgraded dell,they do build a decent system and the low monthly note are hard to beat but in the long run its overpriced.I havent heard anything about Alienware quality,company or otherwise.I dont know anyone who's dealt with them.Either way,custom would get my vote.

[occult]

Thanks! you see, I've had small problems with my DELL (nothing too bad, most are my fault.) and eveytime I mention alienware people tell me not to. but I gree with you onthe custom built. I've priced it to about $700-$800 roughly. Also just asking... Just exactly why are Athlons better then intells (or so everyone says)

[Angborn]

Kinda sounds like where I am w/ my girlfriend's and my computers both...

If you like, you're welcome to follow along here -- in my process as I go about building my first pc ever.

It will be a slow process, but I want it done right, the first time, and that means being patient. I must admit, though... even with the little I've bought to date, I'm already getting that 'new car' kinda feeling. It's neat, and it's rewarding knowing it will be my own blood, sweat, and tears that go into the machine. Plus I'll learn a lot along the way.

Good luck, and feel free to send me a private message or whatever if you have any questions about my learn-as-I-go thread.

[Edit - just thought, you might want to be extra patient and wait until you see how my things turn out, at least at different intervals, to see what types of headaches I'm going through and such... that is, if you can stand to hold off that long ;)]

[liljim]

In my opinion,XP Athlon chips cant be compared for the money.For me they have been very stable and productive for more than half the cost of pentium.Benchmarks between the two show AMD is able to keep up with a pentium even though pentium is running,in most cases,1000MHz faster.