Originally posted by: dclive
The drivers are exactly the same, which calls into question the rest of the conclusions.
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
why are the reviews worse?
At this point I think we've answered just about everything you could ask.responses to other questions will be appreciated.
and btw, the 9200 dimension came to a shocking $1,349 with DVDR/W, 8600GTS, windows vista (cost the same as xp), and 20' monitor without shipping.
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Originally posted by: dclive
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
If I do go that route, I'm considering buying a 7950GT, but that requires too much power and runs mega hot. (Dell PSU is 375 watts, unsure about cooling.)
We've addressed this already. Dell offers the 9200 with a 375W PSU and with the 8800GTX, which requires vastly more power than the measley 7950GT, so why do you think powering it will be a problem?
Good luck on your purchase. Get the Dell, splurge a bit and get the 8800GTX straight from Dell if you're that concerned about installing it.
I don't have $400 bucks lying around to splurge with.
According to videocard/graphics forum and tomshardware, the 8600GTS is better than the 6800 ultra. I used the 6800 ultra for battlefield 2 on max settings and it ran perfectly.
So therefore, the 8600gts should run battlefield 2 without a hitch as well....right?
The charts tomshardware has is for battlefield 2142, which uses a much more advanced battlefield 2 engine.
http://www23.tomshardware.com/...9&model2=722&chart=277
Now, I'm pretty set on a dell. I really don't want to have to install anything on my own, I'm a major goof. Plus, it would just cost me more money. I'll have to get the 7300LE, and then buy the x1950pro plus shipping, install it, etc..
Is there performance gained really worth the extra hassle and money?
I'm going to be playing Oblivion or EverQuest. Just battlefield.
The Dell XPS 400 is being shipped at $1,100 with 2 gigs of ram, E4320, 8600GTS and vista.
Do you guys know of any better retailers with similar reputations to dell that offer more options/cheaper builds?
ibuypower and cyberpower don't count. They suck major.
edit:
Does anyone know what model dell uses for the 8600GTS.
I know it's XFX, but there is two different versions.
This one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150228
And this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814150227
The first one being vastly superior in terms of quality.
Help?
I posted on the dell forums and dell community and they don't know.
I even called but got transfered to some technician that was closed.
Originally posted by: yuppiejr
So I poked around Newegg and was able to put together a solid machine with the new 2.66 ghz / C2D 6750, a newer P35 chipset board, SATA DVD burner, the fastest 7200 RPM hard drive in production right now and still keep the build under your $850 build price with shipping.
I agree with your original decision to go with a 512 meg video card - the X19xx series is still viable and a good choice in this build and budget. I think the EarthWatts is a great PSU but your budget should have enough fluff left even with shipping on the parts below to get the FPS you specced originally. Dell is fine but I don't see any good enough deals to merit jumping over there. This is an enthusiast forum, if you have someone knowledgeable and reliable do the original build and then do the ongoing maintenance yourself with help here it will be a good learning experience.
--
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: CAC-T05-UW
Item #: N82E16811119068
49.95
GIGABYTE GA-P35-S3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-P35-S3L
Item #: N82E16813128057
$89.99
SAPPHIRE 100196L Radeon X1950PRO 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
Model #: 100196L
Item #: N82E16814102075
$179.99
Antec earthwatts EA430 ATX12V v2.0 430W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: EA430
Item #: N82E16817371006
$20 Mail-in Rebate
$64.99 ($44.99)
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6750 - Retail
Model #: BX80557E6750
Item #: N82E16819115029
$225.00
SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model T8UX2GC5 - Retail
Model #: T8UX2GC5
Item #: N82E16820609226
$81.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3250410AS
Item #: N82E16822148262
$69.99 ** This is the single platter SCREAMER that everyone raves about
PLANTRONICS .Audio 60 3.5mm Connector Supra-aural Analog Headset - OEM
Model #: 67523-04
Item #: N82E16826265036
$7.99
Sony NEC Optiarc 18X DVD±R DVD Burner with 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model AD-7170S-0B - OEM
Model #: AD-7170S-0B
Item #: N82E16827152079
$31.99
Subtotal: $801.92
----
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
Originally posted by: yuppiejr
So I poked around Newegg and was able to put together a solid machine with the new 2.66 ghz / C2D 6750, a newer P35 chipset board, SATA DVD burner, the fastest 7200 RPM hard drive in production right now and still keep the build under your $850 build price with shipping.
I agree with your original decision to go with a 512 meg video card - the X19xx series is still viable and a good choice in this build and budget. I think the EarthWatts is a great PSU but your budget should have enough fluff left even with shipping on the parts below to get the FPS you specced originally. Dell is fine but I don't see any good enough deals to merit jumping over there. This is an enthusiast forum, if you have someone knowledgeable and reliable do the original build and then do the ongoing maintenance yourself with help here it will be a good learning experience.
--
...
Subtotal: $801.92
----
I have a CHEAPER BUILD.
With monitor, SOFTWARE (vista premium is $120) games and input devices, neweggs total comes to around $1,480 + builder fees.
Dell offers the E4320, 8600GTS, Vista, DVD/RW, 19inch LCD, 320 gig HD, DDR2-800 RAM x 2 gigs, microsoft works 2006/antivirus and a one year warranty for replacement hardware (I've heard they're warranty exchange is amazing. They'll replace pretty much anything within the warranty limit without hassle.)
Dell total comes to $1,278 shipped. For $80 more, I could get the 8800GTS. According to one dell forum member, all I have to do is email them the 8800GTS product code they offer on their website and request for a videocard replacement. They won't charge me for the 7300LE, and instead throw in the 8800GTS.
Although I'd have to email the sales rep, get on the phone for half an hour, sort out confirmation, etc.. I'm not sure if its worth the hassle.
Either way, I'm content with my dell build - I just hope I'm getting the best deal possible for retail.
If something goes wrong with my newegg built, I'm on my own. I don't have the resources to risk that. I don't need super ultra whammy performance. I just want to play battlefield 2. According to tomshardware, the 8600GTS will play battlefield 2 with max settings flawlessly. 2142 can be run on max without AA (which I don't care about anyways..)
I'm still contemplating the 8800GTS tackle. I really really want it, but I don't want to go through the hassle of dell anymore than I have to.
Originally posted by: dclive
Do you see the types of questions that are being asked? No offense, but the Dell is a wise choice, IMHO.
The system I quoted above is using the Intel e6750 processor - a huge step over the e4400 or e6320's you have been looking at in your Dell's. Also, I added *22"* Samsung widescreen monitor, Vista Home Premium, NOD anti-virus, logitech USB keyboard, Logitech G5 gaming mouse w/ Battlefirld 2142 and came out at a hair under $1300 shipped. If you prefer an 8800 GTS/320 meg card you can just swap it into the config above for the same $80 Dell will charge you.
If you BYOPC you're looking at significantly faster CPU,larger monitor, better input devices, less bloatware, longer warranty on individual components and a better upgrade path long term. Even if you have to pay a small builder fee you're getting a hell of a system for basically the same cash...
I have openoffice and it sucks major. It's like word 95.If you Dell you get a "1 stop" warranty and a free copy of the useless Works suite (Word is not included - OpenOffice.ORG which is free is far superior) plus a bunch of crappy performance sapping software for free...
Originally posted by: Noobtastic
I have openoffice and it sucks major. It's like word 95.
Originally posted by: KungFused
Stop giving him builds. He's not competent enough to have a homebuilt PC -- he's not even competent enough to replace a video card by himself (read the thread). If anyone will desperately need a dedicated tech support call center, it's this guy.