Calling all Comp Hardware Gurus!

Hey guys,

Time has come for me to upgrade. Im going for a Desktop, as i think my laptop can still serve me well on the move running on XP. I want a machine which is powerfull (beyond what i actually need) So it won't be out of date.. too soon because that bugs me when buying new hardware.

So i priced up a custom build specs as followed: (Using eBuyer.com/uk)

Specs:

P5B Deluxe Asus
Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q6600 2.4Ghz (8MB Cache)
RAM 4 x 1GB 800Mhz
Seagate 500GB HDD
256MB nVidia 7900GS
Couple of Drives
Dell 22" Monitor
Vista

Total spend was in the region of £1200 (2,400US$) EXCLUDING Case / PSU n extras.

I like a bargain and to shop around so i looked at what a Dell Build would be, i spec'd out a machine on there which included:

Dell Build:

Vista
Intel Core 2 Quad Core Q6600 2.4Ghz (8MB Cache)
Dell 22" Monitor
4GB DDR2
500GB Serial ATA RAID
SINGLE 768MB nVidia® GeForce® 8800 GTX graphics card
Extra Drives / Keyboard / etc
Sound Blaster® X-Fi Xtreme Music PCI Soundcard
1 Year Suppport (if it blows up)

This clocked in at £1381.87 Delivered ($2600) - With my 10% Employee discount at work.

Obviously Dell won't be using the same quality mobo as my custom build would and the memory wont be as fast, but this is made up by the big increase in graphics / sound card etc.

So my question is Is Dell any good? Anyone dealt with them before? Can i get the parts above cheaper (i used ebuyer) to try and beat dells price? Because from my research Dell is winning atm, as much as i'd like to stick it to the man and build a better machine cheaper than they could, i just can't!

Any help / advice would be great!

With the quad core and 4 GB of ram, and the probably intensive use; you might be better off using a decent mobo... However I'm unaware of Dell hardware (and mobos in specific) so don't pin me on that

the 7900GS is almost outdated already, I would go with a better card.

In your original spec - don't go for the 7900GS, no point! It's quite an old card, and if you game a lot, I'd suggest an 8800 GTS or GTX if you can afford.
Also, 4GB of RAM isn't really needed. It's just not neccessary. 2GB will do it, plus you can use the new money from the memory reduction for a better gfx card.

As everyone has already stated, stay away from the 7900GS. With such a nice processor, I'd upgrade the graphics card to the 8800 GTX or the Ultra.

Ok i'll probably go with the 8800 GTS then, i don't really game allot due to having an 360, but its always nice to have the option and as i said, i want to outspec what i actually need it for so it doesnt go outta date be next week!

So the RAM i just went 4GB because thats what most top end systems seem to be offerin, is there allot of gain over 2GB? or should i knock that down to 2GB?

Also any UK builders want to share any sites for cheap hardware? Aside from ebuyer?

Originally Posted by Mase Ok i'll probably go with the 8800 GTS then, i don't really game allot due to having an 360, but its always nice to have the option and as i said, i want to outspec what i actually need it for so it doesnt go outta date be next week! So the RAM i just went 4GB because thats what most top end systems seem to be offerin, is there allot of gain over 2GB? or should i knock that down to 2GB? Also any UK builders want to share any sites for cheap hardware? Aside from ebuyer?

Hey buddy,

The performance increase between 2 and 4GB, are hardly anything. In my personal opinion, it's a waste of cash.

Also - I brought all my parts for my custom build at Overclockers.co.uk. It has a great support forum, fast delivery, and decent prices