Hey guys, I was thinking of building a newer PC soon and I've been doing some research, particularly looking at Tom's Hardware Guide where I found a "budget $500 dual core setup:" http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09... You see in that list that whether its AMD or Intel you pay around 520-540 bucks. Now if you look at Dell's site, you can see an example of something around the same price that comes with a monitor: http://www.dell.com/content/product... Now I haven't taken the time to look at each part's prices but I would say the Tom's Hardware setup is a little better (processor comes out to 4.2ghz? with a better video card) but both systems have 1gb ram but dell has a valid version of windows as well as a monitor and i dont really care for the others (not even windows since I already have a copy) Any ideas on whats really more 'worth getting' in this situation? Informative input appreciated! Thanks! ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe Mobo AMD Athlon XP 2800+ 1gb DDR400 Ram. Geforce 6800 LE overclocked. 400-450W Power Supply?

yep, after years of building my own, i have replaced my network of computers with dell. i cannot buy parts /monitor as cheap as i can buy dell. i found a dell xps next generation 3 on ebay, that dell sells for 1500.00, 3.4 dual, 2 gig ram, 400 gig hdd, 512 video card, for 330.00 shipped in. a real beauty. extremely fast!! i found a 19'' flat panel monitor for a 100.00 for the dell.

"processor comes out to 4.2ghz?" The GHZ rating of the dual cores are not combined...it's not like have a single 4.2GHz CPU, it's like have two 2.1GHz CPUs sharing the work (sometimes). If you're not multi-tasking or running programs that are optimized for dual core, it's like running a single 2.1GHz CPU. Also, the Tom's Hardware config has better RAM, better board & an actual video card. The Dell PC has onboard video so if you'd be out of luck when it comes to gaming. And the "Slim case" may not accept full size video cards so the upgrade options would be severely limited. Build your own!

I always prefer building my own system. I know the local reputable stores and owners and I know what parts I want after doing lots of research. I don't like these fast food machines and although they may serve their purpose, I don't trust them and I hear lots of warranty horror stories with Dell (youtube has a few funny ones). You may save a few bucks with a Dell but I'd rather spend a little more and get exactly what I want. BTW, what kind of motherboards does Dell use? Do they make their own or do they use other mainstream boards from established manufacturers? Asus K8V-X Athlon 64 2800 ATI AIW 9800 Pro 1Gig PC3200 WD 80 GIG LG DVD-RW XP Home Full time employee of Dharma. One of the "others".

If all you need is a no-frills machine for mediocre gaming, light office/multimedia work & internet browsing: nothing beats a dull, getaway or comcrap white box -- it is quite affordable, easy, instantly available & you don't have to know how to put it together ..... kinda like fast food.

While I agree with all the responses above I would like to add my comments. If you compare self built to Dell on a one for one quality basis you will find Dell to have a slight advantage. This is probably due to their volume purchasing power. However, when building your own you usually will select better components than what may be in an OEM box. For instance, emachines has a reputation for weak PSUs. If you buy the cheapest one you can find it may be an equivilent. You get the adea. The biggest single edge OEMs have over self built in in the cost of software. The OS in particular. Of course the average buyer doesn't understand the ramifications of a pre-installed OS with a very limited license. The OEM can provide the OS and maybe even MS works or similar for basically a cost to you of nothing. You must weigh the savings against the disadvantages that go hand in hand when getting a limited license. Then there are propietory components that, if fail out of warranty, can be much more expensive than the equivent component on the open market. Replacing with an open market part MAY stop your OS from functioning.

I think it depends on how you intend to use the computer, and how important it is to save money. For example, there's no way to build a computer as cheaply as the Dell low-end advertised specials. But you can save an indcredible amount of money on a high-end machine by building your own. I spent $2000 on components for a nice computer; a nearly-identical Dell was $3800.