Comparing a build to out of box

[jimbo15]

Im a family man with two young ones at home so price is important. I need a new tower and with all the different ones out ther its getting a bit confusing. I am also interested in biulding a pc , I would like to know how does a home biult pc compare to an out of box lets say dell or hp for like 5 hundred $ . keeping in mind im not really a gamer....not yet anyway...but im definitely into multitasking....downloading music,movies wanna burn dvd's email, itunes , photos, kids 3 yr old playing game on nick jr etc any insight would be helpful tanz jim

 

[WR2]

You need the system only? Don't need the monitor, keyboard, mouse and operating system (Windows)?

Dell, HP and others are able to buy parts in bulk and often use less expensive components than are usually recommend around here. They also come with support from the company.

When you build a computer you're the first line of support if something goes wrong. But you can get higher quality parts & options for higher performance (overclocking) for a system at about the same price as one from Dell or HP.

Take a look at the THG $625 DIY system. It could easily be massaged slightly to bring the total price under $500 since you have only a light gaming needs. Leave out the CPU Cooler and change the Video Card from HD 4870 to HD 4830 and you've already saved $125

 

[WR2]

You can sometimes find good bargains and coupon codes for Dell and HP systems
@ http://www.dealigg.com/ComputersDesktop

The also have Dell Coupon Codes and HP Coupon Codes. Some of the coupon codes are "stackable" meaning you can use more than one at the same time. Be sure to check expiration dates, etc.

If you do go with a Dell or HP system you're betting off ordering the basic graphics options and then buying and installing a graphics card yourself.
Also be sure to include shipping charges in the overall cost of a system.

 

[jimbo15]

You need the system only? Don't need the monitor, keyboard, mouse and operating system (Windows)?

Dell, HP and others are able to buy parts in bulk and often use less expensive components than are usually recommend around here. They also come with support from the company.

When you build a computer you're the first line of support if something goes wrong. But you can get higher quality parts & options for higher performance (overclocking) for a system at about the same price as one from Dell or HP.

Take a look at the THG $625 DIY system. It could easily be massaged slightly to bring the total price under $500 since you have only a light gaming needs. Leave out the CPU Cooler and change the Video Card from HD 4870 to HD 4830 and you've already saved $125

yes, i have moniter n keyboard, have a copy of windows xp, though i could probably get a copy of vista......how would that system compare speed and multitasking wise to this dell i found online for $599 i guess minus all the software and me putting my own onit -----i see a different processer right off the bat but not sure the difference?? is the diy pc gonna be the same or only slightly better??

w/ XP Pro, 4GB, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, 19-in-1 MCR, Int x3100
Product Specifications
Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Business (Includes Downgrade rights to Microsoft Windows XP Professional)
Processor Intel® Core(tm) 2 Duo Processor E7300
Processor Speed 2.66GHz
Level 2 Cache 3MB Level 2 Cache
Data Bus Speed 1066MHz Frontside Bus
RAM Installed / Max RAM Supported 4GB DDR2-800 RAM
Hard Drive 500GB Hard Drive
Multimedia Drive DVDRW Drive
Display Type Display Not Included
Video Card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 Video Chipset
Sound Card High Definition Audio Chipset
Sound Output Mode 7.1 Channel Stereo Surround Sound
Network Features 10/100 Fast Ethernet Network
Memory Card Reader 19-in-1 Media Card Reader
Expansion Bays 2 (1 free) External 5.25" Bays; 1 (0 free) External 3.5" Bay; 2 (1 free) Internal 3.5" Bays
Expansion Slots (1) PCIe x16 Slot; (1) PCIe x1 Slot; (2) PCI Slots
Included Software Microsoft® Works, McAfee SecurityCenter 30-Day Trial, Roxio Creator 10 Dell Edition
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty

 

[jimbo15]

i do need like 5 or 6 usbs

 

[WR2]

multitasking....downloading music,movies wanna burn dvd's email, itunes , photos, nick jr

For those tasks you wouldn't notice the difference.
For actual gaming the THG is about 100% better since the Dell's "Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 " will not run most games released in the last 3 years.

 

[WR2]

i do need like 5 or 6 usbs

USB Hubs - powered and un-powered