Question Curious if anyone can help me differentiate a better deal between two products?

[computer_noob117]

Looking to buy a quality PC but make sure I get the best deal for the price. Im ltb a Dell Alienware r10 from Microcenter https://www.microcenter.com/product...Ti_12GB_GDDR6X;_32GB_DDR4-3466_RAM;_1TB_Solid BUT i also seen this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Alienware-Aurora-R10-Gaming-Desktop/dp/B09HL94HNS/ref=asc_df_B09HL94HNS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=546914260534&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7900987076716205384&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031062&hvtargid=pla-1461975056373&th=1 which is similar in price but seem to has better components.., any insight from people who know more about computers???

 

[Hellfire13]

First of all, the Amazon link is not precise to the product page, at least not on my end. So, nothing to compare with.
Second, most of these prebuild units do not have precise information to compare with. Like Motherboard brand/variant, Cooler brand/variant, SSD brand/variant, PSU brand/variant, Memory timing/latency, Chassis brand/variant as these are details they make profit on.
Third, if there are any proprietary parts inside, it will be very difficult to upgrade or replace later on, if and when required.
Better to build yourself or get it built by a professional, at least you will know what's inside. The warranty on parts remains the same from the manufacturer.

Something like this should be around the same price with better parts...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 3.7 GHz 12-Core Processor | $395.99 @ Adorama
CPU Cooler | Deepcool ASSASSIN III 90.37 CFM CPU Cooler | $79.99 @ B&H
Motherboard | MSI MAG X570S TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard | $229.99 @ Amazon
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory | $142.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $114.25 @ Amazon
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 12 GB GAMING OC Video Card | $1049.99 @ Newegg
Case | Lian Li Lancool II Mesh ATX Mid Tower Case | $119.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | Corsair HX Platinum 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $129.99 @ Newegg
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $2293.18
| Mail-in rebates | -$30.00
| Total | $2263.18
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-06-16 04:06 EDT-0400 |

This is an Intel alternative...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Core i7-12700K 3.6 GHz 12-Core Processor | $379.99 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler | Deepcool ASSASSIN III 90.37 CFM CPU Cooler | $79.99 @ B&H
Motherboard | Asus TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI D4 ATX LGA1700 Motherboard | $272.12 @ Amazon
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 Memory | $114.99 @ Newegg
Storage | Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive | $114.25 @ Amazon
Video Card | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 3080 Ti 12 GB GAMING OC Video Card | $1049.99 @ Newegg
Case | Lian Li Lancool II Mesh ATX Mid Tower Case | $119.99 @ Newegg
Power Supply | Corsair HX Platinum 850 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply | $129.99 @ Newegg
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total (before mail-in rebates) | $2291.31
| Mail-in rebates | -$30.00
| Total | $2261.31
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2022-06-16 04:13 EDT-0400 |

 

[Why_Me]

Looking to buy a quality PC but make sure I get the best deal for the price. Im ltb a Dell Alienware r10 from Microcenter https://www.microcenter.com/product...Ti_12GB_GDDR6X;_32GB_DDR4-3466_RAM;_1TB_Solid BUT i also seen this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Alienware-Aurora-R10-Gaming-Desktop/dp/B09HL94HNS/ref=asc_df_B09HL94HNS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=546914260534&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7900987076716205384&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031062&hvtargid=pla-1461975056373&th=1 which is similar in price but seem to has better components.., any insight from people who know more about computers???

Is this for gaming?

 

[computer_noob117]

@Hellfire13 Appreciate the help but I dont believe I am capable to build my own PC atm, this is my first run into it so just learning the components has been huge. Are you saying that the specifications listed arent actually what is provided in terms of hardware?? So I should be speculative in terms of what is listed for CPU / Grphics card??

@Why_Me - Mostly 3D modeling but do plan for light gaming

 

[Why_Me]

https://www.newegg.com/black-lian-li-lancool-ii-performance-atx-mid-tower/p/2AM-000Z-00086
LIAN LI LANCOOL II MESH C PERFORMANCE $119.99

https://www.newegg.com/super-flower-leadex-iii-sf-850f14hg-850w/p/1HU-024C-00005
Super Flower Leadex III 850W 80+ Gold Modular Power Supply $109.99 + $5 off w/ promo code FDYBTA4357

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144528
MSI MAG B660M BAZOOKA DDR4 $139.99

https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i7-12700f-core-i7-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118359
Intel Core i7-12700F $314.99 + $5 off w/ promo code FDYBTA447

https://www.amazon.com/DeepCool-AK620-High-Performance-Dual-Tower-Dissipation/dp/B09CSXS3X4
DeepCool AK620 CPU Cooler $64.99

https://www.newegg.com/corsair-32gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820236596
CORSAIR Vengeance LPX DDR4 3600 32GB (2x16GB) CL18 $119.99 + $5 off w/ promo code FDYBTA4259

Amazon.com: PNY CS1030 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - M280CS1030-2TB-RB: Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: PNY CS1030 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) - M280CS1030-2TB-RB: Computers & Accessories

www.amazon.com

PNY CS1030 2TB M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 Internal SSD $164.99

https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-geforce-rtx-3080-ti-gv-n308tgaming-oc-12gd/p/N82E16814932436
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3080 Ti OC 12GB Graphics Card $1,099.99 + $50 off w/ promo code VGARWA42

https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-11-Home-USB/dp/B09V6R9QZZ
Microsoft Windows 11 Home (USB) $139.00

Total: $2208.92 w/ promo codes

A better look at those components.

Lancool-II-Mesh-Performance

<h2>Born to push the limits</h2> LANCOOL II MESH Performance features a mesh front panel and mesh bottom left shroud panel, honeycomb vent design and built-in PWM fans, ensuring bountiful airflow delivered to your components while the system runs at peak performance. <span...

lian-li.com

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-B660M-BAZOOKA-DDR4

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/deepcool-ak620-review

https://global.deepcool.com/product...-High-Performance-CPU-Cooler/2021/13067.shtml

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...2700f-processor-25m-cache-up-to-4-90-ghz.html

Intel Core i7-12700 + Intel B660 Review

Today we have a combo review of all-new Intel hardware, our first look at the affordable Intel B660 platform, the non-K Core i7-12700 and Intel's latest box...

www.techspot.com

 

[Hellfire13]

@Hellfire13 Appreciate the help but I dont believe I am capable to build my own PC atm, this is my first run into it so just learning the components has been huge. Are you saying that the specifications listed arent actually what is provided in terms of hardware?? So I should be speculative in terms of what is listed for CPU / Grphics card??

When we talk about 5900x, it is what it is. There are no variants of 5900x. But when we talk about something like, lets say a motherboard, there are hundreds of B550A models. B550A is basically the OEM version of B450 chipset. There are both good quality boards which you need for higher core counts for thermal performance on high load and low quality ones which are meant for general usage workstations. You cannot make out the quality of the board from that information. Same with other components. Not mentioning precise brand/model/variant is a way of making profit for the prebuilt manufacturers, as common people cannot differentiate between part quality.

Building a PC is easy and fun. But if you are sceptical about the risk, you can always consult and hire a professional to do the same for a nominal fee. It might save you a lot of heartache later on. Most people in this community do not recommend prebuilt PCs.

 

[computer_noob117]

@Hellfire13 The part list assembly has given me a slight boost in confidence and youve made me reconsider purchasing a prebuilt. Any advice to stringing the components together and tackling your first PC build?? Are all the parts yourself and @Why_Me compatible for a build??? I have zero experience in soldering etc

 

[Why_Me]

@Hellfire13 The part list assembly has given me a slight boost in confidence and youve made me reconsider purchasing a prebuilt. Any advice to stringing the components together and tackling your first PC build?? Are all the parts yourself and @Why_Me compatible for a build??? I have zero experience in soldering etc

No soldering involved. It's akin to putting together legos. Plug in this, plug in that, download Windows updates.

 

[Hellfire13]

@Hellfire13 The part list assembly has given me a slight boost in confidence and youve made me reconsider purchasing a prebuilt. Any advice to stringing the components together and tackling your first PC build?? Are all the parts yourself and @Why_Me compatible for a build??? I have zero experience in soldering etc

You dont go at it blind. There are zillion of build guides and videos on the web. Read about PC building, watch videos, ask questions or research more when you have doubts, and doubts you will have initially. The more you research the more you will understand. If you think you need assistance, take help from a professional or get it built by one. There are a lot of dealers who will do it for a few bucks with the parts you get yourself or order from them. Here are some links to get you started...
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/how-to-build-a-pc,5867.html

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7MYOpFONCU

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YySa723VD2Y

 

[Richj444]

Looking to buy a quality PC but make sure I get the best deal for the price. Im ltb a Dell Alienware r10 from Microcenter https://www.microcenter.com/product...Ti_12GB_GDDR6X;_32GB_DDR4-3466_RAM;_1TB_Solid BUT i also seen this on amazon https://www.amazon.com/Alienware-Aurora-R10-Gaming-Desktop/dp/B09HL94HNS/ref=asc_df_B09HL94HNS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=546914260534&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7900987076716205384&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031062&hvtargid=pla-1461975056373&th=1 which is similar in price but seem to has better components.., any insight from people who know more about computers???

You might also consider a site like CyberpowerPC. Gaming Computer and Desktop Trusted Seller | CyberPowerPC

They will let you choose your components, so you have control over the specific parts of your build and can ensure you get what you are paying for, but they do the assembly and handle any tech support for (I think) 3 years after purchase. I build my own personally, but I have a friend who's bought a number of systems from them over the years and he's very happy.

 

[computer_noob117]

Just some last questions before ordering the suggested parts. Would a 2 TB SSD and a higher wattage PSU maybe 1000 do me service as quality upgrades? Or would they be insignificant
appreciate y’all patience and help so far!!

 

[Lafong]

Just some last questions before ordering the suggested parts. Would a 2 TB SSD and a higher wattage PSU maybe 1000 do me service as quality upgrades? Or would they be insignificant
appreciate y’all patience and help so far!!

Slow down just a bit. A day or two maybe.

What exact "suggested parts"?

List them.

Then we can go through it carefully.

Few people would need a 1000 watt PSU.

Many people might need a 2 TB SSD.

Many would be fine with only a 500 GB.

We need more info about your requirements to keep you from wasting money....what you will be doing day in and day out with the machine.

If your primary purpose is 3D modeling, you may (?) have a good idea of what that task would benefit from..........sheer single thread CPU horsepower? 32 gb or 64 gb RAM? A large amount of storage? A particular minimum video card requirement? 12 CPU cores rather than 6? If you don't know the answers to these questions, maybe you can ask someone with a lot of 3D modeling experience?

Or maybe 3D modeling is not really a more important purpose than general productivity or gaming?

Do you have ANY idea whether you would need .5, 1, 2, or 6 TB of total storage?

Lastly.....do you intend to build it yourself......... or hire local talent to assemble parts you purchase?

Some stores will build from your parts....I think Microcenter does that?

Where are you located?

 

[computer_noob117]

Parts im thinking of purchasing , most were suggested farther up the thread. Using this build for 3D modeling. Looking to use as workstation for programs such as Autocad, REVIT, Sketchup Adobe suite and some gaming

CPU Cooler https://www.newegg.com/deepcool-gamer-storm-assassin-iii/p/13C-002K-000H4?Item=13C-002K-000H4&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-mXD3uRtvQfVwGfI9aTdlIQ

Motherboard https://www.newegg.com/asus-tuf-gaming-z690-plus-wifi-d4/p/N82E16813119506?Item=N82E16813119506&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-0XVLMqc0wt9Yhqf9L2Yneg

Memory https://www.newegg.com/corsair-32gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820236596?Item=N82E16820236596&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-lK0c43NXtmUvbCRAQhvUwA

SSD https://www.newegg.com/samsung-970-evo-plus-2tb/p/20-147-744 (going with 2TB, instead of 1)

GPU https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-geforce-rtx-3080-ti-gv-n308tgaming-oc-12gd/p/N82E16814932436?Item=N82E16814932436&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-KCnw6o.dvzCeqWTOZf0vfA (was looking for best option here but Ive heard 3080 TI is great bang for the buck)

Case [https://www.newegg.com/black-lian-li-lancool-ii-rgb-mesh-atx-mid-tower/p/2AM-000Z-00088] (wanted some RGBs)

CPU [https://www.newegg.com/corsair-hx-series-hx850-cp-9020138-na-850w/p/N82E16817139203?Item=N82E16817139203&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-nGJDXK_Yxh8HUlQWregVpg]

Looking to tackle on my own build, installed some confidence thanks to the help here. Located in Socal SELA, OC area
Thinking of committing soon and purchasing parts. Dont mind buying yall a beer once the build is complete

 

[Lafong]

Will you be 3D modeling 6 hours a day or 6 hours a week or 6 hours a month?

In what way is your current PC inadequate for your most important task....3D modeling?

Do you need to buy Windows?

Do you need to buy a monitor?

 

[computer_noob117]

Hmmm hard to gauge. Some days towards deadlines I’ll probably clock in 10/12 hours for 2/3 days or so but on normal timelines probably 6-8 hours a week.

I don’t even have a PC, this would be my first. Im actually using a dell laptop that is pretty much out of its league for modeling but I’ve been making due and is shortly giving out on me I already have a black display which I believe the ram has given out and been using and external monitor. So it’s hanging on and looking to build soon

 

[Hellfire13]

Parts im thinking of purchasing , most were suggested farther up the thread. Using this build for 3D modeling. Looking to use as workstation for programs such as Autocad, REVIT, Sketchup Adobe suite and some gaming

CPU Cooler https://www.newegg.com/deepcool-gamer-storm-assassin-iii/p/13C-002K-000H4?Item=13C-002K-000H4&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-mXD3uRtvQfVwGfI9aTdlIQ

Motherboard https://www.newegg.com/asus-tuf-gaming-z690-plus-wifi-d4/p/N82E16813119506?Item=N82E16813119506&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-0XVLMqc0wt9Yhqf9L2Yneg

Memory https://www.newegg.com/corsair-32gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820236596?Item=N82E16820236596&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-lK0c43NXtmUvbCRAQhvUwA

SSD https://www.newegg.com/samsung-970-evo-plus-2tb/p/20-147-744 (going with 2TB, instead of 1)

GPU https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-geforce-rtx-3080-ti-gv-n308tgaming-oc-12gd/p/N82E16814932436?Item=N82E16814932436&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-KCnw6o.dvzCeqWTOZf0vfA (was looking for best option here but Ive heard 3080 TI is great bang for the buck)

Case [https://www.newegg.com/black-lian-li-lancool-ii-rgb-mesh-atx-mid-tower/p/2AM-000Z-00088] (wanted some RGBs)

CPU [https://www.newegg.com/corsair-hx-series-hx850-cp-9020138-na-850w/p/N82E16817139203?Item=N82E16817139203&nm_mc=AFC-RAN-COM&cm_mmc=AFC-RAN-COM&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_source=afc-PCPartPicker&AFFID=2558510&AFFNAME=PCPartPicker&ACRID=1&ASID=https://pcpartpicker.com/&ranMID=44583&ranEAID=2558510&ranSiteID=8BacdVP0GFs-nGJDXK_Yxh8HUlQWregVpg]

Looking to tackle on my own build, installed some confidence thanks to the help here. Located in Socal SELA, OC area
Thinking of committing soon and purchasing parts. Dont mind buying yall a beer once the build is complete

Ok, so basically the Intel build from the above post. Good part selection.

Coming to your questions, a bigger drive will be faster due to more simultaneous Nand access. Make a 250gb partition for the OS drive and use the rest as storage.

A 1000w PSU is not required unless you plan to use a more powerful card or SLI. It won't hurt though, if you want to keep more headroom.

 

[Lafong]

You may need to buy Windows again.

If your primary purpose is 3D modeling, you may (?) have a good idea of what that task would benefit from..........

sheer single thread CPU horsepower?

32 gb or 64 gb RAM?

A large amount of storage?

A particular minimum video card requirement?

12 CPU cores rather than 6?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, maybe you can ask someone with a lot of 3D modeling experience?

Unless your budget is semi-unlimited, there's no point in X dollars on a better Y, when X dollars would be better spent on a better Z.

What is your absolute max total budget for ALL parts?

 

[Lafong]

Your CPU link goes to a power supply, not a CPU.

 

[Hellfire13]

You may need to buy Windows again.

If your primary purpose is 3D modeling, you may (?) have a good idea of what that task would benefit from..........

sheer single thread CPU horsepower?

32 gb or 64 gb RAM?

A large amount of storage?

A particular minimum video card requirement?

12 CPU cores rather than 6?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, maybe you can ask someone with a lot of 3D modeling experience?

Unless your budget is semi-unlimited, there's no point in X dollars on a better Y, when X dollars would be better spent on a better Z.

What is your absolute max total budget for ALL parts?

This should give you a rough estimation of the kind of parts optimal for 3D work...

Best Workstation Computer for 3D Modeling and Rendering

Best Computers & Workstations in different Tier Builds for 3D Modeling and Rendering, CPU Rendering & GPU Rendering

www.cgdirector.com

 

[computer_noob117]

@Hellfire13 Yea basically the Intel build you provided! Appreciate the help man, really went a long way. We will see how the build goes!

@Lafong sorry I meant PSU haha the CPU I went with was https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i7-12700k-core-i7-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118343?Item=N82E16819118343
Looking to purchase windows yes seen some videos of where to get it for cheaper rather than purchasing from Windows themselves. I believe many have suggested that 32gb is sufficient for modeling. Ive also heard that modeling programs dont utilize all the cores so a more efficient CPU is preferred. Honestly my budget for this initial build is roughly 2.5k

 

[Lafong]

Looking to purchase windows yes seen some videos of where to get it for cheaper rather than purchasing from Windows themselves.

I'd try to lay down for a while until that thought went away.

There are other good sources like Newegg direct or even Amazon direct that might be slightly cheaper than Microsoft direct.

But if you start seeing prices under 100 dollars for the Home version, I'd walk away.

 

[Hellfire13]

@Hellfire13 Yea basically the Intel build you provided! Appreciate the help man, really went a long way. We will see how the build goes!

As mentioned before, do your research well, ask questions, do not hesitate to reach out if you have doubts and it should be fine.

Here are some tips for Windows...
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/get-windows-10-free-or-cheap,5717.html
You can even activate it later on. There are no performance penalty, only some cosmetic limitations.