DescentBB

Is it worth purchasing an Alienware system if you have the money? (which I do...)

Or would you make your own?

Probably a stupid question. So don't bash me or you'll be the subject of every edited pic I create

You can build close to the same system for alot less. I would build my own for sure.

No bashing, I'll watch to ensure that.

Alienware makes a great set of systems, and they have support. Something you don't get (At least not in the same terms) from building your own.

But since you ask, I would never own an Alienware. I always build.

On the other hand, if you refuse to build and want the swankiest system out there, don't just consider the Alienware.
MaximunPC Oct issue (Just got it) put several high end systems to the test. While they gave a "Kicka$$" to the Alienware Aurora ALX (Water-cooled by koolance) system, they also gave the same award to the Falcon Northwest Mach V Icon Exotix system. The point I am making is the cost sometimes has nothing to do with the performance. The Falcon scored less but costs way more. Some of the other systems are cheaper and didn't perform as well as the Alienware but when you look at the numbers and do a cost base comparison broken down by point per dollar, it really is a whole new ballgame.

Gee and i always thought this was build your own support.

Another vote for the build-it-yourself option.
If you don't know how to do it, now is a good time to learn it.

DarkShadow wrote:Gee and i always thought this was build your own support.

As I said, not quite the same

Tricord wrote:Another vote for the build-it-yourself option.
If you don't know how to do it, now is a good time to learn it.

Something I always say. I agree fully

My gawd at the prices ... Sheesh ... Now I remember why I started building my own.

Oh yeah, this is great support.

Another vote here for building it yourself.

Hell, give us a budget, an idea of what you want, and we'll even pick out the good stuff for you.

Yeah, we like spending other people's money on toys!

Building your own is pretty fun BTW. And you can tinker with the machine without voiding your warrenty(what warrenty...).

you can always use Alienware or Falcon-Northwest (FNW = My Fav) or even VoodooPC as reference models for building your machine, and save yourself 2G's and the 30 day wait

Very true bubba, however if you look at the list, often I see what parts could be better for me then what they offer. Also I couldnt stand having one of their fugly cases, granted mine is very plain (except for the radiator).

Vicious PC doesn't charge an arm and a leg for its custom systems...

Build your own > Buy a Custom

If you REALLY have the money, buy Alienware, and have it flown to you direct on your private jet.

Otherwise, just build it yourself. You'll be much happier.

Krom wrote:Also I couldnt stand having one of their fugly cases, granted mine is very plain (except for the radiator).

w3rd krom, I can't stand how the Alienware cases look today. The "cool" cases that I've seen (IRL) feel like cheap plastic on the outside. When opening the front cover I felt like it would break with the slightest wrong move.

I've looked at a few FNW boxes and they look pretty sweet.

I vote for building your own, but if you decide not to, go with FNW.

Ya, those prices are completely retarded. The entire batch of cases are the most riced-out, stupid things I've seen. (This includes the POS Lian-Li and Thermaltake garbage) I'd be embarassed to have a case like those.

As if the concensus was not already clear, I'll cast my vote for building your own system.

...and to prove that it's the right way to go, I offer this into evidence.

Name one company that will honestly help you to research your options, compare prices, and select the components that are the best value!

I'm a satisfied descentbbware customer! lol

Well, if a buddy of yours is a "company" he might

Seriously though, if you can't build your own and you know someone who can do it, that's your next best option as you can have a custom built pc for a lot less than any prefab.

I'm not very skilled at building computers, but I have built 2 (mine and my brothers) and they work good. I always ask on the DBB before buying components tho.

Ailenware makes some nice machines, but they're kinda overpriced. Plus, making your own provides a valuble learning experiance! [/teacher]

Well thanks for the advice lads. Really appreciate it

Not to beat a dead horse, but, with the help of the DBB I've built several sweet systems. And it's really not all that hard. It's like putting together a set of legos, more or less. The true expertise lies in the configuration, not the assembly. There are some crucial bits of information that you'll need, but the folks here at the tech forum are more than happy to help you along the way.

You also need to swallow your pride long enough to read your mobo manual or you could have a few dead parts on your hands.

One thing about building your own, anyone who has spent time putting a DIMM into a brand new motherboard knows, new memory slots are a pain.

Literally... the back of the pcb can really hurt.

Just built my own. Way fast, many slots and many USB ports, and a big sense of accomplishment. . . It wasn't that hard. Many hours of reading, and I knew virtually nothing about hardare prior.

I think I will always build now, but I may recommend retail for my clueless friends and others I tech support for free.