Build my own or Buy a Dell XPS 710 H2c

Redd · 01-24-2007, 10:53 AM

My old computer is just old. I done revamping it. Time for a new one. My question is this. I'm a computer noob. I don't know much but I know a little. I put in a new power source and graphics card in my old one. I don't know how much knowledge it takes to build a whole new computer with all new parts compare to a power source and graphics card. What would be a wiser way to go? Build my own or buy a Dell XPS 710 H2C? Money does not matter. I want an ultimate gaming rig. Would it be hard to build on my own with the limited knowledge that I have?

These are the computer parts that i have in mind if I build my own. Feel free to remodify my list if you think I can build my own computer on my own.

Intel® CoreTM 2 Extreme QX6700 quad-core processor
EVGa 122-CK-NF68-AR Motherboard or Striker Extreme Motherboard
What would u recommend for RAM 2 or 4GB, and what kind of ram and who?
Sound Blaster® X-FiTM XtremeMusic
dual NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GTX graphics cards.
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM x2 for Raid 0
Data drive maybe 100 to 250 GB (what do u recommend)
PLEXTOR Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 6X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 8M Cache IDE Slot Load DVD Burner
Vista Premium
Monitor wise, I don't know what to get? i want something between 200 to 400 dollar range.
Case-Thermaltake Kandalf VA9000SWA Silver Chassis: 1.0mm Aluminum, Front Bezel: Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case
1kw power source of something

am I missing anything else? Do I need cables for this? Should I water cool this or not? I don't know how to overclock and probably won't. So would it be wise to stick with fans to cool this off or use a water cooling system?

Any other suggestions or stick with the Dell XPS 710 H2C.

Thanks,
Red

**pharoah** · 01-24-2007, 11:03 AM

first off water cooling isnt really needed for a system that isnt overclocked.the parts you have chosen for a self build are top notch for sure.4gigs of ram is overkill for now,however if you dont know how to build a pc that may be a problem.also do you have any friends that do build pc's,if so maybe get one of them to help you.as far as memory check evga's website to see if they have a memory compatibility list.

Redd · 01-24-2007, 02:51 PM

i know a little about building from gaming magazines. I feel comfortable building my own, i was worried about the cooling part. I just wanna make sure the fans are adequate enough which you reassured me. any good websites for building? thanks for info

**pharoah** · 01-24-2007, 03:04 PM

i did a search to find some kind of quide.here take a look

here is a guide on how to apply thermal paste to your cpu

Redd · 01-25-2007, 04:55 AM

thanks for website info

**gamerman0203** · 01-25-2007, 06:33 AM

IMO Redd....build it. In the XPS line, Dell uses enthusiast parts, but I still don't like them. Even if I was recreating the 710 H2C I'd still build myself. In all honesty, building is as simple as putting together a model, you just need to know what is compatible and a little research here and there will tell you that. The only thing that might give you hassle is diagnosing any problems after the rig is assembled. That can be a pain, but if you've done enough research to make sure everything is compatible, then nothing short of a bad chip will give you greif.

Redd · 01-25-2007, 01:40 PM

Thanks!

ebackhus · 01-25-2007, 03:11 PM

Word.

Build it and be happy. Buy Dell and, well, be not happy.

~~Nik00117~~ · 01-28-2007, 05:14 AM

Water cooling is for the experienced techy.

Not for a first time builder thats my out look on it.

I'd build your own its well worth it.

Gamah(kikboxes) · 01-28-2007, 01:37 PM

get the dual 8800's. but only use one till you get full vista.

8800's cause havoc in a lot of games, and that's with just one, two would be disaster.

also, get the 4gb, but only install 2 again untill you get vista.

skip the water cooling and get vga coolers and a higher-end cpu cooler.

Redd · 01-29-2007, 01:41 PM

thanks for info, is it worth getting the 64 bit vista or 32bit,is there a 64 bit? remember just used as a ideal gaming system?

Gamah(kikboxes) · 01-29-2007, 01:45 PM

64 bit is a lot better now than it was 2 months ago... if you were going XP i'd say no, but because you're getting vista i say go for it!

Indoril Nerevar · 01-30-2007, 02:04 AM

As Gamah said, get the 64-bit version of Vista. Using a 64-bit OS with a 64-bit CPU will increase your performance in-game. Since 64-bit is the way of the future, it also future-proofs your system.

Tiber Septim · 01-30-2007, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redd

thanks for info, is it worth getting the 64 bit vista or 32bit,is there a 64 bit? remember just used as a ideal gaming system?

Each copy of Vista has both a 32bit and 64bit on the same disc. You make the choice of which version you would like when you install the OS.

This has some good information about the pro's and con's of going for the x64 OS.

Redd · 01-30-2007, 06:13 AM

been googling, and still can't get a real clear answer, is premium my choice to go with? I think on what I've read for gaming wise, premium will do the same as ultimate except ultimate has a few more extras that aren't necessary for gaming? Am i correct?

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 01-31-2007, 11:52 AM

If money is no object... Ok i am no fan of mac but... if you cosomize the mac pros you can get quad coal intel with 16 gb ram and 3 tb of hd with 2 nvidia 8800 gtxs then just particion the hard drive and install windows =) srry about the spelling

Tiber Septim · 02-01-2007, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1 g0t 0wn3d

If money is no object... Ok i am no fan of mac but... if you cosomize the mac pros you can get quad coal intel with 16 gb ram and 3 tb of hd with 2 nvidia 8800 gtxs then just particion the hard drive and install windows =) srry about the spelling

Why customize a Mac when you could just build a PC with the same specs, would probably be cheaper to do so. (Also not a big fan of Macs.)

okay player · 02-04-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiber Septim

Each copy of Vista has both a 32bit and 64bit on the same disc. You make the choice of which version you would like when you install the OS.

This has some good information about the pro's and con's of going for the x64 OS.

Forgive my ignorance, Tiber, but I'm a little confused... if each copy of Vista has both 32 and 64 bit installation options, why are there seperate retail packages for the 32 and 64 bit versions?

Tiber Septim · 02-05-2007, 05:50 AM

Because Microsoft likes to make things confusing for poor consumers such as ourselves.

I got my copy of Vista today (Ultimate, Full RTM) and the fact is there is the choice of both 32bit and 64bit in the same package...
There is two DVD's, one for 32bit installation, one for 64bit.

I haven't heard of them being sold seperately before but it may be possible, i know you can order Vista as CD's rather than DVD's so i assume you could get them seperately.

As i said, i haven't heard of it, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Edit: Do you mean the Upgrades, not the Full versions? If so, yes, i know you can get the upgrade versions of Vista seperately in 32bit or 64 bit.

okay player · 02-05-2007, 06:07 PM

no, I was talking about the full versions, but I didn't realize I was talking about the OEM full versions.

Thanks for the heads up... if you hadn't of said anything I probably would have bought the 32bit OEM version.. and then when 64-bit gets implemented a little better I would have been up the creek.

01-24-2007, 10:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Redd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 10 OS: XP	Build my own or Buy a Dell XPS 710 H2c My old computer is just old. I done revamping it. Time for a new one. My question is this. I'm a computer noob. I don't know much but I know a little. I put in a new power source and graphics card in my old one. I don't know how much knowledge it takes to build a whole new computer with all new parts compare to a power source and graphics card. What would be a wiser way to go? Build my own or buy a Dell XPS 710 H2C? Money does not matter. I want an ultimate gaming rig. Would it be hard to build on my own with the limited knowledge that I have? These are the computer parts that i have in mind if I build my own. Feel free to remodify my list if you think I can build my own computer on my own. Intel® CoreTM 2 Extreme QX6700 quad-core processor EVGa 122-CK-NF68-AR Motherboard or Striker Extreme Motherboard What would u recommend for RAM 2 or 4GB, and what kind of ram and who? Sound Blaster® X-FiTM XtremeMusic dual NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GTX graphics cards. Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM x2 for Raid 0 Data drive maybe 100 to 250 GB (what do u recommend) PLEXTOR Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 6X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 8M Cache IDE Slot Load DVD Burner Vista Premium Monitor wise, I don't know what to get? i want something between 200 to 400 dollar range. Case-Thermaltake Kandalf VA9000SWA Silver Chassis: 1.0mm Aluminum, Front Bezel: Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case 1kw power source of something am I missing anything else? Do I need cables for this? Should I water cool this or not? I don't know how to overclock and probably won't. So would it be wise to stick with fans to cool this off or use a water cooling system? Any other suggestions or stick with the Dell XPS 710 H2C. Thanks, Red

01-24-2007, 11:03 AM	#2 (permalink)
pharoah TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,188 OS: vista business edition My System	first off water cooling isnt really needed for a system that isnt overclocked.the parts you have chosen for a self build are top notch for sure.4gigs of ram is overkill for now,however if you dont know how to build a pc that may be a problem.also do you have any friends that do build pc's,if so maybe get one of them to help you.as far as memory check evga's website to see if they have a memory compatibility list. __________________ Follow These Steps First Power Supply Selection Posting System Specs Oblivion Tweak Guide Video Drivers& Information TSF folding at home team 85015

01-24-2007, 03:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
pharoah TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 5,188 OS: vista business edition My System	i did a search to find some kind of quide.here take a look here is a guide on how to apply thermal paste to your cpu __________________ Follow These Steps First Power Supply Selection Posting System Specs Oblivion Tweak Guide Video Drivers& Information TSF folding at home team 85015 Last edited by pharoah; 01-24-2007 at 03:12 PM.

01-25-2007, 06:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
gamerman0203 Retired Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Posts: 2,144 OS: XP MCE, Ubuntu Gutsy My System	IMO Redd....build it. In the XPS line, Dell uses enthusiast parts, but I still don't like them. Even if I was recreating the 710 H2C I'd still build myself. In all honesty, building is as simple as putting together a model, you just need to know what is compatible and a little research here and there will tell you that. The only thing that might give you hassle is diagnosing any problems after the rig is assembled. That can be a pain, but if you've done enough research to make sure everything is compatible, then nothing short of a bad chip will give you greif. __________________ Follow These Steps First! CPU-Z \| SensorView \| WinXP Clean Boot \| Latest DirectX \| ATI Catalyst \| Nvidia ForceWare Posting System Specifications

01-25-2007, 03:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,146 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Word. Build it and be happy. Buy Dell and, well, be not happy. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

01-24-2007, 02:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
Redd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 10 OS: XP	i know a little about building from gaming magazines. I feel comfortable building my own, i was worried about the cooling part. I just wanna make sure the fans are adequate enough which you reassured me. any good websites for building? thanks for info

01-25-2007, 04:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
Redd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 10 OS: XP	thanks for website info

01-25-2007, 01:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
Redd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 10 OS: XP	Thanks!

01-28-2007, 05:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
~~Nik00117~~ Troubled Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 1,572 OS: XP Pro, Vista Ulimate My System	Water cooling is for the experienced techy. Not for a first time builder thats my out look on it. I'd build your own its well worth it.

01-28-2007, 01:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
Gamah(kikboxes) Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33 OS: Win XP pro sp2 / 64-bit	get the dual 8800's. but only use one till you get full vista. 8800's cause havoc in a lot of games, and that's with just one, two would be disaster. also, get the 4gb, but only install 2 again untill you get vista. skip the water cooling and get vga coolers and a higher-end cpu cooler.

01-29-2007, 01:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
Redd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 10 OS: XP	thanks for info, is it worth getting the 64 bit vista or 32bit,is there a 64 bit? remember just used as a ideal gaming system?

01-29-2007, 01:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
Gamah(kikboxes) Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 33 OS: Win XP pro sp2 / 64-bit	64 bit is a lot better now than it was 2 months ago... if you were going XP i'd say no, but because you're getting vista i say go for it!

01-30-2007, 02:04 AM	#13 (permalink)
Indoril Nerevar Manager, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 4,972 OS: Windows 7 RC 64-bit My System	As Gamah said, get the 64-bit version of Vista. Using a 64-bit OS with a 64-bit CPU will increase your performance in-game. Since 64-bit is the way of the future, it also future-proofs your system. __________________ Donating to the forum keeps TSF free for all. • Common PC Game Issues • Common Installation Issues • Posting System Specs • Power Supply Information • • NVIDIA Drivers • ATI Drivers • Thermal Paste Guide • System Requirements Lab • YouGamers Game-o-Meter • • Everest • Prime95 • DirectX • AMD Drivers • Memtest86 • SensorsView • Driver Cleaner • I do not give help via PM. Please post your question on the forum.

01-30-2007, 06:13 AM	#15 (permalink)
Redd Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 10 OS: XP	been googling, and still can't get a real clear answer, is premium my choice to go with? I think on what I've read for gaming wise, premium will do the same as ultimate except ultimate has a few more extras that aren't necessary for gaming? Am i correct?

01-31-2007, 11:52 AM	#16 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	If money is no object... Ok i am no fan of mac but... if you cosomize the mac pros you can get quad coal intel with 16 gb ram and 3 tb of hd with 2 nvidia 8800 gtxs then just particion the hard drive and install windows =) srry about the spelling __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

02-05-2007, 05:50 AM	#19 (permalink)
Tiber Septim Asst Manager, Games Team Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 2,827 OS: Fedora 11 / Windows 7 My System Blog Entries: 5	Because Microsoft likes to make things confusing for poor consumers such as ourselves. I got my copy of Vista today (Ultimate, Full RTM) and the fact is there is the choice of both 32bit and 64bit in the same package... There is two DVD's, one for 32bit installation, one for 64bit. I haven't heard of them being sold seperately before but it may be possible, i know you can order Vista as CD's rather than DVD's so i assume you could get them seperately. As i said, i haven't heard of it, but it wouldn't surprise me. Edit: Do you mean the Upgrades, not the Full versions? If so, yes, i know you can get the upgrade versions of Vista seperately in 32bit or 64 bit. __________________ First Steps - System Specs - SIW Help TSF beat Cancer and other serious Illness. Last edited by Tiber Septim; 02-05-2007 at 05:53 AM.

02-05-2007, 06:07 PM	#20 (permalink)
okay player Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 207 OS: Vista Home Premium	no, I was talking about the full versions, but I didn't realize I was talking about the OEM full versions. Thanks for the heads up... if you hadn't of said anything I probably would have bought the 32bit OEM version.. and then when 64-bit gets implemented a little better I would have been up the creek.