Is this the right computer for me?

xp310 · 05-08-2008, 02:55 PM

Hello Everyone!

I am planning on purchasing a computer from Dell. My current computer, which is 5 years old, was home built by a relative - but I no longer have the luxury of having one built for me now. I am looking into purchasing a customized computer from Dell, but I just want several opinions on it before I spend the money.

Here are the important specs:

XPS 720 Black: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 (8MB, 3.33GHz Factory Overclocked)

Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium

Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs

Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB

Hard Drive: 500GB - Seagate 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache

Optical Drive: Dual Drives: 48x Combo + 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capable

Sound Card: Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer (D) Sound Card

Price: $3,069

-------------------------------------------------

Here are my questions...

1.) I realize it's cheaper to build your own computer, but I cannot. Am I drastically overpaying?

2.) Is the "Intel Core 2 Extreme" better than a "Intel Core 2 Quad"?

3.) As for everything else, is there anything I should change about the customization of the computer?

-------------------------------------------------

I want a computer that can play high end video games (Bio Shock; Crysis); Microsoft Office 2007; PhotoShop CS3; Video Editing Software; and I also want to be able to multi-task with alot of windows open at the same time.

Please give me your feedback, but please note the techy details of hardware is way beyond me so please keep that in mind when replying.

Thank you in advance!

**linderman** · 05-08-2008, 03:25 PM

you will be paying about $1000.00 more than you should be if you are buying the "box" only

if the price tag is monitor included / they you are overspending about $700.00 to $800.00 too much

thats alot of money for a computer system with a ONE year warranty

the extreme is not worth the price tag by any means / I would not choose a Quad either, the dual cores have more usuable power in gaming right now / havent seen any games out there yet that make TRUE use of four cores at once !

xp310 · 05-08-2008, 03:54 PM

linderman,

Do you know of any applications which currently would use all of the cores in my chip? For example, is Photoshop CS3; Bio Shock; Crysis written to use all of the cores?

My big problem with deciding on a computer, is that it needs to last a long time. My last one, I had it for 5 years - and I can only imagine that I'll have my new computer for that long too. I can't afford to upgrade a computer every year or two.

So, my goal is to buy a computer that is loaded with power so that down the road, it's still better. I realize there isn't much that will use all 4 cores, but down the road, I assume alot of software will be written to use all four. And then, my computer will already be able to handle it?

I don't know, that's how I'm making sense of it in my head.

Is this still a bad idea for me, given that I won't upgrade again in a long time? Is there anything good about this system?

bearstion · 05-08-2008, 03:57 PM

3,000 is a lot for that computer. I love Dell. In fact, I own 4 dells. The truth is building a pc with those parts would cost 1,600 - 1,800.

Having said that, I did not build mine. However, I did find a computer company to build one for 1,500 that Dell wanted 3,400 for. Now, I have had some problems but is 1 week down time worth 50% off to you?

For me it was. You might want a no-downtime-pc. If you do go Dell, get the 3 year warranty + parts & labor. They'll send a tech to fix any issue for 3 years for about $100 up front.

It only pays off if stuff goes wrong but again that is your choice.

Good luck.

Edit: Btw all computers are out of date after 18 months. The dual core will power any game until 2010 but after that it might not. Computer power doubles every 18-24 months.

xp310 · 05-08-2008, 04:38 PM

making a decision on this is soooo frustrating! :(

**linderman** · 05-08-2008, 04:54 PM

Personally I would spend about $1500.00 -$1800.00 on a custom built with the expecation of doing another in 2-1/2 years

yes / photo shop is the only app I have seen that really uses four cores

the remaining amount you will have saved will put a major dent in a new one at that time

NO computer can be expected to last 5 years / unless you are willing to use it while its slow for the last two years of that stretch !~

xp310 · 05-08-2008, 06:06 PM

linderman / bearstion,

I just got off the phone with Dell, and these are the new specs with a new price.

Item Number Quantity Item Description

223-8818 1 Intel Core2 Quad processor Q9450 (2.66GHz,1333FSB) w/DualCore Technology and 12MB cache
311-7249 1 4GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz
310-7963 1 Dell USB Keyboard
320-4849 1 Video ready option w/o monitor
320-6191 1 Dual 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT
341-4833 1 1TB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM) w/ 32MB DataBurst Cache
341-3764 1 No Floppy Drive
420-5769 1 Internet Search and Portal
420-5924 1 Icon Consolidation Application
420-6436 1 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
420-6541 1 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English
463-2282 1 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access
420-7142 1 Resource DVD, XPS 720
420-7622 1 DELL SUPPORT CENTER 2.0
412-1054 1 Turbine Lord of the Rings Online,XPS
310-7966 1 Dell Optical USB Mouse
313-3607 1 No modem requested for Dell Dimension
420-7468 1 ADOBE ACROBAT READER 8.1 DIM/INSP
313-5446 1 48X Combo and 16X DVD+/-RW
420-8152 1 Roxio Creator 10 Dell Edition
313-5450 1 X-Fi PCI Sound Card
313-4514 1 No Speaker Requested
461-8389 1 No Virus Protection Requested
461-3063 1 No ISP Requested
412-1397 1 No Productivity Software requested
412-1397 1 No Productivity Software requested
950-7447 1 4 Year Limited Warranty
987-0788 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year(s)
980-0903 1 Type 15 - Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Weekends, 24x7 Technical Support, 3 Year Extended
987-0787 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year
982-9350 1 Type 15 - Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Weekends, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
412-0359 1 Soft Contracts - Qualxserve
902-2473 1 Warranty Support,3 Year Extended
960-8700 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
960-2697 1 XPS Specialized Support, DHS
310-8626 1 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System
464-9572 1 No Entertainment software pre-installed
420-7091 1 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS
420-7096 1 DataSafe Online 30GB for Dim/Ins/XPS
987-7469 1 XPS,Datasafe 30GB,1YR,DHS
988-0089 1 DataSafe included with DellCare Service bundle
* -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPLIED

Subtotal: $2,594.24
Shipping & Handling: $0.00
Tax: $129.72
Environmental Disposal Fee:
$0.00

Total Price w/Discounts: $2,723.96

------------------------------------------------------

The CPU chip was down graded, and the video card was changed to dual. Also, I increased the hard drive to 1TB.

Also, I get a 4 yr warranty.

Can either of you please review the new specs & the price? When I first started all of this research, the most I wanted to spend was 2700. I just want to make sure you both are more comfortable with these specs & prices before I make a solid decision.

I do know that Quad Core still may be a bit much, but being that Photoshop CS3 & Crysis both utilize Quads, I still want to try for a Quad chip.

The dell guy also mentioned I should change the video card, because being that it's a new card, I was paying 100 dollars more, then if I went to Dual 512 boards (which are older), so for 100 dollars less, and there's a gig worth for video it's better.

Well, atleast that's what I got from all of this.

Is this deal any better?

Thank you both for your input, you have no idea how much I value someone elses opinion on all of this. I'm an idiot when it comes to stuff this technical.

**linderman** · 05-08-2008, 06:43 PM

that deal is better / YES >>>>> I dont see a monitor ?????

for my money; you can build better for the same price and get a hellva gaming monitor with it !

xp310 · 05-08-2008, 06:46 PM

I don't need a monitor, I already have Dell LCD Widescreen 24".

As for the price though, it's 500 less then from 3000k, to 2500. Ofcourse tax makes it look worse. But I'm atleast comfortable with this price and what I'm getting.

So just to confirm on these specs, this computer will be able to do all that I'm going to throw at it? High end games, photoshop, video editing, and multitasking?

**linderman** · 05-08-2008, 06:48 PM

YES the spec is capable of doing all your applications and games

in fact you would be very hard pressed to notice the diff between this one and your first spec

enjoy >>>>>>

**linderman** · 05-08-2008, 06:59 PM

I miss those commercials where that little potheaded Steve would say; "Dude you're getting a DELL"

xp310 · 05-08-2008, 08:07 PM

Dude, I'm getting a Dell! lol

Thank you very much for your help. I truly appreciate it! I'm very happy now, and very comfortable with the new changes/pricing to my last specs.

Thank you again!

xp310 · 05-08-2008, 08:11 PM

Actually, one more quick question...

As you know I am getting the 1TB hard drive, but currently I do have:

1 - 500 GB
4 - 160 GB

Those 5 drives are all Sata, and I would like to still use those drives as backup. But, I want to use them externally. What type of external exclosure do I want?

I heard that using a external drive over USB 2.0 is bad. So what is the best connection type, and what connection does this new computer need to have for that?

bearstion · 05-09-2008, 03:16 AM

You got a good deal. The at home service rocks.

My buddy uses a usb external, he loves it. Personally, I'd slave your backup drive to the new drive. However, by opening the case you are in danger of violating the warranty.
Now, I owned quite a few Dell's, as I said, so let me tell you the third party techs do not care if you have altered the pc. So unless you tell Dell you opened the case they will never know.
If you decide to go this route the slaving is very easy to do. Several sites have walk through on how to do a slave. Basically you open the case, slide in the second drive in a cage that is already in the case, connect it and change one jumper (jumper is a pin you simply move over, think of moving a ballpoint pen cap from one pen to the one next to it).

Anyway, great deal and good luck with the new pc. I know you will love it.

**linderman** · 05-09-2008, 02:51 PM

your sata drives dont have jumpers for master / slave

you can get sata enclosures to run a sata drive externally; they do not use the USB bus but rather instead they run externally off the sata controller :)

I would also do as the post above says; and install some of your sata drives intenrally also to get use from as many drives as possible

you will need to buy one of these to connect your external sata drive enclosures

http://www.satacables.com/html/sata-pci-brackets.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812119021

05-08-2008, 02:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
xp310 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Is this the right computer for me? Hello Everyone! I am planning on purchasing a computer from Dell. My current computer, which is 5 years old, was home built by a relative - but I no longer have the luxury of having one built for me now. I am looking into purchasing a customized computer from Dell, but I just want several opinions on it before I spend the money. Here are the important specs: XPS 720 Black: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 (8MB, 3.33GHz Factory Overclocked) Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs Video Card: nVidia GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB Hard Drive: 500GB - Seagate 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache Optical Drive: Dual Drives: 48x Combo + 16x DVD+/-RW w/dbl layer write capable Sound Card: Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer (D) Sound Card Price: $3,069 ------------------------------------------------- Here are my questions... 1.) I realize it's cheaper to build your own computer, but I cannot. Am I drastically overpaying? 2.) Is the "Intel Core 2 Extreme" better than a "Intel Core 2 Quad"? 3.) As for everything else, is there anything I should change about the customization of the computer? ------------------------------------------------- I want a computer that can play high end video games (Bio Shock; Crysis); Microsoft Office 2007; PhotoShop CS3; Video Editing Software; and I also want to be able to multi-task with alot of windows open at the same time. Please give me your feedback, but please note the techy details of hardware is way beyond me so please keep that in mind when replying. Thank you in advance!

05-08-2008, 03:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,900 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Is this the right computer for me? you will be paying about $1000.00 more than you should be if you are buying the "box" only if the price tag is monitor included / they you are overspending about $700.00 to $800.00 too much thats alot of money for a computer system with a ONE year warranty the extreme is not worth the price tag by any means / I would not choose a Quad either, the dual cores have more usuable power in gaming right now / havent seen any games out there yet that make TRUE use of four cores at once ! __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ?

05-08-2008, 03:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
xp310 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Is this the right computer for me? linderman, Do you know of any applications which currently would use all of the cores in my chip? For example, is Photoshop CS3; Bio Shock; Crysis written to use all of the cores? My big problem with deciding on a computer, is that it needs to last a long time. My last one, I had it for 5 years - and I can only imagine that I'll have my new computer for that long too. I can't afford to upgrade a computer every year or two. So, my goal is to buy a computer that is loaded with power so that down the road, it's still better. I realize there isn't much that will use all 4 cores, but down the road, I assume alot of software will be written to use all four. And then, my computer will already be able to handle it? I don't know, that's how I'm making sense of it in my head. Is this still a bad idea for me, given that I won't upgrade again in a long time? Is there anything good about this system?

05-08-2008, 03:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
bearstion Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Win xp sp2	Re: Is this the right computer for me? 3,000 is a lot for that computer. I love Dell. In fact, I own 4 dells. The truth is building a pc with those parts would cost 1,600 - 1,800. Having said that, I did not build mine. However, I did find a computer company to build one for 1,500 that Dell wanted 3,400 for. Now, I have had some problems but is 1 week down time worth 50% off to you? For me it was. You might want a no-downtime-pc. If you do go Dell, get the 3 year warranty + parts & labor. They'll send a tech to fix any issue for 3 years for about $100 up front. It only pays off if stuff goes wrong but again that is your choice. Good luck. Edit: Btw all computers are out of date after 18 months. The dual core will power any game until 2010 but after that it might not. Computer power doubles every 18-24 months. Last edited by bearstion : 05-08-2008 at 04:03 PM.

05-08-2008, 04:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
xp310 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Is this the right computer for me? making a decision on this is soooo frustrating! :(

05-08-2008, 04:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,900 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Is this the right computer for me? Personally I would spend about $1500.00 -$1800.00 on a custom built with the expecation of doing another in 2-1/2 years yes / photo shop is the only app I have seen that really uses four cores the remaining amount you will have saved will put a major dent in a new one at that time NO computer can be expected to last 5 years / unless you are willing to use it while its slow for the last two years of that stretch !~ __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ?

05-08-2008, 06:06 PM	#7 (permalink)
xp310 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Is this the right computer for me? linderman / bearstion, I just got off the phone with Dell, and these are the new specs with a new price. Item Number Quantity Item Description 223-8818 1 Intel Core2 Quad processor Q9450 (2.66GHz,1333FSB) w/DualCore Technology and 12MB cache 311-7249 1 4GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz 310-7963 1 Dell USB Keyboard 320-4849 1 Video ready option w/o monitor 320-6191 1 Dual 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT 341-4833 1 1TB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM) w/ 32MB DataBurst Cache 341-3764 1 No Floppy Drive 420-5769 1 Internet Search and Portal 420-5924 1 Icon Consolidation Application 420-6436 1 Vista, PC-Restore, Dim/Insp 420-6541 1 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, English 463-2282 1 Dell Owners Manual installed on your system,click on icon after system set-up to access 420-7142 1 Resource DVD, XPS 720 420-7622 1 DELL SUPPORT CENTER 2.0 412-1054 1 Turbine Lord of the Rings Online,XPS 310-7966 1 Dell Optical USB Mouse 313-3607 1 No modem requested for Dell Dimension 420-7468 1 ADOBE ACROBAT READER 8.1 DIM/INSP 313-5446 1 48X Combo and 16X DVD+/-RW 420-8152 1 Roxio Creator 10 Dell Edition 313-5450 1 X-Fi PCI Sound Card 313-4514 1 No Speaker Requested 461-8389 1 No Virus Protection Requested 461-3063 1 No ISP Requested 412-1397 1 No Productivity Software requested 412-1397 1 No Productivity Software requested 950-7447 1 4 Year Limited Warranty 987-0788 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Extended Year(s) 980-0903 1 Type 15 - Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Weekends, 24x7 Technical Support, 3 Year Extended 987-0787 1 Dell Hardware Warranty PlusOnsite Service, Initial Year 982-9350 1 Type 15 - Third Party At Home Service with Nights and Weekends, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year 412-0359 1 Soft Contracts - Qualxserve 902-2473 1 Warranty Support,3 Year Extended 960-8700 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year 960-2697 1 XPS Specialized Support, DHS 310-8626 1 You have chosen a Windows Vista Premium System 464-9572 1 No Entertainment software pre-installed 420-7091 1 DataSafe Online Dim/Ins/XPS 420-7096 1 DataSafe Online 30GB for Dim/Ins/XPS 987-7469 1 XPS,Datasafe 30GB,1YR,DHS 988-0089 1 DataSafe included with DellCare Service bundle * -DISCOUNT/COUPON APPLIED Subtotal: $2,594.24 Shipping & Handling: $0.00 Tax: $129.72 Environmental Disposal Fee: $0.00 Total Price w/Discounts: $2,723.96 ------------------------------------------------------ The CPU chip was down graded, and the video card was changed to dual. Also, I increased the hard drive to 1TB. Also, I get a 4 yr warranty. Can either of you please review the new specs & the price? When I first started all of this research, the most I wanted to spend was 2700. I just want to make sure you both are more comfortable with these specs & prices before I make a solid decision. I do know that Quad Core still may be a bit much, but being that Photoshop CS3 & Crysis both utilize Quads, I still want to try for a Quad chip. The dell guy also mentioned I should change the video card, because being that it's a new card, I was paying 100 dollars more, then if I went to Dual 512 boards (which are older), so for 100 dollars less, and there's a gig worth for video it's better. Well, atleast that's what I got from all of this. Is this deal any better? Thank you both for your input, you have no idea how much I value someone elses opinion on all of this. I'm an idiot when it comes to stuff this technical.

05-08-2008, 06:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,900 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Is this the right computer for me? that deal is better / YES >>>>> I dont see a monitor ????? for my money; you can build better for the same price and get a hellva gaming monitor with it ! __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ?

05-08-2008, 06:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
xp310 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Is this the right computer for me? I don't need a monitor, I already have Dell LCD Widescreen 24". As for the price though, it's 500 less then from 3000k, to 2500. Ofcourse tax makes it look worse. But I'm atleast comfortable with this price and what I'm getting. So just to confirm on these specs, this computer will be able to do all that I'm going to throw at it? High end games, photoshop, video editing, and multitasking?

05-08-2008, 06:48 PM	#10 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,900 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Is this the right computer for me? YES the spec is capable of doing all your applications and games in fact you would be very hard pressed to notice the diff between this one and your first spec enjoy >>>>>> __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ?

05-08-2008, 06:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,900 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Is this the right computer for me? I miss those commercials where that little potheaded Steve would say; "Dude you're getting a DELL" __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ? Last edited by linderman : 05-08-2008 at 07:01 PM.

05-08-2008, 08:07 PM	#12 (permalink)
xp310 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Is this the right computer for me? Dude, I'm getting a Dell! lol Thank you very much for your help. I truly appreciate it! I'm very happy now, and very comfortable with the new changes/pricing to my last specs. Thank you again!

05-08-2008, 08:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
xp310 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Windows Vista	Re: Is this the right computer for me? Actually, one more quick question... As you know I am getting the 1TB hard drive, but currently I do have: 1 - 500 GB 4 - 160 GB Those 5 drives are all Sata, and I would like to still use those drives as backup. But, I want to use them externally. What type of external exclosure do I want? I heard that using a external drive over USB 2.0 is bad. So what is the best connection type, and what connection does this new computer need to have for that?

05-09-2008, 03:16 AM	#14 (permalink)
bearstion Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 7 OS: Win xp sp2	Re: Is this the right computer for me? You got a good deal. The at home service rocks. My buddy uses a usb external, he loves it. Personally, I'd slave your backup drive to the new drive. However, by opening the case you are in danger of violating the warranty. Now, I owned quite a few Dell's, as I said, so let me tell you the third party techs do not care if you have altered the pc. So unless you tell Dell you opened the case they will never know. If you decide to go this route the slaving is very easy to do. Several sites have walk through on how to do a slave. Basically you open the case, slide in the second drive in a cage that is already in the case, connect it and change one jumper (jumper is a pin you simply move over, think of moving a ballpoint pen cap from one pen to the one next to it). Anyway, great deal and good luck with the new pc. I know you will love it.

05-09-2008, 02:51 PM	#15 (permalink)
linderman Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,900 OS: win 2000 pro / Win XP pro My System	Re: Is this the right computer for me? your sata drives dont have jumpers for master / slave you can get sata enclosures to run a sata drive externally; they do not use the USB bus but rather instead they run externally off the sata controller :) I would also do as the post above says; and install some of your sata drives intenrally also to get use from as many drives as possible you will need to buy one of these to connect your external sata drive enclosures http://www.satacables.com/html/sata-pci-brackets.html http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16812119021 __________________ Why would YOU try to power a $300.00 video card with a $70.00 power supply ? Do YOU enjoy trouble shooting ?