OT: Cheaper to Custom Build than buy Low-End Dell

[Thomas Rogers]

Okay, I went to Dell's site today to configure a low-end, small business PC capable of dual monitor support. I pretty much went low-end, Vostro (their new brand) and loaded it with Windows XP Home SP2.



I was working on this config because the pastor at our church needs a new computer, and one of his few requirements is dual monitor.



Well, to my amazement the cost was pretty high...$809, and that was with a 19" LCD monitor and additional vid card to get the dual vid.



I thought, WOW, I can do better than that custom built, and I went to NewEgg, and sure enough.



I had to send the info to our pastor, so I also added it to my blog, under my pen-name "Phil S Hoffacle"....



Read if interested:

 

[Jacob Dryer]

While are you totally correct, you aren't exactly comparing apples to apples.



Intel vs AMD - I have no problem with either but Intel is just more expensive no matter what it seems.



and you went from dedicated video to shared video.. again doesn't matter for his application from the sounds of it, but still.



I don't point this out to argue, I still think your right about building a computer being cheaper. The only computer I've ever purchased built was laptops and one cheap emachine a few years back ($199 after rebate)

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Yes, JD, I do recognize it's an apples to oranges comparison with AMD to Intel, however, from a performance standpoint I tried to stay relatively the same.



Also, you are right that the Dell computer config is clearly more capable from a video standpoint. As you assumed, the needs were for dual monitor, not screaming video or gaming capability so the Dell is overkill while the custom is more than capable.



This shows one of the problems with Dell, IMHO, is that you can't get "granular" or "specific" enough with the hardware for your exact needs. It's either overkill, or underkill, it seems.



TJR

 

[Jacob Dryer]

To a certain point though "most people" still can't save by custom. I assume your working for free since it's for your church. If someone had to pay a shop to build and install windows on the machine you are describing they would only about break even if not be more expensive for custom.



Again sorry, this sounds arguementative (is that a word?) and thats not how I mean it, because like you I am excited that manufatures are being the cost back up since I have always fought for custom built stuff, since then you know EXACTLY what parts are inside.

 

[George C]

I have to disagree. I was able to configure a Dell that was better than the one you built from Newegg for less than you paid. It is a Dell Inspiron 531 with a better processor and basically the same specs. Also included is a 1 year on site warranty for $749. Plus if you catch one of Dell's sales it will be even cheaper. I know this is $50 more but if you browse the site you will get the price down.



PROCESSOR AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+ edit

OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic edit

MONITOR 19 inch SE198WFP Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor edit

MEMORY 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs edit

HARD DRIVE 320GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cacheâ„¢ edit

OPTICAL DRIVE 16x DVD+/-RW Drive edit

VIDEO CARD NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Integrated Graphics GPU edit

SOUND Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio edit

KEYBOARD & MOUSE Dell USB Keyboard and Dell Optical USB Mouse edit

FLOPPY & MEDIA READER No Floppy Drive Included edit

MODEM & WIRELESS 56K PCI Data Fax Modem edit

My Software & Accessories

SPEAKERS Dell A225 2.0 Speakers edit

 

[Jacob Dryer]

George could you get it with XP?? If not then it doesn't work out.

 

[George C]

Comes with Vista--I didn't know he had to have XP. It can always be downgraded yourself though.



TJR, if you are looking to save some money for the Pastor check the Dell Outlet. They have new computers there for great prices.



George

 

[user 64117]

I agree with George with the outlet. its the refurbished pcs that you can get awesome prices. they are NEW pcs that fail a final inspection on a video or sound card and it gets replaced after the assembly process. Since it no longer is new, they have to label it refurbed and mark it down. i have bought my last 4 Dells this way.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

George, I don't think that config would give dual monitor support. Maybe, but it seems to have an integrated GPU (on board video) and typically when Dell does that they use mobos and cases that only have D-SUB output (analog).



I could be wrong though, since I didn't check the specs.



TJR

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Oh, and yes, I wanted XP. Too many compatibility issues with Vista still. And to "downgrade yourself", and do it legit, adds at least another $50 to $80.



TJR

 

[Gerald Pierce]

ditto the outlet.... I bought a "refurb" from them and it has been great. It is now about 4 years old and have no issues. Stays on all the time and the wife uses it all time.



It was about 100.00 cheaper than the same pc new and I could not find so much as a scratch on it. Only issue I had was the AV software had already been activated so I could not update it and had to remove it and install avg.

 

[Gavin Allan]

I've priced it both ways several times, and I find it is always cheaper to buy a new PC than to build a new one when you need a new copy of windows. You get software so much cheaper with a new PC, and the added warranty and less hassle makes it better.



I've bought a couple of refurbished items from Tiger Direct (gateway PC, printer, camera) and each one of them has worked for a few months and then became a total POS. I understand the claim that refurbished quality = new quality, but my own experience taught me differently. In each case I would have saved money and a lot of cuss words if I had just bought new merchandise.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Gavin,



I know what you mean regarding refurb and Tiger Direct.



Just last night I installed Win XP and a new (salvaged actually, but different nonetheless) 40GB HDD into a Compaq EVO D510 Small-Form-Factor computer. It was a PC a friend got off Tiger Direct as a refurb. They have had it about 4 or 5 months, and the HDD in it went belly up...hard.



TJR