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Where to buy a new desktop
shadowane
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
It has been a really long time since I bought a new desktop. Does anyone have a site that they like? I could always go to Dell, I realize, but I hate how limited their options make me feel. If that's the best answer, though, then I'll manage. Any suggestions?
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BF3 Battlelog | Twitter | World of Warships | World of Tanks | Wishlist
If you really don't want to build a rig, then find one and post it there anyway and have people critique it.
BF3 Battlelog | Twitter | World of Warships | World of Tanks | Wishlist
Do that.
I just built a machine for about $1300 that will run anything like a dream, and a machine of similar specs will probably be cheaper for you since I'm assuming you're in the US.
Do... Re... Mi... So... Fa.... Do... Re.... Do...
Forget it...
It's really worth it on a bang-for-buck analysis though - to use a beer analogy, it's like "Should I buy this case of Yuengling for $20, or a bunch of different Stone bottles for $20?"
Usually manufactured PCs end up being cheaper, due to the fact they buy massive quantities of each part and have people who's job is assembling all day every day.
The advantage to self-assembly is ensuring every part is the one you want and that it is installed properly.
::
What? I don't think I've seen an off the shelf computer that was as flexible or capable as a custom built one at the same price.
Maybe, if you're looking at a low end internet and e-mail machine then you could pick up a Wal-mart special and save a few bucks, but it wouldn't be as upgradable as one you built yourself (fewer expansion slots, weaker power supply, limited RAM capability).
The big downside of manufactured PCs is that they always come preloaded with so much BS sludgeware on them. All costs being equal, I'd prefer to spend my time building a machine rather then cleaning that preloaded crap off one. It might just be me though.
+1 Dollar for dollar in new (read: not refurbs) hardware you will come out ahead with a custom build nearly every time. The big exception is a copy of Windows as that is usually what hurts you when building yourself as its a $100 add on whereas OEMs have bulk deals with M$.
Stop by the build thread and just say hey I wanted to see what my budget (insert $$$ here) would get me if I built it myself vs buying it and I would be using this computer for (gaming, browsing, heavy GPU rendering, heavy processing...insert what you were doing here) and you'll get plenty of answers on what would work in your budget.
Building a rig isn't very hard, if your qualified to use a manual screwdriver and grasp the concept of the square peg goes in the square hole, and the round peg goes in the round hole, and of course the very hard to figure out how to move a lever then you'll be able to do it. It really is very simple and if you have any issues the build thread can give you quick answers no matter how stupid the solution might be (read: did you remember to plug in the power cable).
It can't hurt to just ask the build thread and see what your budget could get you vs pre-built.
Well at least for that problem, this kind of tool exists to get rid of most of it. I mean, I do agree with you, the fact that they shove the stuff on your computer is stupid, but at least there are solutions for that now.
Speaking for myself, the first time I ran into a bad part out of the box (a video card, in my case), I wasted so much time tracking down the faulty component and getting it RMAed, shipped back and replaced that I don't think it was worth it. Nowadays my time is more valuable, and I'd consider paying a few hundred dollars just to avoid spending a few hours installing Windows and applying service packs and updates. If I had kids it probably wouldn't even be a question.
It was more than I'd have paid if I parted it out myself and waited on newegg sales and so on, but the margin wasn't that large over straight retail prices.
that's why we call it the struggle, you're supposed to sweat
My last computer from them was in 2007 and was ~700 with the shippping, its still going well
Tax though. Plus I haven't had any issues with Newegg's shipping. It's pretty fast to me (but I do live near their NJ warehouse)
BF3 Battlelog | Twitter | World of Warships | World of Tanks | Wishlist
I came to the 'PC Building Thread' over in Moe's Technology Tavern in May, 2012 and the fine gentlemen there walked me through step by step on what parts to get and how to put them all together. I ended up spending $1500 with my original budget being $2000 and I'm told that my rig is a complete beast.
It really is not difficult and my questions while assembling the machine were answered literally in minutes. As with my questions regarding networking, software, and proper SSD maintenance. It's really quite the thread - I can't say enough good things about it.
Also, there are generalized computer build guides you can find at ArsTechnica.com that walk you through of what component to put together at what time.
Case - Antec Performance One Series P280 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
CPU - Core i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor
MOBO - P8Z77-V PRO LGA 1155 Z77 ATX Intel Motherboard
GPU - ASUS GTX670-DC2-2GD5 GeForce GTX 670 2GB
RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) x 2
SSD - Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA 6.0Gb/s
HDD - 1TB 7200 RPM SATA Samsung F3 Spinpoint
DVD - ASUS 24X DVD Burner
PSU - CORSAIR Professional Series Gold AX650 650W
Then a nice Asus monitor, keyboard, and speakers that were on sale.
One last piece of advice, take everything you want from Newegg.com and put it into your 'Wishlist' and you'll get these random e-mails with coupon codes. They sent me one for 30% off of the RAM i wanted on a random Thursday night and another for the PSU. It was really neat.
Tax? On Amazon?
Yeah? Is this not a thing Oregon? Because in NY I get charged tax on Amazon. It's quite tragic, as I'd be doing a whole lot more shopping there if not for the taxes.
Edit: come to think of it, most online retailers charge tax now in NY. I think it's due to some stupid legislation.
But NewEgg somehow did away with it a while back.
BF3 Battlelog | Twitter | World of Warships | World of Tanks | Wishlist
BF3 Battlelog | Twitter | World of Warships | World of Tanks | Wishlist
Well, we don't pay sales tax on anything, but I think it's just a few states that do for online retailers.
is lame
You must've gotten lucky. I've had multiple Newegg wish lists and never seen a coupon.
BF3 Battlelog | Twitter | World of Warships | World of Tanks | Wishlist
I want to chime in here with the fact that my mom just ordered a camera from Amazon and would indeed have had to pay like $30 in tax on it. We live in Washington, and one of Amazon's locations is in Seattle, so naturally we have to pay sales tax since it's in the same state. Sneakily, if you buy from one of the guys that's "fulfilled by Amazon" at the exact same price, you can basically get it shipped from exactly the same place without paying tax if that retailer isn't from your state, haha. It shipped straight from Seattle. Anyway, other than that last little trick we figured out, Amazon is just like any other online retailer in that regard; if you live in the same state as one of their physical locations, you're gonna get taxed (unless there's a state rule specifically against that, I guess, but I doubt it). My mom and I joked that we should've thought about the fact that we'd pay tax on stuff from Amazon before we moved up here. Ironically, we used to live in California, so we always had to pay tax when we ordered stuff from Newegg before this instead... figures. :P So yes, tax can definitely be a concern even if your state doesn't charge tax for everything online (like New York). I'd be surprised if Oregon was an exception to this rule.
Nothing ships out of Oregon via Amazon (I buy a TON of stuff from them) and we don't have sales tax on anything (online or at the store) anyway. Lucky us.
We digress though.
This brings up an important thought: any friends of yours good with building computers? Maybe see if you order the parts and give this friend a case of beer he'll help build it or set it up?
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197970666737/
I got my rig from Ironsidecomputers.com too . Really good PC works great no problems and I got a great price too. I will be using them for my future PC purchases so I recommend them to anyone who is looking around.
I've had the same thing happen. Once when it was in my checkout, the other on a wishlist. Once after ordering a monitor, they gave me single use coupons for computer upgrades. Mostly things like flash drives, RAM, power supplies, cables, mouse, etc. Never saw a juicy one for CPU or graphics card. The codes are tied to your account, so they can't be shared, either.
In other words, Newegg is definitely watching your viewing habits. It doesn't hurt to throw things in wishlists or your shopping cart when logged into your account, because they might kick in an extra 10% or so to help push the sale.
Warframe: TheBaconDwarf
To everyone, appreciate the suggestions!
Just a, uh, heads up, but legally you owe taxes on amazon purchases no matter what state you live in. It's just that some states have forced amazon to charge tax or report sales to them, while some are still relying on self reporting.
Going back to the computer build though, the major issue with preboxed machines is that often the vendors have wacky mother board layouts and strange modular case designs that make working in them a total bitch. They also often use OEM components that you simply can't replace on your own. The Dell PCs here at my office are a bitch and a half to work on the components, where as all my home built PCs are easy as pie since it's universal. So just be wary of that.