Pre-fab desktop recommendations

Johnny Chopsocky

This was formerly posted in the Computer Build Thread until I realized that technically my question isn't about BUILDING a computer.

Anyway, I'm looking to convert my tax refund into a new computer and I've run into a problem: I'm technology-kryptonite when it comes to installing motherboards and processors. I'm fine with RAM, power supplies and video cards but motherboards and processors just end up badly when I install them. So I decided that I'd start out with a pre-fab setup and modify it as needed.

I'm looking to run mostly Source games (L4D, TF2 and the like) and do some video-editing in Sony Vegas.

I've been bouncing around local stores to find any particular winners and I've come up with a couple, the leader being the Gateway LX6810-01.

Is this a wise thing to do, are there better pre-fabs you'd recommend or should I just roll the dice on trying to build from scratch again (really really don't want to have to do this)?

Uselesswarrior

I recently built a computer after being talked out of buying a store bought one. As I am sure you will hear from other people, your going to save alot of money if you build yourself. But I can see where you are coming from. Motherboard and processor installation really isn't as bad as it once was especially if you get a nice case.

That being said that Gateway doesn't look too shabby.

CmdPrompt

If you just use the stock Intel heatsinks (which snap on) you'd have to try really really hard to mess up installing the processor.

As for the motherboard, get a nice case as suggested, sit down and very carefully follow the steps, and it's pretty easy. The only part that requires any actual technology know-how is if something goes wrong -- otherwise it's just "Put Part A into Slot B." Even then, it turns out most problems happen when someone puts Part A into Slot C rather than any sort of arcane computer majick.

Viscountalpha

CmdPrompt wrote: »

If you just use the stock Intel heatsinks (which snap on) you'd have to try really really hard to mess up installing the processor.

As for the motherboard, get a nice case as suggested, sit down and very carefully follow the steps, and it's pretty easy. The only part that requires any actual technology know-how is if something goes wrong -- otherwise it's just "Put Part A into Slot B." Even then, it turns out most problems happen when someone puts Part A into Slot C rather than any sort of arcane computer majick.

I would disagree. The latest socket change kinda made me very uncomfortable swapping out cpus, That being said, Its not that bad.

You will get a superior computer for a far better price/ performance ratio if you do it yourself. If you really don't really want to build a computer, go get a local computer shop and see what they can offer you.

I'm currently working part time at a computer shop helping the owner who is a friend, I see tons of premades but very few custom built machines show up. Part of that is the kind of people who build their own computer but its also because there are some really bad premades out there.

taliosfalcon

ehh..in my experience there are some decent local computer shops, but the vast majority of them are shady, people with no real knowledge selling crap. For a prebuilt i'd probably reccomend dell, at least with them you know you'll get great, quick warranty service if anything goes wrong/craps out on you.

OremLK

Dell is really, really overpriced though, if we're talking about a gaming/high-performance system. Like, a lot more than some other pre-built companies, not to even mention DIY.

joshgotro

my HP Pavilion 531w just died after seven years of dependable use. Just saying.

Cronus

taliosfalcon wrote: »

ehh..in my experience there are some decent local computer shops, but the vast majority of them are shady, people with no real knowledge selling crap. For a prebuilt i'd probably reccomend dell, at least with them you know you'll get great, quick warranty service if anything goes wrong/craps out on you.

You really do need to be wary. I know of one nearby that my company has all it's PC's from that's pretty good. You need to be very careful.

I've had many friends tell me great things about Lenovo notebooks, so I imagine their desktops aren't too shabby. If that check of yours is big I would recommend a Falcon Northwest. From all I've heard they are the best pre-made PC's you can find, but they are too pricey for me.

Uselesswarrior

Falcon Northwest's prices are so ridiculous. There is no service they could provide that could possible justify their prices.