Cheap Computers?

Okay, so i know some people who claim they can make a computer for 400$ How come then alienware etc cost so much?

What parts would I need to make my own computer?

Alienware sells prebuilt systems and charges extra for the convenience.  If you make a list of all the stuff you want, and how much you want to pay for it, then you can come up with a self built system ordered online from different websites, although the shipping may kill you.  Figure out whether you want cheapness vs awesomeness, such as going for a cheaper graphics card than "the best."  Look at Froogle for prices, and review sites like Anandtech for detailed reviews.  Consider:

Computer case
Power supply
Motherboard
CPU
Monitor
Graphics card
etc.

I actually build/repair/upgrade computers for a living.  let me tell you, alienware is extremely overpriced.  if you want to build your own conputer, you need to buy the parts, put them together, configure it, and install all of your shit onto it (i run into people that don't know what operating system means, forgive me if this sounds patronizing, its not meant to).  Theoretically, you could build a pc with the minimum system requirements to run windows for less than $300.  But, that is a steaming pile of shit.  what you need to do is figure out what you will be using the computer for, and build your computer to meet those needs while at the same time being as economic as possible.  For example, my gaming machine is am fx-55 oced dual 7800GTX oced 2 gigs cas2.0 ram oced windows x64 sporting monster, while my workstation is a more economic, lower end amd system running sus linux 9.2 pro, and my server is the height of multitasking processor power, but the cheapest gpu that money can buy.  So my point is, it all depends on what you need.

A computer for both Graphic Design and Gaming, as well as personal use, basically an all around system that doesn't suck like an emachine or other cheap alternative to Alienware etc etc (I have a POS emachine at the moment and need something GOOD)

For graphic design, I would recommend dual core amds, but for gaming I would recommend a faster, single core amd since no game currently supports mutlithreading.  But for both, I would probably go with a dual core, and a gpu from nvidia's 6 or 7 series.  However, if you need many different kinds of ports on you gpu, I would suggest some kind of ati all in wonder.  Do you know what your budget is?  and can you build it yourself, or will you be paying someone to do it for you, and is that counted in your budget or not?  answer these questions and I can put together a wish list for you on newegg, both econo and monolith within you range and post the links here (its actually a hobby of mine, no idea why).  anyway, I will be checking this thread often, so let me know and happy fragging!

I can give a couple pointers, too. Depending on how much and how heavy your graphic design needs are, you might want to go with an Intel to save some bux. Don't underestimate the value of Quad-Pumping when you're playing with single-core, graphics-intensive programs. You can usually get a little more power out of your RAM with an Intel while saving on your processor bux. Good luck finding an Intel that would outperform an AMD for heavy graphic design or rendering, though.

You can't in good conscience recommend an intel to an amd, sure, intel's are quad and amd's are dual, but amd's (i dare you to disprove this with 2 comprable chips) run cooler, faster, longer, easier and more stable in overclocking, AND cost less than intel.  do say it simply, intel chokes on limp dick, take it from some one who has had quite a bit of experience with both chips (i primarily use intels, but some customers are REALLY thick, so i give it up and let them live with an inferior product).  There is a reason that in all of my rigs I use amd, but dont take my word for it, check the specs, and swing by andandtech.com, they do a great job benchmarking products.

>>7
At Intel, people wear suits. At AMD, they wear t-shirts.

It's obvious who is superior.

LOL.  wow that had better be a joke.  If it was, its damn funny.  if it wasnt, you deserve to die. lol.

Budgets about 950$ Id rather go with the AMD's I trust them better, I was toying with tossing it together my self.

@5: please post that list! I have similar interests. Budget is $1000-1250~

>>8

Google you don't have to wear suits and they give you candy and toys

ok, the newegg wish list browser is being gay...so here is one option based on my limited knowledge of the situation (copy and pasted, I will post a link when it updates on newegg)

     Qty.     Product Description     Unit Price     Savings     Total Price    
     
Update
Thermaltake SViking VA4000BWS Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #: VA4000BWS
Item #: N82E16811133142
 
In Stock
$75.99           $75.99    
     
Update
ASUS A8N5X Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: A8N5X
Item #: N82E16813131569
** This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only. 
In Stock
$80.99           $80.99    
     
Update
eVGA 256-P2-N381 Geforce 6800XT 256MB DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: 256-P2-N381
Item #: N82E16814130261
 
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$119.00           $119.00    
     
Update
ePOWER Cheetah EP-450XP-C1B ATX 450W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: EP-450XP-C1B
Item #: N82E16817101502
 
In Stock
$66.50     -$5.00 Instant       $61.50    
     
Update
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Manchester 1GHz HT Socket 939 Dual Core Processor Model ADA4200BVBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA4200BVBOX
Item #: N82E16819103547
** This item is warranted through the product manufacturer only. 
In Stock
$355.00           $355.00    
     
Update
CORSAIR XMS 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model TWINX1024-3200C2 - Retail
Model #: TWINX1024-3200C2
Item #: N82E16820145449
 
In Stock
Mail-in Rebate
$88.00           $88.00    
     
Update
Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6L160M0 160GB 7200 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: 6L160M0
Item #: N82E16822144182
 
In Stock
$78.00           $78.00    
     
Update
LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner W/ LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Write Beige ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHM-165H6S BG - OEM
Model #: SHM-165H6S BG
Item #: N82E16827106023
 
In Stock
$47.99           $47.99    
Subtotal:    $906.47

>>13 A purely esthetic issue, but you might want to go with a black DVD burner instead of a beige one, since your case seems to be black.

o right, i tend to forget that some people care about that.  in all of my rigs, the colors are mismatched because I will always take the btter product over the "prettier" one, but that is just me.  also, keep in mind that this thermaltake case has a bay cover, so you will ot always see the drive.  good point though, I should have warned him.

hmm, this thread seems to have died.  Having to much fun with sodomy sunday on /b/?  thought so.  let me know fi there are any changes that need to be made when you finish sodomizing /b/

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