Gaming PC Manufacturers

**Atreides** · 20-02-2005, 05:52 PM

I'm looking at buying a new PC for gaming and video editing some time in the next year or two. Of course, by the time that I do buy it, everything will have changed. So I'm not looking for suggested lists of specs at the moment.

What I am looking for is websites for manufacturers of gaming PCs. Like Alienware. http://www.alienwaresystems.co.nz/dnn2/

Though on the other hand, would it be better to buy a system from a gaming manufacturer like that, or build my own from scratch?

So, I'm open to advice and speculation, bearing in mind that I'm not in the immediate PC market, but the market in general over the next couple of years.

Atreides

edit: Oh, and my budget will probably be between $2000 and $3000. Y'know - midrange.

**Prescott** · 20-02-2005, 06:59 PM

alienware pc's sure do look nice but are very over priced, shops like ascent make custom built machines to your requirements. for 3k you are going to get a beast

**Murray P** · 20-02-2005, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Prescott

alienware pc's sure do look nice but are very over priced, shops like ascent make custom built machines to your requirements. for 3k you are going to get a beast

Agreed, get it custom built.

**Tux** · 20-02-2005, 07:36 PM

agreed, but what ever you do, dont use an hp or compaq, dell are ok, but DONT buy branded computers, desktops at least, their laptops are ok

**techie** · 20-02-2005, 07:42 PM

Me too. Custom-build will give you a better specification at better price. May be a good idea on the retailers that tend to specialise more in building PCs for gaming, e.g. Computer Lounge, Playtech... etc.

**Prescott** · 20-02-2005, 07:44 PM

and get something that will allow you to upgrade in the future, dont go down a path that will lead you to a dead end

**Atreides** · 20-02-2005, 07:58 PM

Yes, Alienware does seem a bit overpriced. Cheapest you can get is $2,300 and you only have stuff like 512 MB RAM, Radeon R9550, 80 GB hard drive, CD-RW.

Tux, what's so malicious about branded PCs? Well, I suppose that aiming for high-end they still might put in a slow component or seven, and aren't customisable...?

techie, the more 'etc' of sites you can give me the better.
Does anyone have a particular recommendation for a retailer?

I suppose that custom-built means that someone will put it together and make it work? And a warrenty? As opposed to custom building it myself, buying all the components and putting it together. I've swapped a CD-ROM drive for a burner, but that's where my hardware experience ends. Actually, I've swapped drives on two computers, and one of those two died in the process. It was ancient and had SCSI I tell you! Crazy!

For upgradability I guess I'll be getting a big case and PCI-E; what else are you thinking of, Prescott?

And I might revise my budget to $2500.

**Prescott** · 20-02-2005, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Atreides

Tux, what's so malicious about branded PCs? Well, I suppose that aiming for high-end they still might put in a slow component or seven, and aren't customisable...?

if you dont mind me butting in, a lot of branded pc's are very fussy about the parts inside of them and sometimes dont like new hardware, and then cause a hissy fit, they are also quite expensive too. they are very hard to upgrade and most makers dont stay with the ATX specifications.

techie, the more 'etc' of sites you can give me the better.
Does anyone have a particular recommendation for a retailer?

http://www.ascent.co.nz

I suppose that custom-built means that someone will put it together and make it work? And a warrenty? As opposed to custom building it myself, buying all the components and putting it together. I've swapped a CD-ROM drive for a burner, but that's where my hardware experience ends. Actually, I've swapped drives on two computers, and one of those two died in the process. It was ancient and had SCSI I tell you! Crazy!

you can build it your self or get the shop where you brought the pc to put it together, an advantage is that all the parts that you choose and buy have their own warrenty.

For upgradability I guess I'll be getting a big case and PCI-E; what else are you thinking of, Prescott?

yes get a big case and a QUALITY psu, i cant stress this enough, get a quality psu, you will be glad that you did

, also get a motherboard with more than 2 pci slots, you will be glad in the long run too.
i went for a small case because i thought it looked pretty cool, and it did too,but it turned out to be my worst enemy when i wanted to put in a bigger graphics card. it just wouldnt fit so i had to go some cutting

so get big

**Atreides** · 21-02-2005, 09:10 PM

Something else I've been kinda wondering about... what're the real differences between XP Home and XP Pro? Pro has more networking stuff, from what I've seen. What else is significant?

Says the Microsoft website of Pro, "It includes all the great features and new visual design of Windows XP Home Edition, plus premier security and privacy features, advanced recovery options, improved ability to connect to large networks, and much more."
And here is a table of features: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...choosing2.mspx

Price difference is $150.

So I may or may not have answered my own question

, but how does this relate to... gaming?