custom computer vs "off the rack"

[jmc]

custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

Hello All,

I'm going to buy a new desk top computer for a solid modeling design application that seems a little picky about the graphics card. The standard cards used on the Dell, Gateway, and HP computers don't seem to be rated that highly by this particuliar software although they may have other cards available. That got me to thinking about going to one of the local computer assembly businesses that would probably use any component you want. It would also be handy when service is needed especially since my general computer knowledge is low.

Any thoughts on using local vs national dealers as far as relative prices for comparable systems, quality of components, competence, etc?

Oh, and this design software is for tractor parts.

Thanks,

John

 

[Dozernut]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

Why not build your own, if you can design tractor parts you can easily build a computer! You can then pick and choose what components you want and if you watch for sales you can build a nice system relatively cheap. Here is one site we use to buy hardware, computer hardware. An added benefit to building your own is that you will learn about computers and be your own tech. A couple of words of advice, watch the pin connectors (the number of pins) on your hardware so that they match and all hard drives are not formatted, it cost roughly $30 more to buy a pre-formatted hard drive. It is not hard to format but you must use a running computer to do it on. Buy a good how to book then roll up your sleeves and start building.

 

[RoyJackson]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

I'm also a "build it yourself" fan. It won't save you money, but you'll get exactly what you want.

Another option is to get a bare bones PC from Tiger Direct or other retailer and install the components you want. I bought my wife a Systemax (through Tiger Direct) and installed the sound and video cards I wanted.

 

[Jimbrown]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

Ahh really don't see the problem the last three computers I bought from Gateway right off there web site. They will put just about any video/sound card in the thing you want. Here is their current stock choices. web page

I can't belive you got a program that says all of those cards or no good. Dell will do the same thing.

I really find it hard believe that the NIVIDA G Force cards in these computers will not do what you want to do.
web page I could be wrong. This one appears to be made specifically for CAD programs web page

 

[texbaylea]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

I have always been a proponet of "build your own" but I started about 3 decades ago and that was about the only way you could get one. I would describe my original machine but it probably wouldn't make any sense to most of you. It was also ridiculously slow and clunky by todays standard but it had a word processing and drove a letter quality printer.

I do it because I can select the motherboard, case and power supply plus drives, memory and video specs I want. I can also overhaul and/or update as I wish.

There are good books out there to quide a newbie and you can learn quite a bit doing it.

Vernon

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

Well stated. In addition, personally I don't want or need the OEM junk software that most rack machines come stuffed with. Prefer to start with a clean OS and install what I want and only that.

Off the shelf machines will invariably come with settings such as memory timing that are very conservative. It's in the manufacturer's best interest to make the machine as fault tolerant as possible to reduce tech support demands, even if it means scrubbing a significant amount off the overall performance.

 

[BobReeves]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

Been building and supporting computers for a specific commercial application for the last 14 years. Best advice I can give you is if you do decide to do it yourself I have acquired a great respect and trust in ASUS Main Boards. We have less failures and problems with ASUS than any other. Still have several Pentium-1 computers built years ago in service doing their job in some pretty harsh environments.

Our application isn't real demanding of processor power but is picky of the board chip set, when we first started we would buy any old board that had an Intel chip set regardless of the make. ASUS slowly rose to the top and now we won't use anything else.

 

[jwstewar]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It is not hard to format but you must use a running computer to do it on. )</font>

I never do that. In the old days I had a DOS boot disk to do it from. Now days Windows XP (and NT/2000 for that matter) will allow you to define your primary partition size and how you want to format it on the install. No need for a second computer.

Not much else to add as far as how to go about selecting the right computer. One thing nice about the National Co. (if you aren't computer savy) is the support. In the event something isn't playing nice with something else, they will usually already know about it and warn you of incompatibility problems while you are configuring it. One problem with building your own is support, who are you gonna call when it doesn't work. The video card maker is going to blame the motherboard maker, motherboard maker is going to blame the power supply maker, power supply maker is going to say the video card is requiring 5.5v not 5.0v. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif However I do agree with the OEM crap software installed sucks. I also support the ASUS motherboards - though on my current machine I'm running a SOYO Dragon Ultra+ and have been really pleased with it.

 

[dieselsmoke1]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

Asus boards are top shelf components, been using them for years. I run an A8NSLI and have been well pleased with it's ability to remain stable while out at the bleeding edge.

 

[Shimon]

Re: custom computer vs \"off the rack\"

I would go with a local computer builder rather than a national one if he has a good reputation. That way if you have a problem you don't have to play the shipping game which can get expensive with a computer.

That being said...I too prefer to build my own machines. One other advantage is that you will get LONGER warranties. A lot of drives and motherboards and chips come with 3 to 5 year warranties. My power supply also has a 5 year warranty. Memory usually has a lifetime warranty. So you end up with better warranties instead of the 90 days or 1 year warranty you usually get with an off the shelf computer.

You can find "recipes" for computers online at ExtremeTech or PC Magazine for instance. They will give recipes for different "applications" and different price ranges.

You can buy your parts from Newegg...the industry standard for good prices, good service and quick shipping.