Can I do better Alienware x51

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Wahoo67

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May 4, 2013
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I need to get a new PC for my family. Right now my kids are into minecraft and spore but they will surely get into more games in the coming years. I have not built a computer but it doesnt scare me. I can get a refurbished alienware x51 for about $550. Below are the specs. Should i just get this or build something myself?

Processor: Intel Core i5-3450 Processor (3.1GHz, 6MB Cache with Hyper-Threading and Turbo Boost Technology 2.0)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Dell Outlet Alienware X51 Desktop
1TB 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
8GB, DDR3 UDIMM Memory, 1600MHz, Non-ECC (2 DIMMs)
Slot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
1GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GT 640
 
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slomo4sho

slomo4sho

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Oct 30, 2008
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PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($118.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($66.61 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB Video Card ($139.50 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.44 @ Amazon)
Total: $642.47
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

Alternatively, you can buy that machine and sell the existing GPU and pick up the above card and a better PSU.
 
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freshbakd

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Mar 17, 2012
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IMO the second choice he gave you is better, that i5 isn't bad at all. You could buy it wait until you have a few bucks for a better graphics card and power supply later and have a really nice gaming rig.I would even go farther with the graphics card maybe 660 or 660ti if you wait a while.
 
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marshallbradley

marshallbradley

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Sep 24, 2012
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Its just the graphics card that's the difference. The i5 is usually seen as better than FX, but the 640 is not really a proper gaming card if your interested in decent quality settings.

To be honest, $550 isn't too terrible for the Alienware, esp. compared to what a brand new one would cost. I would look into getting it and then replacing the graphics. The nice thing about the X 51 is its in a much thinner case than you'd normally be able to build with yourself.

On the other hand, there is a certain pride in having a system and saying "this is my custom PC that I created". If that's something you're interested in, building your own PC is a lot of fun.

M
 
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