Pre built vs Custom

WaffleSlayer · Jul 3, 2013

I wanted to build a custom PC and came up with these specs (subject to change but around $1500)

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cHUV
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cHUV/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cHUV/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($259.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($239.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($343.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: NZXT Phantom (Black/Orange) ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 760W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($56.23 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Samsung S23B300B 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1515.11
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-03 11:19 EDT-0400)

However it has come to my attention that dell offers similar spec'd computers for a lower price and pre-built. Is it worth the lower quality but pre-built and cheaper? Is the small case going to be too much of an issue with heating?

http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dax51r2_f_4e&model_id=alienware-x51-r2&c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1

If the case is too small for the above then would it still be more worthwhile to buy (below) and upgrade the graphics card?

http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dxps8700_bt_b021e&model_id=xps-8700&c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1

Thanks in advance for all the help!

P.S. I also realize that the Pre-built Dell don't come with monitors and also don't specify the type of PSU it uses which could mean they opted for a cheap chinese 400W or something that breaks in a year.

Ectorr · Jul 3, 2013

Better to spend money on an EVGA or MIS GTX 760. PSU is good but a little to much.

WaffleSlayer · Jul 3, 2013

Changed Video Card and Power supply

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cRYN
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cRYN/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cRYN/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($259.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($239.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom (Black/Orange) ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Raidmax 730W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($40.25 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($56.23 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Samsung S23B300B 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1461.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-03 11:41 EDT-0400)

Revised build, Thanks for the feedback!.
But would building this computer be better or buying the pre built and adding on?

Ectorr · Jul 3, 2013

WaffleSlayer :

Changed Video Card and Power supply

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cRYN
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cRYN/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cRYN/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($259.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus SABERTOOTH Z77 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($239.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Phantom (Black/Orange) ATX Full Tower Case ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Raidmax 730W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($40.25 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($56.23 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Samsung S23B300B 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1461.37
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-07-03 11:41 EDT-0400)

Revised build, Thanks for the feedback!.
But would building this computer be better or buying the pre built and adding on?

I prefer building

Sorry no offense but I meant the PSU wattage when I said is too much not the price

Here is a good PSU for you: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply

WaffleSlayer · Jul 3, 2013

Ectorr :

WaffleSlayer :

I prefer building

Sorry no offense but I meant the PSU wattage when I said is too much not the price

Here is a good PSU for you: XFX 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply

Is too much wattage a bad thing? I mean it could be reused should I upgrade my computer in the future. I also opted for a cheaper one due to the fact that I chose a more expensive video card.

Ectorr · Jul 3, 2013

WaffleSlayer :

Ectorr :

Is too much wattage a bad thing? I mean it could be reused should I upgrade my computer in the future. I also opted for a cheaper one due to the fact that I chose a more expensive video card.

Its okay just a Raidmax is a crap psu, and there is a big chance it will fry ur system. Ofc if u gonna do future upgrade a little much watts is not a problem..(But less money bigger W often means crap.)
So this will fit as well for future upgrades: Corsair Gaming 700W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply

WaffleSlayer · Jul 3, 2013

Awesome thanks for the help!

Ectorr · Jul 3, 2013

WaffleSlayer :

U are welcome !!

J_E_D_70 · Jul 3, 2013

Surprised no one mentioned this, but you have an OCing mobo with a locked CPU and no aftermarket fan. Plus, the 4770 is out so I'd recommend that with a H87 ASRock or Asus mobo (approx $100) since that Sabertooth isn't getting you anything in the way of performance. With the money saved, you can get a 128GB Samsung 840 Pro SSD to use as your boot/app drive.

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