BACKGROUNDWell, first off I'm not someone that is overly interested in building my own rig although my technical expertise should allow me to - but I don't want to deal with the time and hassles that could be involved.
 
I am posting this here because I don't see any real general systems forum, only those for a particular mfg.  Also, you guys are the most knowledgable and in particular, my interest in FNW potentially since I can tweak it like a custom-built.
 
Sooooooo...  My last gaming PC came from Dell (and XPS) and although I upgraded some components as soon as I recieved it, it worked for what I wanted and was stable, reliable, etc.
 
So this time around I thought let me try Dell again.  Since they had no Penryn offering, I thought I'd give the XPS 630 a shot.  After returning both boxes due to a myriad of issues and just not being happy with the performance vs. cost, I am looking elsewhere unless the XPS 730 comes out in a couple weeks.  That said, after my XPS 630 experience, I'm not sure how I would feel about that if I even had the option.
 
CURRENT-STATE
I'm trying to decide between an Alienware and a Falcon Northwest.
 
Well to be clear, I don't think this would even be a choice if the FNW had ports in the front of their case for headphones, usb, etc. etc.
 
The way I see it, Alienware has a cool case if you are 21 and younger but for us old folks, somehow that plastic case is less than impressive.  Add to it that Dell now owns them and the HORRENDOUS customer service posts I read all over the internet and I'm not too impressed.   Also, Alienware, like Dell, hides what manufacturer you will get for some components.
 
Falcon Northwest has been around as long (longer I think) and seems to use all best-of-breed top-end manufacturer equipment with nothing proprietary.  In fact I can literally go configure their system and take each component and read the reviews on NewEgg.   So basically the premium I am paying them is for support (marginally useful at best), warranty (more important), and them assembling and testing the build saving me time.  Otherwise, I could just order all the components and build it myself if I had the interest.
 
The only con for Falcon that I can find is the lack of ports for headphones, usb, etc.  I do like that I can pull out components (including MOBO) and upgrade at any time.
 
So is there anything I'm missing or another vendor to consider?
 
Yes, I know there are smaller ones but I will not order from someone that does not have a proven, long track record.  Voodoo was ok but now they are under HP and I'm not too keen on the Blackbird PCs.
 
I've not read anything horrid about Falcon's customer service...
 

 
If you have the gut to build a apc, and you want to go with a high end system, build a pc yourself. those high end systems from dell, falcon or alienware are for those who either do not know how to build a pc or do not care of money.  

If you can, cost is a big reason to do it yourself.  Most of the people here are building their own because they enjoy it, so don't be surprised for a lot of biased opinions.
 
Benefits of pre-built as you mentioned above:
Warranty - each of your components will have a warranty, and if you're picky you can get very long ones
Support - Marginally important as you mentioned.  If you have the ability to build your own, their support won't give you much over what you already know
Time and effort - This is where pre-built shines.  If building your own sounds like a hassle, you probably shouldn't.  Not dealing with the placement of cables, proper seating of parts and testing can be huge for some (decide that for yourself).
 
Cons of pre-built:
Cost - Easily the number one argument against.  I don't know about Falcon's prices, but you can build an Alienware PC (sans the case) for less than half the cost.
Placement of ports (and general custom looks and experience) - Pre-built limits your choices on how the computer looks and feels.  I know Falcon has a box with front ports (Tom's Hardware just reviewed one, it's on the front page), but in general you don't have a lot of choice when it comes to enclosures for your boutique boxes.
 
You'll have to decide on your own how to weight those issues above, but for many of us it's an easy choice.  If you want advice, post your thoughts or desired build here and we can help.  If you post a link to the specific machine from Falcon or Alienware you're thinking of, we can part out a better cheaper one for you.
 
If you decide that route, it helps to post your general location or merchants you'll be using (Newegg, EBuyer, NCIX, Directron, etc..).  Finding specific deals at your chosen place of purchase will help you get a more accurate and useful build from us.

If you got the bucks, buy a Falcon NW.  
 
I had a friend that had a Alienware laptop.  It was overheating all the time and the videocard actually got so hot it had liquid coming from the memory chips.  Alienware refused to do anything for him other that send him a new video card which died with the same problems.  He is currently fighting over getting it fixxed with them.  This is pretty indicative of Alienwares service as a whole for what Ive seen.
 
If you dont want to spend a crapload of money, build your own.  Look at what parts FNW is using and part your own machine together.  Keep in mind that the 10% more performance they are getting over a home built rig is pretty hard to detect without running a benchmark.

Thanks litlrabi and Kaldor.
 
Both good points.  I am actually very mechanically inclined and normally LOVE things like building a PC.
 
But as I've gotten older, I think I don't have the patience for waiting to get a part mailed to me, then wonder why it doesn't work (is it the memory, the mobo, etc.), and then waiting/fighting to get an RMA, etc.
 
For example, I just don't want to deal with the CPU cooler, the paste/glue and hoping something doesn't mess up, etc.  I know it is not rocket science but at the same time, since I saved up some $$$ for the new PC, I almost rather spend it to avoid some headaches.
 
Of course there are even bigger headaches if your $5k boutique box doesn't work as expect
 
And yes, I was tempted to just order the items Falcon NW lists and build it myself but I also like that they share this info with the consumers (even list memory timings - try getting that from Dell, Alienware, etc.) so I sort of want to support them as well.
 
Also, the Falcon box Tom's reviewed was the Frag Box.  I'm not a lan-party guy and want a full desktop.  Unfortunately, they have been using that case forever (though it is great and built like a tank - all metal - etc.) and it has no front ports.
 
So yes, that is one of the tradeoffs for not making your own.
 
On a side note, does NewEgg or someone sell say a QX9650 or QX9770 with a best-of-breed cooler already attached to the CPU so it removes one of those 'you can't return the CPU now that you have glu/paste all over it' type scenarios?

If you got the money go FNW.  They've been around a long time, and like you said you get to see exactly what components they use.  Dell buying Alienware is definately not a pro for alienware.

litlrabi - here is the machine I'm eyeing at Falcon Northwest.
 
Price came out to $5500 (ouchie, I know) with a 3 year warranty and 1 year of overnight service.
 
ICON - Brushed Aluminum (case)
ICON Standard Solid (side panel to case)
Silverstone 1000Watt Strider - Modular (PSU)
EVGA 790i Ultra SLI (MOBO)
Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX9650 3.0GHZ
Zalman CNPS7000B-ALCU LED (CPU cooler)
4GB (2X2GB) 1066MHZ DDR3 (timings are shown as Latency settings 1066MHz 7-7-7-20)
nVidia 9800GX2 1024MB (worried a bit about how hot I read these run)
Creative Labs X-Fi (XtremeGamer version, not Fatal1ty)
Western Digital Raptor 150GB 16MB Cache
Western Digital 250GB 16MB Cache SATA 2 (I don't care for RAID0 and have a server for more storage)
Lite-On 20X DVD+-RW W/Lightscribe
Plextor 800A DVD/RW Dual Layer
Ultra Flash Media & Floppy Drive
 
I realize for some reason (maybe because of the move to DDR3) they don't show the memory mfg. but I can call them for that, otherwise yes everything is pretty much available from a retailer.
 
I live in SoCal so other than NewEgg, Fry's will have some items but not most I fear.

Good god.  Thats entirely too expensive.  You can do a machine what might run 10% slower for $2000 less.  Not worth it IMO.  
 
But if you have the bucks to blow, hey its your money.  My only caveat is Id rather have 2 8800 GTXs or Ultras in SLI than a 9800GX2.

Falcon NW has a wonderful reputation. I would go with them before I would go with Alienware.

Agreed. They have #1 for customer service on my list (Although I personally don't own a Falcon, a few of my friends do and they love it)

Agreed. Also note that Alienware is actually owned by Dell.

Thanks guys for confirming my thoughts.  And yes, I realize I'm paying a hefty premium but at least I'm hoping that if I _do_ it, I'll be doing it with some confidence.
 
I called them for the first time because I was wondering if there are any options for a headphone jack on the front of their chasis.
 
They reminded me that if needed, unlike other companies they still do all custom stuff so they could do whatever I want but I don't want to pay extra for something that isn't a common practice.  He did, however, mention that they get their fair share of questions/concerns over no front headphone jack so I'm not alone.
 
He added they they are actually producing their own case design now and it's going to be quite intense but also won't be ready/coming out for 'quite some time' so I'm guessing they might roll that out when Intel releases their new flagship platform in the next year.
 
I could go with the Fatal1ty card vs. just the XtremeGamer basic card and put their thingy in one of the bays and plug in that way so it will shut off the main speakers and also switch the creative software to headphone mode automatically (something the XPS 630 actually did right).  But it sucks to pay $1xx more for just that and I need to leave the big front panel open.
 
Ahhhh us enthusiasts can be so neurotic.  I can blame this on being a PC/gaming enthusiast right?
 
And yeah it was wierd - I call up Falcon and expect this big long menu voice system and I just get this guy right away...and he can answer all my questions in a technical fashion.
 
Seems that I should need to go through 16 layers of voice dial, 2 transfers, and a harsh foreign accent named "Bob" before I get close to that type of response.
 
P.S.  My all time favorite at Dell was someone who sounded like he was the spokesperson for Al Jazeera network and his name was 'Kyle' ... wtf
 
P.P.S.  I hope my P.S. comments are not too mean, but it is what it is
 
*dream*

 
well for about 120$ more I could have 2 9800GTX's but...I keep reading how SLI can be really iffy on how much it helps (very game and resolution specific).
 
And that unless you are running high resolutions, usually the best single card beats 2-tiers down card in SLI mode.
 
Also, I mostly play MMORPG's with the more demanding stand-alone games here and there and I have a 2232BW 22" in 1680x1050 as my monitor.
 
So I don't know that even 2 9800 GTX's will help more than the 9800GX2.  And I'd avoid any of the issues with SLI (at times) as well.

Bah, would cost your about $10 and a 30 minutes or your time to add a front headphone jack.  Just would need to make sure to run the cables in a orderly fashion.  Rat Shack FTW!

I would say 2 8800 GTXs in SLI is alot better tech wise than a cobbled together mess the 9800GX2 is.  9800 GTX's are no faster overall that a 8800 GTX/Ultra.  If your running a max res of 1680x1050, a single 8800/9800 GTX will have you covered and leave the door open for SLI in the future.

 
Yeah I agree the 9800gx2 isn't all that at all from what I've read other than you can OC it a bit easier from reports though the card already allegedly runs very hot (from the same similar reports).
 
Either way, the video card options are always easy to play with (or with a 790i it won't ever be a concern with Nvidia) but it is the other issue that are difficult.
 
Also, the headphone jack up front isn't just the running the cable part.  I know that is easy.  I want it to interact with the hardware/software such that when a headphone plugs in, it automatically cuts off the main speakers and switches the software console into headphone mode with associated settings.
 
The Dell XPS 630 did this as I think the Alienware's do it as they both customize their MOBO's for it along with a teeny card in the front of the panel.  The Fatal1ty with the drive-bay insert also does it.
 
But no, the issues isn't that I can't plug into the front and need to reach around back.  It is everything else that comes with it.

 
The 9800GX2 is an SLI setup, its just SLI on a single card versus using two regular cards and a SLI enabled mobo.  So if you wanting to avoid ANY SLI issues, you probably do not want to go with that card.  If all you are playing is MMORPG then a single 8800GT or 8800GTS would be sufficient.  As well as dropping down from the QX9650 to a regular Q9X50 quad core.  
 
Also since your not wanting to deal with SLI you may want to revise your mobo selection as well since you are paying a premium for the 790 SLI mobo.  Then again if you drop to a 8800GT you may want to keep the board and have the option of going to SLI later.  
 
You can get a decent rig up and going for well under $1500 or less then a third of the FNW box your looking at.
 
I recently put together this setup.
 
Gigabyte P35 Mobo $135
Intel Q6600 $199
4x1 Gig Corsair DDR2 800 $150
2x250 WD SE16 $160
400 WD SE16 $100
Antec 900 $60 Caught a nice sale
Antec Neo 650 $100
BFG 8800GT 512MB $200
Total $1104
Prices include some rebates that I have gotten and catching items on sale.
 
It runs Vista Ultimate x64 just fine and very quickly.
 
Short of Crysis, you would be hard press to build a noticable quicker box and you sure as hell wouldn't need to spend $5k to do it