Why custom build a system anymore?

Ive been looking at building my own system for a while and then the other week i saw this gateway computer, the Gateway FX6801-01. It looked pretty cheap for what you get so I picked individual parts that were close to what comes in that comp and if I was to build my own equivalent comp it wouldn't be any cheaper and maybe a little more expensive than the gateway. So why would I build my own system instead of buying this and doing a clean install of windows 7? Am I missing something?

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did you see the warraty on it ?

Reply to obsidian86

1 year limited...is that enough of a reason?

Reply to ttados

Because the parts you priced out are much higher quality than those in the gateway. The gateway also comes with a locked bios that makes overclocking near impossible. That is also a way more powerful system than anyone needs. The 920 clocks to the same speed as the 950 for a lot less, you can get a GTX275 clocked as high as a GTX285 for half the price, and a nice case with better air flow to keep everything cool.

Reply to hunter315

ttados wrote :

Ive been looking at building my own system for a while and then the other week i saw this gateway computer, the Gateway FX6801-01. It looked pretty cheap for what you get so I picked individual parts that were close to what comes in that comp and if I was to build my own equivalent comp it wouldn't be any cheaper and maybe a little more expensive than the gateway. So why would I build my own system instead of buying this and doing a clean install of windows 7? Am I missing something?

1. You get to pick the parts you like
2. you get to enjoy the build
3. you dont get cheep parts like that delta 750 PSU in it
4. braging rights to your friends

The choice is yours, no one can make it right in your head but you

you can build a sweet i7 920 rig like hunter said for about 1200.00 with a monitor and get about the same proformance out of it

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by niklas_13 on 08-25-2009 at 10:42:40 PM

------------------------------ P55-UD4P / i5 750 @ 3.6 180X20 / GSkill 1600 @ 1420 7-7-7-22 / WD Black 640 / HD 5850 / Corsair 750 / Win 7
Reply to niklas_13

thanks for the info hunter315!

I'm going to be using the comp for video editing, hd usually, and 3d modeling so i'm looking for the cheapest most powerful computer i can find. Even though this one is pretty stacked you would recommend just building one anyway? It seems the pros out way the cons I just saw this gateway comp and was curious...

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Reply to ttados

ttados wrote :

thanks for the info hunter315!

I'm going to be using the comp for video editing, hd usually, and 3d modeling so i'm looking for the cheapest most powerful computer i can find. Even though this one is pretty stacked you would recommend just building one anyway? It seems the pros out way the cons I just saw this gateway comp and was curious...

Use this link http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] ild-advice

Post back when its filled out, i am sure people would be glad to whip up a system for you

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by niklas_13 on 08-25-2009 at 10:47:04 PM

------------------------------ P55-UD4P / i5 750 @ 3.6 180X20 / GSkill 1600 @ 1420 7-7-7-22 / WD Black 640 / HD 5850 / Corsair 750 / Win 7
Reply to niklas_13

thanks niklas_13 here we go

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: within the next week or two
BUDGET RANGE: around US$2000 a little more or less would be fine

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: HD video editing, motion graphics, 3d modeling, photo editing, graphic desing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I need everything but speakers

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg is fine

PARTS PREFERENCES: whatever is best for the need, I would prefer Intel but if AMD is cheaper and better that would be fine

OVERCLOCKING: most likely not...maybe a little and sli or crossfire is fine

MONITOR RESOLUTION: it would be nice, but not a must, to have 1920x1200 but 1920x1080 would work as well

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'm not going to need too much storage 1TB should be enough. I'm looking at monitors in the 24 inch range as well.

Reply to ttados

niklas_13 wrote :

Use this link http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] ild-advice

Post back when its filled out, i am sure people would be glad to whip up a system for you

^+1

Reply to jared51182

Normally i would suggest building it yourself, but this is one exception to the rule. This computer is so cheap you can afford to upgrade the needed parts and still come out way ahead. To build this would cost over $1000...it uses an Asus MB (bios is still locked, though) with crossfire support
http://www.compusa.com/application [...] CatId=3478

Reply to belial2k

Thanks belial2k but i'm looking for something around $2000

Reply to ttados

That gateway is an exception to the rule for me to, im surprised they have so many of them in stock.

Full build for 1739 before MIRs, i see no reason to go above that and actually with you not doing any gaming i would suggest dropping down to a GTS 250 in case your programs support CUDA, and if you dont need the bluray drive you can save another 110.

OCZ platinum/i7 920 $414
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.231912

P6T/Vista $370
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.234350

WD Caviar Black 1TB $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284

XFX GTX 275 $235
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150364

Antec 900/TP-750 $185
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.232529

Bluray burner $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136155

ASUS 25.5" 1920x1200 2ms screen $300-30MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824236047

You can probably get a 5ms monitor and drop the price quite a bit.

Reply to hunter315

Lets see if I can help you out.[/u]

So here is a PSU/Mobo Combo that will save you some money.
1. Corsair Memory CMPSU-850TX: $139.99 Free Shipping*

2. EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 : $299.99 Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$15.00
Combo Price: $424.98
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.237350

Next Combo for Graphic Card/CPU tht will save you $20.00.
1. EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $239.99 Free Shipping*

2. Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - $279.99 Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$20.00
Combo Price: $499.98
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.228462

Combo Deal for OS/Case that will save you $15.00.
1. Microsoft Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit with free Windows 7 upgrade coupon 66I-03525: $109.99 Free Shipping*

2. Cooler Master HAF RC-922M-KKN1-GP: $99.99

Combo Discount: -$15.00
Combo Price: $194.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] 11-119-197

Get this Ram from Amazon.com it is over $30.00 cheaper then NewEgg has it.
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits $113.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P160 [...] 988&sr=8-1

HDD
Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache $94.99 Free Shipping*
72 hours only, 10% off with promo code HD8251X
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136284

Blu-Ray Burner
LG Black 6X Blu-ray Disc Burner & HD DVD-ROM Drive SATA Model GGW-H20L $139.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-27136155

CPU HSF Cooler
Scythe MUGEN-2 $36.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835185093

Monitor
ASUS VH242H Black 23.6" 5ms HDMI Full 1080P Widescreen Built in Speakers - Retail $174.99
($164.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card) Free Shipping*
24-Hour special, ends 8/25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-24236052

Items you will need.
Thermal Compound.
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail $4.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835154003

You will need this 8-pin Power Extension Cable for most Cases that has Bottom Mounted PSU.
1ST PC CORP. 12" 8-pin EPS extension cable Model CB-8M-8F - Retail $8.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6812706004

Subtotal without MIR's being deducted or shipping costs = $1694.87
MIR's total $70.00
Total with MIR's deducted from Subtotal and before shipping costs = $1624.87

*note: did not deduct special 10% off of WD 1TB HDD which = $10.00 more off if bought today (8/25/09).

Hope this helps you out some..

Reply to Yoosty

On the CPU/GPU Combo (If you live by a micro center do this
GTX 275
i7 920

439.89 + 20 MIR 419.89

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by niklas_13 on 08-26-2009 at 04:14:18 AM

------------------------------ P55-UD4P / i5 750 @ 3.6 180X20 / GSkill 1600 @ 1420 7-7-7-22 / WD Black 640 / HD 5850 / Corsair 750 / Win 7
Reply to niklas_13

niklas_13 wrote :

On the CPU/GPU Combo (If you live by a micro center do this
GTX 275
i7 920

439.89 + 20 MIR 419.89

you mean "439.89 MINUS 20MIR = 419.89 USD.

Quote :

Yoosty wrote:
Lets see if I can help you out

YA you bet me to it, was going to post a similar one but heh time factor, also i wasn't even going to reach your professional level in selecting the parts i would change the following:

Quote :

Yoosty wrote:
Blu-Ray Burner
LG Black 6X Blu-ray Disc Burner & HD DVD-ROM Drive SATA Model GGW-H20L $139.99 Free Shipping*
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-27136155

for a Pioneer one.

Quote :

Yoosty wrote:
Thermal Compound.
Tuniq TX-2 Cooling Thermal Compound - Retail $4.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835154003

for Tuniq TX-3

Quote :

Yoosty wrote:
Get this Ram from Amazon.com it is over $30.00 cheaper then NewEgg has it.
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV6GK DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz 6GB Platinum XTC Triple Channel Kits $113.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-OCZ3P160 [...] 988&sr=8-1

i'll get a Corsair XMS3 instead great company, customer support and very few defective units with great and fast RMA service (i didn't deal with them before but based on reviews and few relatives who has them [though DDR2 ] )

Quote :

Yoosty wrote:
Next Combo for Graphic Card/CPU tht will save you $20.00.
1. EVGA 896-P3-1170-AR GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail $239.99 Free Shipping*

2. Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - $279.99 Free Shipping*

Combo Discount: -$20.00
Combo Price: $499.98
$20.00 Mail-In Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.228462

as said get the i7 from microcenter and instead get a geforce GTX260 core 216 and rivatune it.
this will save you about 100$; (CPU-$80)+(GPU-$20).

good luck .

sorry couldn't post links but will do so the next morning.

Message edited by psycho sykes on 08-26-2009 at 04:57:48 AM

Reply to psycho sykes

niklas_13 wrote :

1. You get to pick the parts you like
2. you get to enjoy the build
3. you dont get cheep parts like that delta 750 PSU in it
4. braging rights to your friends

The choice is yours, no one can make it right in your head but you

you can build a sweet i7 920 rig like hunter said for about 1200.00 with a monitor and get about the same proformance out of it

^^^^+1

This is why it is still better to build your own computer, it just makes sence if you know how to do it.

Click the Video pic :hello:

Reply to medjohnson77

The PCs I build for myself generally uses higher quality parts than can be found in a brand name PC. Yes, it does cost more, and in the case of my HTPC, much more, but hey it's a personal thing.

I don't need to brag to my friends because they don't really care what I have. Nor do I care about their opinions.

Well yeah, cross out #4, who cares about bragging rights.

Reply to medjohnson77

I bought my first computer in 1984. I built my first computer in 1999 just to see if I could do it. Now I build pc's for other people because I can. For me it is a matter of personal satisfaction.

As others have pointed out you can install high quality parts that are not available in brand name off the shelf pc's.

Reply to JohnnyLucky

And motherboards that do not have locked bios, and way more options in them.

Reply to medjohnson77

Because it is fun?
Because you can get EXACTLY what you want, no compromises.

Reply to cobot

For those builds, people are forgetting that this is not for gaming. None of his listed uses will stress the video card too badly (unless he will be using Mudbox/zBrush or will be using scenes in Maya/3dMax with upwards of 2 million polys).

HD video editing needs CPU, RAM, and storage. A geForce 260 or HD 4870 will likely be more than enough.

You might want to look into a RAID 5 setup, with multiple terabyte drives. HD video will soak up whatever space you have very quickly. Also, get 12GB of RAM, 6 probably won't be enough.

I know you said you probably won't need more than a TB. I think you might be underestimating, but if not, i'd still look into 3+ drives in a RAID 5 -- it increases read/write speeds, while also protecting your data.

Reply to eaclou

haha ok so after reading the comments I have no idea why I even thought about buying a name brand comp instead of building one myself. Ive built a couple from ground up and absolutely love it, I was a fool for considering anything different!

As eaclou pointed out, I will use my CPU, RAM and storage more than my video card. Several people pointed out I should go with the i7 920 and all I have read about that CPU is great things but by not go with the i7 950? I understand if the only difference is the 920 is 2.66GHz and the 950 is 3.06GHz but is there any other difference that would warrant the purchase of the 950 instead of the 920?

For RAM, 12GB would be wonderful so would CORSAIR XMS3 12GB (6 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) be a good choice?

I really like the EVGA 132-BL-E758-A1 3-Way SLI (x16/x16/x8) LGA 1366 Intel X58 mobo so I think I will for sure stick with it.

As for the video card, I wont be playing a lot of games but I will play an occasional game and I do want it to look good and I really like the GTX 275 so I think I will stick with that as well.

Those are my main concerns right now so is there anything I should change?

Message edited by ttados on 08-26-2009 at 08:49:20 PM

Reply to ttados

Why custom build?
Because we can.

Reply to jsc

There's basically no reason to get the 950 because of the insane price difference for only 400 MHz. You can easily hit 950 speeds with a tiny bit of overclocking, probably even at stock voltages.

Also, depending on what sort of games you want to play, you could probably do with a lesser video card. If none of the apps you use support CUDA, might as well go for the 4890 for a bit cheaper than the 275.

Definitely go with the 12 gigs of ram. The evga mobo is nice, but so are the ones that were listed above, you cant go wrong with any of those ones.

Just try to shop around and try to get the best deal.

Reply to jonsy2k

I work primarily in Adobe products and they do support CUDA so I don't think the GTX 275 will be too much of an over the top card.

Reply to ttados

For the case and PSU I have decided on the Antec twelve hundred with 750 watt psu. Would this be a good choice?

Reply to ttados

You do realize unless working with HUGE images you will not benefit from GPU acceleration right?
[quote] GPU Feature List

OpenGL/GPU features in Adobe Photoshop CS4 include the following:

* Smooth display at all zoom levels
* Animated Zoom tool
* Animated transitionsfor One Stop Zoom
* Hand toss image
* Birds-eye View
* Rotate Canvas
* Smooth display of non-square pixel images
* Pixel grid
* Move color matching to the GPU
* Draw Brush tip editing feedback via the GPU

3D GPU features include the following:

* 3D Acceleration
* 3D Axis
* 3D Lights widget
* Accelerated 3D interaction via Direct To Screen

Bridge GPU features include the following:

* Preview panel
* Full-screen preview
* Slideshow
* Review Mode [/qote]
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/405/kb405745.html
Any thing above a 4670 will be overkill.

A 9600GSO can be had for $35: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121320

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3818083596_1a772f7162_o.gif

Reply to Shadow703793

That is true Shadow but working with large images is not the only thing I will be doing. Plus I want hardware that I wont have to upgrade next year. Thanks for your input though!

Reply to ttados

^Imo, getting a $35-$70 GPU now and waiting for upgrade to the next gen ATI 5xxx or smiler nVidia card is a better idea.

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Reply to Shadow703793

build and oc.

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