pre-built systems

Hello all...I've said I would never, ever buy another pre-built system. I like buying the components myself knowing exactly what I'm getting with all the necessary drivers included on disks along with a manual for each item. However, it seems the components I want will cost nearly as much as a pre-built system (roughly 2500-3000). The difference comes from various forms of warranties and tech support. So I'm leaning toward alienware or falcon northwest. This is my thinking when buying pcs: Buy the most advanced hardware at the time so you will not need to upgrade for 2 or 3 years maybe a little longer. During that time the pc will have been paid for (hopefully). Does anyone have suggestions about these two companies? Is tech support good/bad? Anyone own systems from them? I may still build my own system...not sure yet. I'll use my pc mostly for gaming.

there was a huge war over a prebuilt system like falcon in the cpu section. The headline was Buying a falcon.. you should check it out...

Jesus may save, but <i>I</i> invest.

"However, it seems the components I want will cost nearly as much as a pre-built system "

Ummmmmmmmmm.

Not if you're using the same quality of parts they do. They can order 10,000 units of pc-133, and if half of them are bad, they still have 5,000 to work with until the distributer sends the 5,000 replacements.

But *long* before that, you should come out on top. Even if you're going P4, at the $3000 level you should be able to put that together for $2200, including shipping and handling...