Which System? (Pre-Built vs. Custom)

[Guest]

Hey guys,
For the past couple of months, I've really been wanting to build my own custom pc. I've configured it and have come up with this: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KgXn

However, today I came across a very nice little sale for the Alienware X51. Now before everyone freaks out telling me to build my own, please take a look: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/pd/Dell-Alienware-X51-9300BK/productID.256224100/vip.true?ClickID=bmfs1nyv1yuknkudqllddsdvesq1nvqz1qqv

Obviously, the sale is huge. You're getting some really great power for about $200 less than my budget. I really have never had any issues whatsoever with my Dell products. I love their support, even though it is outsourced. I've had a few in home repairs which were great.

So yeah... opinions?

 

[Shockeray]

Honestly, that is a good deal if that is what you want, but I wouldn't get is just because it's a Microsoft computer, they lock down everything. I would still say to go with your own build, it looks pretty good. Here is my $1K build if you want to take a peek...
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KNWj

 

[Guest]

Honestly, that is a good deal if that is what you want, but I wouldn't get is just because it's a Microsoft computer, they lock down everything. I would still say to go with your own build, it looks pretty good. Here is my $1K build if you want to take a peek...
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KNWj

I'm not getting it because it's Microsoft Certified. I genuinely love it's size and look. What do you mean about them locking everything down though? According to the description of the computer, the graphics card, and even processor can be switched out. I like my build, but it seems that I am getting about 2x the performance (better CPU) at $200 off with the alienware. You're build is nice... but it's missing a GPU.

 

[Shockeray]

Ya, I don't need a GPU right now, if I get one it will be a MSI Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition.
But I was meaning, like on my laptop, I can't access any of the BIOS that I would need for overclocking or fixing RAM timings because it's Dell. It may be different on an Alienware because it's meant for gaming, but idk.