Build your own computer or buy from Dell? (Part One)

Build-You-Own-Computer-or-Buy-from-Dell-Part1

In part one, we will consider the buy from Dell option; and in part two, we will build our own. Remember we are building the best machine we can so note that this is an expensive build. Of course in both cases you can tone down some of the components to stay within your budget. 

Over the last 8 years, I have purchased all my computers from dell. This has included 4 desktops and recently one laptop.  My own computer is now getting pretty long in the tooth (2004 vintage). It still runs (walks really by today’s standards) and runs Windows XP SP3. 

I like to get the best specification I can and run the computer for at least 4 years. If you get a minimal spec machine it tends to run out of steam much quicker. 

The last three Dell desktops have all come from the XPS range. I go to the dell web site and select desktops and workstations for small and medium businesses. I then select the shop XPS button and choose the Studio XPS 8100, the 7100 model uses AMD processors and the 8100 uses Intel processors, at least they do as I write this. 

Now comes the bit I really enjoy and why I like to buy from Dell, I get to configure the box exactly as I want, at least within the limitations of Dell’s options, so I click the [Customise] button. 

Currently the best processor on offer from Dell is the Intel core i7 880.  The best processor currently on the market from Intel is the Intel core i7 980x, an extreme performance processor which can be over clocked (with the right cooling options) for even greater speed. 

If you are going to buy or build the ultimate PC then you are going to want the ultimate operating system so here I choose Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit. 

One item that I like to have on my PC is Microsoft Office. I chose Microsoft Home and Business 2010 which includes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and One Note).  If you don’t need or want Outlook then choose Microsoft Office Home and Student version. 

As I stated earlier, I like my computers to run for 4 years. I really hate the time it takes to move everything across to a new computer. So I opt for Dell’s 4 year next day hardware support. 

It annoys me that Dell doesn’t give you a choice of Anti-Virus provider and insists on installing McAfee.  I would much prefer for the computer to arrive without Anti-Virus protection and to add my own preference (currently Kaspersky Internet Security). So I just opt for the minimum term. 

I already own Adobe Photoshop Elements and if you need photo editing software then this is a good option. 

Your choice of monitor is going to depend on how you use your computer:  Games, Internet, Work, Social Networking, or Graphics. Me, I am a developer, I like a large screen so that I can see as much code as possible. I also want to display HD movies. So a screen resolution of at least 1980 x1080 and for me personally, I think somewhere between 20” and 24”. I will select the 21.5” ST2220L Monitor. 

Memory, I like to have many memory hungry applications open at once: Visual Studio 2010 (maybe several instances); Expression Blend; Adobe Photoshop Elements; SQL Server management Studio; as well as Internet Explorer and Twitter. So 12MB will keep these going nicely. 

I don’t want a Raid 0 system, so a generous 1.5TB 7200RPM drive will suffice, although I may look at an SSD drive in the self build if budget allows. 

The graphics card is going to be important depending on if you play games or want to control multiple monitors, so here we will go for the best that Dell have to offer:  the 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 460. 

Optical drive, I chose the Blu-Ray combo. 

The standard Dell multimedia USB keyboard and mouse is perfectly adequate for my purposes. I also prefer my keyboard and mouse to use a cable connection as there is very little you can do if these are not working. 

My computer is plugged directly into the LAN socket of my NetGear DG834G wireless router, but depending on where your router and computer is situated you may want to add the Dell 1525 Wireless PCIe Network Card 802.11n. 

For a small amount I will add the Dell Wireless 365 Bluetooth Module – to allow any future mobile phone connections. 

No, Dell may not call me to pass the time of day asking silly questions. 

I don’t want any printers or a TV tuner, but I will add the Logitech X540 Speakers. 

I will also add the Soundblaster X-Fi Titanium sound card (using PCIExpress slot). 

Today, that little package will cost £2,459.56 + VAT and shipping. 

Build your own Computer or buy from Dell? (Part Two) – Components for self build.

Build your own computer or buy from Dell? (Part Three) – Build Videos.

 Build your own computer or buy from Dell? (Part Four) – Components for Budget Builds

June 2011 – Build your own computer using Intel core i7 (Sandy Bridge) Processors