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(new) Is this a good set up for a gaming Computer. Be gentle
AlienWare Area 51 customized-
Intel Core i7 960 (3.2GHz, 8MB Cache)
6GB Triple Channel 1333MHz DDR3
Dual ATI Radeon HD 5970, 2GB GDDR5
1TB - SATA-II, 3Gb/s, 7,200RPM, 32MB Cache HDD
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Killer Xeno Pro
Alienware High-Performance Liquid Cooling
Any advice on changes ect. would be helpful
*Corsair Obsidian Series 650D *i5-2500K OC'd ~ 4.5
*Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 mother board
* Radeon HD 7970
*8GB (4GBx2) 1600MHz Kingston HyperX
*240GB Corsair Force GT Series SATA-III SSD
Comments
that'll carry you through with 2010 games, enough said.
You're just trying to show off that you have money....
1. Build it yourself for half the price.
2. You don't need the i7 960. They are easily overclocked and all i7s are set at a much lower speed than they are made to run. They are set at a lower speed so they don't burn up with the HORRIBLE stock cooling they come with. My i7 920 runs at 3ghz with a good air cooler and I could probably do more, I know a guy with the same air cooler who runs his at 4ghz.
3. Wtf do you need that NIC for?
4. If 1 isn't an option, you probably shouldn't get liquid cooling. It'd be smarter to start blowing an air horn at a rabid pit bull tied to a tree with twine.
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Military discount through Dell the price dropped from 4300( including the Alienware mon. keyboard ect..) to 3300.
How do i get the Proc Overclocked it said it can go up to like 3.7 somthin can't recall
*Corsair Obsidian Series 650D *i5-2500K OC'd ~ 4.5
*Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 mother board
* Radeon HD 7970
*8GB (4GBx2) 1600MHz Kingston HyperX
*240GB Corsair Force GT Series SATA-III SSD
Not so much money but rather to have the "status" of being cool. As that's all that alienware computers are. They're just a status symbol that people get. Same with teh falcon nw computers. Status symbol only.
Utter shite system
Not so much money but rather to have the "status" of being cool. As that's all that alienware computers are. They're just a status symbol that people get. Same with teh falcon nw computers. Status symbol only.
Would have agreed with you except for the fact that Alienware now holds hands with Dell....
"Dude, you're going hell!" - is what I used to saying during the early commercials.
Not so much money but rather to have the "status" of being cool. As that's all that alienware computers are. They're just a status symbol that people get. Same with teh falcon nw computers. Status symbol only.
Would have agreed with you except for the fact that Alienware now holds hands with Dell....
"Dude, you're going hell!" - is what I used to saying during the early commercials.
exactly. I know that they went will dell which is why their computers are more standardized. They used to be a really long time ago in laptops anyway before they were bought by dell the best gaming laptops for the money. Now they're basically just dells with a paint job. You can easily buy everything and do it yourself for a desktop. Or for a laptop minus the flashyness you can get the same thing for ~40% less.
Also alot of people dont' realize that alienware being with dell changes their quality standards. They still see alienware as a "status symbol". Unless someone's actually into computers they'll never realize how much they're getting overcharged or being ripped off. Case and point Bestbuy and Geeksquad. Their service there is just a salespitch but enough idiots buy from them and take their crappy service for them to live. Same with Alienware enough people are willing to overpay so they can get a laptop and say "oh look at me i'm soo cool i have an alienware".
I built my rig LAST December for $2500 through NewEgg and they don't offer a military discount. (I hope not at least, lol, cause that would mean I've wasted thousands of dollars)
i7 920
6gb DDR3 1600
1TB 7200rpm HDD
1x Evga GTX 280
Gigabyte Extreme X-58 Motherboard (The BEST board on the market at the time)
Vigor Monsoon III CPU Cooler
1100w PSU (for upgrades later)
22" ASUS 720p Monitor
Full Tower CoolMaster Case
Add $200 more for the Liquid, $300 for another 280 (at the time) and my rig would be better than yours now and the total price would be $3000 last year.
I also forgot to send back $600 in Rebates....... yeah stupid I know.
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Would have agreed with you except for the fact that Alienware now holds hands with Dell....
"Dude, you're going hell!" - is what I used to saying during the early commercials.
Dell owns Alienware as of like 2 or 3yrs ago.
Dell is by far the best manufactured system you can buy. That's why most government agencies, schools, and businesses buy Dells and nothing else.
Their laptops are by far the best. While overseas I worked on probably several hundred laptops (being the computer guy for an infantry unit... fun stuff :-| ) and not a single one of them was a Dell. Not counting User Error (viruses, spyware, adware) of course.
Heh, I did have one guy encrypt his entire hard drive using a manufacturer installed program once though. It was a Dell.
Personally, from my own experience. As far as laptops go:
1. Dell
2. Sony
3. Alienware
4. Acer (crap parts, but they are solid. I would never buy one)
5. HP
6. Toshiba
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Would have agreed with you except for the fact that Alienware now holds hands with Dell....
"Dude, you're going hell!" - is what I used to saying during the early commercials.
Dell owns Alienware as of like 2 or 3yrs ago.
Dell is by far the best manufactured system you can buy. That's why most government agencies, schools, and businesses buy Dells and nothing else.
Their laptops are by far the best. While overseas I worked on probably several hundred laptops (being the computer guy for an infantry unit... fun stuff :-| ) and not a single one of them was a Dell. Not counting User Error (viruses, spyware, adware) of course.
Heh, I did have one guy encrypt his entire hard drive using a manufacturer installed program once though. It was a Dell.
Personally, from my own experience. As far as laptops go:
1. Dell
2. Sony
3. Alienware
4. Acer (crap parts, but they are solid. I would never buy one)
5. HP
6. Toshiba
See you're just talking about the "big wig" units. Which is ok to say the least. But if you look at the other ones out there that aren't dell and other major manufacturers. Sager which uses clevo chassis is the biggest one out there. Most of the alienware laptops, and the falcon nw ones are based off of clevo/msi. Almost ALL of the "gaming" laptops use these guys chassis and then over charge for it.
I've heard about dell being really solid but i never was a fan of the main stream makers ever since i got my compaq. Uninstalling all of that random crap they have/reformatting just isn't into it for me.
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Don't listen to the haters here though, the Alienware you have posted is a very good setup although overpriced. I would never buy one, but then again I haven't bought a store bought computer in 12 years.
If you're comfortable with the cost I say go for it. If you're comfortable with doing it yourself, go that route and save yourself some cash....no need to OC as any system you build comparable to the one you posted will be more than enough computer for what you'll need the next couple of years, well unless you are doing some heavy graphic design work too.
Einherjar_LC says: WTB the true successor to UO or Asheron's Call pst!
Would have agreed with you except for the fact that Alienware now holds hands with Dell....
"Dude, you're going hell!" - is what I used to saying during the early commercials.
Dell owns Alienware as of like 2 or 3yrs ago.
Dell is by far the best manufactured system you can buy. That's why most government agencies, schools, and businesses buy Dells and nothing else.
Their laptops are by far the best. While overseas I worked on probably several hundred laptops (being the computer guy for an infantry unit... fun stuff :-| ) and not a single one of them was a Dell. Not counting User Error (viruses, spyware, adware) of course.
Heh, I did have one guy encrypt his entire hard drive using a manufacturer installed program once though. It was a Dell.
Personally, from my own experience. As far as laptops go:
1. Dell
2. Sony
3. Alienware
4. Acer (crap parts, but they are solid. I would never buy one)
5. HP
6. Toshiba
Heh, this goes to show how very different experiences people can have.
From my personal experience, Sony is garbage.
Einherjar_LC says: WTB the true successor to UO or Asheron's Call pst!
Don't listen to the haters here though, the Alienware you have posted is a very good setup although overpriced. I would never buy one, but then again I haven't bought a store bought computer in 12 years.
If you're comfortable with the cost I say go for it. If you're comfortable with doing it yourself, go that route and save yourself some cash....no need to OC as any system you build comparable to the one you posted will be more than enough computer for what you'll need the next couple of years, well unless you are doing some heavy graphic design work too.
But, the thing is that he can find an off brand builder who can build one alot cheaper with less manufacturer crap installed. If you do the research, there is a company out there that actually builds rigs CHEAPER than you can build them yourself. But, they only build rigs that cost $5000 and up. I can't remember the name.
Unless, you really want to spend $1000-2000 for an Alienware sticker. If that's the case, send me $500 and I'll go order me a box of 10 and send them to you!
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IBuyPower is actually very good for the price.
How would that even come close to mine? two 280's = no where near two 5970's
i7 920 to my 960?
same Ram though lol..
And no people i didn't buy it for a status symbol. Who sees my computer but me?? not very many people. but thanks for being very Un-gentle folks hahaha...
*Corsair Obsidian Series 650D *i5-2500K OC'd ~ 4.5
*Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 mother board
* Radeon HD 7970
*8GB (4GBx2) 1600MHz Kingston HyperX
*240GB Corsair Force GT Series SATA-III SSD
I built a comp. on ibuypower with the same specs as the Alienware (roughly) it was more money than after my Discount with the original Alienware i got. The bloody video cards in mine run almost 600 bucks each. The final price is not the tower alone, it's everything extra included. (good quality) And as for this name brand is better than that name brand and my dad can beat up yours.. it's an endless battle. Don't even bother lol. Money for me is not the issue. I wanted a trust worthy top of the line computer with good warrenties and support for a decent price. It is possible to get a computer of equal value for maybe 1000 bucks less but thats like saying well.. i don't want to buy my own clothes, i want to make mine out of animal hides and leafs, I'd rather caugh up the extra and save the hassel. I'm not a computer genious you feeling me?
*Corsair Obsidian Series 650D *i5-2500K OC'd ~ 4.5
*Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 mother board
* Radeon HD 7970
*8GB (4GBx2) 1600MHz Kingston HyperX
*240GB Corsair Force GT Series SATA-III SSD
That will do fine for ya.
I would also advise you ditch the liquid cooling, and the Xeno Pro. Both offer far more possible headaches than the money for them is worth.
Also shop around before you decide. This close to Christmas everyone will have deals out the ass.
My personal favorite company for gaming laptops is Rockdirect, though they will scuttle your pocketbook.
And I have heard some people praise Dells own Studio XPS systems for gaming if saving money is the most important thing for you.
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Don't listen to the haters here though, the Alienware you have posted is a very good setup although overpriced. I would never buy one, but then again I haven't bought a store bought computer in 12 years.
If you're comfortable with the cost I say go for it. If you're comfortable with doing it yourself, go that route and save yourself some cash....no need to OC as any system you build comparable to the one you posted will be more than enough computer for what you'll need the next couple of years, well unless you are doing some heavy graphic design work too.
But, the thing is that he can find an off brand builder who can build one alot cheaper with less manufacturer crap installed. If you do the research, there is a company out there that actually builds rigs CHEAPER than you can build them yourself. But, they only build rigs that cost $5000 and up. I can't remember the name.
Unless, you really want to spend $1000-2000 for an Alienware sticker. If that's the case, send me $500 and I'll go order me a box of 10 and send them to you!
I agree with you Hatter but the OP seems to be ok with his/her choice. As such if they are ok with their choice and comfortable with the cost then who are we to disuade them?
You and I obviously would take a different route for the money spent but not everyone is comfortable with doing their own build or familiar enough with the hardware landscape to know what they are getting is what they want.
Einherjar_LC says: WTB the true successor to UO or Asheron's Call pst!
Hardware is good, you don't mention a motherboard though. As mentioned before, unless you really need the extra overclocking umph from liquid cooling I'd avoid it, especially if you like to work on your own systems. Air cooling will get you there and save you quite a few headaches. As also mentioned, I'd build it myself, take the extra money and buy 2 Samsung Spinpoint F3, if you can find them (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&cm_re=samsung_f3-_-22-152-185-_-Product) or grab a SSD for your main drive and a couple F3s for install and backup, if you can afford it, and it's a better way to spend your money. Look at the Western Digital Caviar Blacks (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284&cm_re=western_Digital_caviar_black-_-22-136-284-_-Product) as a decent alternative. If you can't build it yourself talk to a local shop, you buy the parts they'll put it together for you, if they charge like my neighborhood shop, for about $150. If you're looking for a solid non-TN based gaming monitor the HP LP2475w is a great IPS monitor but you're going to pay about $500 for it (http://www.trustedreviews.com/monitors/review/2009/03/27/HP-LP2475w---24in-H-IPS-Display/p1) if you don't want to spend quite that much Digital Versus has a good round up of 22 and 24 inch monitors here (http://www.digitalversus.com/article-358.html) and here (http://www.digitalversus.com/article-357.html) this is a UK site though so it might be difficult to find some models in the US but their reviews and the added input lag test are the best I have seen. Oh and don't skimp on the power supply, I've had one of my systems and two friends get fried because of cheap ones, Ultra for the most part. I don't buy anything but PC Power and Cooling now but Corsair bought them last year so Corsair PSUs could be just as good.
One very important thing, if you do decide to build your own read several reviews on the newer motherboards offering SATA 6GB and USB 3.0. Some of them, it depends on the model, will actually slow down one of the PCI-E slots to enable these. Since you're going with a dual GPU solution this will be big for you. Good luck.
And if you really don't want to mess with all this Alienware will build you a fine computer. I'd check out what kind of monitor, as in what kind of panel you're getting and try to stay away from a TN if you can. The response time is great but the trade off is usually poor build quality and in most I've seen a bit of backlight bleed. IPS with a decent response time, check for reviews of course, would probably be you best choice, but a PVA will work too.
Played in some form:
UO til tram, AC, EQ, AO, WW2O, PS, SB, CoH, AC2, Hor, LoTRO, DDO, AoC, Aion, CO, STO
Playing: WoW (for gf), WAR
Waiting For: SWTOR, FFXVI
Hoping For: DCUO, Secret World, Earthrise
-S- (UO Sonoma)
I can't find the exact specs on the new alienware area 51's mother board. Does anyone know off hand? i would amagine they come with an above average grade one
*Corsair Obsidian Series 650D *i5-2500K OC'd ~ 4.5
*Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 mother board
* Radeon HD 7970
*8GB (4GBx2) 1600MHz Kingston HyperX
*240GB Corsair Force GT Series SATA-III SSD
Here's what I built for 1/3 of what you paid ($1100):
i7 920 (OCd to 3.33 ghz)
MSI X58 Platinum mobo
6 gb Corsair Dominator ddr3 1600
1.5 TB 7200 rpm Seagate Barracuda
BFG GTX 260 OC
Cooler Master HAF (High Airflow) case
It can destroy pretty much any mmo out there and play crysis on hi at 1920 x 1080. What you got, sir, is overkill.
There's no such thing as overkill in an ever growing consumer gaming empire. a year from now ,maybe 2 or even 3 that won't be close to overkill at all. And that computer you built is decent now but in a year or two you will spend another 1200 at least upgrading it. or even getting a new one While mine will still be decent. You guys and Saying you can build a computer better than the 51 custome i got, for half the price is crazyness i tell you. I've been looking around and trying to piece together a tower to beet that one and the best i could get was close to 2800$ ( without the monitor key board ect..)
*Corsair Obsidian Series 650D *i5-2500K OC'd ~ 4.5
*Asus P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 mother board
* Radeon HD 7970
*8GB (4GBx2) 1600MHz Kingston HyperX
*240GB Corsair Force GT Series SATA-III SSD
I was gonna try to point out where you can save money by putting in parts that fit into the price-performance curve better, but then I realized it's got dual Radeon 5970's in there, and you do need an i7 960 to push those because the i7 920 does become the bottleneck even on a single 5970.
So the only part I don't care for is the Killer Xeno Pro which becomes redundant if you spend just a few minutes changing some network settings. Also the people saying they built so-and-so for $1100 aren't even in the same league of hardware. It would be cheaper to build yourself though of course, and your rig is well into the ugly range of the price-performance curve, but dual Radeon 5970's cost more than their entire computer.
I don't like the fact that Alienware doesn't tell you the motherboard or PSU model. It actually is important.. but I am sure they use top of the line brands. Other options which are much more specific about the parts you are getting are www.digitalstormonline.com and www.falcon-nw.com http://www.velocitymicro.com but I don't think you can get your military discount there.