Is this a good deal?

[tnf]

I've built my last 4 machines, but I'm getting lazy and sometimes it looks like the deals I see are comparable to what I'd spend if I built the thing myself.

I'm not a big fan of gateway, but hardware-wise this looks pretty good to me:


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6883113075

# Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300(2.5GHz)
# Processor Main Features: 64 bit Quad-Core Processor
# Cache Per Processor: 6MB L2 Cache
# Memory: 6GB DDR2 667
# Hard Drive: 640GB SATA II (7200RPM, 16MB Cache)
# Optical Drive 1: 18X DVD±R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash Technology
# Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT Over-Clocked w/ 512MB on board memory and DirectX 10
# Model #: FX4710-UB003A
# Item #: N82E16883113075

[Plan B]

I like the processor, and Vista 64-bit seems to be all the rave (not going to open that can of worms again) and would work well in conjunction with that processor, but that's about it.

The 9800 GT is just a 8800 GT that you can *triple* SLI. That is, if you have the right mother board.
Because, as far as I can tell, you can't SLI another PCI-e 16x card on this mobo?

Recommended Usage Business Desktops & Workstations

Seems a bit high end for that, yet you could get a higher end gaming rig for that $.

All in all, I wouldn't go for this myself.

[creep]

The problem with OEM Machines usually is the quality of the parts they DON'T mention... Things like motherboard, power supply, etc.

If you consider yourself an "average user" and won't be bothered by poor performance, OEM machines are fine. An enthusiast would prefer to hand select every part, based on performance/stability reviews.

[AmIdYfReAk]

i agree with Crepp,

That list's out alot of the information that is prevvy to the Pre-built computers, and its nice to see..

Though, i have to nit pick a little with Creep's post ( as usuall ) i would have agree'd with him Hands down before, infact i was one of the largest Advocates on this site for Building your own computer ( i can name about 3-4 people that i've talked to since that enjoyed it and are proud of it )

But the time for Cheap-o-Components are basically Gone, ALMOST all of the name brand pre-built compters are using Other name brand PArts, simply due to the word of mouth and the cost of them having to contantly replace said parts would end up costing them more.

i.e. Foxxcon Motherboards, Antec PSU's, etc etccc.

But in general, there are a ton of places that would galdly piece a Computer for you with hardware of your choice for about the same that you'de pay there for that OE one.

Check around locally, Check some of the Online ones ( Falcon West, Alien ware, ** note, those are both really expensive, but they are the only ones that came to mind atm ** ) and shop around and see what you can do..

And with the Price cut of the Nvidia line, it should be even beter ( thank ATI for that one )

[^misantropia^]

Nonsense, baloney! My PC is built bottom up from cheap Taiwanese components and I never had %#^@*&@)&&^%&$---CARRIER LOST

[Scourge]

I didn't think the 9800 GTs were out yet. I don't seem to be able to find them anywhere.

[Peenyuh]

What I would do...but keep in mind that I don't know much about comps...is to give up the whole "buying" thing and build my own. First, though, I'd forget about this thread and open a new one with..oh, say...four specific questions in it.

Merely a suggestion.