ALIENWARE vs. CUSTOM

[magick_man]

ALIENWARE VS. CUSTOM BUILT showdown
i was bored one day so i looked up prices for the components that i would put into an alienware and what i found was
actually pretty shocking (well not really)

1 year warranty
Chassis: Alienware® Full-Tower Case (420-Watt PS) - Saucer Silver
Power Supply: 650 Watt Max Power Supply Upgrade
Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor w/ HT Technology 3.2GHz
Motherboard: ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe - Intel 875P Motherboard
Memory: 1GB Extreme Dual Channel DDR PC-3200 SDRAM at 400MHz - 2 x 512MB
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce™ 6800 Ultra 256MB DDR3 w/Digital and S-Video Out
System Drive: High Performance - Serial ATA - 120GB Seagate Barracuda® 7,200 RPM
Optical Drive One: Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM Drive with Software DVD Decoder
Optical Drive Two: Lite-On 52x32x52x CD-RW Drive
Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive - Black
Sound Card: Creative Sound Blaster® Audigy 2 ZS High Definition 7.1 Surround
Network Connection: Integrated High Performance Intel® Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional
Keyboard: Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard - Cyborg Green
Mouse: Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 - USB - Cyborg Green

sticker price from alienware is $2,294

Chassis:lets say $200
Power Supply: $105 ENERMAX 460W http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-432&depa=0
Processor: $277 P4 3.2c http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-116-164&depa=0
Motherboard: $169 ASUS P4C800-E DELUXE http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-131-464&depa=0
Memory: $258 Corsair XMS 2 x 512 pc-3200 http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-450&depa=0
Video Card: $424 GIGABYTE FX5950 ULTRA http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-125-130&depa=0
System Drive: $97 Seagate 120gb 7200.7 http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=22-148-017&depa=0
Optical Drive One: $30 Lite-on 16x dvd http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-131-119&depa=0
Optical Drive Two: $34 Lite-On 52x cd burner http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=331610
Floppy Drive: $17 Teac Floppy Drive http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=21-103-113&depa=0
Sound Card: $88 creative audigy 2 ZS http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-162&depa=0
Network Connection: integrated
Operating System: $278 XP pro full retail http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=37-102-136&depa=0
Keyboard: $23 microsoft multimedia keyboard http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=23-109-125&depa=0
Mouse: $23 intellimouse explorer 4.0 http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=26-105-142&depa=0


so some quick calculations show that it is about $2000 in parts plus the warranty and construction and it isnt such a bad
way to go for the non modder types among us

also i am aware that you could probably get the parts for cheaper elsewhere but i personally shop at newegg so that is where
i got prices from so there

*readies fire extinguisher for flame prevention precedures* :)

~Magick_Man~

[hafa]

Not a flame, but just a few ways you can shave $ off of the custom build:

1. Buy WinXP OEM, $142.00 most places. You ARE, after all, the Original Equipment Manufacturer.

2. Buy your KB/Mouse as a combo for around $30

3. Use a Mitsumi Floppy - bulletproof, and in my experience, outlasts the more expensive TEACS - for around $7

4. Alienware uses Chieftec cases for the most part, so I think your case price would be closer to $100

Total savings = $255

All that said, Alienware is a great company with excellent customer service and I have patterned many of my business practices after theirs. For those just too intimidated to build their own, they are a great choice.

[Tabrin]

You also have to consider that there are cheaper places than Newegg, not including ebay, since you find some oddly inexpensive stuff from there at times.

Ordering from multiple sources however will raise the cost of shipping.

And if you live stateside and encounter any problems, Alienware has excellent tech support and return policies.

I still prefer to build my own, just because of how I feel about buying computers that are premade, but they're a great choice if you don't care either way.

[klath]

If you guys read his post, he downgraded several specs for the home-made system so the home-made system would be more expensive if it had the same spec. For example, check out the PSU and GPU. Still, I do think building it yourself is cheaper if you shop around for deals.

[magick_man]

klath~
If you guys read his post, he downgraded several specs for the home-made system so the home-made system would be more expensive if it had the same spec. For example, check out the PSU and GPU. Still, I do think building it yourself is cheaper if you shop around for deals.

oooh yeah i forgot to change that back, the 6800 and the psu upgrade weren't included in the $2,294 price, alienware i got the standard psu and the 5950 extreme.
oops :)
hafa~
4. Alienware uses Chieftec cases for the most part, so I think your case price would be closer to $100

yeah but if you were going to try to get a new alienware case with the new design

and if anybody shopped around for the best deals on the parts then i am sure they could shave the price but i was trying to make it a little simpler by trying to go with one retailer.
and for that price a custom system i would have to skip on the 5950 and get a 6800gt from eVGA for same price whenever they are released :)

~Magick_Man~

[Como]

and then if you cash your stash on some more....bette parts, you could OC a rig to be as fast if not faster than that for a good $200 less. (would be more, but you have to consider cost of faster ram, better cooling)

[CandymanCan]

They also buy thier stuff wholesale or factory direct, not online stores so they buy thier stuff for like half price.

[NiTrO bOiE]

That's weird. I went to AW last week and configed a system to compare the prices in my system with theres. The price difference was alot more than a a couple hundred dollars. In fact it was almost $1,000. My system cost $1,300, AW's cost $2,100. I can't say "plus my system is watercooled" anymore since they offer watercooling now though.

[TheGreySpectre]

I found the same thing with alienware being signifcantly more expensive I found around 600-1000 more expensive. it probobably depends on what parts you want some are cheaper than other realativly

[Nightingale]

Yeah don't shop at one place. For my new Opteron system I was able to save almost 100 bucks by buying some parts from newegg and some from zipzoomfly and trying to get the majority of the items with free shipping (no shipping cost from zzf and about 42 dollars at Newegg because of hdds, floppy, fans, and all the small stuff (thats where they get ya).

[Como]

yeah, my $800 system keeps up with a $2600 one, but that price diddnt include speakers, monitor, and video card.

for $1800 though, i could blow that $2600 away.

yeah, and you can still boast you have watercooling, if its cusom, its better than theirs.

[Nightingale]

Well Alienware is going to take the bragging rights of water cooling away because they are going to start offering it in there systems. One day watercooling will be the norm. The only reason I would but an Alienware is for the laptop or for there new dual cpu dual gpu computer coming out which is for a while going to be proprietary to them.

[TheGreySpectre]

bragging rights remain until there watercooling out does oure which will not be soon as form the picture it looks like they are using 1/4 tubing

I RETAIN THE RIGHT TO BRAG
MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

also if you want to save money look at roughly equivalent boards from different manufacturers and parts you can substitute. also when building on your own you have access to sales, which gives you a major advantage.

Ha

[Tabrin]

Alienware does tweak their systems pretty well though. On identical systems hardware wise, one Alienware and one homebuilt by my buddy, the Alienware had some pretty hefty 3dMarks in comparison, both runnin 2k. The homebuilt was untweaked though, that probably had something to do with it.

[orionnt]

When i prices my current system on alienwares site, (6 months ago) it was 1100 cheaper to build it myself. That was using the EXACY same components as the alienware system. Only difference was the case.

[orionnt]

And for a mere $14,000 I can get a fully loaded top of the line Alienware ALX Gaming system.... or one hell of a down payment on a new car!

[Nightingale]

yeah but it depends on if you use your car or your computer more lol

[diggingforgold]

If I wanted to build that system, I'de definately go with alienware. Brand name PC's seem to be a bit more quieter, and tend to look nicer than do-it-yourself rigs. Also- you have a warranty. It's worth the $200 extra IMO.

Noise will be the biggest factor in my next computer.

[madcow235]

A well designed computer can and will look better, sound better, and perform better then an alienware. Now i mnot trying to be insulting but if you dont have the skill, or the patience because i sure as hell dont, to make yours look better go ahead and spend an extra $1000+ on a premade but you surely wont get looks from anyone because its just another Alienware, who the hell judges people by computers though?

[Como]

i do. :p

but only people who like to brag about their computers in the first place, then i find out tehy paid $2000+ for something i could beat for $1500...i hate when people thing buying a top of the line object gives them the right to brag. put some work into it!

[bluediamond]

I have never seen a brand name pc look as nice as a custom built rig.

The only advantages that I have seen with purchasing a brand name computer is the warrenty and the customer service (some companies). If I have a problem with a Dell computer I don't have to spend the time determining what component of the computer is causing the problem, I let them figure that out. Also, you only have to deal with one company (ie Dell, AW, etc.) not multiple manufacturers.

If having a "whole system warrenty" is worth $200-$1000 to you then get a brand name system.

[2FastFX]

I agree. I have built my last 4 PC's with parts I shopped around and bought. I owned a (forgive me) Gateway at one time. The customer service was great if you consider being on the phone for 3 hours great. Since then I have built my own. It's so much better not having to worry about that warranty when you feel the need to dismantle the system to upgrade, or just clean things up a bit. The only thing I really see cool about buying an Alienware is the case. I really love that case. The X-Blade case I bought has a slightly similar look in the front, but the Alienware is just too cool. Kudos to them for that, but I built my system using the same components I priced from them for a lot less. Plus I can say I built it myself and I can take pride in building something even better.

[2FastFX]

I just went to Alienware and built a system somewhat comparable to mine for $2,244.00. I have $2000 wrapped up in mine and that includes a 21" Dell Trinitron monitor! I also have the Logitech diNovo Media Desktop keyboard and mouse combo which has Bluetooth wireless technology and is a LOT pricier than their painted keyboard/mouse combo. And I am using better memory.

The system I priced with them is using a 64bit processor though. I couldn't seem to downgrade to a 32bit system, but this figure for their system is also using an ATI Radeon 9600XT and I have the 9800.

So I don't think I will be buying an Alienware pc anytime soon.

[Nightingale]

Also the whole the thing about DIY computers are that you can express your creativity and make a unique computer. I mean you know there are about 50,000 other alienware top of the line pcs out there but there is probably only 10 that even ressemble your system. Plus you can mod the case all you want and not have to worry about voiding the warrenty on the whole system( you still have your exteneded warranties and manufactuerer warrenties to turn to).

[AlucardCasull]

Ive priced 20k computers from alienware, i love doing that crap

[Stupid Boy]

Ive priced 20k computers from alienware, i love doing that crap

So do I. You should check out SUN and SGI.

Back on topic:

Alienware only offers a small selection of parts. Many of these seem to be overkill. For example, a 650W PSU is not necessary for the system mentioned on the first post of this thread. One can save a lot of money by buying only what is necessary. A $30 300W Sparkle PSU or a $50 350W Sparkle PSU should be enough to power that system.

[Nightingale]

Well if you want to oc and want one of the newer graphics cards you need atleast 400w but I agree 650 is way overkill. I mean you would have to have 4 optical drives, dual procs and 8 hard drives to use all that power. I run duallie with 4 hdd's on a 480 and I have room to spare.

[JoT]

Well if you want to oc and want one of the newer graphics cards you need atleast 400w but I agree 650 is way overkill. I mean you would have to have 4 optical drives, dual procs and 8 hard drives to use all that power. I run duallie with 4 hdd's on a 480 and I have room to spare.

Don't forget that most massive wattage PSUs advertised are just cheapo pieces of crap, thus you don't get anywhere near the power that you need out of it.

[Mico]

Also, the Dual-GPU thing...I'm pretty sure that will definitely just be backwards engineered and we will be seeing it on other motherboards sometime in the next year...and you won't have to pay $5000 to get it. At least that seems to be how things work with the computer industry.

[340Duster]

I haven't ever priced an Alienware computer, but have from www.ibuypower.com which is close to the same type of company. And to haev specs exactly like mine.. Not including personal touches like paint and other mods, they are not that much more when you count in labor in the price.

[The Big One]

u bay AlienWare not becouse it's better
but becouse of the name and the awsome case + and servese

[Drec]

the AW cases are very nice...BUT THE AIR FLOW IS HORRIBLE. and cutting holes in the top and sides would just ruin the sleekness of the case.

the best bang for your buck oem would probally be www.cyberpowersystem.com < compared my rigs price to an alienwares (when they offered socket A processors) and there was a 500 dollar diffrence..Cyberpower had the same thing for 400 less then AW and 100 more then what i build it for...+u get 1 year warrenty n lifetime tech support..

although i would DIE for one of those AW laptops..

[magick_man]

although i would DIE for one of those AW laptops..
yeah my friend just got one *i hate him* but it is pretty loud.
louder than i would have expected but oh well. :)

but as far as airflow just run a duct from the ac in ur house and put it in the back of the case and airflow wont really matter anymore :)

~Magick_Man~

[2FastFX]

but as far as airflow just run a duct from the ac in ur house and put it in the back of the case and airflow wont really matter anymore :)

Man, that would suck when Winter comes if you forgot to remove the duct work. How about a small deep freeze with a vacuum hooked up to it to depressurize the interior? LOL

[madmodder777]

i think that i would rather build a Pc because then you can say that you built it :clap:

[clocker2]

I think Magick_Man's original post makes some very valid points.

Simply comparing parts prices is a terrible way of analyzing the differences between home-built and manufactured PCs though.

Firstly, what price can you attach to the convenience?
In ten minutes or so the Alienware is up and running...no muss, no fuss.
Activate Windows ( what a joy...legal version of Windows!) and BANG! you're done.

Secondly, I have yet to see someone account for the incidental costs of D.I.Y. modding.
All the Dremel cut-off wheels, every last screw, piece of sandpaper, can of paint, ounce of Acetone, etc.
For a moderately extensive case mod it wouldn't surprise me if these costs mounted up to $50-100 easily.
Maybe more.

Thirdly, discounting the personal pride you might take in your work, is it really as slick and professionally done as the companies do it?
Be objective.
Are the fan holes perfectly round and centered?
Are your custom brackets and the like as nice as they could be?
Is the paint as good as the pros do it?

And last...I'm sure that all of us have stared into the heart of darkness at some point, wondering why the heck something just won't seem to work.
Hours ( if not days) getting past some hardware or software glitch...problem solving that Alienware has already done.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy building my own PCs.
I just don't kid myself that money saved is the reason I do it.

[Cerberus2k7]

The reason youre saving money is because you don't have to

1. Hire people to build your computers
2. Pay people for customer service
3. Run all the equipment
4. Have storage for thousands of parts
5. Pay people to keep your website running
7.(Where did 6 go?) Pay normal business expenses such as advertising.
8. And after all that, they expect to make a profit so they can continue to grow.

If you factor all those things, they build damn good systems for a very cheap price.

[[OC]Lucifer]

Maligning Alienware is just something poeple do to establish that they are a "true modder". But seriously, who here wouldnt swap their box for a spanking new Alienware, packing an Intel P4EE and a 6800 ultra, plus RAID?

[magick_man]

[OC]Lucifer,
Maligning Alienware is just something poeple do to establish that they are a "true modder". But seriously, who here wouldnt swap their box for a spanking new Alienware, packing an Intel P4EE and a 6800 ultra, plus RAID?
:thup: i would in a second.
dont get me wrong i enjoy the modding process but i like those computers
and with an EE and 6800 ultra pci-e
i would sell my left foot.... (well maybe not :))
and once i got the alienware i would put it in the corner of my desk and polish it every day :D

[[DAD]MeR|iN]

I can't say "plus my system is watercooled" anymore since they offer watercooling now though.
actually we can say, plus our systmes are watercooled b/c their watercooling is weak! ,I'm perdy sure they use koolance and in my experience koolance is worse than a good air cooling heatsink!

[MyPCAlexi]

i talk to people about computers all the time, even the people that dont know a lick about computers know that they are getting ripped off by dell and compaq....why is alienware any different? people just dont have the time,energy, (most cases) knowledge to build a pc for dirt cheap. instead they pay people alot of money for a pos machine. dont get me wrong though, AW can cut down the costs because they mass produce and have made names for themselves. i see AW commercials on G4 all the time. makes sense they get the recognition and tons of business. its better to know all the innards of your computer than to pay some guy money for a computer that you know almost nothing about other than its price and its worth according to some company.

EDIT
Oh BTW lucifer i wouldnt....i dont like the p4 line. maybe when the 64 bit itaniums come out then i would go for it, until then A64. i would like to say, i do pride myself in the fact that i did something that your everyday joe wouldnt know and in my opinon my computer looks better than the alienware comps...have never been a big fan of the alienware cases so i cant relate on that.

[magick_man]

[QUOTE]I'm perdy sure they use koolance and in my experience koolance is worse than a good air cooling heatsink![QUOTE]
yeah i was looking at the koolance stie and i saw an ad for the alx
http://www.koolance.com/

[Lobo_Fox_6]

I haven't ever priced an Alienware computer, but have from www.ibuypower.com which is close to the same type of company. And to haev specs exactly like mine.. Not including personal touches like paint and other mods, they are not that much more when you count in labor in the price.


yea, my ibuypower was a great price. i priced an alienware before i got it, and the aw was over 1k more... it also had worse equipment.

i must say though, alienware does a killer job on installation. i mean, just look at their wiring jobs... i could spend days trying to do what they do for wires and i wouldnt even be close.
its too bad that they have a policy of not oc'ing or going beyond what is specified by the components...

[Stoanhart]

ALIENWARE:
----------
CPU: Athlon 64 3500+ 939 Pin
CASE: Alienware Case (proprietary 480W)
MOBO: Asus A8V Deluxe
RAM: 2x512MB DDR-3200 DC
GPU: nVidia 6800 GT 256MB GDDR3
HDD: 160 GB Seagate Barracuda ATA
CD1: Lite-on 16x DVD
CD2: Plextor PX-712A DVD +- R/W
FDD: Disk Drive (who cares)
SND: Creative SB Audigy 2 HiDef 6.1
LAN: Integrated GB Ethernet
CR: 8-in-1 Digital Card Reader.
OS: WindowsXP Pro
KB: MS Multimedia KB
MSE: MS IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 USB

Gamespot 90day subscription
Alienware T-Shirt
Alienware Tech Support/warranty 1 Yr.

CDN: 3470.00 Before SH/Tax

__________________________________________________ _________________

ME:
---
CPU: Athlon 64 3500+ 939 Pin
CASE: Artec Guardian-S w/LEDs & 350W PS (Silver)
PSU: Thermaltake W0023RUC Purepower 560W Active PFC ATX Logic On-Off Additional PS (Black)
MOBO: Asus A8V Deluxe
RAM: 1 GB DDR (2 pcs 512) PC-3200 (400) OCZ Dual Channel (OCZ4001024EBDCPE-K)
GPU: Gainward GeForce 6800 GT 256MB DDR3/8x-AGP/Video-In/DVI
HDD: SEAGATE (ST3160021A) Barracuda 160 GB 7200 RPM IDE
CD1: Lite-On 16x DVD 48x CD-ROM
CD2: Plextor PX-712A DVD±R/RW 4X-DVD+-RW/12X-DVD+R/16X-DVD/48X24X48-CD-RW
FDD: Mitsumi Floppy 7-in-1 USB card reader / smart media Grey
SND: Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum (6.1) Sound Card
LAN: Integrated GB Ethernet
CR: Mitsumi Floppy 7-in-1 USB card reader / smart media Grey
OS: Microsoft Windows XP Professional w/CD and license w/Service Pack 1
KB: Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard PS-2
MSE: Logitech MX 500 Optical Mouse (USB / PS2)

CDN: 2943.05 Before SH/Tax



Differences on mine:
- You don't have their tech support (can't remeber the last time a tech support line has helped me beyond "reinstall Windows" or "Format")
-You don't have their warranty, you deal with each part individually with the manufacturer. Minumum 1 year on each part, AW's is 1 year.
-No T-Shirt
-No Cheap subscription to Gamespot
-Different mouse, couldn't find same one on MonarchComputers.com, but MX is better IMO anyways
-1 less card support in card reader, couldn't find an 8-in-1 on monarch
-Different, but equally cool case
-Better Power Supply!!!
-A spare 350W PSU (original from case). Keep it or sell it on eBay for a few extra $.

VERDICT: If you give me $500 ill give you 90 days of GameSpot, help you with your computer, give you less warranty than you get on most PC Parts (they're almost all retail), a smaller PSU, and a crappier (IMO) mouse. Sound like a deal? Didn't think so. I'll keep my cash, thank you very much. If you got the know-how, building is the way to go.

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/100820.jpg

[jabaro]

...they are not that much more when you count in labor in the price.

How much do you consider your labor worth? I personaly enjoy building my computers, and don't consider it a "cost"

[TheGreySpectre]

the alien ware cases are cool but I would still rather have a custom job even if th eholes arnt perfect.

hehe koolance sucks, I saw a koolance system at compusa and it had 1/4 in tubing not to mention crappy parts. any WCer knoes bigger is better on tubing.

you can spend somehwere around 250 for a 3year warrenty from alienware, or i know that most of my parts came with a 3 year warrenty anyays except for a couple wich came with a life time warrenty. also if something breaks while i exchange my one part i can usualy borrow a spare crappier verision of that same part for a while from a friend and still have use of my computer.

case in point: I spilled water on my Asus motherboard 6 months after I got it. I sent the motherboard back, borrowed one from a friend that only supported up to an athlon 1800, underclocked a little and had lots of fun at about 5 lans instead of mostlikely having to send my entire system back to alienware, then having them say, your watercooling voids our warrenty.

[clocker2]

hehe koolance sucks, I saw a koolance system at compusa and it had 1/4 in tubing not to mention crappy parts. any WCer knoes bigger is better on tubing.
I am a watercooler and I use 1/4" tubing and don't agree that "it sucks".
Granted, I could probably drop a few degrees by going to a larger capacity system, but mine stays consistently within 15C of room ambient with only one 92mm fan (7v) on the the radiator and without the clutter of big 1/2" hoses.
Dismissing Koolance simply because of tubing size is silly, IMO.

[TheGreySpectre]

Sorry, when I did all my reshearch mor my systems i all the input i got said bigger was better, still i bet yours is better than koolance due to improve componets

I usually stay about 8 degrees off of ambient

[autoMATTic]

Chassis:lets say $200
Power Supply: $105 ENERMAX 460W

Operating System: $278 XP pro full retail

Well your chassis is waaaaaay overprice and so is your power supply. WIndows for 278? LOL

Case: $60
400 Power Supply: $40-45
Windows XP: $25-50
I saved like $400 already.

[clocker2]

What kind of PSU are you getting for $45?
And where do you buy XP for $25?

[JoT]

Fortron/Sparkle PSUs are very cheap and incredibly good. Check 'em out on Newegg.

[tylerhskate]

Newegg doesnt always have the best prices, you could get it for cheaper than 2 grand

[autoMATTic]

What kind of PSU are you getting for $45?
And where do you buy XP for $25?
This is the PSU I got, except mine is blue aluminum. http://www.computergate.com/products/item.cfm?prodcd=P4ZBA40BK
Runs everything in my sig with no problems.