How do you guys feel about alienware?

[ShinRa]

Assuming money is not a factor, does alienware produce quality computers? Yes I know, I can build the same machine for half the price on my own, but assume that isn't a factor.

 

[OmegaX]

Yes they are good PCs. Incredibly over priced...but if your butt ****ing rich you should get the Area 51-ALX for around $7,000

 

[Laivasse]

Can't offer any info on how good Alienware's desktops are, but if by any chance it's a boutique laptop you're after rather than a gaming desktop, I would recommend getting a Sager rather than Alienware. I have a superb little NP5796 and can personally vouch for its awesomeness.

 

[giant384]

i would rather have a voodoo envy

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Depending on what you want, it can get extremely overpriced. I'm talking $23,000+ (from one time i played with the customize thing)

 

[Asus]

Since they have been bought by Dell their customer service might have improved...
That was the other big negative it seemed they had besides the price$$$.

 

[Lucid]

I've been tempted to buy an Alienware, but it's honestly so much cheaper to build your own.

 

[ShinRa]

The reason I ask is because I've had nothing but problems with computers I've built myself. Faulty parts, poor wire management, no warranties cuz half the shit is OEM from newegg. Plus I've been out of the loop for SO long on hardware I have NO idea what top of the line is anymore. I think my life would be easier spending the extra pennies.

 

[Asus]

Why not spend less pennies on a regular brand PC with a good CPU and slap a GPU in it?

And what makes the "Alienware" name worth the pennies without much of a hardware difference? I mean, a Dell, Alienware and HP all can have top end Intel CPUs in them. 4GB ram etc. What makes the green alien better?

 

[DEATHMASTER]

well if you absolutely don't want to build your own, at least save some green and go www.ibuypower.com
You should be able to at least make something to certain standards then I recommend getting a graphics card elsewhere, they definitely overcharge big time if you use their options for it. (as well as some other parts, but getting the barebones is what I recommend).

 

[MRG]

The reason I ask is because I've had nothing but problems with computers I've built myself. Faulty parts, poor wire management, no warranties cuz half the shit is OEM from newegg. Plus I've been out of the loop for SO long on hardware I have NO idea what top of the line is anymore. I think my life would be easier spending the extra pennies.

Do any members live near you? We/he/she/me could build you a kickass system for a fraction of the cost. That way, we do all the work, you save the money. If it's me that's closest, i'll gladly take care of you. Of course i'll not do it for free. I'll have to charge you 2 burritos from a local taco truck.

Then again, if you want to go with a pre-built, that is do-able as well.

-MRG

 

[xcellerate]

The reason I ask is because I've had nothing but problems with computers I've built myself. Faulty parts, poor wire management, no warranties cuz half the shit is OEM from newegg. Plus I've been out of the loop for SO long on hardware I have NO idea what top of the line is anymore. I think my life would be easier spending the extra pennies.

it sounds like you aren't matching your parts correctly. The only computer i've ever bought pre-built was my first one, and that was when 32mb graphics where the latest and greatest. I bet if you just check the parts with somebody knowledgeable and maybe have a friend help you set it up it will work just fine.

 

[ShinRa]

Thanks for the help guys. I just feel like there's alot more to computer parts these days then from when I built my current rig. I don't want top of the line like alienware but I do want to run these next gen games at a high level. My x1900 and amd fx-57 just isn't cutting it anymore. Which is somewhat shocking to me. :\

MRG I appreciate the offer and believe me if you were in NJ I'd gladly pay you.

 

[VirusType2]

see what parts they used for their gaming PC, and order those parts, and save 100% by operating a screwdriver.

 

[Kadayi]

There must be some decent gaming rig review sites out there surely, or some specialist magazines you can refer to for manufacturer box reviews? Here in the UK we have a magazine called Custom PC and it just basically carries out comparisons on parts, and pre-made rigs and is pretty much focussed on gaming PCs as a rule.

 

[ShinRa]

I'll look into that. Thanks guys.

 

[Barney Fife]

Buying from Alienware, not only do you have to be filthy rich, you must also be incredibly lazy. Because, IMHO, building is pretty awesome, with the biggest most beautiful headache a one would imagine.

Good Luck, and don't buy from Alienware, and remember, you can always build over the top system if you got the money.

 

[Saturos]

Overpriced.

Nuff said.

EDIT>...and so are Voodoo PCs.

I'd rather all that money go towards hardware muscle and not fluffy flutter labels.

Not saying they aren't good PCs, I just wouldn't pay what they want for them.

EDIT> Yeah, I know the OP said, IF money wasn't an issue, but many people who DO have money don't pay for overpriced stuff in the first place.
Unless they're super-rich, thery're more than likely just super-tightwads like me.

OP, if I were to assume you have some PC knowledge, your better off building your own gaming PC. You can get some great rebate deals on TigerDirect and Newegg so you can build your own comparatively efficient PC at almost half the cost of those name labels. If your not a PC gamer (which is not likely if you asked about Alienware in the first place) then there are plenty of other good pre-built manufacturers out there who'll cut you a much better deal.

 

[Calhoun]

Alienware produce excellent computers and have great deals. I highly recommend Alienware.

 

[blahblahblah]

Just keep in mind that all computer hardware has a tendency for it to break. Depending on what you get and how you use it, the failure rate can be between 10% (desktop with minimal usage) to 45% (notebook used for frequent travel) after three years.

So paying top dollar for a computer may do you no good if it doesn't have a warranty to back it up.

 

[giant384]

Just keep in mind that all computer hardware has a tendency for it to break. Depending on what you get and how you use it, the failure rate can be between 10% (desktop with minimal usage) to 45% (notebook used for frequent travel) after three years.

So paying top dollar for a computer may do you no good if it doesn't have a warranty to back it up.

the most common hardware to ever break is a hard drive. you aren't buying "quality" parts from alienware at all. you are just buying a nice case and its built by people who are all professional. not that it takes a pro to build the same pc.