Gaming Computer Help!!

[Jayce814]

Hello I am currently trying to purchase a gaming computer at a relatively low price ($1000-$1400). Recently I have looked at two computers, the XPS 630 and the Area 51 750i. I will post both of these specs down below, as i have customized both accordingly, and i would like to know which would have a better value overall

Also I have heard of a websight called newegg, however i don't understand if it would allow the same amount of reliability and customization as i would on the actual dell and alienware websight. Also any reference to a cheaper computer and/or better value would be greatly appreciated. PS is there a real difference between nVidia or Radeon, because i have no idea which to get for either. CrossFireX, Dual ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB or SLi, Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB???

1] Area-51® 750i

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E8400 3.00GHz 6MB Cache 1333MHz FSB
Alienware P2 Chassis: Alienware® P2 Chassis with AlienIce™ 3.0 Video Cooling - Space Black
AlienFX®: Alienware® Standard System Lighting - Plasma Purple
Alienware P2 Chassis Upgrades: Alienware® Standard System Cooling
Power Supply: Alienware® 750 Watt Multi-GPU Approved Power Supply
Graphics Processor: Single 512MB NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 250 - Superclocked Edition
Memory: 8GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 x 2048MB
Motherboard: Alienware® Approved NVIDIA® nForce 750i SLI Motherboard
Operating System (Office software not included): Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium (64-bit Edition) with Service Pack 1
System Drive: Single Drive Configuration - 500GB SATA 3Gb/s 7,200RPM 16MB Cache
Optical Drives : Single Drive Configuration - 20X Dual-Layer Burner (DVD±RW)
Enthusiast Essentials: Single High Performance Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Sound Card: High-Definition 7.1 Performance Audio
Keyboard: Standard Keyboard - Standard Keyboard
Mouse: Standard Mouse - Standard Optical 3-Button Mouse with Scroll Wheel
Warranty: 1-Year AlienCare Onsite Service and 24/7 Toll-Free Phone Support
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Mesh Cap
Alienware Extras: Alienware® Desktop Binder
Alienware Extras: Owner Identification Card
Alienware Extras: Internal Wire Management
Avatar: Alienhead 3D
Window Style: Default Window Style
Mouse Pointers: Standard Mouse Pointers
Power Plan: Standard Power Plan
Automatic Updates: Automatic Updates On
Time Zones: (GMT - 5.00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Total Cost:$1,179 Without Shipping and Taxes



OR... XPS 630

Intel® Core™2 E8400 (6MB,3.0 GHz, 1333FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-Bit
Black Bezel Chassis
1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Microsoft Works 9.0
SLi, Dual nVidia GeForce 9800GT 512MB
6GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
500GB - 7200RPM, SATA 3.0Gb/s, 16MB Cache
Single Drive: 16X CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) w/double layer write capability
No Monitor
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)
No Keyboard
No Mouse

Total Price: $1,249 without shipping or tax

 

[kmote]

The Area 51 is the better of the two but they are both terrible value. You would be able to afford an i7 system for that kind of money if you were to build it yourself using components from newegg.

 

[H4x3r]

yes kmote hit the nail on the head, you could build a really nice system for that price, much better than either of those........*looks around for Hikari*..........hahahahaha

 

[Jayce814]

Allright thanks but i have literaly no idea how to build a computer though haha

 

[kmote]

It's easy enough to learn (this site is a great place to start) and it is definitely worth doing as it will save you a lot of money.

 

[H4x3r]

it's really not very difficult at all, nope.....and it's really fun and makes it seem so much more personal.....plus the bang-for-buck is amazing

 

[Jayce814]

Is there any websight or anything that could possibly guide me through it?

 

[H4x3r]

http://www.techist.com/forums/f75/computer-building-guide-elbatrop1-62436/

that will help you with the basics, anything else we will help you with....head on over to Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more! and start shopping...lol post links to the things you thing you might like, mobo, cpu, ram ect and we'll make sure they are all compatible and make any suggestions we might have....good luck! it's really fun....and never be afraid to ask questions

 

[Jayce814]

Allright thanks a lot comatose!

 

[H4x3r]

no problem, just to give you an idea of what you can get for ~$1200, i got the computer in my sig minus one gtx260 graphics card for $1100....and the i7 whoops an E8400....