Decisions Dell XPS XL or build my own

[Redonmyhead]

My old computer is just old. I done revamping it. Time for a new one. My question is this. I'm a computer noob. I don't know much but I know a little. I put in a new power source and graphics card in my old one. I don't know how much knowledge it takes to build a whole new computer with all new parts compare to a power source and graphics card. What would be a wiser way to go? Build my own or buy a Dell XPS 710 H2C? Money does not matter. I want an ultimate gaming rig. Would it be hard to build on my own with the limited knowledge that I have?

These are the computer parts that i have in mind if I build my own. Feel free to remodify my list if you think I can build my own computer on my own.

Intel® CoreTM 2 Extreme QX6700 quad-core processor
EVGa 122-CK-NF68-AR Motherboard or Striker Extreme Motherboard
What would u recommend for RAM 2 or 4GB, and what kind of ram and who?
Sound Blaster® X-FiTM XtremeMusic
dual NVIDIA® GeForce® 8800 GTX graphics cards.
Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM Serial ATA150 Hard Drive - OEM x2 for Raid 0
Data drive maybe 100 to 250 GB (what do u recommend)
PLEXTOR Black 16X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 6X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R 4X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 24X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 8M Cache IDE Slot Load DVD Burner
Vista Premium
Monitor wise, I don't know what to get? i want something between 200 to 400 dollar range.
Case-Thermaltake Kandalf VA9000SWA Silver Chassis: 1.0mm Aluminum, Front Bezel: Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case
1kw power source of something


am I missing anything else? Do I need cables for this? Should I water cool this or not? I don't know how to overclock and probably won't. So would it be wise to stick with fans to cool this off or use a water cooling system?

Any other suggestions or stick with the Dell XPS 710 H2C.

Thanks,
Red

 

[medabomb2000]

If you are not sure about how to build a computer from scratch you can either get a book on building computers, read on online tutorial, or get a friends to help out. I wouldn't recommend you building your own computer, unless you knew what you were doing. It would be a shame to damage a part by static electricity or some small thing happen to damage a processor or part. If money honestly doesn't matter, I would go with the XPS. Dell makes a great gaming rig (XPS). This is just my suggestion.

But if you are truly interested in learning and building your own. I am more than happy for you. It is a great experience. I know when I built my first computer, I was a little nervous doing so, but thankful for a friend to help me in the process. I know that if you have any questions about building a computer, people on these forums will not have a problem helping you in the right direction.

I like what I see on what you want inside your rig. Looks like a mean computer especially that quad core. You would only need 2 gig of ram for the programs out there today. You might want to upgrade to 4 in a couple years though. If you plan on placing a lot of media on the computer, you would need more hdd space. I would recommend a 300gb. That is all I have to suggest. Good luck

 

[freestyler105]

If you plan on placing a lot of media on the computer, you would need more hdd space. I would recommend a 300gb.

He's already planning on having 550GB, that's plenty, 2 x 150 GB + 250 GB.

I would recommend building it, you can save a lot of money, and it's really not all that hard. You'll have a better computer in the end too, if you really want the ultimate computer. If you're not going to overclock, standard air cooling should be fine.

My recommendation of the ultimate computer:
EVGA Motherboard ($250):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813188009

Core 2 Duo QX6700 ($985):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115011

2 GB Corsair DDR2-1250 RAM ($640):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145171

2 8800GTX in SLI ($1,180):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130072

2 150GB Raptors in RAID 0, 300GB total ($440):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822136012

700 Watt OCZ PSU ($165):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817341002

Thermaltake Armor Case ($150):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154

That's a total of almost $4,000. Get that DVD/CD drive that you picked out, it's good. That sound card is good too, but get some speakers to keep up with it:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836121120
5.1 Surround sound, 505 watts, Logitech, it's amazing. $300.

For a monitor, get a nice 22" one. I'd tell you to get dual monitors, but I don't think SLI allows you to do dual monitors. I have this 22" monitor, it's amazing:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824112005
$340



Grand total - 4.5 grand. There's no tax on that site, but with shipping and a few other parts, it'll be about 5k total. That computer is top of the line. The best money can buy. It'll laugh at the Dell XPS you picked out. The only thing is that the XPS has a physics card, which I don't think you need, but if you really want it, here it is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143055

 

[muz]

dude its up to you in the end , as said above you can getbooks and advice on building computers but if you still do not feel comfertable building then buy the dell , in my opinion it is cheaper and far more rewarding to build your own and for the price dell are charging you could get a better spec system for the same by building your own .yet by getting dell to build it for you there is no risk involved ,e.g. breaking parts etc but you pay a little bit more for the convinience

if you wanna build your own just see some of the builds people are advising they should befine

 

[sanka]

I don't recommend spending 4k on a computer in the first place

 

[Celegorm]

honestly, if your looking for that highend of a system, your better off building your own. you'll pay alot more at dell for a similar comptuer than you would by building your own and buying a book on how to do it.

if you have the money, take the system freestyler listed. its a great build.

 

[kjman87]

it is a nice system...agreed...if you got the money go for it!!! and buy me a new comp while your at it hehehehe just messin man...

let us know how it turns out!

 

[superman22x]

Get 4gb of Ram if you can and proly upgrade the power supply. It covers that machine, but what about in two years when you want to upgrade? It just provides for upgrade room.

 

[muz]

personaly i think 4gb ram is overkill at the moment , the most you should need for most tasks and gaming is 2gb .

 

[Redonmyhead]

i know a little about building from gaming magazines. I feel comfortable building my own, i was worried about the cooling part. I just wanna make sure the fans are adequate enough. any good websites for building? thanks for info