Red Bull Unrailistic | LIVE Broadcast

Member of the Month

PartyBullshiit
March, 2024

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

Computer Advice?

profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Hey M&A,

I am looking at buying a new computer. I of-course have macs in mind but do not see them being a greatest for my price point. My mind is pretty set on an Alienware X51 due to my price range and the fact that it has key specs I would need. I have also looked into building a computer but feel Alienware is a great computer for the price.

My specs:
16gb+ memory
Quad core processor
1gb+ graphics card
2 1tb 7200rpm HDD

roughly: 1,700
My budget: 2000
Dec 1 2014 12:19PM
22 5
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
You should add an SSD to that list. Im assuming you're getting a desktop right? fuck alien ware. Have you ever built a computer? Customizing your own computer is the way to go.
Dec 1 2014 12:26PM
4 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
The other option was a SSD and a HDD combination. I know HDD's are slower I just like the amount of memory they have and I have never built a computer that is why I have considered it but nervous to actually do.
Dec 1 2014 12:29PM
0 0
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
Do not buy a alienware. They are a total ripoff, you should build your own pc. you will get nearly double the performance for the same price. If you need any help or have any questions on what components to get or how to build just ask me.I will post an example build for you when I get home.
Dec 1 2014 12:31PM
3 0
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cqRnwP here is a quick one I made. Also mind sending me the link to the alienware you were looking at.
Dec 1 2014 12:50PM
0 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
RW_VisualsThe other option was a SSD and a HDD combination. I know HDD's are slower I just like the amount of memory they have and I have never built a computer that is why I have considered it but nervous to actually do.


check out http://www.cyberpowerpc.com they probably have some good deals right now cause of cyber monday. Basically you choose your components and they build it for you.
Dec 1 2014 12:51PM
0 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
I know building a computer is cheaper and can also out perform Alienware computers. The reason I am hesitant on building one is the time it consumes and reliability. I won't be rushing to make a decision right away just trying to see what others think.


Here is the Alienware I am looking at:

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-x51-r2/pd?oc=dpcwxy03s&model_id=alienware-x51-r2#overrides=dpcwxy03s:11~W7P61E;6~G760TI;8~2TB72K;4~W8AWENG;1014~MCSW12M;1002~OHB13M
Dec 1 2014 1:12PM
0 2
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
RW_VisualsI know building a computer is cheaper and can also out perform Alienware computers. The reason I am hesitant on building one is the time it consumes and reliability. I won't be rushing to make a decision right away just trying to see what others think.


Here is the Alienware I am looking at:

http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-x51-r2/pd?oc=dpcwxy03s&model_id=alienware-x51-r2#overrides=dpcwxy03s:11~W7P61E;6~G760TI;8~2TB72K;4~W8AWENG;1014~MCSW12M;1002~OHB13M


For real check out http://www.cyberpowerpc.com its similar to that alienware site but there are 1000 options. I did it a couple years ago and it worked out very well.
Dec 1 2014 1:15PM
2 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
It looks legit. I am at work right now so I will check it out more when I get off
Dec 1 2014 1:49PM
0 0
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
It honestly takes 2 hours to build a pc and its fun. And for reliability you get a better warranty because each piece has its own warranty most of which will be 5 years plus which beats alienwares warranty. Also if something ever went wrong you would only have to ship one item not the entire pc.
Dec 1 2014 1:49PM
0 0
profile picture
Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
Doesn't want Apple because: overpriced.
Wants Alienware instead also overpriced and ugly.

Logic, you make none.
Dec 1 2014 2:46PM
5 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Alienware isn't cheap but for what I am looking for it has everything. Mac's are great I work on them daily at my job but they aren't the greatest unless you have 2.5k or 3k to spend which I do not. I will also be looking into cyberpower and see what prices are there.
Dec 1 2014 3:12PM
0 0
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
I still support building your own. Hell I would rather build you one for free than see you get ripped off by alienware.
Dec 1 2014 3:32PM
0 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
I like doing a lot of research when it comes to this kind of stuff so I am going to take my time and look at all my options. I won't rush into buying a computer because I want the best for the money I am spending.
Dec 1 2014 3:39PM
0 0
profile picture
xPhilipJFryx
Posts: 215 - Karma: 405
For those specs you can definitely keep it under 2k if you build it yourself.
Dec 1 2014 3:58PM
0 0
profile picture
xPhilipJFryx
Posts: 215 - Karma: 405
He'll you might not even break 1k
Dec 1 2014 3:59PM
0 0
profile picture
dispatchQ_main
Posts: 2619 - Karma: 629
I say skimp on ssd unless you find a really good deal. They aren't that big of an improvement to overall performance and are very pricy.
Dec 1 2014 5:13PM
0 0
profile picture
dispatchQ_main
Posts: 2619 - Karma: 629
ToughShipIt honestly takes 2 hours to build a pc and its fun.


It's not always fun. My last pc was a nightmare to build. Most of the time it goes together fine but not always.
Dec 1 2014 5:16PM
0 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
BogezI say skimp on ssd unless you find a really good deal. They aren't that big of an improvement to overall performance and are very pricy.


I highly disagree. Using a spinning drive as your boot drive after using an ssd sucks. Its like saying 'sure a 30" monitor works great but a 19" works fine too'
Dec 1 2014 5:20PM
2 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
I like Cyberpower PC quite a lot, the fact you can customize it completely and they build it is nice. I did read reviews that they tend to have problems and their Customer Service lacks. My main question is should I go for a SSD as my primary drive and then two mechanical drives as well or would one of each work fine?
Dec 1 2014 5:32PM
0 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Also for editing videos and photos is it really necessary to have dual graphic cards? I feel like thats a little over kill
Dec 1 2014 5:36PM
0 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
RW_VisualsI like Cyberpower PC quite a lot, the fact you can customize it completely and they build it is nice. I did read reviews that they tend to have problems and their Customer Service lacks. My main question is should I go for a SSD as my primary drive and then two mechanical drives as well or would one of each work fine?



Definitely go for a 128gb boot drive and then however many drive you want. I had 1 tb HDD then i used an external raid.

RW_VisualsAlso for editing videos and photos is it really necessary to have dual graphic cards? I feel like thats a little over kill


Nah you only need one, but don't skimp on it. Get Nvidia for sure, I had a 660ti, the 780 is solid but really anything will work great.
Dec 1 2014 5:39PM
1 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Thanks appreciate the help! Trying not to skimp on good internals just not use to buying a computer since the one I have I bought back in 09 before going to college.
Dec 1 2014 5:55PM
0 0
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
Go for an ssd. With your budget it would be stupid not to. All your programs will feel much more responsive and the overall feel of the computer will be must faster.
Dec 1 2014 8:14PM
0 0
profile picture
Michael_Thatcher
Posts: 523 - Karma: 3,469
go check out http://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc
Dec 2 2014 9:12AM
1 0
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
Any updates on your decision?
Dec 4 2014 9:43PM
0 0
profile picture
p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
RW_VisualsI like Cyberpower PC quite a lot, the fact you can customize it completely and they build it is nice. I did read reviews that they tend to have problems and their Customer Service lacks. My main question is should I go for a SSD as my primary drive and then two mechanical drives as well or would one of each work fine?


SSD with two hard drives in RAID 0 and then an external as a back up. This is what I do with my mac pro. SSD is for the OS, programs, and current project. RAID drive is for all your footage/photos, as well as things like music and movies. Check out the X99 builds on cyberpowerpc, especially if you want to do video editing or be ready for 4K. The 5820K is a six core and supposed to very powerful, and the new GTX 970 and 980 are supposed to offer insane amounts of power for the price while using minimal power.
Dec 4 2014 11:28PM
0 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Hey sorry guys been busy with work... I ordered a PC from Ironside Computers, heard great things from them and think they do a great quality job compared to CyberpowerPC. Ordered it about three days ago so hopefully I will have it in about three weeks!
Dec 21 2014 1:06PM
0 1
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
Which one did you get, and what are the specs and how much did you pay?
Dec 23 2014 8:49PM
0 0
profile picture
kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,669
I don't really know too much about computers but I think my late 2013 macbook pro 15" has similar specs to what your looking for. Might not be as powerful as you want though.

2 ghz quad core i7 (boost to 3.2 ghz)
16 gb 1600 Mhz memory
Intel Iris pro 1536 mb
500 GB hardrive 7200rpm

I paid $2000 for it new but you could probably find one for cheaper since its a 2013 model
Dec 23 2014 11:15PM
0 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
Intel Processor - Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz (Quad Core)
Memory - G.Skill Ripjaws 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz
Primary Hard Drive - Crucial M500 120GB SSD Read: 500MB/s Write: 130MB/s
Secondary Hard Drive - Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black 7200RPM
Graphics Card - ASUS Geforce GTX 760 2GB (Min. 600 Watt Power Supply)

Saved a little bit of money so i plan on buying a couple more HD's and will upgrade it as I go.
Dec 28 2014 1:02PM
0 0
profile picture
p.hawks
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
RW_VisualsIntel Processor - Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz (Quad Core)
Memory - G.Skill Ripjaws 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz
Primary Hard Drive - Crucial M500 120GB SSD Read: 500MB/s Write: 130MB/s
Secondary Hard Drive - Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black 7200RPM
Graphics Card - ASUS Geforce GTX 760 2GB (Min. 600 Watt Power Supply)

Saved a little bit of money so i plan on buying a couple more HD's and will upgrade it as I go.


If you haven't bought it yet, you should look at getting an i7, because they support hyper threading. Supposed to give about 1.7x better performance compared to the corresponding i5. Also, if you live near a microcenter, they usually have the 5820k on special for like $300. It's a 6 core, and while an x99 system will be expensive, 6 cores and quad channel ram will blow away a z97 system for video editing.
Dec 28 2014 1:49PM
0 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
I plan on slowly upgrading my computer... I went with the i5 just because it has high specs for a reasonable price. I know Intel is working on releasing some newer CPU's so I plan on holding off till those come out and will upgrade as I get the money to.
Dec 28 2014 6:17PM
0 0
profile picture
ToughShip
Posts: 24 - Karma: 23
How much did you pay? Those aren't great specs if you paid anywhere near your budget. Also it probably has some cheap no name power supply which I highly recommend getting rid of because it is nothing more than a fire hazard. Also cheap power supply's can damage components and can even kill entire computers.
Dec 28 2014 8:59PM
0 0
profile picture
CameraWiz
Posts: 735 - Karma: 2,112
ToughShipHow much did you pay? Those aren't great specs if you paid anywhere near your budget. Also it probably has some cheap no name power supply which I highly recommend getting rid of because it is nothing more than a fire hazard. Also cheap power supply's can damage components and can even kill entire computers.


Anything over 1300 is wasted money.
Dec 28 2014 9:27PM
0 0
profile picture
RW_Visuals
Posts: 219 - Karma: 248
I paid around 1300 I also made sure to get a 750 watt gold power supply. I decided to go a bit cheaper so that way I can buy some more camera gear and an extra monitor as well
Dec 28 2014 10:42PM
0 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
RW_VisualsI paid around 1300 I also made sure to get a 750 watt gold power supply. I decided to go a bit cheaper so that way I can buy some more camera gear and an extra monitor as well


Shouldve went cheaper on your HDs and RAM and went x79 with a 6 core for the same price. I spent 1400 on my computer over two year ago, 6 core 16gb of ram and a high end graphics card with a cheaper ssd and hdd. I even had liquid cooling.
Dec 29 2014 3:51AM
0 0
profile picture
Laurent.
Posts: 10054 - Karma: 25,277
pussyfooterI even had liquid cooling.


https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/745438/Impressive--Very-Nice
Dec 29 2014 5:42AM
0 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
omnidatahttps://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/745438/Impressive--Very-Nice


I < 3 U
Dec 29 2014 6:02AM
2 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61107 - Karma: 118,279
pussyfooterShouldve went cheaper on your HDs and RAM and went x79 with a 6 core for the same price. I spent 1400 on my computer over two year ago, 6 core 16gb of ram and a high end graphics card with a cheaper ssd and hdd. I even had liquid cooling.


Similar setup, under 1400

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1GMTW4

i hope that works, if it doesnt, its a 6 core i7 with 16gb of ram, gtx 760, 128gb boot drive with 1tb data drive.
Dec 29 2014 6:19PM
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4)