Need a new desktop: Alienware, Mac Pro, Falcon Northwest, or full custom build?

Neema · 07-19-2008, 08:20 AM

I need a new desktop and wanted some opinions regarding either building my own tower, going with a custom Falcon Northwest build, an Alienware build, or a Mac Pro.

I'd be using it for 1080p video editing, photoshop, and maybe some gaming. I hear that best choice would be to just build a tower using mix and match parts, and NOT going for the name brand custom companies like Falcon Northwest for example. So, what do you guys think?

Neema · 07-19-2008, 08:47 AM

hah....

"Matching car paints is one of the easiest and most accurate ways to convey the color you'd like.* This client asked for 2007 BMW Montego Blue.* Here it is, with matching Microsoft "Habu" and "Reclusa" keyboard and mouse.* Their blue accent lighitng makes this Falcon look sexy even with the lights out."
- Falcon Northwest

quagmire · 07-19-2008, 09:12 AM

I would personally go for the Mac Pro with the 8800 GT. Two Quad Core Xeon CPU's, up to 16 GB of ram, 4 HD slots, etc. It is a sick machine. With Snow Leopard coming, it will be able to maximize performance of the 8 cores. But, that is my biased opinion.

DougLikesBMW · 07-19-2008, 11:12 AM

Build your own - it is by far the best way to do it. It's cheaper and you can spec it out exactly how you want. I built mine just a few months ago, it's a killer machine!

DimSumBoy · 07-19-2008, 03:35 PM

^+1

building is a good way to do it. just recently built mine up.

8800GTX. Core 2 Duo 3.0. 4 gigs Corsair DOMINATOR. + some other goodies.

use it on 40 inch LCD 1080p. DVI to HDMI. looks flawless.

Neema · 07-19-2008, 05:06 PM

Yes, that's what I've been hearing too......to just build my own.

I've been told it's like this: Would you rather pay for an over priced Cessna jet (Falcon Northwest, Alienware, etc...), or would you rather build an F22 fighter jet for a fraction of the price (custom build)?

And I'm also being told that buying a high end brand name PC like the Falcon's and Alien's is like buying a mercedes or a ferrari, just because you can and have the money, when you could actually spend a fraction of that and buy an Ariel Atom or a bike and smoke any car, or in this case, buy/build my own comp that could out preform those name brand ones.

Neema · 07-19-2008, 06:25 PM

gotta admit that the cosmetic customizable options at Falcon NW are pretty sick and insane.....

www.falcon-nw.com

FirstClass · 07-19-2008, 06:38 PM

Build it yourself. Pre-built desktop PC's are a huge waste of money. The only computers I buy from manufacturers are laptops, everything else since I was in middle school I've built myself.

It's not even like it's hard to build PCs. People see all the circuit boards and wires and get scared, but it's like hooking up your Xbox to the TV. Everything is either color coded or only fits in the right slot so if you can't do it you're not too bright.

Greeney · 07-20-2008, 10:24 AM

You do also get the warranty through those manufactures. Keeping a PC at top shape is always soemthing that comes to my mind, so I like a nice warranty.

FirstClass · 07-20-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greeney

You do also get the warranty through those manufactures. Keeping a PC at top shape is always soemthing that comes to my mind, so I like a nice warranty.

And you get a component warranty from the manufacturers when you build one. So you have a warranty either way.

How does a warranty keep a PC at top shape? It just makes sure they fix it for free if it breaks, it's not like it includes tune-ups.

lm1z · 07-20-2008, 04:56 PM

I build all of my computers due to the level of customization and insane amount of money that you save. You can put a sick computer together in under an hour.

MTV · 07-20-2008, 10:37 PM

Get a mac bro

Neema · 07-21-2008, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTV

Get a mac bro

Yes, but I'd have to buy a Mac Pro to get the same computing power as the PC I'm going to build, and the Mac Pro would be 3-4 times as expensive.

For about $2,000 I'm getting:

4 GB of RAM
250 GB hard drive (dont need more then that)
750 watt power supply
Q94-50 Intel Quad Core processor
9800 GX2 graphic card
Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit edition, or XP Professional 64 bit

.... and then all the petty stuff, like two decent CD/DVD drives, memory card readers, a decent mid tower case, and so on.

AU335 · 07-21-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boost_Nation

Yes, but I'd have to buy a Mac Pro to get the same computing power as the PC I'm going to build, and the Mac Pro would be 3-4 times as expensive.

For about $2,000 I'm getting:

4 GB of RAM
250 GB hard drive (dont need more then that)
750 watt power supply
Q94-50 Intel Quad Core processor
9800 GX2 graphic card
Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit edition, or XP Professional 64 bit

.... and then all the petty stuff, like two decent CD/DVD drives, memory card readers, a decent mid tower case, and so on.

I am running quad Core too, and i had been running vista ultimate for awhile, and recently switched back to XP pro. I use mine for photo and web design so i didnt like Vista wasting all my memory for eye-candy. XP 64bit FTW

FirstClass · 07-21-2008, 01:22 AM

Have fun with XP and 4 gigs of RAM.

Though I guess if you're using Pro 64 bit it's alright.

jhv · 07-21-2008, 01:49 AM

neema dude, this has nothing to do with your thread and im sorry. but wtf where were you on saturday? i called you from PJs phone but no answer

snipersix · 07-21-2008, 01:57 AM

i have a quad core 6gb mac pro. Runs like a beast, and I have 2 HDs 1 for OSX and 1 for vista 64bit for running games. That way i get the best of both worlds in one machine

SolidSnake2634 · 07-21-2008, 06:47 AM

i would say, if you have the time, then build your own custom computer. and you won't have any restrictions on what specifications you want either. if you don't have time and would be willing to spend the extra money, then just go for a brand name one built for you (falcon northwest, alienware, or whatever suits you).

likewise, my current computer, i bought it for 800 for it 4 years ago. if i had the time, i would've built my own computer. :P

SolidSnake2634 · 07-21-2008, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snipersix

i have a quad core 6gb mac pro. Runs like a beast, and I have 2 HDs 1 for OSX and 1 for vista 64bit for running games. That way i get the best of both worlds in one machine

6gb ram?

: i've never knew that was possible

quagmire · 07-21-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SolidSnake2634

6gb ram?

: i've never knew that was possible

The Mac Pro has the capacity to hold up to 16 GB of ram.

SolidSnake2634 · 07-21-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quagmire

The Mac Pro has the capacity to hold up to 16 GB of ram.

clark192 · 07-21-2008, 09:21 AM

dude, you dont need 750W PSU, not for what you described. Im running 2x 7600GT (old, i know) plus 3 optical drives, 3 HDs and the opteron 185 on only 520W system, and it runs flawlessly under full load. unless you plan on upping the GPU, i dont think you need that much power. have you tried running your rig specs through some online calculators to figure out your power usage?

07-19-2008, 08:20 AM	#1
Neema Major General 784 Rep 7,246 Posts Drives: a few BMWs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	Need a new desktop: Alienware, Mac Pro, Falcon Northwest, or full custom build? I need a new desktop and wanted some opinions regarding either building my own tower, going with a custom Falcon Northwest build, an Alienware build, or a Mac Pro. I'd be using it for 1080p video editing, photoshop, and maybe some gaming. I hear that best choice would be to just build a tower using mix and match parts, and NOT going for the name brand custom companies like Falcon Northwest for example. So, what do you guys think? __________________ LTMW Widebody+1M front bumper+Slek CF Lip\|M3 Hood\|StopTech BBK\|M-Sport Rear Bumper+DD CF Diffuser\|Custom Recaro Seats\|KW V2\|BavX LS3\|M3 Side Skirts+Custom CF Lip\|BBS CHR 19x10.5+BBS Lugs\|LCI Taillights\|RD Sport Anti-Sway Bars\|GIAC S2\|ER Intercooler+CF Shroud+Charge Pipe\|Tial BOV\|Injen Intake\|MS downpipes\|Custom Exhaust\|BMS Oil Catch Can\|M3 DCT wheel+TiD CF Paddles\|BMW CF Trunk Spoiler\|Aluminum Pedals
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07-19-2008, 08:47 AM	#2
Neema Major General 784 Rep 7,246 Posts Drives: a few BMWs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	hah.... "Matching car paints is one of the easiest and most accurate ways to convey the color you'd like.* This client asked for 2007 BMW Montego Blue.* Here it is, with matching Microsoft "Habu" and "Reclusa" keyboard and mouse.* Their blue accent lighitng makes this Falcon look sexy even with the lights out." - Falcon Northwest __________________ LTMW Widebody+1M front bumper+Slek CF Lip\|M3 Hood\|StopTech BBK\|M-Sport Rear Bumper+DD CF Diffuser\|Custom Recaro Seats\|KW V2\|BavX LS3\|M3 Side Skirts+Custom CF Lip\|BBS CHR 19x10.5+BBS Lugs\|LCI Taillights\|RD Sport Anti-Sway Bars\|GIAC S2\|ER Intercooler+CF Shroud+Charge Pipe\|Tial BOV\|Injen Intake\|MS downpipes\|Custom Exhaust\|BMS Oil Catch Can\|M3 DCT wheel+TiD CF Paddles\|BMW CF Trunk Spoiler\|Aluminum Pedals
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07-19-2008, 09:12 AM	#3
quagmire I am Gundam 186 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I would personally go for the Mac Pro with the 8800 GT. Two Quad Core Xeon CPU's, up to 16 GB of ram, 4 HD slots, etc. It is a sick machine. With Snow Leopard coming, it will be able to maximize performance of the 8 cores. But, that is my biased opinion.
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07-19-2008, 11:12 AM	#4
DougLikesBMW Fapmin 399 Rep 2,660 Posts Drives: '03 E46 330Ci Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Plano, Texas iTrader: (0)	Build your own - it is by far the best way to do it. It's cheaper and you can spec it out exactly how you want. I built mine just a few months ago, it's a killer machine!
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07-19-2008, 03:35 PM	#5
DimSumBoy Private First Class 3 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: sf bay iTrader: (0) Garage List 08 335i [0.00]	^+1 building is a good way to do it. just recently built mine up. 8800GTX. Core 2 Duo 3.0. 4 gigs Corsair DOMINATOR. + some other goodies. use it on 40 inch LCD 1080p. DVI to HDMI. looks flawless. __________________
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07-19-2008, 05:06 PM	#6
Neema Major General 784 Rep 7,246 Posts Drives: a few BMWs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	Yes, that's what I've been hearing too......to just build my own. I've been told it's like this: Would you rather pay for an over priced Cessna jet (Falcon Northwest, Alienware, etc...), or would you rather build an F22 fighter jet for a fraction of the price (custom build)? And I'm also being told that buying a high end brand name PC like the Falcon's and Alien's is like buying a mercedes or a ferrari, just because you can and have the money, when you could actually spend a fraction of that and buy an Ariel Atom or a bike and smoke any car, or in this case, buy/build my own comp that could out preform those name brand ones. __________________ LTMW Widebody+1M front bumper+Slek CF Lip\|M3 Hood\|StopTech BBK\|M-Sport Rear Bumper+DD CF Diffuser\|Custom Recaro Seats\|KW V2\|BavX LS3\|M3 Side Skirts+Custom CF Lip\|BBS CHR 19x10.5+BBS Lugs\|LCI Taillights\|RD Sport Anti-Sway Bars\|GIAC S2\|ER Intercooler+CF Shroud+Charge Pipe\|Tial BOV\|Injen Intake\|MS downpipes\|Custom Exhaust\|BMS Oil Catch Can\|M3 DCT wheel+TiD CF Paddles\|BMW CF Trunk Spoiler\|Aluminum Pedals
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07-19-2008, 06:25 PM	#7
Neema Major General 784 Rep 7,246 Posts Drives: a few BMWs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	gotta admit that the cosmetic customizable options at Falcon NW are pretty sick and insane..... www.falcon-nw.com __________________ LTMW Widebody+1M front bumper+Slek CF Lip\|M3 Hood\|StopTech BBK\|M-Sport Rear Bumper+DD CF Diffuser\|Custom Recaro Seats\|KW V2\|BavX LS3\|M3 Side Skirts+Custom CF Lip\|BBS CHR 19x10.5+BBS Lugs\|LCI Taillights\|RD Sport Anti-Sway Bars\|GIAC S2\|ER Intercooler+CF Shroud+Charge Pipe\|Tial BOV\|Injen Intake\|MS downpipes\|Custom Exhaust\|BMS Oil Catch Can\|M3 DCT wheel+TiD CF Paddles\|BMW CF Trunk Spoiler\|Aluminum Pedals
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07-20-2008, 10:24 AM	#9
Greeney Brigadier General 213 Rep 3,834 Posts Drives: Jerez E90 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Westchester, NY / Fort Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (4)	You do also get the warranty through those manufactures. Keeping a PC at top shape is always soemthing that comes to my mind, so I like a nice warranty. __________________ 11' E90 M3 6MT \| Jerez Black \| Black Ext./Carbon \| ZCP \| ZCW \| ZPP \| ZTP \| 302 \| 403 \| 507 \| 5AC \| 655 \| 6FL \| 752 \| 15' F80 M3 6MT \| Black Saphire \| Black Full \| ZEC \| ZLP \| 2VF \| 2VZ \| 5DL \| 688 \|
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07-20-2008, 04:56 PM	#11
lm1z Major 194 Rep 1,278 Posts Drives: 2017 GT350 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Frisco, TX iTrader: (22)	I build all of my computers due to the level of customization and insane amount of money that you save. You can put a sick computer together in under an hour.
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07-20-2008, 10:37 PM	#12
MTV Banned 241 Rep 1,906 Posts Drives: E60 M5, Volvo S60R Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montreal iTrader: (1)	Get a mac bro
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07-21-2008, 01:49 AM	#16
jhv Lieutenant General 1695 Rep 17,304 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	neema dude, this has nothing to do with your thread and im sorry. but wtf where were you on saturday? i called you from PJs phone but no answer
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07-21-2008, 01:57 AM	#17
snipersix Brigadier General 228 Rep 3,807 Posts Drives: Retired 2017 F87 M2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Burnaby iTrader: (3) Garage List 2017 BMW M2 [0.00]	i have a quad core 6gb mac pro. Runs like a beast, and I have 2 HDs 1 for OSX and 1 for vista 64bit for running games. That way i get the best of both worlds in one machine __________________ 2017 M2 Coupe:\|Black Sapphire Metallic\|DCT\|Nav/Idrive\|M Performance CF Spoiler\|M Performance CF DCT Interior\| M Performance Gloss Black Kidney Grills\| M Performance Steel Pedals \| Eventuri CF CAI \| 19" Brixton Rims \| KW V3 Clubsport \| Retired: \|2008 328i Sedan\|Montego Blue\|
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07-21-2008, 06:47 AM	#18
SolidSnake2634 cantoguy 203 Rep 11,115 Posts Drives: LSB E46 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (3) Garage List 2001 BMW M3 [6.06]	i would say, if you have the time, then build your own custom computer. and you won't have any restrictions on what specifications you want either. if you don't have time and would be willing to spend the extra money, then just go for a brand name one built for you (falcon northwest, alienware, or whatever suits you). likewise, my current computer, i bought it for 800 for it 4 years ago. if i had the time, i would've built my own computer. :P
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07-21-2008, 09:21 AM	#22
clark192 Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 230 Posts Drives: 2006 325i (EU) Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bahrain iTrader: (0)	dude, you dont need 750W PSU, not for what you described. Im running 2x 7600GT (old, i know) plus 3 optical drives, 3 HDs and the opteron 185 on only 520W system, and it runs flawlessly under full load. unless you plan on upping the GPU, i dont think you need that much power. have you tried running your rig specs through some online calculators to figure out your power usage?
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