Anyone replace a fan or power supply in a Dell?

[sync]

I agree if you are only considering standard Dell retail prices. But with some patience you can get considerable savings off those prices by stacking coupons. I'm a Canadian living in the USA and the deals you get down here are incredible compared to what you get back home. A few months ago I got two Samsung laser printer from Staples that they normally sold for $120 for $30 each.

 

[Hoyton]

Even radio-shack will have good deals on computers these days, but that's not the point.

I would never buy a system or that gb-micro brand ram crap they sell at staples since I've personally seen repackaged used components being sold for "deals", advertised as new.

I understand that this is all opinion based, but when investing in something like a computer, I would like to not have to upgrade/replace/repair it for some time. The rate at which technology is moving, it seems near impossible to not have to upgrade every couple years or so anyways, so that would be a decent target range for the mass produced, sell as low as possible systems.

All I'm saying is that I would rather purchase a system with high quality and reputable components than buy something where I'm guessing the type of part in the machine. Take for instance that Dell example I dug up. I have no idea on the expansion slots, the graphics port, the motherboard PS connector, ram slots etc. I would not like to buy that machine and realize I can only have 2 PCI slots and no support for dual channel memory or whatever.

If budget is your concern, then buy a budget system. In the end, you will get what you paid for.

 

[sync]

All I'm saying is that I would rather purchase a system with high quality and reputable components than buy something where I'm guessing the type of part in the machine.In the end, you will get what you paid for.

That's cool. When I was younger and had more spare time I used to be concerned about getting top quality computer components too.

In the end, you will get what you paid for.

If someone go to Staples and buys a printer for $120 and then a week later I get the same printer for $30, do we both get what we pay for?

 

[Hoyton]

That's cool. When I was younger and had more spare time I used to be concerned about getting top quality computer components too.

I don't understand what this has to do with having more spare time, haha. Top quality components will generally last much longer and have a higher resale value than those that aren't.

If someone go to Staples and buys a printer for $120 and then a week later I get the same printer for $30, do we both get what we pay for?

Fair enough. Sometimes you just get a deal! Thats like buying a graphics card at full price and then 3 months later they're down to 1/3rd of the original price. I've done it many times as well.

 

[Mindset]

Actually I've seen the insides of them a million and a half times lol. Their insides don't look as bad as the outsides, true. But the power supply isn't all that great imo. My computer, is a lil cheaper, than the dell counterpart.... by. Custom built of course, by me. I've seen the system Dell sells, you start putting together a system, and it starts looking more and more expensive for the decent parts (at least 1gb, at least 160GB... Do you know what that $299 computer comes with????? 512mb of memory..... 80gb HD....... no monitor...... a slow processor.... OK The cheapest DELL currently today, is $359 This is what it comes with.... AMD Sempron 3400, built on video, 512mb, 80gb HD, no monitor, CDRW, and the case/ps... along with windows of course... That's EXPENSIVE in imo lol.... OK, now the half decent dell?? $699 for a dual core 3800+... only 512mb... Add the 1gb... $754 It's starting to go up... Comes with 160gb... OK I have 500gb, they don't have anything close, except for a 320gb, so now the price is $844, Sound... I have the 24/96 in there, so I added the Audigy to the comparing dell... $919, also the video card.... they don't have the 7900GS in there, so I put the best one they had.. Basic speakers, but with the sub, $959, I have wireless, so add that $994 I got the 13-1 card reader... add that... $1,014 I went and bought mcafee... add that... $1,093 btw.. I got 2gb memory, if you wanted to add that, $1,223 Still, too expensive...
For me that is. My system:
Pentium D 930 3ghz (overclocked to 3.4)
Gigabyte iDNA mobo
2gb Corsair XMS Platinum Series (DDR2 667)
500gb (2 SATAII 250 Seagate HD's)
16X Lightscribe HP DVDRW
48X CDRW/DVDROM
GeForce 7900GS
19" Samsung 930B
Xeon case w/ Xfinity 600w PS SLI ready
wireless mouse/keyboard
sound card is the 24/96, speakers are the studiopro 4's (pieces of shit)
My price: ($1,147) $196 dollars difference, for a more beefy system...
4 got to mention that I did spend $30 on a better fan... So it would be $166 dollars difference... STILL cheaper than the Dell. It's all about shopping for prices.. You probably already know that. All of the items were brand new. Though the 7900GS ironically came out of a brand new DELL computer and I paid $160 for it from a friend who bought a new dell, and upgraded the video card right away to a 7950gx2. OF COURSE Dells are one of the most decent machines you can get off the shelf, but I believe in spending money wisely, and getting something better than the same/near same product for cheaper. With the extra $160 dollars, I could go out and spend that on a even faster processor (maybe get a core 2 duo 6400 or something) which is on sale with a mobo right now for $179

ever saw the dell case before? it looks like crap outside, but the inside is as nice as those antec... and no u won't be able to built anything cheaper than dell. trust me on this one... you buy dell cuzz it's freaking cheap... your 20 dollar case + PSU is gonna blow real soon and take down everything with it. dell uses good case a quality PSU... they are also quiet.... like i said, u can built things better than dell but not cheaper....
my experience with slickdeals/fatwallet/overclocker/silentpc forum in the past 4 years told me that this is not possible.

 

[AGCurry]

What are you guys cracking on sync for? He didn't ask if he should build his own computer, but you guys want to rant.

I am A+ certified, Network+ certified, MCSA, with a bachelors degree in CIS. I have built and maintained several computers.

But the fact is - computers are now commodities. No matter what you get or build, it'll be slower than what you can buy for less money next year. If you want up-to-date performance, there is NO POINT in building a computer to last longer than 3 years.

The cheapest computer I can go out and buy off the shelf is FASTER than the computer I put together 3 years ago from top-quality components. My web server is a Dell Pentium III I got on eBay for $100, and it's absolutely up to the job.

Moreover, unless you know what you're doing, rolling your own can be more expensive and frustrating than you would expect. You are more likely to have a STABLE system in an off-the-shelf box. Loaded up with unnecessary crap, yes, but stable.

I will say that, for a DAW, it's smart to make sure that the power supply is adequate and that you have options in expandability and connectivity.

 

[Mindset]

We are not ranting, I dont' think. I am MCSE & A+ certified too, that doesn't mean anything. You have a point though, computers do get slower than what you can get $$ a year later. For some people, it's a never ending process of upgrading etc... For me, it's getting to a speed that I'll be comfortable for a long while. I am coming close, I like the speed of my system right now, and do not think any big jump in speed is necessary for myself at least. Why spend the money TODAY, to get something that you can get cheaper TODAY, if your looking for a system of course, TODAY. Not a year from now... Now if someone wants a system tomarrow, get the best you can get if you want it tomarrow... That's like saying, hey my $500 dollars, will go to a weaker system, instead of using the same $500 dollars for something better. Regardless if it'll be outdated next month, or year, or whatever, why would you want to be even MORE outdated, but half-assing it and spending your hard earned money, settling down for something less??? Maybe it's just me, but it doesn't make sense to me.

What are you guys cracking on sync for? He didn't ask if he should build his own computer, but you guys want to rant.

I am A+ certified, Network+ certified, MCSA, with a bachelors degree in CIS. I have built and maintained several computers.

But the fact is - computers are now commodities. No matter what you get or build, it'll be slower than what you can buy for less money next year. If you want up-to-date performance, there is NO POINT in building a computer to last longer than 3 years.

The cheapest computer I can go out and buy off the shelf is FASTER than the computer I put together 3 years ago from top-quality components. My web server is a Dell Pentium III I got on eBay for $100, and it's absolutely up to the job.

Moreover, unless you know what you're doing, rolling your own can be more expensive and frustrating than you would expect. You are more likely to have a STABLE system in an off-the-shelf box. Loaded up with unnecessary crap, yes, but stable.

I will say that, for a DAW, it's smart to make sure that the power supply is adequate and that you have options in expandability and connectivity.

 

[Hoyton]

Couldnt be said much better mindset.

 

[warlock110]

Actually I've seen the insides of them a million and a half times lol. Their insides don't look as bad as the outsides, true. But the power supply isn't all that great imo. My computer, is a lil cheaper, than the dell counterpart.... by. Custom built of course, by me. I've seen the system Dell sells, you start putting together a system, and it starts looking more and more expensive for the decent parts (at least 1gb, at least 160GB... Do you know what that $299 computer comes with????? 512mb of memory..... 80gb HD....... no monitor...... a slow processor.... OK The cheapest DELL currently today, is $359 This is what it comes with.... AMD Sempron 3400, built on video, 512mb, 80gb HD, no monitor, CDRW, and the case/ps... along with windows of course... That's EXPENSIVE in imo lol.... OK, now the half decent dell?? $699 for a dual core 3800+... only 512mb... Add the 1gb... $754 It's starting to go up... Comes with 160gb... OK I have 500gb, they don't have anything close, except for a 320gb, so now the price is $844, Sound... I have the 24/96 in there, so I added the Audigy to the comparing dell... $919, also the video card.... they don't have the 7900GS in there, so I put the best one they had.. Basic speakers, but with the sub, $959, I have wireless, so add that $994 I got the 13-1 card reader... add that... $1,014 I went and bought mcafee... add that... $1,093 btw.. I got 2gb memory, if you wanted to add that, $1,223 Still, too expensive...
For me that is. My system:
Pentium D 930 3ghz (overclocked to 3.4)
Gigabyte iDNA mobo
2gb Corsair XMS Platinum Series (DDR2 667)
500gb (2 SATAII 250 Seagate HD's)
16X Lightscribe HP DVDRW
48X CDRW/DVDROM
GeForce 7900GS
19" Samsung 930B
Xeon case w/ Xfinity 600w PS SLI ready
wireless mouse/keyboard
sound card is the 24/96, speakers are the studiopro 4's (pieces of shit)
My price: ($1,147) $196 dollars difference, for a more beefy system...
4 got to mention that I did spend $30 on a better fan... So it would be $166 dollars difference... STILL cheaper than the Dell. It's all about shopping for prices.. You probably already know that. All of the items were brand new. Though the 7900GS ironically came out of a brand new DELL computer and I paid $160 for it from a friend who bought a new dell, and upgraded the video card right away to a 7950gx2. OF COURSE Dells are one of the most decent machines you can get off the shelf, but I believe in spending money wisely, and getting something better than the same/near same product for cheaper. With the extra $160 dollars, I could go out and spend that on a even faster processor (maybe get a core 2 duo 6400 or something) which is on sale with a mobo right now for $179

The truth is this. you can't built a cheaper system than a dell in this case
1) U place an order at dell with coupons (these things float around the net, with the right config, u can get one really cheap)
2) u order everything at once at newegg (or some other online retailer)

You CAN however get a cheaper computer than a dell if u go through rebates and order parts day by day when it's on sale. but that's alot of work, and as times go buy the product u buy also decrease in value, by the time u gather all the parts (like 2 months).. the price have droped a bit more on the dells.

here is a recent deals from dell. and i'm pretty dang sure u can't beat their price.

Dimension 9200
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300
1GB, 80GB HD, CD-RW/DVD, $529

i belive it's intergraded graphic (or maybe an X300... no ideal what's in the dang thing)... but considering the E6300 is 183.00 on newegg... 1GB of DDR is 115 also on newegg (cheap ram, slow speed like dell, no name brand, dell ram is actually ECC i belive, which goes for a tiny bit more)
that's already 398 bucks, or let's call it 400

you'll need a motherboard, 80GB HDD, the CDRW, case, PSU, cheap keyboard/mouse... ect... for 129 bucks left, it's possible ... but it'll take some times for rebate + putting it together with no support...

 

[warlock110]

We are not ranting, I dont' think. I am MCSE & A+ certified too, that doesn't mean anything. You have a point though, computers do get slower than what you can get $$ a year later. For some people, it's a never ending process of upgrading etc... For me, it's getting to a speed that I'll be comfortable for a long while. I am coming close, I like the speed of my system right now, and do not think any big jump in speed is necessary for myself at least. Why spend the money TODAY, to get something that you can get cheaper TODAY, if your looking for a system of course, TODAY. Not a year from now... Now if someone wants a system tomarrow, get the best you can get if you want it tomarrow... That's like saying, hey my $500 dollars, will go to a weaker system, instead of using the same $500 dollars for something better. Regardless if it'll be outdated next month, or year, or whatever, why would you want to be even MORE outdated, but half-assing it and spending your hard earned money, settling down for something less??? Maybe it's just me, but it doesn't make sense to me.

i'm still running a 4ghz P4 i got 2 years ago... probably time for an upgrade though

 

[Mindset]

The truth is this. you can't built a cheaper system than a dell in this case
1) U place an order at dell with coupons (these things float around the net, with the right config, u can get one really cheap)
2) u order everything at once at newegg (or some other online retailer)

You CAN however get a cheaper computer than a dell if u go through rebates and order parts day by day when it's on sale. but that's alot of work, and as times go buy the product u buy also decrease in value, by the time u gather all the parts (like 2 months).. the price have droped a bit more on the dells.

here is a recent deals from dell. and i'm pretty dang sure u can't beat their price.

Dimension 9200
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300
1GB, 80GB HD, CD-RW/DVD, $529

i belive it's intergraded graphic (or maybe an X300... no ideal what's in the dang thing)... but considering the E6300 is 183.00 on newegg... 1GB of DDR is 115 also on newegg (cheap ram, slow speed like dell, no name brand, dell ram is actually ECC i belive, which goes for a tiny bit more)
that's already 398 bucks, or let's call it 400

you'll need a motherboard, 80GB HDD, the CDRW, case, PSU, cheap keyboard/mouse... ect... for 129 bucks left, it's possible ... but it'll take some times for rebate + putting it together with no support...

HEY that's pretty cheap.... for a core 2 duo. At the major electronic's store near us, they had a mobo with the 6400 on sale for $169. It was pretty cheap, and 1gb for $79. It's possible yeah, but like you said, some places have those rebates, and it takes time. But that Dell you mentioned, is a nice deal, I must have missed it. They had 200GB Maxtor HD on sale for 59 over here too, and like $19 for a cheapy wireless mouse/keyboard set. Cases were expensive as always though, but I can get good cases, with decent ps's in them from our vendors for under $25. crappy DVDRW's were running $29, but I would have gotten a HP or Sony one for $39 ($59 with mail in rebate lol).

It depends really on the person, if they want to build it (and know how to build one), or if they want to get one all together, off the shelf with no hassle, or if it's simply a too good deal to pass up (if someone was looking to get one).

4GHZ Pentium 4?? That's some OC'ing. I saw someone oc'd a processor, i forgot what kind, but it was sitting at 5ghz, and could be overclocked to a madness 8ghz, but not for a long period of time. It was a single core processor, I know that.

 

[warlock110]

HEY that's pretty cheap.... for a core 2 duo. At the major electronic's store near us, they had a mobo with the 6400 on sale for $169. It was pretty cheap, and 1gb for $79. It's possible yeah, but like you said, some places have those rebates, and it takes time. But that Dell you mentioned, is a nice deal, I must have missed it. They had 200GB Maxtor HD on sale for 59 over here too, and like $19 for a cheapy wireless mouse/keyboard set. Cases were expensive as always though, but I can get good cases, with decent ps's in them from our vendors for under $25. crappy DVDRW's were running $29, but I would have gotten a HP or Sony one for $39 ($59 with mail in rebate lol).

It depends really on the person, if they want to build it (and know how to build one), or if they want to get one all together, off the shelf with no hassle, or if it's simply a too good deal to pass up (if someone was looking to get one).

4GHZ Pentium 4?? That's some OC'ing. I saw someone oc'd a processor, i forgot what kind, but it was sitting at 5ghz, and could be overclocked to a madness 8ghz, but not for a long period of time. It was a single core processor, I know that.

it was one of those E revision P4 .. the 5ghz u are talking about are those newer P4 just right before dual core got release. if they hit 8ghz it's for benching only. liquid nitrogen runs out too fast for those things to be any value ... and my chip is originally a 2.4ghz P4 ... and i stuff it in a silent case (thermal take soprano with window) tower heatsink with 120mm fan, front/back 120mm, 120mm fan OCZ power stream... all on a sunbeam rubbus running at ~7V... so it's ok for recording. it's about time i go pick up a decent sound card... might go pickup that audigy 4 pro for 99 bucks.... maybe hehe.