who builds the most flexible computers?

[Scorpion]

I'm looking to buy a new computer, but not really in the mood to self build.

However I want the ability to be able to replace pieces with relative ease should the need or want arise.

Because of this Dell is out of the question. And I refuse to buy Alienware as they are way too pricey.

Basically I'm just looking for a system that will be able to run HL2 at just above its min settings. I don't want a super gaming or super expensive computer.

Prolly looking to spend around 1k at most. Any suggestions?

[Nefarious]

buy the parts and pay someone else to build it for you

[Uthor]

I got an ABSPC from (shockingly) www.abspc.com I like it, fairly easiy to upgrade, good price (as of two years ago), all specs/names/instruction books/etc of all parts give (as in, I got the manual for my vid card and I knew my mobo was from Gigabyte (got that box too)). Only thing is that the OS is OEM (can't use windows on a diffenet motherboard). I had problems replacing the motherboard (my fault for breaking it) because of Windows not running on the new one.

[Canon]

Order all your components from newegg.com... seriously... it takes, what, a half an hour to assemble everything?

You'll save hundreds of dollars.

[ThriKreen]

Plus you get more experience putting it together, and then aren't as intimidated by the act should you need to do it again. Or do what most of us do and do incremental upgrades, swapping out a part here and there, then discover you end up with enough parts left over to built 6 more computers.

[Canon]

I, for instance... have three PCs (two winxp one linux), a notebook, and an xbox converted to a linux PC.

... all sorts of extra parts lying around too.

[sexyownage]

www.ibuypower.com

[Spyder]

tell me what you want, i'll buy everything for you and build it because i'm a nice guy. Just give me the cost to ship it back to you :D

ps: i'm serious

edit: by "buy everything for you", i mean you still have to pay.

[kael]

Its easier then you can imagine to build a computer. Have you ever upgraded at all and had to install anything? I really would say to build your own.

[HighPingedLPB]

If I can build my own computer, anyone can :D

[sexyownage]

if i lived by u i would build it for you. i build all my friends computers ever since i convinced them to stop buying vaios.

[Uthor]

People, he never said he couldn't build one, he just doesn't feel like it.

[Scorpion]

Yup, just not feeling like it right now. I built my current computer :)

I might still go with just buying all the parts and telling my brother to put it together, that's always fun. Chances are I will break down and just build it myself again when I actually do have the money instead of just looking around for a cheapo prebuilt like I am now, but its always nice to see if there are any prebuilts out there that allow flexibility and aren't too expensive. Would be something I could recommend to my mom or dad. They know how to swap cards in and out just fine but assembling from scratch wouldn't be a good idea for them.

[Scorpion]

if i lived by u i would build it for you. i build all my friends computers ever since i convinced them to stop buying vaios.

Where were you when my mom insisted on buying not just one but 2 of those pieces of shit? She bought a PC and a laptop vaio... major problems since day one yet she's looking to replace the pc with another viao despite my insisting she let me or my brother build her one instead.

[Uthor]

I haven't heard much about VIAOs until I read an article on media PCs (video editting and burning). Called the VIAO overpriced for what you get and slower than any other system with the same parts. Next day saw some guy at Best Buy telling a customer that the VIAOs were the best bet for a media PC.

/end random tangent

[ferret]

http://www.monarchcomputer.com is a local company I buy from. You'll see them listed from time to time in price lists as competitive with NewEgg. They sell to the public, as well as being a wholeseller, etc.

Some times there prices are a bit high, sometimes quite a bit lower. They'll put together the parts you pick though. I've used them for various parts and PCs for 4 years.

[sexyownage]

i got my ram from monarch. decent shipping and prices. and they'll test out all ur parts for you.

[Spyder]

yep i got a motherboard combo from monarch a while back, it was about as much as it would cost to get all the peices separate, but they test everything for you so you know it works when u get it.

[Satanic_Hamster]

www.micronpc.com

[blue]

www.gateway.com

er oops. never mind. ;)

[PeregrineFalcon]

www.pfalcon.com

[wtf]

www.dell.com

[Satanic_Hamster]

www.dell.com

amx_banid 99999999999999999999 andy "****ing Dell user"

[Anonymous]

http://www.falcon-nw.com

Falcon PCs -- Recommended by TechTV, Slashdot, and PC Gamer

[kud0z]

They're also more expensive than AW's.

[Spyder]

no kidding...their high end premade system is over $5000... AW's is around $3k i think.

[Anonymous]

AW has limited choice on components and uses Pentiums..

Falcon uses AMD and has more options on downgrading and upgrading, as well has plenty of customization.

[PeregrineFalcon]

<-----This falcon uses, AMD, Intel, and Motorolla (PPC), in his rock stable machines.

[Nefarious]

AW uses AMD too you tard

[Nefarious]

http://alienware.com/Configurator_Pages/aurora_ddr.aspx?SysCode=PC-A51AURORA&SubCode=SKU-PERFORMANCE

but ewww... they make you use the Via chipset in your Asus motherboard...

[sexyownage]

think you're thinkin of DELL for only using p4's

[Azrael]

http://www.monarchcomputer.com is a local company I buy from. You'll see them listed from time to time in price lists as competitive with NewEgg. They sell to the public, as well as being a wholeseller, etc.

Some times there prices are a bit high, sometimes quite a bit lower. They'll put together the parts you pick though. I've used them for various parts and PCs for 4 years.

Monarch++

They've got a 9.6 on www.resellerratings.com. I've been doing business with them for almost 4 years, and never had a problem. They stand behind their parts, and as ferret said, sometimes they run a little higher than newegg, but sometimes lower as well.

[Anonymous]

resellerratings? So Monarch sells resold PCs, not market fresh?

[stormFury]

www.cyberpowerinc.com