Step 1: Form a list of what you generally want. RAM, CPU, HDD, DVDRom, CDRWrom, Speakers, Peripherals, Monitor, Case, Fan, MoBo, etc.

Step 2: Check yellow pages to find local computer stores that will assemble and service your computer. (Future Shop is NOT a local ccomputer store)

Step 3: Of the stores on your list, visit as many as you can and ask for a quote. Often you can save $100+ on the same product just by shopping at a different store.

Step 4: Before buying, make sure that the store is not a "fly-by-night" store. Also make sure that they will service your machine if you have problems.

Step 5: Pick a Store and buy your 'puter

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u can get a brand new dell for under 700 bucks..thats top of the line. buy the computer and sell all the shit u dont need (monitor, mouse, etc.) at a computer show or to a place that refurbishes puters and save even more money.

dude ur getting a dell..

lol

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pixel8edconcepts.com :: new flash site in the works

dude, dont get a dell. like you were originally pointing out, retail pcs suck majorly. they use as many generic parts as they can to save on costs which makes dells and gateways etc much inferior to home-made or custom ordered pcs. if you dont know how to assemble a computer from scratch, id try either a local shop as suggested, or a few online places (which will probably be cheaper).

for online, try http://www.googlegear.com for customizable systems built cheaply and with quality products. good luck!

--dB--

http://www.pricewatch.com has all the parts you'll need at pretty good prices. The cheapest way to improve your performance your ram. What kind of budjet are you on?

quote:

Originally posted by kirbtastic u can get a brand new dell for under 700 bucks..thats top of the line. buy the computer and sell all the shit u dont need (monitor, mouse, etc.) at a computer show or to a place that refurbishes puters and save even more money. dude ur getting a dell.. lol

You are not getting a top-of-the-line PC for $700 --Even if it is in American dollars.

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Dell means 'slut' in Dutch

quote:

Originally posted by jploveparade Dell means 'slut' in Dutch

lol.

well heres the specs http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/produ...en_desktops.htm

..its pretty top of the line..of course its no Mac.

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pixel8edconcepts.com :: new flash site in the works

http://www.cyberpowersystem.com/home.htm

These guys are the best in the business. Great prices, and they'll build you a rock solid machine: I've been buying from them for eight years and I've never had to call their customer service ONCE.

quote:

Originally posted by kirbtastic lol. well heres the specs http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/produ...en_desktops.htm ..its pretty top of the line..of course its no Mac.

this $700 one? top of the line? every one of the components is shitty with the option to 'upgrade' to acceptable components for lots extra.

i haven't seen this cyberpowersystem site before, but it looks good so far. around $1000 for the best id put together.

--dB--

quote:

Originally posted by kirbtastic u can get a brand new dell for under 700 bucks..thats top of the line. buy the computer and sell all the shit u dont need (monitor, mouse, etc.) at a computer show or to a place that refurbishes puters and save even more money. dude ur getting a dell.. lol

more like dude your getting raped up the ass

if you want to get a good pc without getting ripped off you will have to build it yourself. Going to the cyber power system might be a good middle ground but if you really want to save some major money you have to build it yourself.

Speaking of diffrent distributors, what makes some companys so much better than others, seeing as they all sell essentially the same product? Also whats special about pcs designed especially for gaming, they have the same hardware as a regular one.