Which PC maker offers the best "upgradable" box??

Ah yes. I remember the first PC I bought in Xmas of '95. It was a Gateway Pentium 1 or 2, with 2MB RAM, and a 14.4K modem. I kept that PC until 2001 and upgraded EVERYTHING on it including the processor. I found out later that Gateways (at the time) were one of the most adaptable mobos ever -- which is why I never had a problem swapping out video cards, processors, adding tape backup units (hey, anybody remember THOSE?), etc.

In 2008, however, most of the major manufacturers have proprietary builds that limit modification, I'm finding out. I'm on my second Dell, and I'm understanding how proprietary mobo builds, proprietary PSUs and other components can limit how you can upgrade.

Here's the question -- between Dell, Gateway, Sony, or other manufacturers, is there one that uses LESS proprietary builds than others? And yes, I can build my own. I've been researching it now. But you know, buying a cheaper pre-manufactured unit that is more scalable is an option as well.

 

Personally, I think you'd be better off just building your own machine and avoid the headaches. That way, when you do decide to upgrade later on, you'll know what will work and what won't and you won't have to depend on a PC maker. As for tech support on a self-built machine, well that won't be a problem either. After all, you have ALOT of really good, computer literate, well-versed people here at MGs!! At least this way you won't have to deal with a tech support person from another country that you can barely understand.

I know I didn't answer your question and I'm sorry about that, but I don't have a answer to it. I just wanted to express my opinion, because I've been where you are and after building my first machine, I'll never buy another pre-manufactured one!! Good Luck in whatever you finally decide to do!!

 

Well, if you are not going to build your own, I would go with a cheap Dell. Dell uses standard stuff most of the time now. I have upgraded a few Dells recently, and they seem to be well built machines, just not sure about the quality of the parts, because I am unfamilliar with the maker.

Dell is way overpriced on the high end, but they have some good deals on the cheap end.

I would advise you to build your own. Just my 2¢ worth.

E

 

The only disadvantage to a pre-built machine vs a self-build is no warranty and support. Oh yeah. The time. I guess I could take a couple of vacation days to do it.

And fortunately, we've got a couple of late model laptops around the house I can use to access internet help if I blow the build!

 

Guess I have been doing it too long. I can build one in an hour or so.

E:-D

 

If you want, just Google "building a PC" and you'll get an idea of what it's all about and how to do it. There's ALOT of sites under that heading that are really pretty good. Good luck and let us know how you're coming along, if you do decide to do your own build.

 

I actually have been googling a few sites, and pricing out system components at Tigerdirect just to give me an idea. There's a Fry's nearby I've stopped into as well to check pricing. The system I've priced out costs about the same as a Dell or HP, but that's because I priced out Quad core processors, 768MB SLI graphics cards, 4 GB RAM and other stuff. If I get more realistic about my budget, I can build a cheaper system.

 

Post some links to what you have selected. We might can find some better deals for ya'. Keep in mind you need a 64 bit OS to use 4GB of RAM... If you get an Intel Q6600, you might want to consider aftermarket cooling. They can run a bit warm.

You will need better cooling if you plan on any overclocking.

E

 

Thanks. I'm aware of needing Vista 64. I don't plan on overclocking, but I'm a bit confused on whether or not I need a cooling fan for the CPU. Some of Fry's combo mobo and CPUs already come with a CPU fan, which are pretty easy for me to figure out.

 

OEM CPU's don't come with a fan, and Retail CPU's come with the heatsink and fan. (Usually)

Should tell you somewhere in the fine print.

E