Help: Computer Issues

[dkyros]

So my gaming needs dictated that I had to buy a better computer. After a lengthy review of all options (Asus G75, Alienware, Build own PC)I opted for a alienware m17x because of the 7970m graphics card and the fact that I will be moving in a few months (laptops are easier to move). It arrived this thursday and had several problems right out of the box. After contacting tech support and speaking with them for some time they came to the conclusion that I should send it back and get a new model shipped out to me. During this process I decided to request a full refund because I was so upset with the lack of quality control and the fact that I was again going to be without a gaming PC for another month or so.

This being said I still have the option of getting a replacement laptop or getting the refund. If I was going to get the refund I would use the money in building my own PC for the very first time. I am a little hesitant because the only thing I haven't done anything that resembles building a PC. Below I listed the specs of my alienware m17x and the PC I plan to buy.

M17x r4
240 GB SDD
8GB 1600 Hz RAM
3820 QM i7
AMD 7970m
Killer Wireless Card
Windows 7 Premium
Blue ray slot drive

Possible New Desktop
Rosewill Thorv2 Gaming Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147158
Intel i5 3870k LGA 1155 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116504
Cooler Master Hyper 212 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099
Artic Silver Thermal Compound http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007
8GM Corsair RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145261
GTX 680 GPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125422
z77 Gigabyte http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128544
850 Watt Power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139029
240 GB Corsair SSD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233208
DVD Optical Drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118067
Monitor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009255
Speakers http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121036
Wireless adapter http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815645002
Windows 7 home premium 64 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

 

[dkyros]

bump

 

[Tharwen]

Firstly, what's the problem?

Secondly, don't buy Alienware (Or Dell, Compaq, HP etc.)

Thirdly, get cheap computers with better support and little-to-no effort required on your part from smaller companies such as [a href="http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/"]CyberPower[/a].

 

[dkyros]

Firstly, what's the problem?

Secondly, don't buy Alienware (Or Dell, Compaq, HP etc.)

Thirdly, get cheap computers with better support and little-to-no effort required on your part from smaller companies such as [a href="http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/"]CyberPower[/a].

.

The problem is that I can't decided whether or not to get a new alienware sent to me or just get a full refund and buy the parts to a PC and build it myself. I have looked into cyberpower and ibuypower.com and I am a little apprehensive about going through them for parts. Reviews I have read have listed problems with stock RAM and power supplies that these companies use and the charge you more for choosing brand name components. Also although they do list some brands with the video cards they just for the majority of the GPUs they say "major brand available" meaning that you have no choice over the brand of graphics card that you will get. I felt as if I could get a better deal if I build it myself.

 

[Tharwen]

Firstly, what's the problem?

Secondly, don't buy Alienware (Or Dell, Compaq, HP etc.)

Thirdly, get cheap computers with better support and little-to-no effort required on your part from smaller companies such as [a href="http://www.cyberpowersystem.co.uk/"]CyberPower[/a].

.

The problem is that I can't decided whether or not to get a new alienware sent to me or just get a full refund and buy the parts to a PC and build it myself. I have looked into cyberpower and ibuypower.com and I am a little apprehensive about going through them for parts. Reviews I have read have listed problems with stock RAM and power supplies that these companies use and the charge you more for choosing brand name components. Also although they do list some brands with the video cards they just for the majority of the GPUs they say "major brand available" meaning that you have no choice over the brand of graphics card that you will get. I felt as if I could get a better deal if I build it myself.

Actually, yeah. A stock PSU I got from Cyberpower exploded a few weeks ago...

But still, you'll always get a better deal when you build yourself, you just pay for it with time and effort.

And still don't buy Alienware.

 

[ohnoitsabear]

Building a PC isn't hard, assuming all of the parts are compatible, which isn't a problem 95% of the time. The only things you need to remember are to be careful about static electricity (touching the metal on the case should do it, or spend eight bucks on an anti-static wristband), and make sure to never force anything, especially the cpu. Other than that, it's a matter of putting everything where it fits and following the instructions that come with the parts.

As for your possible build, the biggest problem I see is the complete lack of a hard drive. A solid state drive by itself is not going to have nearly enough storage, and having everything on it will dramatically reduce its lifespan. Personally, I would ditch the SSD altogether, as the faster boot times are nice, but not necessary, they are expensive, and they tend to wear out much faster than regular hard drives. I had one that lasted less than a year, so I am really hesitant to recommend them to anybody.

Aside from that, you could probably do quite a bit to reduce the cost of your computer, but it's really a matter of what you're willing to spend, and what you're willing to give up.

And I must agree with Tharwen, stay away from Alienware. You can do much better for your money.