New Computer

[a1945]

Ok im thinking of upgrading to a Dell XPS system probably the 720 with liquid cooling, is it a good idea to completely load it up with every available feature

[Fulmar]

Depends on the features and what your needs are and also what your budget is.  If you break it down to these categories, then you can justify what you should buy and what you shouldn't

[Krusty]

Dells have.... "issues"... with playing nice with other children.

Meaning they like to use proprietary plugs on motherboards, cases, USB headers, firewire headers, anything that the rest of the entire industry has standardized, Dell goes out of its way to make sure you can't upgrade.

They also totally SUCK in regards to reformatting or reinstalling windows. My sister didn't have a proper restore disc and it won't repair her system. Reinstalling from scratch left her without major drivers, her BIOS screen takes 5 minutes to get to POST, and Dell can't/won't fix it unless you schedule and in-house person to come do it (hell no!).

It's not a matter of just installing a normal version of Windows onto it, either. That won't work like it should.

Dell screws with too much of their system to EVER make me recommend them to anybody, period. You will regret it at some point.



P.S. My sister paid for a 3-year warranty plan, pricey too. Warranty says you have to bring it in to a licensed Dell repair shop. Only there aren't any! Dell shut down all their service centers and will only do in-home stuff. We can't even really mail it to them, either. Nowhere to mail it, and it would cost more than the PC is worth probably. If Dell just put a normal OS install on normal hardware like a normal system none of this would be a problem. They go out of their way to make sure you cannot get any help if anything goes wrong.

[Getback]

Build it! You will not get anything you don't need and you don't want. Plus if the 720 is a gaming machine then you will save a bunch of money and enjoy a greater accomplishment.

[BaldEagl]

What types of features are we talking about here?  Hardware, software or simple harware upgrades?

I'd say if it's software, minimize what you have installed.  If it's hardware, you need to decide if you're going to use it and how often.  My last system was a Dell and as far as hardware updates went, I looked at the cost vs how much of an upgrade I was getting and tried to go for the best bang for the buck.

Those are my recommendations if you insist on buying pre-built as opposed to building it yourself (you'de save as much as half and it really isn't hard).

Krusty is correct in Dell using proprietary plugs but I think it's only the power supply where they do that.  I had no problems adding RAM, replacing the video card, sound card, modem, etc. or in adding other cards for various peripherals but I bought that machine in 1999 (and it's still running). 

[Getback]

Those are my recommendations if you insist on buying pre-built as opposed to building it yourself (you'de save as much as half and it really isn't hard).

It's just like playing with Legos only more fun.

[a1945]

No i'm building it on the dell website now i know im getting the fastest processor but thats as far as ive gotten

[StarOfAfrica2]

What types of features are we talking about here?  Hardware, software or simple harware upgrades?

I'd say if it's software, minimize what you have installed.  If it's hardware, you need to decide if you're going to use it and how often.  My last system was a Dell and as far as hardware updates went, I looked at the cost vs how much of an upgrade I was getting and tried to go for the best bang for the buck.

Those are my recommendations if you insist on buying pre-built as opposed to building it yourself (you'de save as much as half and it really isn't hard).

Krusty is correct in Dell using proprietary plugs but I think it's only the power supply where they do that.  I had no problems adding RAM, replacing the video card, sound card, modem, etc. or in adding other cards for various peripherals but I bought that machine in 1999 (and it's still running). 

They use a proprietary motherboard mounting as well, aftermarket boards wont fit in a Dell case.  Power supply.  Most of the rest can be replaced with aftermarket parts.  Be aware though that they usually put in a power supply that is just right for the needs of the system as it was when it left the factory.  Upgrading the video card usually means asking Dell for a bigger power supply. 

That said, they are doing much better these days with quality control.  My new system is a custom built Dell (and there are dealers who specialize in building Dell computers, you just have to find them) slimline design and I cant be happier with it.  As for the XPS systems, the line is a direct result of Dell's purchase of Alienware.  They are a tad pricey (altho not as much as Alienware), but they are rock solid gaming machines built expressly for that purpose.  You could build an equal system for less money, but if you aren't sure of yourself building one and you have the cash, you won't regret buying a XPS.

[Hawk55]

Krusty hit the nail right on the head.    Their OS re-install is an absolute nightmare alone.    I've had to "fix" a couple friends Dell's and it's a pain in the arse getting drivers from the mfg's.  And there are many other issues with them I hate.  I highly recommend getting a custom build (Ibuypower.com is very good) as you can pick out what you want, and in the long run will be much cheaper...and it's also easier to upgrade a component.

[StarOfAfrica2]

I have to admit I dont use a Dell OS on my Dell computer.  Its a generic install of Windows XP with specific drivers for the board and components downloaded from Dell's website and then installed.  But it wasnt difficult in the least, no more than any other computer setup. 

[AirFlyer]

Honestly your better off learning how to build your own, it's not nearly as complicated as you would think. Dell is the worst of computer manufactures, I've had to "fix" two Dell XPS's already of my friends just because of all the crap they shove on their computers. Building your own will not only be cheaper, but your much more likely to get exactly what you want.

[Getback]

Honestly your better off learning how to build your own, it's not nearly as complicated as you would think. Dell is the worst of computer manufactures, I've had to "fix" two Dell XPS's already of my friends just because of all the crap they shove on their computers. Building your own will not only be cheaper, but your much more likely to get exactly what you want.

I like Dell computers for just casual use not gaming. If you just need a cheapie for everday stuff get a dell. For gaming, never. You can build one for less than half of the cost of a dell gaming computer and get the really good stuff.

[1701E]

Dell certainly has its problems.  I have a Dell here somewhere, and nothing about it is good (except that it makes a nice paper weight). As mentioned Dell has the idea of not allowing much of anything upgrading wise, by this they make everything to their own "standards".  Motherboards don't come in standard ATX/Micro-ATX layout normally, PSUs are almost impossible to replace, even something as simple as replacing a DVD-Drive is hard.  They like putting screws in places they shouldn't be, or in almost impossible to reach places.  Even the cases are funky, they make it so only certain thing fit, such as CD/DVD drives, PSU, Fans.  As for software/restores, they are a nightmare.  Dell seems to think it takes 8 disks to restore a computer, and as much as it sucks, they make sure you need em all.  Normally each thing (Graphics drivers, CD drivers, etc.) are all on separate disks.

[a1945]

Honestly your better off learning how to build your own, it's not nearly as complicated as you would think. Dell is the worst of computer manufactures, I've had to "fix" two Dell XPS's already of my friends just because of all the crap they shove on their computers. Building your own will not only be cheaper, but your much more likely to get exactly what you want.

ok but can a custom have the processor speed of a dell xps 720

[JTs]

dell gets the same processors that everyone else does.