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General discussion

Who makes the best desktops?

Apr 13, 2005 6:29AM PDT

Alright, guys...let's get this over with, "once and"...well, "for a while"...at least! Silly

In your opinion, pound for pound, apples to apples, and all that--who makes the best desktops in terms of performance, price, reliability, and support?

You can stump for any company which you believe fits the bill--yes, even tiny little makers most of us have probably never heard of before.

-JDM Wink

(*No laptops, please! I'm going to start a separate thread for that in the Notebooks Forum.)

Discussion is locked

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Thanks for the info!
Apr 24, 2005 6:58AM PDT
Wink JDM
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What other equipment would you recommend
Apr 24, 2005 8:23PM PDT

So if I want to build my own PC what would you recommend from Tiger or other besides Enermax case.

Can I get a parts list?

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Emachines and Others
Apr 24, 2005 2:14AM PDT

As low end machines go, you really can't beat an Emachines. After being a die-hard BYO user/builder for years, when both of my computers were stolen and I needed a replacement rig in less than 24 hours, I bought one for what I thought would be a temporary solution. Needless to say, one year has passed and the Emachines is my primary network hub/general use computer. Here is what impressed me about them:

1. Quality off the shelf parts. The mobo is N-force based and the HD is a Western Digital.
2. Adequate RAM. Came with 512mb DDR
3. Respectable documentation. In addition to the quick start manuals that come with every rig, they included a manual for the mobo for both troubleshooting and expansion options.
4. Software suite. The hardcore wont use it, but for people who dont really know what they are doing, the starting software package can help them out even with their computer problems. They include something called "Big Fix" which notifies you if you have gone too long without a defrag or other maintenance tweaks and how to do such. Additionally, the standards such as MSWorks and Money along with Roxio are included.

Another company that I recommend is PCClub. If anything, it is not for their prices. It is because of their service. When I found on a more recent rig that I bought from another vendor, that they forgot to include the O/S disks, I went to them (PCClub) and asked how much a copy of XP would be. Rather than selling me the OS, they told me that if I could bring in my comp and had my own software key, they would loan me the OS and make me a copy of the CD onsite provided I stayed onsite with my comp to do so and did it myself. The units they do build are respectable with plenty of room for whatever you need.
www.pcclub.com

High End Machines - Personal experience tells me to go Alienware or Falcon-NW. However, with Alienware having more proprietary mobos in some of their units, I might shy away from them.

Machines to Stay Away from - That prize goes to both HP and Dell. HP was the vendor that sold me the unit without the OS disks. It took a local TV news consumer report for me to get the OS after I had fought with them for 5 weeks.
Dell on the other hand comes from word of mouth. Two of my friends ordered Dells through the military discount program. The custom machines they ordered were not the machines they received. After 5 returns, they got the product they ordered, but almost a year after they ordered it. Additionally, initally, it took more than 3 months to process the orders. Both friends were stateside. I heard other horror stories from other military members, and as a result, will not be purchasing Dell, even if the overall satisfaction is considered satisfactory.

I hope this helps.

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Okay...
Apr 24, 2005 6:54AM PDT

HP is off the list! Silly I know the company "can" make good stuff--I have one of their printers and it's really great--but it's pretty clear that their "service" leaves much to be desired...or that it is "extremely uneven" at best.

Thanks for all the info and interesting comments!

Wink JDM

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Doesn't anyone have...
Apr 18, 2005 4:47AM PDT

any smaller and/or less well-known companies that you'd like to tell us about? I can't believe that "everyone" either buys name-brand OEM units or builds their own. Please tell us about some of your favorite up-and-comers!

-JDM

(*Some of us would like the chance to buy stock, you know?) Silly

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why?
Apr 18, 2005 11:16AM PDT

why buy stock?
most small compaines (local ones) charge MUCH more than an OEM
so off the shelf brands are good due to their low cost, and custom builds are good to their blend of high performance, customizeability, and cost

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I'm talking about...
Apr 18, 2005 1:11PM PDT

the ones that have no intention of staying small forever.

Wink John

(*Don't forget that Apple used to be a "small" company.)

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(NT) (NT) Hypersonic PC
Apr 18, 2005 1:47PM PDT
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Thanks!
Apr 19, 2005 12:44AM PDT

Thanks for the info! I'll let people check the company out for themselves:

http://www.hypersonic-pc.com/

Personally, I wasn't too fond of the "banana yellow" PC they had on their main page...but I'll assume it comes in different colors. Wink

-JDM

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How would you guys rate Monarch?
Apr 19, 2005 1:21PM PDT

Do you own one, or know anyone who does? How are they in terms of quality, service, and support? (I know their prices are pretty good.)

-JDM

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From what i heard on these forums
Apr 19, 2005 1:36PM PDT

and with John Robies support, i think the brand is great. When i get a new desktop, with dual-core and longhorn, etc. I'll get it from them.
Roger

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Please...
Apr 19, 2005 1:46PM PDT

be sure to let us know how everything works out for you when you do! Wink

Sincerely, JDM

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Re: Monarch
Apr 19, 2005 2:04PM PDT

I received a (CNet/Profile) email from a member just recently, not posting his (user) name without his permission:

Quote:


"Subject: A quick thanks
Message:
Dear Mr. Robie,

You don't know me, but I wanted to send you a quick thank you for helping me with a computer purchase that you didn't even know you did. See, I was in the market for a new computer and I was researching Dells...building my own....tons of websites to try to find the best computer at a reasonable price. I accidentially ran into your post on a cnet forum highly praising monarch computer so I chose to check them out. Sure enough, I was impressed with their deals and went with them and I have no regrets. I love my machine and it's a top of the line beauty for only 1200 bucks. Thanks!"
Unquote.

Hi JDM,

I have not participated in your "Who makes the best Desktops" survey, as from my observation and experience quite a few different companies make excellent computers depending on what model being looked at.

As for myself, I'll have Monarch make my next computer with their excellent selection of quality parts and pay just a very slight $ over me building myself, and have someone to phone and make good if there is a problem (instead of chewing myself out). Wink

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Thanks!
Apr 19, 2005 2:21PM PDT

Thanks for the info, John!

Wink JDM

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Monarch is great!
Sep 12, 2005 6:58AM PDT

I ordered a new motherboard/processor combo from Monarch. I changed my mind about the processor halfway through the ordering process and they changed it with no problem. They fedexed it to me and after I installed it worked like a charm. They have excellent service and prices. I have a feeling their own computers are stellar from what I've read.

Scott

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How would you guys rate Predator?
Apr 19, 2005 2:25PM PDT

From what I can see, they make some really "cool looking" computers. Does anyone know anything about their quality, service, and support? Also, what do you think of the prices they charge?

http://www.predatorgamingpc.com/

-JDM

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RE:
Apr 19, 2005 2:36PM PDT

definitely not a brand, i've heard of nor is it very good if you ask me. I have no idea how to order a pc, and there are no costs labeled. This site looks like a pc maker for a really small niche.
Roger

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I've heard...
Apr 19, 2005 2:46PM PDT

good things about them, but nothing very specific. Mostly along the lines of, "Buy a Predator! You won't be sorry!" They've been around for a few years now, and seem to have a good rep. Does anyone own one, or know anyone who does?

-JDM

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BTW
Apr 19, 2005 3:35PM PDT

There's a company called MDG (located in Canada) that is "aggressively marketing" their own brand of PCs. According to the people I know who've bought from them, they've been nothing but trouble. The machines arrived late, with the wrong parts, at the wrong price, DOA, etc. Sales people who promised the world, "disappeared" after they failed to deliver. After sales service and support has been described as "sarcastic". Just thought people should know.

-JDM

(*If anyone has had a good experience with MDG, please tell us about it. It's only fair to air both sides.)

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UK
Apr 20, 2005 8:24AM PDT

I live in England, had no clue about computers, read a review in PC Advisor and bought a model called 'Mesh Matrix' in May 2003. Small company great support and provided what I now realise were worthy components, Asus A7N8 de luxe 2, athlon XP 3000 ATi 9700, Nvidia GE Force etc. It was extremely reasonable by British standards and would probably compare as our version of Monarch. I called support twice, got through straight away and they even sent me a long report about eliminating a virus, and re-installing damaged files. It's old hat now but has never blipped over hardware and runs 24/7. I just say this as support for smaller companies. I know more about the systems available now and would not look at Dell, HP, Emachines or Sony. However if they exported, I'd be tempted by Monarch or TMG.

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Thanks!
Apr 20, 2005 11:05AM PDT
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Now...They Sure Looked Like A Nice Up & Comer, Eh?
Apr 29, 2005 11:58AM PDT

I'd have to agree with that last posting from Paul about 'Mesh'. From e-thing I've read, on their website>as well as from others; they really have all the bases covered in the UK...from 'Business/Office' level to the 'Gaming' class. Also look to be nice quality parts in their systems, at quite reasonable prices over-all. That's certainly saying a lot, considering I'm from a family that owns a small, but very lucrative, custom-PC business-locally. We've seen our fair share of inadequate name brand PC's, over the years. It's a shame that the larger companies feel the need to lure unsuspecting potential buyers in with overwelming media saturation/advertisements, with pure FLASH. Then when they've lured their customers in, taken their hard earned money, they have no further use for them.
I'm still not completely sold on any one "Off-The-Shelf" brand name, though. Will probably always be of the old school train of thought, "if ya want something built right, do it yourself!" Just one humble opinion.

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So, these are the winners...
Apr 21, 2005 5:29AM PDT

Emachines wins the "overall" category.

Apple wins the "best hardware" category.

Voodoo PC wins the "extreme gaming" category.

And Monarch wins "honorable mention".

Does that sound about right to you guys?

Wink JDM

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Dell for non techies
Apr 21, 2005 9:28PM PDT

Due to quality, price, reputation, warranty, support, I always reccomend Dell. I'm constantly bugged about some component failure from self built or if the idiot I built it for screws up the operating system. Dell handles all that. Worth every penny!

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Dell for non techies
Apr 21, 2005 10:33PM PDT

I have owned a Dell Dimension 4300 for three years or so and have not had any problems with it once I scraped MS Melenium. I now use MS XP Home SP2 and have not had any problems since. I did buy a store made computer once and it never did work right from about the first week. Also bought 2 that a computer builded made for me, they worked for awhile, then started having problems, mother board, hard drive, power supply, ect. Give me a Dell.

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I agree - Dell for non-techies
Apr 22, 2005 1:03AM PDT

I absolutely agree. For my parents, sister, and non-technical friends I always recommend Dell. The time it saves *ME* in having to support them is worth every extra penny they spend!! Happy

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Good Luck With Support
Apr 22, 2005 2:38AM PDT

While I agree dell makes a decent computer, If you have any problems good luck getting any useful support, unless you have about 10 to 20 spare hours to sit around on hold with customer support in India.

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No No No to Dell. Yes in a tie between Emachines and HP
Apr 22, 2005 3:09AM PDT

You can always build a better machine to suit your needs. But I'll direct this post concerning people who don't know a great deal about computers, couldn't do their own repairs or upgrades, and own machines to do personal home business, school work, gaming, or small scale video editing.

First, I'll say I would not suggest a Dell. I've had the most awful experience with Dells in a repair shop.

The tech help over phone is sub contracted out. (Self explanatory).

Then those poor lost souls who have a motherboard die outside of their Dell warranties almost always results in a completely new computer.

The processor, memory (sometimes), and drives are reusable. But I've seen most have proprietary case designs and motherboard layouts (non-standard ATX). Which makes the customer purchase a new case, with new motherboard, and pay for the service to transfer everything over.

On top of that was Dell's "wonderful" decision to use rambus in a few models that you could only buy from them. This obvisously doesn't work in a new replacement board with PC style memory. So the customer has to buy new memory as well.

After all the new hardware purchases, and service repair costs, the customer could have walked away with a new OEM desktop from Emachines.

Which by the way is my personal favorite. Emachines today sport simple case designs and are surprisingly quite upgradable. This is 180 degree turn around though. Emachines used to have the most awful case designs for repairs and upgrades, but I digress.

Deciding what features you want to support before you buy a computer, you can get an Emachines that might seem close to barebone but can take the cards you want to put in there later. Or upgrade the processor even.

My other favorite is HP. They are extremely reliable right now. Most of the ones I've popped open lately have been sporting Asus motherboards, quite a reputable company. HP's come across to me as being less upgradable, but if you shop smart and just peer into the case before you buy it, you can see what you are up against.

The rule is know what you want before you go to buy!

My overall opinion: Dell is way too proprietary. Emachines are my favorite, with HP a short step behind.

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Agreed - Yes (and no) to Dell
Apr 23, 2005 4:37AM PDT

Dell makes a very good PC for those of us who either don't have the knowledge, interest, or time to devote to other types of PCs (i.e. build-your-own).

One caveat: Dell, in the past, built it's reputation on it's customer service. Have you seen their recent television ad? The guy lying awake at night, worried about tech support, on the phone with a Dell tech?

Well trust me, even though the rumor that Dell was going to bring it's support back to our sea-to-shining seas gave me great hope ... it hasn't happened.

If you are a beginning computer user and have basic computer questions (and can understand the English spoken language with a huge Indian accent) then Dell tech support can, and very willingly will, help you.

If something goes wrong with your new computer, Dell WILL fix or replace it.

But for many of us Dell's tech support is now a joke at best and a nightmare at worst.

BTW, my last computer was a Dell. And my recently purchased one is, indeed, a Dell!

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I've heard...
Apr 23, 2005 5:01AM PDT

that Dell is bringing its "business tech support" back to the States. (They make no bones about the fact that they consider their business clients to be their most important market.) However, simply from a cost point of view (and the accountants are definitely in charge at Dell), I don't believe the company will repatriate its "consumer" support operations anytime soon.

Personally, I hope that they at least decide to switch to a slightly "higher caliber" of offshore support. They may think they're being "cost conscious" in choosing the "cheapest" providers...but I think it's costing them a lot more than they realize.

Wink JDM

(*BTW, if your company buys a lot of stuff from Dell...and you can order through them...you are almost certain to get a much better quality of hardware than you would from the "regular consumer" channels. You'd also get "business" support--so it's worth considering!)