Brother's XPS 720

[Technoholic]

My brother is getting $2,300 system without monitor. My father prefers to get something without having to purchase parts by parts. So Dell XPS 720 would do. I'm surprised my father would do something like this.

Basically, the system is...
Q6600
3GB DDR2 800 RAM
DUAL 8800GT 512MB SLI
Windows XP Media Center Media

I think my father told me that he was getting 500GB harddrive, I'm not sure. But if so, I'd partition it and put in Vista for DirectX 10.

But how well do you think the system, WITH dual 512MB 8800GT will run in Crysis?

Just wanted some inputs.

[breathemetal]

I'd say it would run it pretty well But thats a lot of dough, you could easily build a rig like that urself for alot less. Why dont u just do it for them?

[Technoholic]

Originally Posted by breathemetal

I'd say it would run it pretty well But thats a lot of dough, you could easily build a rig like that urself for alot less. Why dont u just do it for them?

I tried. I tried telling my dad that it cost cheaper.

I guess he prefers to have it his own way, and warranty, less hassle...

Ben is a COD4-freak on 360, I think. He'd prolly love it on his computer as well. I played COD4 for the first time on 360 tonight, omg..It owns. I will buy the game for my system.

[XDanger]

You could probably build 2 for that money ,No need for a warranty.

[stncttr908]

I really wish there was something you could say to change his mind. My buddy just went down to Micro Center and picked up a Q6600, 8GB DDR2 (he's into 3D modeling, hence the quad core and 8GB), dual 8800GTs and a 780i motherboard for $1400.

And now he's getting the 30" Dell, meaning his total cost after that, a case, and whatever other bits will only be slightly higher than this XPS, w/o monitor.

In your dad's defense though, having a nice all-inclusive warranty on that kind of investment is a major plus.

[Technoholic]

Originally Posted by XDanger

You could probably build 2 for that money ,No need for a warranty.

Well, you may never know what happens. My brother did have to have a Dell rep to actually came to our home to fix the system, covered by Dell warranty. I'm not sure what happened though.

I did offer my dad to buy through Newegg and it's much cheaper, and he just goes against me.

[CapnKirk]

Originally Posted by Technoholic

My brother is getting $2,300 system without monitor. My father prefers to get something without having to purchase parts by parts. So Dell XPS 720 would do. I'm surprised my father would do something like this.

Basically, the system is...
Q6600
3GB DDR2 800 RAM
DUAL 8800GT 512MB SLI
Windows XP Media Center Media

I think my father told me that he was getting 500GB harddrive, I'm not sure. But if so, I'd partition it and put in Vista for DirectX 10.

But how well do you think the system, WITH dual 512MB 8800GT will run in Crysis?

Just wanted some inputs.

Gunna make this quick.
Before the Blackbird I bought the DELL XPS 720 H2C, $6200, no monitor.

The bios isn't open so you can only change a few things.
The 8800 Ultra cards were slow and so close together that they would get very hot.
You can't put anything but more dvd roms in the front bays and they have 4 open bays???

My first one just crashed and died after 2weeks, got a replacement which started to leak coolant and ruined everything.
They sent every single part but they case and i put it together with the utmost care and it was fine.
But since the parts were refurbished the power supply actually smoked and burned some wires.

That was it for me. As far as running games it would be ok, but things get so hot that it will shut down, crash or die.

http://home.comcast.net/~seven333/DSCF3711.JPG

gotta go, Dell owns alienware so no good, there isn't any machine that is really good thats pre-built unless you get a good Blackbird or build one.

one of my builds

http://home.comcast.net/~moshea/all_lit_up.JPG

[EciDemon]

You should educate your dad that building the rig is half the fun
and it's no hassle, just order everything from the same source, you get it cheaper and if anything is doa, it should be no problem geting it replaced.
Besides ... Dell .. i get a bad taste in my mouth just saying it lol.

Another tip, Copy the setup from a ready built rig, ie simalar hardware but order it in peices and you can be pretty sure it will work. Can't get any easier then that. You might missout on those special design cases, but there are plenty other brands (better too) available, and you still would not have broken that budget.

You wanted input, there it is.

[EciDemon]

CapnKirk> a bit OT here... that temperature lcd monitor module, been eyeballing one of those, could you perhaps share some thoughts about it ?
Any good, easy to install, customize etc etc
Would be mounted in a black case tho (TT Kandalf, older model)

[stncttr908]

Perhaps if you persuaded him to get extended Newegg warranties on the important components he'd budge.

[CapnKirk]

Originally Posted by EciDemon

CapnKirk> a bit OT here... that temperature lcd monitor module, been eyeballing one of those, could you perhaps share some thoughts about it ?
Any good, easy to install, customize etc etc
Would be mounted in a black case tho (TT Kandalf, older model)

Here's a link, I liked it, bought 4 of them in case they stopped making them and wanted to have backups or use some in other rigs.

http://www.xoxide.com/aerocool-gatewatch-black.html


Can't go into detail, really have so much to do, but it worked fine.
Will try and remember the cons and pros in detail, but I have to get this room cleaned up and have cases and computers to lug to the basement.

Then more cleaning up.

Only reason the pc is on, my wifes pc, is because I keep checking the UPS tracking.

[Technoholic]

Little update.

The system arrived. Funny thing is, when the FedEx delivery guy was setting down one small box, my dog came running right out when I stopped him, he barked real loudly and the guy was scared as f$#k. I told the guy he doesn't bite quickly, he just gets excited. It was funny though, poor guy though he almost shatted in his pants. lol

Small box you ask? Found out my father also ordered 22" Dell monitor with built in webcam. I'm jealous!! He has glossy screen as well! But up to 1680x1050 though...

So that's why the total is $2,300+. Besides the monitor, it's probably less than $2,000 I guess.

[Edit] My dad won't be setting up the system until he has time, or unless he asks me to set it up. He said he don't wanna do it now or tomorrow. Tomorrow, he's doing the tax refund. I hope he will ask me to do it though!!!