Assembled vs Branded PC

[iebng]

Hi,
For the last few weeks I'm carefully reviewing every possible options in buying a Desktop PC.
I came down to these options 1) Dell 2) HP 3) Compaq 4) Assembled

I really wanted to know which one to go for.

Is is that necessary to choose for a Quad Processor or Core 2 Duo.


I'm a Designer i use Photoshop, CorelDraw, Illustrator, QuarkXpress, InDesign softwares. I'm not Flash Programme so I think I won't require more Graphic Card, but I'm concern about other things.

Please let me know.

Thanks

[ApPy10]

If you use such huge type of graphics program then consider getting a graphics card with an high end pc. However, an assembled pc will cost you less than the branded ones, & incase if you need to upgrade in the branded ones then you will have to buy branded parts as well which is not the scenario in assembled pcs.

[Yogesh]

Is is that necessary to choose for a Quad Processor or Core 2 Duo.

I'm a Designer i use Photoshop, CorelDraw, Illustrator, QuarkXpress, InDesign softwares. I'm not Flash Programme so I think I won't require more Graphic Card, but I'm concern about other things.

Please let me know.

The programs that you are going to use and run on your PC seems to be resource consuming and for such programs I think Quad Processor will be a better option to go for.

Since you are a graphic designer, at times you may require to run high graphic applications and programs that consume high resources. Even though you are not using FLASH, in near future, there might be advances in graphic designing softwares for which you will require high end PC.

So considering that you are a graphic designer, I'll say go for Quad Processor

[Nikita.P]

I know there are high end computers available in DELL that can support all those applications you mentioned very well. These computers are specially meant for graphic design and are usually costlier. Confirm with DELL personally for such desktop.

HP, Compaq also might be having such desktops but I dont have any idea. Assembled computer will also be a great option if you are aware of what parts you will require and what configuration will be best suited for your requirements. And as ApPy10 said, you can also upgrade them later at cheaper rates than upgrading the branded one.

[iebng]

Thanks for all the posts.

I'll be investing up to 40K. But you see this is for home use, i meant i need to the system to be perfect and I don't want any troubles in the way.

A friend of mine said it is better to go for a branded system as assembled cannot be grantee, say suppose if RAM goes out or any other parts goes it has to be contacted to that company and the vendor would be of less use, will charge regularly for every visit to my system.

I need you suggestions

[Yogesh]

A friend of mine said it is better to go for a branded system as assembled cannot be grantee, say suppose if RAM goes out or any other parts goes it has to be contacted to that company and the vendor would be of less use, will charge regularly for every visit to my system.

Thats true. Assembled systems are good enough until they start giving problems. Once the problems started, generally, more and more come thereafter. Such computers are good for general use and medium end applications as they cost relatively cheaper.

For yours, majority will suggest to go for a branded machine so as to have a proper one that will live long and allow smooth running of programs that you intend to use

[iebng]

Thanks for the post,

I have two options here
1) Compaq Core 2 Duo with 2.60 Ghz - Rs 29,690/
2) Dell Core 2 Duo with 2.40 Ghz - Rs. 30,050/-
-------------------------
Is it neccasarily to have Intel Quad Processor or Intel Core 2 Duo is better enough, along side with 2 GB of RAM

[Yogesh]

I feel Intel Core 2 Duo is better enough along with 2 GB of RAM. Can handle considerable pressure and run high graphic programs efficiently. Quad Processors are the latest in technology and will cost you more. They will be advised for very high end graphic programs as required for Animation and such things. Besides such usage, Core 2 Duo is the best . Go for it.

[Nikita.P]

I have two options here
1) Compaq Core 2 Duo with 2.60 Ghz - Rs 29,690/
2) Dell Core 2 Duo with 2.40 Ghz - Rs. 30,050/-

The price tag seems to be appropriate for both. But then it depends on what configuration you are getting at that price. Ask for the detail configuration of both the desktops and compare them. Post the configuration here for both the machines if possible so that we can help you in some or other way to distinguish between the 2 and selecting the best 1.

[iebng]

I'm been told that some software's (pirated) cannot be installed in Branded machine whereas in Assembled it can be done.
But in the Branded PCs the latest Intel Core 2 Quad Processor comes with Price tag starting from 40K for Dell and 80K for HP.
I have surfed the net, the Compaq in Singapore they are offering with latest Intel Quad Processor. I don't know when the new model will arrive here in India.

Well I'll be using this system with latest version of Graphic programs, but the question is that, Is assembled pc is for low-mid range usage because i don't want the system to get into trouble after working with these graphic oriented programs. Well with the system, I won't be playing any high level games or use to watch videos on regular bases.
-----------------------------------
Compaq Presario SG3570IL PC
Processor, operating system and memory
Processor type
Intel® Core™2 Duo processor E7300
• 2.66 GHz, 3 MB Advanced Transfer Cache, 1066 MHz System Bus
Operating system installed
FreeDOS
Chipset
Intel® G31 Express Chipset
Standard memory
1024MB
Memory type
DDR2-SDRAM
Memory slots
2 DIMM
Internal drives
Internal hard disk drive
320 GB
Hard disk controller
Serial ATA hard drive
Hard disk drive speed
(7200 rpm)
Optical drive type
SuperMulti SATA Drive
Optical drive speed
SuperMulti SATA Drive with Lightscribe Technology, Double Layer (8.5GB) 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD±R DL, 12x DVD-RAM, 16x DVD-ROM, 40x CDR, 32x CDRW, 40x CD-ROM (max speed) data transfer rates up to 6,000 KB/s (CD read/write) and 21,632 KB/s (DVD read/write)
System features
Network interface
Integrated 10/100 BaseT network interface (Broadband Ready)
Video adapter
Intel® GMA 3100 Graphics
Video RAM
with 128MB shared graphics memory. Up to 251MB Total Available Graphics Memory as allocated by Windows Vista®
Internal audio
Integrated Intel High Definition Audio - 5.1 Surround Sound Ready
Audio connectors
1 Line-in; 1 Line-out; 2 Microphones (1 in front); 1 Headphone
Keyboard
Compaq PS/2 Keyboard, Compaq Optical, 2-button PS2 scroller mouse
External drive bays
External (2) 5.25", (2) 3.5"; Internal (1) 3.5"
Expansion slots
1 PCI Express (x16), 2 PCI Express (x1), 1 PCI
External I/O ports
6 USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 4 rear), 2 PS/2, LAN
Rs 27,690/-
------------------------------------------------
Dell Inspiron 530MT Desktop
Base System Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad Processor Q6600
(2.4GHz, 8MB L2 Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
Operating System Pre-Loaded Genuine Windows Vista(R) Home Premium OEM Version
Monitor Dell 19 SE198WFP WideScreen Flat Panel LCD Monitor(Analog & DVI)
Memory 3GB (2X1GB/2x512MB) NECC Dual Channel DDR2 667MHz SDRAM Memory
Hard Drive 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive with Native Command Queuing
Optical Drives 16X DVD+/-RW with Dual Layer Write Capabilities
Floppy Drive & Media Reader 19-in-1 Hi-Speed Media Card Reader
Video Card 256MB ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3450 DDR2
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 Channel (Audio) Capable
Speakers Dell(TM) AX210 USB Stereo Speakers
Keyboard Dell(TM) USB Enhanced Multimedia Keyboard with built-in 2-port USB Hub
Mouse Dell(TM) Optical USB Mouse
Security Software McAfee(R) Security Center(TM) – 30 days trial
Rs 43,400.17
--------------------------------------
Dell™ Vostro 410 Tower
Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600
Operating system
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
Memory
2GB (2x1GB) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM Memory
Monitor
Dell™ E198WFP 19" Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor
Harddrive
250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with Native Command Queuing
Optical Device
16X Max DVD+/-RW Combination Drive with double layer write capability
Graphic Card
Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
Speakers
N/A
Price: 40,149.60
--------------------------------------------------
Assemble PC
CPU Intel Core 2 Quad 2.4 GHz Q6600 Processor
Mother Boards INTEL DG33FB
Hard Disk 250 GB Serial ATA Seagate
RAM (Memory) 2 GB DDR2 800 MHz (Trancend)
Floppy Drives Sony 1.44 MB FDD
Display Adaptors 128MB GEFORCE FX 5200 AGP Card
Cabinets I-Ball I Net - X Cabinet (Black)
Monitors Samsung 19" SyncMaster 943NWX TFT Monitor
Key Boards HP Multimedia Keyboard (Balck)
Mouse Logitech Optical Black Mouse
DVD ROM / DVD Writers / External Drives DVD Writer Sony (Black)
Sound Cards 32 Bit 4 Channel Card
Speakers 480W Frontech Speakers
Total : Rs.34,220

[squeakyneb]

On behalf of computer technicians everywhere, i would like to ask you not to get the dell. I sometimes help at my step-fathers computer store, and everytime we get a dell to fix, we get problems. the cables are different, the sizes for everything are a bit off standard. But as long as i dont have to service it, go for it.

I vote towards the assembled rig, provided you get a professional to do it, and give his opinion on the best way to go. My step-father has a lot of experience, and he always gets things right, due to experience.

[Nikita.P]

Even I feel like the config of the assembled PC is good enough and if you are getting it assembled from an expert or a professional, chances are less that will give problems. In my views, go for it.

[Alex55699361]

Assembling is the Best Option Da.....U can go 4

Core2Duo
DGNL board tat supports Quad also
4GB RAM
320GB
2.1 AC300 Creative
19" Samsung
Microsoft Keyboard n Mouse

All 4 just 29,000Rs...

Every Hardware has its own warranty
Lik Hard disk-5yrs..etc