Looking for a new gaming machine

[MDA]

Found this forum from my local public radio station's technology segment. I emailed the reporter and asked if he new anything about Alienware computers and their customer service. He didn't (or didn't want to say good, bad or indifferent things) but pointed me to this forum. I'm bummed to read so many disparaging things about them. Their site is well put together, components look great (I'm an amateur gamer, play WWII shooters, Splinter Cell, Combat sims and the like. Not proficient enough in computers to fix my own problems, but plenty adept at creating them.)

It seams that with Alienware, you get 2 flavors. Very good or very bad. I'm patient, but not patient enough should I get a lemon; bad analogy, I actually like lemons.

So, now to my question (no, I'm not going to build my own), what companies should I be looking at for a (gaming) computer (70% Gaming, 10% video/pictures, 10% PowerPoint, Word, Publisher, 10% everything else) ? Why "that" company? Good points? Bad Points?

Thanks.
Mike

[Falcon_2004]

What ever you do stay away from Alienware computers. Why, I know of five friends that wanted one of those computers three of them have sent there computers back for repairs. Two of them had to send it back two times for the same problem, and when they got it back the first time there was damage done when in Alienware hands.

The other two had no real problems that they could not fix with help from Alienware, one logged about 18 hours in about one week working out the bugs, BSOD, bad drivers, and systems not installed correctly. (Some 200-point check they have).

With that said, I would look at Falcon, the Mach V is very $$$$, but the Talon is a very good entry computer. Voodoo is another good company, but also $$$$. I don’t know how much you are going to spend, but my gaming gig cost around $7,000 to $8,000 but its one of the best and its from Falcon Northwest.

[jmmarquis]

Long time ago, the perception of Alienware was different. I think things started to change about the time you could buy them in Best Buy, or some place like that. They still make good computers, but for an incredible premium. Lots of gamers want looks and bragging rights along with their perfomance. Also uniqueness. Alienware was like buying a flashy sportscar. Now premodded cases are everywhere. Eye-catching (and usually ugly) plastic faced cases are the norm. Not that their cases are ugly, but the wow factor has diluted considerably. Also, Alienware PCs are not uncommon now. Also, there are many more system builders now to compete with. Their website and "marketing" has been heavily augmented to compete with lower-priced alternatives.

I can appreciate a nice distinctive case, even windowed, but if you are one that thinks a gaming computer should light up your room with 6-sided Vegas-style lighting coming from your hot pink case constructed entirely from fans, then no one can help you. Only you can decide what you want to spend your money on. Obviously its not components.

Otherwise I would suggest any of the system builders you see have good ratings here. Being that you want them to custom build for you, focus on service rather than delivery time, DOA's etc.

I usually build my own, but have just started gathering prebuilt system quotes for work using this site as a guide. So, I have no direct experience purchasing, using, or receiving support from these companies. Anyway, I would suggest:

KC Computers (They would include anything I asked for in my custom system, but no "template" configurators, too many options--good for when you know what you want)
Monarch Computer
Puget Custom Computers

If you pay $4000 for a computer that is not in direct control of the space shuttle, I will come and smack you.

[jmmarquis]

OMG falcon...
That company sure puts the love in thier systems, but that price is ridiculous. I bet the components are not even 1/ 2 that cost, no matter what you have in your box.

I mean, you could build a quad processor box for less than that. Please tell me it's also robotic and cleans your house.

[MDA]

Where can I find reviews. A search of the forum for say, Puget Systems guides me to threads. Is there a spot that only lists company reviews?

Thanks for you input

[JiminElkGrove]

Go here:
http://www.resellerratings.com/
Plug the name of the company you want the reviews into the "Stores" window on the right. Be sure to look at:
Alienware
Falcon Northwest
Velocity Micro
Monarch computers
VooDoo PC (Currently has the highest rating of any PC maker)
BOLData
Polywell
CyberPower
Systemax
Other members may have others to add. These are the ones that come to my mind.

[Falcon_2004]

Look, if you want and feel that spending $1500 on a computer is a good deal, then buy it. If I wanted to buy a computer that has the most up-to-date components, speakers,along with a 23" flat screen and I did! and it was with a Falcon computer.

I make my money to spend, I am a lot older then you guys and my time is money. If I was to build my computer at and on my pay scale it would have cost me more then Falcon could had build it.

Look, I am not asking for or am I looking for your approval, be happy with your computer. My next one is going to be around $10,000 and have about 3 terabits of hard drive space.

I work with big files (lol)

[Falcon_2004]

MDA, you can look at other computers company’s here. When you first come to ResellerRatings.com there is the alphabet on the right hand side of the screen, (a,b,c,d......etc...) just click on the letter that the computer company starts with like Falcon, Voodoo, Micro, ABS,..etc.. and look at there ratings score.

[jmmarquis]

Just giving you a hard time

He did say he was a casual gamer, not needing a rendering box or whatever you are doing with yours.

And how do you know you are older, huh? (heh heh)

[Falcon_2004]

Very true, just assumption on my part.