Sandy Bridge CPUs have integrated GPUs.
Low End Build
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colonydata
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the only thing is i have an attitude about buying dells where the warranty is the basic hardware only one. sure you could pay more and upgrade it, but that is what they want. and i have run into several cases of customers with the basic warranty that the computer would boot up to windows, but there was a hardware problem like the wifi antenna lead was not connected but insisted that this was a software issue, and that would be x amount for software support.
altrenda
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What warranty are you giving your customer on the system you are going to build?
If something goes wrong, would he and you be better off calling Dell than you keeping track of all the part suppliers?
That's always a question we have when we offer a custom machine.
If something goes wrong, would he and you be better off calling Dell than you keeping track of all the part suppliers?
That's always a question we have when we offer a custom machine.
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To the non-"name brand" PSU nay-sayers, (what you really mean to say is a popular brand that you recognize,) I've been using the name-brand Sparkle for over 10 years at various jobs and on my own, and I've seen two fail. This is both inside and outside the warranty period.
In fact, one of the two failed ones is one of my own as I use them in my personal builds, and it is a little 180watt in one of those micro cases that was powering all the typical components plus 3 hard drives crammed in there an no real air flow to speak of. It really was working overtime so I don't blame it.
Now would I buy a Rosewill? NO! But going with popular brands that I recognize, like ahem ANTEC, and grabbing those rebates, I've been burned a number of times. I've got nothing to say about Corsair, I didn't even know they made PSUs these days (and although I might buy one and give it a chance, I wouldn't *trust* one just on the name alone, like I trust my experiences with a proven brand like Sparkle) But that's me personally...
Just my experiences...
In fact, one of the two failed ones is one of my own as I use them in my personal builds, and it is a little 180watt in one of those micro cases that was powering all the typical components plus 3 hard drives crammed in there an no real air flow to speak of. It really was working overtime so I don't blame it.
Now would I buy a Rosewill? NO! But going with popular brands that I recognize, like ahem ANTEC, and grabbing those rebates, I've been burned a number of times. I've got nothing to say about Corsair, I didn't even know they made PSUs these days (and although I might buy one and give it a chance, I wouldn't *trust* one just on the name alone, like I trust my experiences with a proven brand like Sparkle) But that's me personally...
Just my experiences...
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colonydata
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what ever warrenty is on each individual component, which for most of the parts is better than 1yr dell basic.
codegreen
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Haven't done a custom build since Sandy Bridge came out.
techpitt
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I'm a fan of Seasonic power supplies personally, and if I remember correctly Corsair rebrands Seasonic units. They tend to offer the most protection (over/under voltage, over current, short circuit) when compared to generic inexpensive PSUs, which is a trait I value highly. No-names tend to lack these features or implement them poorly, which I've seen result in toasted motherboards on more than a few occasions.
I don't have any experience with Sparkle PSUs, but they at least claim to offer over voltage, over current, and short circuit protection. Point is moot in this case, however, as the Sparkle PSU equivalent to the Corsair OP had listed is identical in price. The Corsair CX430 also has 80 PLUS and a $20 MIR, so I wouldn't personally chance going with a less expensive model. Seems you've put together a pretty good system. If any more $ is to be shaved off, it would probably be had by finding good combo deals on some of the items.
I don't have any experience with Sparkle PSUs, but they at least claim to offer over voltage, over current, and short circuit protection. Point is moot in this case, however, as the Sparkle PSU equivalent to the Corsair OP had listed is identical in price. The Corsair CX430 also has 80 PLUS and a $20 MIR, so I wouldn't personally chance going with a less expensive model. Seems you've put together a pretty good system. If any more $ is to be shaved off, it would probably be had by finding good combo deals on some of the items.
A few points:
That Gigabyte has onboard (H61) but only VGA so no digital out and unless the monitor is low-res DVI/HDMI is a must these days.
That Corsair 430W is not made by Seasonic. It got okay reviews but it's certainly not the same quality as the older 400W Corsair which was Seasonic:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=214
Never seen a Sparkle PSU reviewed but I'd imagine they're cheaply made. Having said all that, one of the oldest PSUs which installed is still working at it was £8 300W 'Sumvision' job so it is possible to get lucky. Nowadays I won't touch cheap PSUs though.
And yes, building PCs is 'fun', but once you consider warranty etc. and the fact you probably won't make any money on it, pre-build is usually the better option.
That Gigabyte has onboard (H61) but only VGA so no digital out and unless the monitor is low-res DVI/HDMI is a must these days.
That Corsair 430W is not made by Seasonic. It got okay reviews but it's certainly not the same quality as the older 400W Corsair which was Seasonic:
http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=214
Never seen a Sparkle PSU reviewed but I'd imagine they're cheaply made. Having said all that, one of the oldest PSUs which installed is still working at it was £8 300W 'Sumvision' job so it is possible to get lucky. Nowadays I won't touch cheap PSUs though.
And yes, building PCs is 'fun', but once you consider warranty etc. and the fact you probably won't make any money on it, pre-build is usually the better option.
Cornerstone Technologies
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I just ordered an Optiplex 390 with an i3 for under $500. While I like building a computer every now and again, the 3 year warranty is what I was able to sell the customer on.
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16k_zx81
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How long is the warranty of Sparkle PSUs?
colonydata
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yeah i just priced one out. is there any redeeming quality to the Vostro line? seems like to me its less pc for more money with less warranty.
angry_geek
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Vostro is more or less an Inspiron in a SLIGHTLY better chassis with a business warranty. It is only 1 year, but still business. The one I sourced earlier in the thread was a lot of bang for your buck. Optiplex is a better machine, but, for an older gentleman at home, I don't know that it's worth the extra money. Check the Dell outlet. A lot of good stuff there, not just refurbs.
colonydata
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the BTO ones i am looking at the Optiplex is the better deal.
EDIT: just browsed through the outlet still looks like the BTO optiplex i have configured is a better deal.
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angry_geek
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That happens quite a bit. With Dell, it really depends on what day of the week it is as to what the best deal will be. Optiplex is a good line. It's what I run in my business clients' networks.
