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Entertainment => Computer Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Ralf on October 10, 2004, 06:05:37 AM



Title: The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: Ralf on October 10, 2004, 06:05:37 AM
Ok, this will mainly be me complaining... but I provide a warning to everyone here why you should NOT get pre-built systems.

A fortnight ago I got asked if I could put a dvd-rom drive in someone's computer when they got back from holidays and I said sure why not I can probably do it.
They got back from their holidays and reminded me about putting it in. So I gathered up my stuff, headed over and expected to be done in maybe 10-15 minutes.
This computer is a Hewlett Packard btw (one of the reasons why it was such a dodgy computer).
I looked at the front of the case and instantly knew I would have problems... They have these funky little covers over the front that make the cd drives look nice and snazzy... unfortunately it also hinders the ability to install optical drives -_-.

I sighed, thought about it a bit, took of the side of the case and thought I might give attempting to put it through the back a try. I unplugged the power supply from the motherboard and all the drives, EVERYTHING, I couldn't fit it in. so I took off the CPU fan to make room, injuring my finger in the process. *stabs heatsink*
That didn't work so I tried taking out the power supply. it wouldn't fit then... STILL. So I took out the cage that the power supply was attached to... It still wouldn't work.
I couldn't slide it through the opening where the power supply was... because the case was shaped slightly strange.
The end result of a frustrating day was no dvd drive inserted, one of the buttons on the front of the case (wasn't being used anyway) broken, warranty seals broken, a sore finger, more hatred for pre-built systems, and a want to take to that case with an axe.

I think I could've actually put the DVD-Drive in if I could take to the case with some tin snips to open up where the power supply...

So a quick summary... pre-built systems are very much hated by me and if you buy one my opinion of you will decrease. Also, NEVER expect me to be willing to work on a pre-built system... ever.

Only benefit I can see about a pre-built systems is for those who know nothing about computers, are never going to upgrade, and need a basic computer...

-Ralf


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: sincereheart on October 10, 2004, 06:46:22 AM
Quote
pre-built systems are very much hated by me and if you buy one my opinion of you will decrease.

Don't think less of me for having a pre-built system. Think less of me because I'm too ignorant to build my own.  ;D


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: 2nd Timothy on October 10, 2004, 06:50:06 AM
Quote
pre-built systems are very much hated by me and if you buy one my opinion of you will decrease.

Don't think less of me for having a pre-built system. Think less of me because I'm too ignorant to build my own.  ;D

(http://www.rr-bb.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)

Pre-builders!  heh  (http://www.rr-bb.com/images/smilies/caked.gif)  j/k


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: Ralf on October 10, 2004, 07:30:24 AM
Quote
pre-built systems are very much hated by me and if you buy one my opinion of you will decrease.

Don't think less of me for having a pre-built system. Think less of me because I'm too ignorant to build my own.  ;D
*points you to www.google.com *
get learned ^_^

-Ralf


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: sincereheart on October 10, 2004, 07:34:58 AM
Quote
pre-built systems are very much hated by me and if you buy one my opinion of you will decrease.

Don't think less of me for having a pre-built system. Think less of me because I'm too ignorant to build my own.  ;D
*points you to www.google.com *
get learned ^_^

-Ralf

ROFL! Touche!  :P
Points back to my husband and children and homeschooling and housework and garden work and finally.... the clock!  ;)


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: Ralf on October 10, 2004, 08:10:35 AM
Quote
pre-built systems are very much hated by me and if you buy one my opinion of you will decrease.

Don't think less of me for having a pre-built system. Think less of me because I'm too ignorant to build my own.  ;D
*points you to www.google.com *
get learned ^_^

-Ralf

ROFL! Touche!  :P
Points back to my husband and children and homeschooling and housework and garden work and finally.... the clock!  ;)

*points to importance of computer in today's society*
:D

-Ralf


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: sincereheart on October 11, 2004, 09:53:27 AM
*worries*
You mean my kids can't get into college until they can build a computer?  :P


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: Shammu on October 11, 2004, 01:53:21 PM
I build my own computers, it has everything I need. This way I don't have to buy stuff, (cards) I don't need. ;D


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: Ralf on October 12, 2004, 06:30:52 AM
My current system is as follows:
Gigabyte GA-7VAXP (motherboard)
Athlon XP 2400+ (CPU)
Leadtek Winfast A250 Ultra (Gfx card. the chipset is a GeForce 4 Ti4600 with 128 Meg of ram)
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 (Sound card)
Thermaltake Volcano 9 (CPU fan)
512MB Corsair DDR400 (Ram)
120Gb Western Digital Hard Drive
120Gb Maxtor Hard Drive (both Hard Drives are 2Mb cache)
Pioneer 107D DVD burner
I did have a 16x sony DVD drive but I took it out the other day.
I dunno what I missed out but yeah thats all in my case...

Anyways I didn't actually put this computer together.. although I chose everything out.. I didn't put it together because I wanted the warranty.. although thats long since been voided :P

The only thing I haven't taken out of the case and put back in is the motherboard.. anyways... building your own computer is gooooooooooooooooooooood :D

-Ralf


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: 2nd Timothy on October 12, 2004, 01:09:19 PM
Quote
The only thing I haven't taken out of the case and put back in is the motherboard

I don't know Ralf, having missed this part, I'm starting to doubt you have a true modified system  ;D

Just kidding!  :D

Grace and Peace!


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: Ralf on October 12, 2004, 04:20:34 PM
tah :P but it isn't really a modded system... I've just taken the stuff out and put it back in...
My next computer however I intend to build it myself and get decent water cooling going through the case as to make the things work cooler so if I do decide to overclock I won't burn anything out..

However with these new BTX cases that are supposed to be coming out that are fanless... they sound interesting. I haven't seen one as yet.. but apparrently they are fanless and rely on heat piping.. could be interesting.

-Ralf


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: 2nd Timothy on October 12, 2004, 05:15:09 PM
LOL....such techies these days.   I hear there having a sell on Prestone at NAPA!   :P

Just messin with ya Ralf!

Have fun!

Grace and Peace!


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: sincereheart on October 13, 2004, 08:31:47 AM
This is what you said:
My current system is as follows:
Gigabyte GA-7VAXP (motherboard)
Athlon XP 2400+ (CPU)
Leadtek Winfast A250 Ultra (Gfx card. the chipset is a GeForce 4 Ti4600 with 128 Meg of ram)
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 (Sound card)
Thermaltake Volcano 9 (CPU fan)
512MB Corsair DDR400 (Ram)
120Gb Western Digital Hard Drive
120Gb Maxtor Hard Drive (both Hard Drives are 2Mb cache)
Pioneer 107D DVD burner
...................................................................

This is what I read:
My current system is as follows:
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
...................................................................

 :-X :-X :-X :-X

*looks for Google*


Title: Re:The evils of pre-built systems
Post by: Ralf on October 13, 2004, 05:51:32 PM
This is what you said:
My current system is as follows:
Gigabyte GA-7VAXP (motherboard)
Athlon XP 2400+ (CPU)
Leadtek Winfast A250 Ultra (Gfx card. the chipset is a GeForce 4 Ti4600 with 128 Meg of ram)
Sound Blaster Audigy 2 (Sound card)
Thermaltake Volcano 9 (CPU fan)
512MB Corsair DDR400 (Ram)
120Gb Western Digital Hard Drive
120Gb Maxtor Hard Drive (both Hard Drives are 2Mb cache)
Pioneer 107D DVD burner
...................................................................

This is what I read:
My current system is as follows:
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
X?,.<">&()(*&%*^##@!!#@@$
...................................................................

 :-X :-X :-X :-X

*looks for Google*

I'll try and do a simple comparison with your average pre-built system nowadays that cost about the same as mine (around 3000AUD)
Motherboard doesn't matter.
a 2.7Ghz cpu (intel)
Geforce 5200 graphics card (it's a bit slower than mine but it has more features)
Onboard sound (sound card doesn't normally matter that much unless you are an audiophile hehe)
256Meg of DDR333 ram. I'ts slower ram than I have but it does the job
80Gb hard drive (so small! *shudders*)

Now if that doesn't make any sense I could probably make it simpler.. I think?

-Ralf