ive looked and hunted and i have not found anything that comes even close

Thanks rs13! Anyone else have any luck?

–Doug

Just a superficial search and I built a Dell Optiplex 755 Mini with everything but the blue tooth and webcam–who cares about those–they are a dime a dozen and easily purchased after market for pennies and having them built-in (IMHO) is not a deal-breaker.

Plus, this system has 4GB RAM, comes with a RAID-capable SATA drive so you can add more disks later on depending on your needs and it still comes in under $1700 for basically the same specs including the ATI dual screen 256MB video card, dual core Intel, wireless NIC, 24 inch screen, 16xDVD+/-RW/DVD and 3 year Basic Warranty and 3yr NBD service.

At this price I could even add Microsoft Office 2007, a basic printer, speakers and quite a few other low-cost options.

Not that yours is a bad find either but there are all kind of ways to skin this cat…just a matter of what you truly need and what you don’t.

Personally, I can go without the bluetooth and webcam and opt for other options like added drives, memory, some of those low cost items like speakers and such that are unnecessary but nice to have.

peace!

Hi Mike,

You make a very good point. But there is one spec that you missed in this challenge. The Dell OptiPlex 755 doesn’t have a built-to-order option that includes an Intel 2.8 Core 2 Extreme. I live Dell’s website (ironically I find that it navigates better using Safari but I digress) especially the OptiPlex and Latitude product lines and the fastest and best processor that Dell offers on the OptiPlex 755 is a Core 2 Quad at 2.66GHz. Some might argue that a Core 2 Quad at 2.66GHz is better than a Core 2 Extreme at 2.8GHz but just like built-in options of wireless NIC, bluetooth, and a webcam, the difference might be in user preference.

Thanks for reading and commenting!

–Doug

Mike sent me this reply:

I was only focusing on bang for the buck and not necessarily trying to match your config exactly. That’s difficult to do unless you build your own. Most pre-built systems have certain options and have limited range of changes.

Dell has some workstation series with QUAD core CPUs and dual CPU boards that are about the same cost as the system you configured. Of course, some items aren’t offered and others add to the cost.

The primary things I focus on, in terms of cost, are the mainboard and its capabilities, CPU (DUAL CORE or more), Video card memory and system memory with hard drive specs entering into the equation to some extent. The rest of those items I can take or leave since many are easily and cheaply purchased after market.

Good luck…hope the system works out…
peace!

I just did a little research and here is what I found:

You can build an Alienware system that differs slightly from your configuration. In lieu of the 2.8 GHz Core 2 Extreme, it comes with a 3.0GHz Core 2 Extreme processor. Also, it comes with a GeForce 8800GT 512MB instead of the ATI 2600HD. I didn’t take the time to find any solid comparisons of the two, but I am almost positive that the 8800GT out-performs that particular ATI card. The HDD offerings from Alienware did not include a 320GB setup, so the rig I configured only had a 250GB HDD. Finally, the Alienware does not include bluetooth, internal wireless (although it has dual-gigabyte), or an internal webcam.
Total Price:
2818.00 (inc. 24″ samsung monitor)
Still quite a bit more than what you paid for the iMac.

Next, I took the time to build a theoretical rig on Newegg.com
The system I “built” was, again, slightly different than the original config.
It had the Core 2 Extreme (QX6850) 3.0GHz. I bumped it up to 4GB of system memory instead of 2GB (it has to run vista, after all). This was on an nForce 750i SLI mobo. (which includes 7.1 surround sound, gigabyte ethernet, etc.) I selected the GeForce 9600gt 512MB “Superclocked” from evga for a graphics card. This was powered by a 750W power supply (80+%efficient). The case I picked was a black aluminum Lian-Li case. It includes a 20x DVD burner, bluetooth, internal wireless internet (granted, the antenna is outside), but not an internal webcam. Also, it has a 320GB HDD. The total cost of this setup:
2376.89
Also, newegg included 40.00 worth of mail in rebates. So final cost would be 2336.89 (with 24″ WUXGA monitor and, of course, a copy of Vista). So, long story short, building a rig is usually the cheapest way to go. However, still no webcam. I hope thats not a deal breaker.

I feel I need to clarify. I know you specified a PC OEM company. I just wanted to make the point that you can get a slightly better system for slightly more money, if you are willing to put it together yourself. No, I cannot find a PC OEM company with a deal that impressive, especially considering the 3 year warranty.

BDH,

Awesome job. I have to give you lots of credit for the research. If I had a prize, I would give it to you. A couple of comments though. While Alienware is obviously an OEM (Dell backed for those who are interested), I find it interesting that in order to meet the specs that I put together that you have to go with a gaming rig from a company that a lot of regular folks don’t know about. As most geeks out there, I have no problem taking apart hardware components on a computer. Personally, I don’t have the time or the patience to put one together myself.

With that said, let me add two things to the cost of your “built” system: (1) labor and (2) shipping. Maybe your cost did include shipping but you didn’t mention it. I have to say that the labor is the breaking point. It would take even an experienced builder a good amount of time to put it all together; especially if they have other things going on in their life. You are definitely correct that bigger your own system will get you a slightly better system for a slightly better price but time is money and I don’t have that kind of time.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

–Doug