Hi Guys,

 

This forum sure has changed alot since I was last active around here. I haven't been around in probably the last 5 years and I'm looking to change that. I won't lie by saying that I don't miss the hobby, because I do. My last two computers have been laptops, and though the convenience of being able to fold up my computer and carry it with me to work is nice, I want to go back to a desktop for the power. I recently dropped $4,000 for my paramedic class (currently an actively employed EMT in Texas), so I don't have the cash to drop on all the components to build it myself. I purchased an XPS 17 last year with intentions to return to FS but I never got around to it. My XPS was built with the i7-2720, 8GB, GT 555M and some irrelevant specs I won't bother to post. I know I can run FSX on my laptop, but just not to my expectations without dumping all the slides to the left.

 

Over the past few days I have been looking at the Alienware X51 and the Auroura. Remember that I said I don't have the cash to build it myself, nor do I want to charge at newegg with their rediculous interest rate. The only reason I am looking at Alienware is because they have 18 months no interest and I get the added benefit of Tech Support (which I hate using, but do when I'm out of options or can't find a solution online) and their warranty (already used it once on my XPS. Screen was repaired in a timely manner without any headaches from Dell). So with that in mind, thats why I'm buying Alienware. So please, let that be clear and understood. I'd love to build, but it just isn't an option right now.

 

The X51 is a neat looking little fella. I love the size, but I also know that with that small chasis comes limited upgradability, heating and power concerns. I've been doing some research and I have seen that many owners have upgraded their X51 with a GTX 670, 7850 or 7870 with little to no tweaking or with no issues at all (yes, on a 330w PSU). And I'm sure that if in a year or two I wanted/needed to upgrade my GPU that I would be able to do so. It seems as if AMD and nvidia are now building cards by making them as efficient as possible and squeezing out as much horsepower as they possibly can. I'm sure in the next year or two that it will only get better. Also, heating doesn't seem to be an issue with out of the box or with the aforementioned upgrades.

 

The X51 would be spec'd as - 3rd Gen i5-3330 (6M Cache, up to 3.0 GHz), 1TB SATA 3Gb/s (7,200RPM) 32MB Cache, 1.5GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GTX 660, with a 330W PSU. For another $80 (i7 currently has 10% off), I can swap the i5 with a 3rd Gen i7-3770 (8M Cache, up to 3.4 GHz).

 

With that being said, what are some opinions on the X51? I understand that it probably isn't the system of choice for 99% of folks around here, but the financing options are to my liking and the specifications seem fairly decent. I just want something that will last me the next two years. After this purchase, I'll be building my next system.

 

If not the X51, then I'm maybe considering the entry model Aurora that will run about $400 more. I'm just not too sure how much better the performace would be. The Aurora would be spec'd - 2nd Gen i7-3820 (10M Cache, OC'd up to 4.1GHz), 8GB 1600MHz, 1TB 7200RPM SATA, 1GB GTX555 OR 1.25GB GTX560 Ti.

 

I'm assuming the biggest benefits would be a the larger case, larger, PSU, ability to upgrade components later on, and whatever performance increase out of the box over the X51.

 

With all that said, what would you guys recommend?

 

Thanks,

With all that said, what would you guys recommend?

 

To folow this guide rigorously! :smile:

 

http://#####.wordpress.com/fsx-software-and-hardware-guide/

I was looking at that earlier. Pretty good write up.

 

Now if only Alienware had everything that is in his guide available for purchase in their systems.

If your main reason for buying that is the financing, why not just get a credit card that has an introductory 0% for 12 to 18 months and use that to buy the components you really want and build or have built the system you really want. Most of the banks in the US like Chase, Wells, Bank of America have cards that offer 0% usually for 12 months or more. Just saw a cash rewards card at BofA the other day offering such. Besides the fact, you can probably build something cheaper and better than the Alienware and still get the 0%, just using a different way to do it.

If your main reason for buying that is the financing, why not just get a credit card that has an introductory 0% for 12 to 18 months and use that to buy the components you really want and build or have built the system you really want. Most of the banks in the US like Chase, Wells, Bank of America have cards that offer 0% usually for 12 months or more. Just saw a cash rewards card at BofA the other day offering such. Besides the fact, you can probably build something cheaper and better than the Alienware and still get the 0%, just using a different way to do it.

 

+1

Before you commit to Alienware, have a look at Maingear. I recently bought a work laptop from them and was very impressed with the build (much better parts and specifications than any major brand laptop I could find). They specialize in gaming systems and their parts list looked better to me than Alienware's. Am not sure about their financing but you could ask them about it. Worth a look. I'm currently knee-deep in my own new build, but if I'd done an accurate time estimate and come to my senses and bought off the shelf, I probably would have gone with them. Have a look.

I purchased an Alienware in 2008, literally maxed out EVERY single option they had. I remember having it shipped to my police department and my co-workers thinking I was on the take because of all the crazy stuff I ordered. I don't regret the purchase at all -- while pricey you definitely do purchase the name, warranty, and support.

 

I will say I recommend their product based off their good name, performance, and how they stand behind their product. I had to send my first Alienware back 6 times to Florida to be worked on by techs because FSX kept crashing. I was NOT happy. However, I was surprised they took responsibility for their machine as much as they did. Pleasantly surprised that is.

 

The CEO personally got involved with my case and assigned his assistant to contact me and express his apologies. He even granted me a rather generous line of credit in the store and told me to build whatever machine my heart desired and he would send it to me at no expense (more than I already paid). He even sent me a UPS, new keyboard, mouse, the whole nine yards. And upgraded my monitor to a 27 inch Dell.

 

Of course I maxed EVERYTHING out and they sent me the computer without question. They even threw in a free gaming laptop for me. Never had a single issue with the second machine they sent me and really think they have a good customer service department.

 

The computer runs great to this day and still can run new games with full sliders.

I want to utilize a previously established line of credit. I don't want to go into personal finances, but the dell financing is my best option. I'm one of those weirdos that will not do a credit app unless I have to. A few months ago, I walked away from a Dodge dealer when I bought my new ram because the sales staff didn't seem to understand that I was financing from my credit union. In the end,I'm glad they ticked me off because I ended up getting some different options on the truck I bought the next day that I don't think I could live without. I just don't want to open another line of credit that I don't need. I've been happy with my dell though. Their support is excellent and if I have any sort of issues I know that they're at my house the next day repairing whatever needs to be done. The sense of security of having a warranty is worth the added cost to me.

 

I was on Newegg earlier and I picked out some parts. In all honesty, I'd rather just buy a pre built system. When I buy parts from Newegg, I can never seem to keep the costs down. I'll be building, but it will be in about 2 years from now and I'll be going all out with no restrictions.

I should probably clarify that he didn't gran't me a line of credit, but a line of spending cash that was basically on the house. Just illustrating how they take care of their customers.

 

No problems with shopping and building your own. I just don't trust myself enough to do it and I'm somewhat of a perfectionist so I want it done right.

I purchased an Alienware in 2008, literally maxed out EVERY single option they had. I remember having it shipped to my police department and my co-workers thinking I was on the take because of all the crazy stuff I ordered. I don't regret the purchase at all -- while pricey you definitely do purchase the name, warranty, and support.

 

I will say I recommend their product based off their good name, performance, and how they stand behind their product. I had to send my first Alienware back 6 times to Florida to be worked on by techs because FSX kept crashing. I was NOT happy. However, I was surprised they took responsibility for their machine as much as they did. Pleasantly surprised that is.

 

The CEO personally got involved with my case and assigned his assistant to contact me and express his apologies. He even granted me a rather generous line of credit in the store and told me to build whatever machine my heart desired and he would send it to me at no expense (more than I already paid). He even sent me a UPS, new keyboard, mouse, the whole nine yards. And upgraded my monitor to a 27 inch Dell.

 

Of course I maxed EVERYTHING out and they sent me the computer without question. They even threw in a free gaming laptop for me. Never had a single issue with the second machine they sent me and really think they have a good customer service department.

 

The computer runs great to this day and still can run new games with full sliders.

 

This is why I am sticking to Dell. It's because of the experience they provide to the customer. I'm one of those that will gladly pay more for a product for excellent customer service. Since I purchased my XPS, I've been nothing short of happy. I had multi follow up calls and emails for over a month from the day I placed my order and the one issue I had was immediately addressed.

 

Albeit over priced, your getting a system that the manufacturer will stand behind and do whatever it takes to make sure you are satisfied.

 

My theory is this: if you think it's too expensive then don't buy it. I'm willing to pay the price for the name, but along with that name comes its added benefits.

 

Glad to hear that you also ended up with a positive experience.

 

Just curious, are you an L.E.O?

Everything I've got non-Dell, has died young. Similar, experienced a problem, got a better machine for my trouble.

I bought an Alienware Aurora about a year and half ago and have had zero issues with mine. Granted they are overpriced but I grew tired of building my computer.

 

I highly recommend them. I plan on buying another next year going to the 3770 or whatever the new processor is. Mine is the OC 4.2 with a GTX 580 and I have had no issues running FSX maxed out with the addons.

HI,

 

I would HIGHLY recommend a Digital Storm machine. They have fabulous options, OC'ed and liquid cooled from the factory, fantastic build quality, support and mine came shipped in a crate to India in perfect condition. They have received rave reviews all over and I would not hesitate in recommending them. I have had mine for just over a year now and with Word Not Allowed's tweaks, FSX is butter smooth.

 

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/

 

Now as far as financing goes, speak to them regarding options they have, if any.

 

Dinshaw.

HI,

 

I would HIGHLY recommend a Digital Storm machine. They have fabulous options, OC'ed and liquid cooled from the factory, fantastic build quality, support and mine came shipped in a crate to India in perfect condition. They have received rave reviews all over and I would not hesitate in recommending them. I have had mine for just over a year now and with Word Not Allowed's tweaks, FSX is butter smooth.

 

http://www.digitalstormonline.com/

 

Now as far as financing goes, speak to them regarding options they have, if any.

 

Dinshaw.

 

I've heard of Digital Storm but I've never looked at them before. They have some awesome looking systems and their pricing seems great!

 

As of today, Dell's 18 month interest free financing is no longer available. It looks like I'll have to start the waiting game again. Some new offers should be available in the next 4-6 weeks.

I hate to sound like Clark Howard.... but maybe buying a PC isn't the right thing to do right now. Honestly, is it ever?

 

Anyhow, my thoughts are this... whether you over pay on price or pay interest, neither are ideal situations. With Christmas right around the corner, I can't imagine that Newegg will not run another promo, soon. I built a system for a family member last holiday season on a zero financing plan.

 

I'd wait.