Looking for a Computer

[Sarov]

I'd really appreciate it if you guys could help me in finding a good computer.

Basically, I'm looking for a high end gaming computer but I don't know where to get it. Basically what I'm looking for in a computer is:

- excellent graphics card and processor
- minimum 4 GB of RAM and 500 GB of hardrive space
- a good audio card
- reasonable amount of USB ports (minimum 4)
- etc

My friends have suggested newegg.com, ncix.com, and Cyber Power. Unfortunately, Cyber Power is based in the US only so I won't be getting one from there (I live in Canada). I've heard from multiple people not to get Dell. I wouldn't be able to build a computer for the life of me so picking all the components is out of the question.

So...

Do you have a computer company would you recommend and if so, what it is it?
Or do you have a specific computer you would recommend?
Anything else you'd like to add like advice, tips etc?

Edit: As for the amount I'm willing to spend on the computer, it is $1500 to $3500 Canadian tax included and with the warranty (minimum 2 years).

You know you need another company when the computer you wanted from AlienWare will cost you $6000.

[spychi]

Right now I can only say that you shouldn't even consider buying an Alienware RIG.

[Sarov]

Right now I can only say that you shouldn't even consider buying an Alienware RIG.

Why not?

Although I heard from a friend that Dell bought the company and replaced the hardware with Dell hardward which... sucks big time.

[spychi]

Because it's overpriced

[Sarov]

Because it's overpriced

Ah. That too.

Edit: Not to mention that the one I wanted would cost me... $6000 US.

[Hammy]

Yeah Dell bought Alienware a while ago. They aren't really bad, but just overpriced. Dell has been reported to have a couple of CPU and power supply issues though. However, Alienware's tech support is good (in europe at least).

If you know anyone who's actually following up on computers have him build your computer online for you. If not, try to be more specific as to what you need. I guess you want to play games, but what sort of games? What's your budget? For how long do you want the computer to allow you to play high end games etc...
Do NOT take random people's advice though. Right now I'm totally out of the loop because I haven't been following up for over a year, but watch out for random advice.
On a final note, if you don't know exactly what you need, that probably means you don't need anything very specific, so don't sweat it too much.
Good luck (yeah I know, this wasn't a very helpful post )

[Sarov]

Yeah Dell bought Alienware a while ago. They aren't really bad, but just overpriced. Dell has been reported to have a couple of CPU and power supply issues though. However, Alienware's tech support is good (in europe at least).

If you know anyone who's actually following up on computers have him build your computer online for you. If not, try to be more specific as to what you need. I guess you want to play games, but what sort of games? What's your budget? For how long do you want the computer to allow you to play high end games etc...
Do NOT take random people's advice though. Right now I'm totally out of the loop because I haven't been following up for over a year, but watch out for random advice.
On a final note, if you don't know exactly what you need, that probably means you don't need anything very specific, so don't sweat it too much.
Good luck (yeah I know, this wasn't a very helpful post )

Yeah. That and I've heard that Dell... well, let's just say Dell sucks.

I asked my friend to build me one since he seems to be pretty good with computers but the problem is the company is in the US only so that doesn't exactly help because how would onsite care work?

In case you didn't read the edit in the original post, I guess my ideal budget is between $1500 to $3500 (absolute maximum is probably $4000) but that's including tax and the warranty hopefully.

As for what I want, I want to be able to play demanding games like Crysis etc and be able to do a lot of artwork. I need a computer that will last me 2 to 3 years. Like, I don't want to buy a computer say today and have to upgrade in a month or two. Which is why I'm trying to get the best I can get. Although, I know I'll have to upgrade eventually and when that time comes, I want to have the money to do so.

[Alzarath]

I have a laptop fitting most of those requirements. It's about $1050 for me. It has a GTX 260M graphics card, 4 GB ram, and 4 USB ports. Not sure about the audio card. The only downside I have with it is the processor. 2.00 Ghz Dual Core. It's called Asus G51.

I could also play Crysis on very high settings without noticeable lag on the Asus G50V. But it did have 2.33 Ghz. I can install Crysis on the G51 and tell you how it works out.

[The_Blade]

Build one, Nvidia video cards are great for gaming, you can get the cpu and other components from many places.

And for god sakes dont buy an ALien...

[Sarov]

I have a laptop fitting most of those requirements. It's about $1050 for me. It has a GTX 260M graphics card, 4 GB ram, and 4 USB ports. Not sure about the audio card. The only downside I have with it is the processor. 2.00 Ghz Dual Core. It's called Asus G51.

I could also play Crysis on very high settings without noticeable lag on the Asus G50V. But it did have 2.33 Ghz. I can install Crysis on the G51 and tell you how it works out.

Alright. That would be a good idea.

As for a laptop, I don't mind having one because being able to take it where ever I go and play video games and check up on SCLegacy would be great.

I've been kinda stuck on what might be the hardest questions about my computer: Desktop or laptop?

If I can find a really good laptop, I'll buy it no problem. Plus a benifit with laptops is the wireless part. Desktops don't usually come with built-in wireless cards, at least from what I've seen.

Build one, Nvidia video cards are great for gaming, you can get the cpu and other components from many places.

And for god sakes dont buy an ALien...

Problem is, I don't know how to put a computer together and I don't know of anyone who lives in Canada who can help me. Except maybe my uncle but I haven't talked to him in what seems like forever. And my friend seems to not want to help me.

I guess I could always try to have it custom built but I don't know any companies that do that.

Oh, I won't be getting AlienWare anymore. I checked up and picked all my options and the freaking thing came to $6000 US.