Budget / Office
| Dell 3000 | Gateway 3200SE | |
| Price | $658 – $50mir = $608 | $609.90 |
| Processor | Intel Celeron D 330 – 2.66 GHZ | Intel Celeron D 335 – 2.8 GHZ |
| RAM | 256 MB DDR400 @ 333* | 256 MB DDR333 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows XP Home | Microsoft Windows XP Home |
| Optical | 48X CD-RW | 48X CD-RW |
| Hard Drive | 80 GB IDE (7,200 RPM) | 80 GB IDE (7,200 RPM) |
| Floppy Drive | Yes | Yes |
| Monitor | 17 inch CRT | 17 inch CRT |
| Video Card | Integrated | Integrated |
| Sound Card | Integrated | Integrated |
| HP A800Y | Build | |
| Price | $609.98 – $100mir = $509.98 | $564.94 |
| Processor | Intel Celeron D 330 – 2.66 GHZ | Intel Celeron D 335 – 2.8 GHZ |
| RAM | 256 MB DDR333 | 256 MB DDR333 |
| OS | Microsoft Windows XP Home | Microsoft Windows XP Home |
| Optical | 48X CD-RW | 48X CD-RW |
| Hard Drive | 80 GB IDE (7,200 RPM) | 80 GB IDE (7,200 RPM) |
| Floppy Drive | Yes | Yes |
| Front Panel | 2 USB – 1 Firewire | 2 USB |
| Monitor | 17 inch CRT | 17 inch CRT |
| Video Card | Integrated | Integrated |
| Sound Card | Integrated | Integrated |
*The max FSB on the Celeron D processor is 533 MHZ, which uses DDR-333 (PC-2700) memory. Why Dell put DDR400 in this system is up for grabs.
Link to build: http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishR.asp?ID=1332627
Comparison
For the budget / office use computers, it tends to be cheaper to build the system before any rebates, but after rebates, the HP system beats out the build by about $50. As mentioned above, its not clear why Dell uses DDR400 memory in their system, as there is absolutely no performance gain from the upgrade. This system will get you online and can handle most office and internet applications, but is not recommended for gamers.
Like what you read?
If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below:
Pingback: Better to Buy or Build a Computer?
Pingback: Matt’s Weblog