This post is going to be more rant than anything. I am in charge of purchasing computers for our 3D Engineering firm and I am just really sick of dealing with Dell. Not that the product is bad, but just dealing with them is a real pain. I am researching other options for graphic workstations. I have looked at IBM and HP so far and I can't say either one looks better. When I purchase I get so sick of paying double cost on things like memory, and I can always find good deals on components elsewhere. I have considered building workstations from scratch, but not sure I have the total confidence for that yet. Does anyone here have any advice for alternative places to get workstations?
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BUying or building High End Workstations 2
- Thread starter SpecSys
- Start date
Hmm it's not usually an issue of confidence it's an issue of reliablity. When you mis and match custom components (However well they are supposed to work together) it can be hit and miss as to how reliable it will be, or the end result. Companies Like Dell/IBM thoroughly test all the components so you know that you are generally getting something stable and quick. The prices are high but if your company is willing to pay it, it's worth the peace of mind and time saved.
Naturally thats my slant/opinion, I build my own machines at home but never at work.
Naturally thats my slant/opinion, I build my own machines at home but never at work.
I would agree with you that Dell are a pain in the arse, every time we order from them they mess it up in some way or other. I have also found with Dell that if you want one of their Std configs then everything is OK, as soon as you spec something out of the ordinary they go into a flat spin. As for the buying/building problem, I would agree with Grenage (what?) that if it's company money and your in charge, guess who gets the blame if a build-it-yourself doesn't work, at least with Dell you can rant and rage at them and demand engineer/money/pints of Guiness. The other thing I have found with Dell is that they are very keen on compensating for the mistake they make, last time I bought a server from them the gave me two smaller servers due to the mess they had created.
Niall
Niall
- Thread starter
- #4
well, here is a little update...
I just recieved a new workstation an hour ago. We ordered a monitor seperately. Not a big deal right? The video card we ordered with the Dell was a 900XGL and it lists as dual monitor capable (VGA/DVI). Now that it is here, it HAS NO VGA port!!! So now what!? I have to find an adapter before I can even set the computer up for the guy that starts monday. And there is no where in this town to get one!!
Someone re-assure me that this isnt' my fault for buying a Sony Trinitron from somewhere else and saving 200 dollars in the process.
I just recieved a new workstation an hour ago. We ordered a monitor seperately. Not a big deal right? The video card we ordered with the Dell was a 900XGL and it lists as dual monitor capable (VGA/DVI). Now that it is here, it HAS NO VGA port!!! So now what!? I have to find an adapter before I can even set the computer up for the guy that starts monday. And there is no where in this town to get one!!
Someone re-assure me that this isnt' my fault for buying a Sony Trinitron from somewhere else and saving 200 dollars in the process.
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1
- #5
gargouille
IS-IT--Management
IMHO you'd be better served acquiring the machines on a local/regional level making use of custom builders, and then having them in the safety net.
Building your own, you'll discover, is fairly straightforward, and the key issue, of course, is in selection of components that play well together.
Study the hardware configs of workstations using mfr.'s configurators...(realizing that in your case you won't be dealing with OEM hardware, and it just might work better for it). There the major suppliers will be quite unintentionally be giving you help and support!
Alienware is another excellent configurator...and these are only examples, I don't shill for anyone.
In your case, also, will be deciding which video card to use...from my experience, for your indicated application of the cards you'll be looking for a Matrox or Elsa or Appian.
(I came from a CAD background) Of course, these are high-end cards, but waiting for a 500 layer engineering drawing to refresh on a workstation gets old very quickly.
I admire your "sleeves rolled up" attitude and could only offer some looks at building a computer that helped me...
You'll also find building methods/tips at most of the major motherboard mfr.'s websites. MSI is where I found these links:
Support will ALWAYS be an issue, whatever level you're on...even if you build your own (especially if). You need to acquire some geeky acquaintences...even be a tagalong with one of the local builders...most of them probably will be willing to share their knowledge/understanding when you approach whatever problems you encounter with spirit and enthusiasm.
Finally, WHEN you arrive at a config you're considering, run it thru here and help will arrive:
these guys are VERY good!
Building your own, you'll discover, is fairly straightforward, and the key issue, of course, is in selection of components that play well together.
Study the hardware configs of workstations using mfr.'s configurators...(realizing that in your case you won't be dealing with OEM hardware, and it just might work better for it). There the major suppliers will be quite unintentionally be giving you help and support!
Alienware is another excellent configurator...and these are only examples, I don't shill for anyone.
In your case, also, will be deciding which video card to use...from my experience, for your indicated application of the cards you'll be looking for a Matrox or Elsa or Appian.
(I came from a CAD background) Of course, these are high-end cards, but waiting for a 500 layer engineering drawing to refresh on a workstation gets old very quickly.
I admire your "sleeves rolled up" attitude and could only offer some looks at building a computer that helped me...
You'll also find building methods/tips at most of the major motherboard mfr.'s websites. MSI is where I found these links:
Support will ALWAYS be an issue, whatever level you're on...even if you build your own (especially if). You need to acquire some geeky acquaintences...even be a tagalong with one of the local builders...most of them probably will be willing to share their knowledge/understanding when you approach whatever problems you encounter with spirit and enthusiasm.
Finally, WHEN you arrive at a config you're considering, run it thru here and help will arrive:
these guys are VERY good!
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1
- #6
Being involved in a busy PC build and repair shop of course I would be a bit bias towards the custom or self build philosphy but having worked on many Dells, Compaqs, HP's etc etc I really do believe that they are no more reliable and certainly not as high performing as an equivellant priced custom built machine.
The trick is sellecting the right components, it's not too hard when you have the resources like our shop to check out which parts do and don't work together, for you it is a little harder.
It maybe best to befriend your local PC custom builder, hopefully with the placement of regular orders for parts he can be both helpful and flexible if anything does go wrong.
But my opinion is Custom build or have them made but by someone you can trust to give you the best advice.
Now if you lived in the UK? lol
Martin
Please let members know if there advice has helped any.
The trick is sellecting the right components, it's not too hard when you have the resources like our shop to check out which parts do and don't work together, for you it is a little harder.
It maybe best to befriend your local PC custom builder, hopefully with the placement of regular orders for parts he can be both helpful and flexible if anything does go wrong.
But my opinion is Custom build or have them made but by someone you can trust to give you the best advice.
Now if you lived in the UK? lol
Martin
Please let members know if there advice has helped any.
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