Custom built desktops - any vendor recommendations?

[code_wiz]

Guys, I want to by a powerful desktop, mainly for WPF development, and also for some powerful gaming. I have noted some online, but each ones reviews scares me, including the cyber power systems. There are horror stories of their PCs not working ,etc I have a budget of about £1500 - 1800 to spend, and i want heavy memory (12 GB - i will be running lots of VMs at the same time) + i7 (or AMD Phenom II), heavy on Graphics card (3 x 1.8 GB) and dedicated Physx card, etc. Have any of you bought such powerful custom builds, and if so who would you recommend. I am from UK by the way. Thnx for your time.

[realJSOP]

Build your own machine. Then, you can pick/choose the components you use, making sure it's upgradable in the future.

.45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly
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"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"The staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - J. Jystad, 2001

[Ennis Ray Lynch Jr]

Everyone and their brother will custom build you a desktop if you ask. Tom's Hardware is the place to go for system information.

Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. A man said to the universe: "Sir I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation." --Stephen Crane

[Vark111]

Just an FYI: There are no more dedicated physx cards. Nvidia bought the company, and changed all the drivers so the physics code is executed on GPUs these days. Get yourself a 4x Nvidia GPU rig and you'll get all the graphics and physics goodness you need. Edit: I bought my newest monster at Alienware. Don't know if they service the UK, though.

[Lost User]

Vark111 wrote:

There are no more dedicated physx cards.

They still exist! They just suck, because they're old now

[Ian Shlasko]

I got my latest one, last year, from iBuyPower.com You'll get more control if you build one yourself, but these guys give you a lot more options than the likes of Dell/HP/etc. You can choose parts right down to the motherboard and power supply... And if you mismatch something that their software doesn't catch (I picked a PSU that would have been too weak), they'll call you up and work through it. I don't know if the prices are good or bad, really... I did some comparisons, but that was back in August or something, and I forget whether it was cheaper, or if I just decided I was going to pay a little more to avoid Dell. Alienware used to be the "cool" place, but now Dell owns them. Hence, they've lost my confidence. Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with any of these companies, apart from buying a computer now and then.

Proud to have finally moved to the A-Ark. Which one are you in? Author of Guardians of Xen (Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel)

[PIEBALDconsult]

I always build my own, but my requirements aren't as high.

[Roger Wright]

I would start by building my own machine. That gives maximum control over what capabilities you have. I have rarely purchased a retail PC; never, actually, except for the ugly beast I'm using now. I just couldn't beat the price... It all starts with a motherboard, and I won't buy anything except SuperMicro boards. No one comes close for quality engineering, IMHO. Nearly every other component is generic; they all play together well, whatever you buy. Have fun! Building your own computer is easy, and it's very rewarding to have a system that meets your own, exact requirements.

"A Journey of a Thousand Rest Stops Begins with a Single Movement"