Originally posted by ---agissi---
Warrently, all that blah blah blah, can go out the window...
Not to mention, I bought my stuff OEM, broke my CDRW installing it (dont ask), just went to Samgsung, and they got me a new one, for free I just said it came new, broken. I think I busted a gear bit or something :blackeye:
No, it really can't. It's very important when considering a manufacturer to choose from. Since you're thinking of ordering from a manufacturer, I presume you don't have the knowledge and expertise to build your own. Even if you don't buy OEM, the combined cost of all the components will still be close to the manufacturer's price, without all the stuff a manufacturer can provide. Individual manufacturers all have their own warranty policy, and it is much easier to consult one manufacturer if something's wrong, or one of 15. What are the odds that you will have to claim a warranty? Slim, but I would prefer to be safe rather than sorry.
There are pros and cons of either side - build your own or manufacturer. But if you don't have the knowledge to build your own, what the optimal components are, and where to order your components from, I would highly reccomend a manufacturer.
Alienware's expertise in building machines is legendary. They always have the best stuff, and they don't cut corners. Their machines are all customly optimized, they provide optimal cooling systems, and they have 24/7 tech support and great warranty coverage. You just can't beat them when buying a cutting edge machine.
I myself would buy an Alienware, if given a choice of manufacturers, but I don't have the money - since I don't even have a job. I'm content to periodically upgrade my current machine.
Samsung happens to be a good brand for that kind of thing, agissi - but if you screw up a brand new OEM 3.2G P4 installing the heatsink or something, you're down another $500.