Whats is the best computer? HP or a Dell

Discussion created by Ralph Norden on Sep 17, 2008
Latest reply on Oct 20, 2008 by Carl Himpsel

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If you could get a Dell or HP and the HP was 600.00 less would you buy the HP.
We model very large assemblies and need the 8 gb memory to stop from crashing.
Is Dell better than HP?

1. hp xw6600, 2.83 ghz, 8 gb of ram, 64 bit, fx 3700

2. dell t7400 2.83 ghz 8 gb ram, 64 bit, fx 3700

Thanks for any input in advance.
Ralph

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21 Replies

Anna Wood Sep 17, 2008 8:56 PM
Assuming the CPU's are exactly the same model number. I would go with HP.

What other items, like software, warranties etc are different between the two machines?

Seems like a huge price differential if they are basically the same systems.

Cheers,
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- Paul McGarr @ Anna Wood on Sep 18, 2008 12:30 AM
  I think you're comparing a middle of the line HP workstation to a top of the line Dell workstation.
  
  HP and Dell are going to be comparable, so if you see a big price difference, take a close look because there is likely a difference.
  
  8Gb RAM means nothing without mentioning the speed (Mhz) of the ram, and the type of the RAM (ECC vs. non ECC). Also, the DDR2 vs. DDR3.
  
  The processor is important, but easier to compare because they give you an Intel model number.
  
  A lot of times, the higher end systems will have higher quality hardware. Just pay attention to the details, and ask question if you don't understand.
  
  Personally, I'd go with the Dell because I know the precisions are good machines in general. That is an opinion though, nothing against HP really.
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  - Matt McKendrick @ Paul McGarr on Sep 18, 2008 3:19 AM
    I personally would pass on both of them, but, if those are the only 2 choices, go with the HP.
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    - Casey Gorman @ Matt McKendrick on Sep 18, 2008 11:27 AM
      Matt,
      
      Just out of curiosity, would mind explanning your reasoning for chosing the HP over the Dell? Our IT people have settle on Dell over the years and I'm just wondering if there is something they are missing.
      
      Thanks,
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      - Jim Zink @ Casey Gorman on Sep 19, 2008 1:01 PM
        I'd look at either the Dell T3400 or the HP xw4600 with the Intel Core2 Quad q9550 2.83GHz CPU and 8GB RAM. Will be faster and less expensive than the Xeon platform running at the same clock speed.
        
        The new q9650 (NOT qx9650) would be even better, but AFAIK, neither Dell nor HP are offering this CPU yet. The qx9650 is way overpriced, as are all "Extreme" CPUs.
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        William Crosby @ Jim Zink on Sep 21, 2008 3:40 AM
        I would not choose either. But if I had no choice I would go with the HP. Here's why. I've been working for the past 20 years with my company and have seen all types of computers come through. Dell made in the beginning a standard x86 architecture PC then immediately changed it to a proprietary architecture to control whom you could buy parts from, that was in the early 90's. Then they feel out of the lime-light and restructured their company trying to make a comeback and dumped the proprietary, for now, and went back to a standard off-the-shelf component system. This was a good choice, at first, then the proprietary Dell jokers returned with the lets make cheap system using cheap components and using cheap capacitors and no air flow cause it can systems and control custom case designs using proprietary power and others odds and ends in OUR systems, the end-user will never know ...WRONG. That's when it all went downhill around 99. All has been junk ever since. Dell has been through several lawsuits and is in one right now. The government contracts are being dump and even they are pissed and switching to HP. I've worked personally on hundreds of Dell PC's and Laptops and find that all except some of the workstation class, cheap garbage. As for the Workstation class the few I've worked on are way over-priced, like 4k for just the box, give me a break. I have spec'd and built some very power workstation's for both work and personal use, as well as others and have done it for way less, like 1-2k, complete, you know box, panel, keyboard, mouse, blah, blah, blah. Though the Dell laptops make great waffle irons, Latitude, Inspiron and XPS, all of them. I know, I know, I don't like Dell's, but I speak from a great deal of experience with the units and all the techs where I work also have the same mutual feeling. I know that there are others that you can buy prebuilt workstations from of a high caliber and be happy with, even laptops. I prefer Acer laptops, the price is right and they have good bang for the buck. Also heard the Asus Laptops are good, personally haven't used or worked on them. I know I've come off sounding harsh but the words do ring truth. Dell even bought out that poor company Alien Ware, remember them, to garner some performance in their own laptops and destroyed the company and turned Alien Ware's technology into their XPS in the most wrong way. I know, I know some of those out there find the Dell a reliable system and have never had one prob. That's great BUT that's not dealing with systems by the masses and running hard all day and sometimes all night. All I ask is do your research BEFORE you buy. You may find it worth the effort. OH and by the way, we too had to settle at first with Dell you know why? Cause the idiot that decided on the computer purchasing contracts didn't have any IT experience and because they had a Dell and thought it was good that became the recommended system. Non-IT people buying computers, gets you exactly that, lack of experience and lack of computer .... LOL. Ask your IT experienced people (keyword: IT experienced) what their preferred station is and all that I know states their own home-built one. Ask why.
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        Matt McKendrick @ William Crosby on Sep 22, 2008 1:30 PM
        Casey,
        
        Every computer I have had for the last 12 years has been a Dell, save the one I am using now. In the beginning, I didn't have much to complain about, but since 2001, Dell has continually disappointed me with their quality and complete lack of customer service. Their troubleshooting flow charts always ended with "you need to reinstall Windows", no matter the problem. Additionally, their systems seemed to be behind the curve, especially in recent years with the development of mulitple cores. My last Dell had to be serviced 6 times. 3 of which were due to dead mother boards. I know many others have had good fortune with their Dells and are perfectly happy with them, but my experience hasn't been pleasant.
        
        One guys opinion.
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        Casey Gorman @ Matt McKendrick on Sep 22, 2008 2:13 PM
        Matt,
        
        Thanks for the reply. I can see where that would sway one over to a different manufacturer. Customer service (or lack of) is definately an issue that needs to be considered in any purchase.
        
        We've been fortunate that we haven't had a lot of issues with the Dell's. Also our IT department services our computers. It would be tough here to get a change through on computer suppliers due to the fact that the reason we swicthed over 10 years ago was to obtain reliability.
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William Crosby Sep 23, 2008 2:56 AM
Casey,
Some words for thought. Customer service is a good thing and so is an IT department but the department I work in is both to our customer. An IT dept not only should be loading app and troubleshooting software and hardware issues but also if necessary building new system based on their customers request, this is what they are payed to do. It's their expertise that the customer is relying on. IT should be assisting the company by guiding them in wise choices and saving money. Workstation class computers, not business class, do not come cheap on the vendor market and could be built at half the price they ask. As for warranties, all parts are warrantied by the manufacturer of that part. Some parts have 1 year, others up to 5 years directly through the hardware manufacturer. So if the IT dept is doing what they are paid to do then they can handle all build ups and RMA returns for damaged or bad parts. So that leaves the Vendor customer service that you are paying for per workstation. Add all that up and does your company get their ROI ever from that vendors customer service, no. You are paying for 2 services that are the same and don't even know it. I'm not saying to have the IT build all stations but the special ones look into it. I'll give you an example, we just got finished building 30 custom computers all high end which if we bought from a vendor would cost 4k-6k each just for the box, no monitor. Now we built them in house for only 1500 each and all except 2 parts were bad which we RMAed back and got new ones within the week. Low cost and quick turn around doesn't get any better. We pride ourselves in service, that is what we are payed for and in return we saved the company money and zero down time. That is what IT should be doing for their company. Hope this was useful.
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Nate Parello Sep 23, 2008 1:26 PM
It's my opinion that you should always build a computer with parts from companies you know to be reputable and of good quality. My last two computer's here at work have been Dell's simply because my boss was able to finance them easier. I would never in a million years own a dell as my home computer. You simply never know what you're getting inside those boxes. My current system, an M90 Precision laptop, hasn't been too bad but I would still not recommend it to anyone that has access to advice on how to get a good system. You have to take into account, especially if you do not have a decent IT department, that Dell customer service is horrible. It's disappointing when you're having a problem with your system and you're talking or emailing someone and you realize they know less about computer's than you did in high school(if you're around my age, I'm 26). In my experience, if your problem can't be covered in the most basic tech support handbook, you're not going to get too much help from Dell customer service.

I've never used any HP computers except for the Walmart specials but in my experience, most HP products are only a couple steps up from a waste of space. There are many companies that allow you to custom configure systems in the same way you can a Dell or an HP except that they tell you the brand and model of each component you are putting into your system and almost always use standardized components. One such company, Avadirect.com, is where I am getting my newest system within the month. I've never used them before so I can't vouch for quality except to say that I know exactly what is going to be in my system when it arrives.

Bottom line is: Stay away from Dell and HP if you can. If you just need an office computer for bookeeping, spreadsheet, etc etc, Dell or HP would probably be okay. But if you're looking for a performance PC, bring your business elsewhere.
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- 1-6F218O @ Nate Parello on Sep 23, 2008 2:20 PM
  William
  
  I would agree with you on the fact on what IT should be. Most of the time IT is nothing more than network specialists and thats all. The IT guy at our place may know simple things like reformating a hraddrive and adding in ram but it ends there. When it comes to building a PC he does not know the first thing. Its a sad state when me a draftsman at my company knows more about building PC than the IT guy. He may be able to kick my but at Networking but as an IT guy you should be an expert on both.
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- Casey Gorman @ Nate Parello on Sep 23, 2008 6:16 PM
  William and Nate,
  
  Thanks for you input. It's my understanding that here we buy the Dell without customer support and in turn do not pay for it.
  
  For the SW users (myself and 2 others) they purchase workstations systems based on SW spec's and any add-ons I suggest. We have a network specialist, a database specialist and an IT guy. Our network specialist has a background in computer support/construction as well as network support. They support about 100 systems (some of us have laptops and desktops). The directive from the top is to purchase from a long time established company (we have been bitten in the past that is what created this directive). With that said they have on 2 occassions built up special systems for the graphics/marketing department, but with their work load this drags out so asking to have the ME computers to be hand built would get shot down.
  
  Over the years it has been rare that we have had an issue with a Dell computer when it is specified correctly. (Over 12 years of ordering strickly Dells; This includes unit that are requested by our customer to be shipped with our product)This too would put a stopper on a custom box.
  
  I have no doubt that a custom box could be an improvement over a standard box, but it isn't in the cards for everybody. Also I don't believe that there was a big difference pricewise between the purchaced box and the hand builts for the graphics people when you added in the time it took our IT department to build it.
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  - Brian Cayer @ Casey Gorman on Sep 23, 2008 6:50 PM
    When the company I work for moved to SolidWorks in 2004 they bought a whole raft of low to mid range Dell workstations set up to run it.
    
    That's 5 years of use with no significant issues. I know it's time to upgrade but with the economy in the toilet I won't hold my breath on it happening any time soon.
    
    These boxes did go the distance for us and I hope they hold out until 2010 when the new CPU's go online.
    
    Just expressing what the elephant looks like from this side.
    
    Regards,
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Jason Corl Oct 19, 2008 8:00 AM
This is indeed an interesting topic with many opinions and experiences. Can those of you who don't prefer major brand PC's give some info on whom you do purchase your machines (or components) from and how you spec them to "know what you are getting" and know that it will be good and all compatible. i've heard of companies that specifically build Engineering and CAD systems. Does anyone have experience with such companies?

Thanks!
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- Rio Benson @ Jason Corl on Oct 19, 2008 6:09 PM
  
  Jason Corl wrote:
  
  i've heard of companies that specifically build Engineering and CAD systems. Does anyone have experience with such companies?
  
  Thanks!
  
  Jason,
  
  While I don't own one, but use their specs to build my own, Xi Computer has been offering the fastest factory built CAD workstations (and desktop replacements) consistently for the past decade. Using their specs for my own builds every couple of years for the past 10 years has provided me with significant cost savings, rock-solid platforms, really fast systems, and a knowledge of PCs I wouldn't have obtained otherwise. Also, it's not as difficult as one might think.
  
  For people that have to cope with working through their IT department, you have my sympathy; they are not necessarily CAD people either.
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Kevin Quigley Oct 19, 2008 8:51 PM
For many users out there who work in small companies where there are maybe 1 to 5 seats, and they have to spec up their own machines there is no shame in going for a mainstream branded option over the build your own route. I personally have purchased Dells, Apple, HPs and SGIs for my own business over the last 18 years, as well as a couple of build your own adventures which frankly were cheaper up front but ended up taking 10x longer to debug and sort out. Sure it was fast but by the time you add the cost of me setting it up, checking it, building it, tinkering with it I reckon it cost double what an off the shelf solution would.

My own opinion, either Dell or HP are OK. I am currently running both, along with two Apples. In terms of reliability, the Apples are the best - hands down. The last time I had to call in support for a dead Apple machine was in 1992 on an Apple IIfx! The worse (apart from the build your owns) was one of the SGIs - 3 years, 2 motherboards, 1 set of ram.

In terms of customer service the best here (UK) is Dell. Any problems you call they send through the parts or send someone around same day or next day. In the last 10 years we have had one Dell (heavily used) laptop need a new motherboard. The other faults were what I would call wear and tear (like power cables fraying, USB ports wearing out through use - dongles and USB sticks have much to answer for!).
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- Matt McKendrick @ Kevin Quigley on Oct 20, 2008 1:45 PM
  Jason,
  
  Veloctiy Micro did a great job for us. They even overclocked the CPU for us and still kept it under warranty. They also offer a greater variety of hardware and hardware combinations.
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  - 1-6F218O @ Matt McKendrick on Oct 20, 2008 3:17 PM
    I have an XI computer and I love it. If you don't want to build a pc your self there a great company to go with. They don't have all the extra software juck running in the backround like Dell and HP and you have more selection on the components you can put in your PC.
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Jason Corl Oct 20, 2008 3:53 PM
Thanks for the tips guys, I checked out both XI and VM, they seem pretty good but they don't spec motherboards. Is there a preference there?
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- Matt McKendrick @ Jason Corl on Oct 20, 2008 4:32 PM
  This is usually driven by the type of video and processor you want. (Quad core, dual core, SLI, dual processor, etc) We have the EVGA nForce 780i SLI for the Intel Core2 Extreme QX9650 for the system in my signature block.
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  - Carl Himpsel @ Matt McKendrick on Oct 20, 2008 7:07 PM
    Polywell is another area to look for non major-branded workstations where you can pick your own components. I am on a new P4500A right now and it works quite well. I would go the 'independent' route over 100% build-it-yourself as the component combinations will have more testing on them. Having built my own (non-workstation) machines in the past, you run into weird component interoperability errors like your network card being incompatible with your northbridge. That one took some time to find.
    
    Lenovo (formerly IBM) apparently makes workstation-grade desktops too. I found a good price on a ThinkStation S10, but only after ordering the Polywell.
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Whats is the best computer? HP or a Dell

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