*URGENT* Help with buying a new desktop PC before January 1st

[Mockery]

So I'm looking to buy a new desktop PC and haven't done so in quite a while. I don't want to build one myself, but have been looking at companies that allow me to customize the components before I place my order. I'm going to be doing more video-editing in the next year, so I want a PC that can handle it nicely. CyberpowerPC and iBuypower are two of the places I've looked into a lot - seems like you can get some great components for a decent price with them. I'd love to go with DigitalStorm since they have great builds and a stellar customer service record, but they simply charge more than I can afford.

First off, some of the basic things I'm looking for components-wise are as follows:

CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K 3.40 GHz
HD: 2TB 7200rpm (I'd love an SSD boot drive, but they're still a bit pricey, so I'll prolly skip on that.)
RAM: 8 gigs at least (I can always buy more separately)
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 2GB
OS: Windows 7 Professional

Other things I'd like to have but aren't necessarily deal breakers are an internal flash media reader, a wireless network adapter, a blu-ray drive / dvd-rw (doesn't need to burn blu-rays, just play 'em), and little to no bloatware.

BUDGET: within the $1200 - $1500 price range (preferably including shipping)

Do any of you have any places / systems you'd recommend I check out? I've been keeping an eye on Newegg, but not many amazing deals lately.

Also, has anybody here had experience with CyberpowerPC or iBuypower computers?

I'm hoping to order my PC before January 1st for tax purposes, so I'd appreciate any info you guys can share in the next day or so.

Thanks!

[Babs]

I would say go custom with that price. Preferably I'd go to microcenter, that is if there's one located in your area.

[Mockery]

I am going custom, I'm just not building it myself.

[Babs]

I would highly recommend microcenter. You can fully customize your computer to every single component AND they'll put all together for you for a minute fee.

http://www.microcenter.com/at_the_stores/

[dextire]

I have a friend in Texas that loves Micro Center as well. I also know plenty of people who have used CyberPowerPC and have had no issues.

Something that you might not think about if you go with CyberPower is to make sure you get a decent power supply (at least a 700 Watts one) and don't go with the free shipping.

[Babs]

I second the power supply recommendation. I went with a very cheap power supply before and it didn't even last me a week.

[Mockery]

I checked out Micro Center but they didn't have much to choose from for what I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I'll definitely get a decent power supply, I've heard too many stories about cheap ones crapping out on people.

As for Cyberpower, yeah I know not to go with the free shipping if I buy from them, because if you do, you can apparently end up waiting over a month just to get your PC. The main drawback for them is that they're located in California, so I have to pay California sales tax on any system I buy from them which is roughly another 100 bux or so.

[Mockery]

Also, here are the specs for one of the custom systems I put together on Cyberpower's web site:

# CAS: CoolerMaster HAF 912 Mid-Tower Gaming Case w/ Adjustable HDD Cage (Black Color)
# CD: LG UH12LS28K 12X Blu-Ray Player & DVDRW Combo Drive
# COOLANT: Standard Coolant
# CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-2600K 3.40 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1155 (All Venom OC Certified)
# CS_FAN: Maximum 120MM Case Cooling Fans for your selected case
# FAN: Asetek 510LC Liquid Cooling System 120MM Radiator & Fan (Enhanced Cooling Performance + Extreme Silent at 20dBA) (Single Enermax Enlobal Silent High Performance 120MM Fan)
# FLASHMEDIA: INTERNAL 12in1 Flash Media Reader/Writer
# HDD: 2TB (2TBx1) SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 64MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)
# IEEE_CARD: None
# IUSB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
# MEMORY: 16GB (4GBx4) DDR3/1600MHz Dual Channel Memory (Kingston HyperX)
# MOTHERBOARD: [CrossFireX] Asus P8Z68-V LX Intel Z68 Chipset DDR3 ATX Mainboard LucidLogix Virtu and Intel Smart Response Technology & 7.1 HD Audio, GbLAN, USB3.0, 2x SATA-III RAID,2 3 PCIe Gen2, 2 PCIe X1 & 2 3CI (All Venom OC Certified)
# NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
# OS: Microsoft® Windows 7 Professional (64-bit Edition)
# OVERCLOCK: No Overclocking
# POWERSUPPLY: * 750 Watts Thermaltake Toughpower Grand TPG-750M Gold Modular 80 Plus Power Supply
# VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 2GB 16X PCIe Video Card (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
# WNC: Linksys WMP600N Wireless-N Dual-Band Adapter
# SOUND: Creative Labs SB Audigy SE
# SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
# CARE2: Professional Wiring for All WIRING Inside The System Chassis - Minimize Cable Exposure, Maximize Airflow in Your System

It would come to $1456 before taxes. Thoughts?

[dextire]

That's one badass machine. But you could save over $100 if you just went with 8GB of memory (you can always get more later in the very unlikely case you need it) and dropped the wireless (though you said it was a feature you would like).
I'd say go for it.

[Mockery]

Actually, the additional memory is free. They're currently doing a year end special where they double your memory, so the 8GB (which I agree, is probably plenty) was doubled to 16 at no extra charge. I do want the wireless if at all possible, and it wasn't too much extra.

Still looking around for other deals / options though, so if you guys should find anything or have any suggestions, I'm all ears.

[dextire]

Hmm... I found one on NewEgg that you might be interested in: iBUYPOWER Gamer Supreme 957i

It looks like it's got most of what you want for $1100. And even after warranty, upgrade to Windows 7 Professional, blu-ray drive, and a wifi card it's still about $1300.
It's something to check out at least.

[AChimp]

Unless you're an audiophile, you can probably save some cash by going with onboard sound. Long ago the onboard sound used to suck balls, but now it's pretty decent. I haven't bought an actual sound card in about eight years.

[Mockery]

Originally Posted by dextire

Hmm... I found one on NewEgg that you might be interested in: iBUYPOWER Gamer Supreme 957i

It looks like it's got most of what you want for $1100. And even after warranty, upgrade to Windows 7 Professional, blu-ray drive, and a wifi card it's still about $1300.
It's something to check out at least.

I had actually looked at that one before and ruled it out. Wasn't a fan of some of the components, but yeah, it's still not a bad deal at all.

Originally Posted by AChimp

Unless you're an audiophile, you can probably save some cash by going with onboard sound. Long ago the onboard sound used to suck balls, but now it's pretty decent. I haven't bought an actual sound card in about eight years.

That's certainly true... I've been kinda on the fence about buying a sound card or not. It's one of the things that I'll likely skip on come buying time to shave off a few bux.

[Chojin]

wtf is CyberpowerPC or iBuypower

buy parts from newegg or amazon imo

unless those places assemble it for you too? aside from installing the processor it's really straightforward, so just buy a mobo/processor combo that comes with the parts attached

[Mockery]

"I don't want to build one myself" means just that.

And yes, those places let you pick the components you want and they put 'em together.

[Mockery]

Huzzah! Just ordered a computer finally and I think it's gonna be a great setup that'll last me a long time.

Thanks again to those of you who helped out with suggestions 'n all!

[Babs]

Don't forget to show it off

[Pentegarn]

Originally Posted by Babs

Don't forget to show it off

[Mockery]

Close Pentegarn, but no... I went with this one:

[dextire]

Well, I sure hope you like playing games.

[Colonel Flagg]

Does Rog get banned for posting a picture of a cheeseburger? :o

[Pentegarn]

Originally Posted by Mockery

Close Pentegarn, but no... I went with this one:

Hell I'd piss on a spark plug to have a computer like that

[Babs]

Originally Posted by Mockery

Close Pentegarn, but no... I went with this one:

I love your new computer and all RoG, but when did you start looking like Nicolas Cage going through a mid life crisis?

[Pentegarn]

Originally Posted by Colonel Flagg

Does Rog get banned for posting a picture of a cheeseburger? :o

I just got that :slow