[scorpy]

I am considering a Dell Dimension 4600 right now for my upgrade. It is spec'd with Intel 3.2E processor, and I am very concerned about heat issues. I REALLY would prefer a Northwood core, but I can't find any online vendors that allow that. I checked Sony, HP, Compaq, and Dell. Is there someone I am missing, or a way to get the preferred Northwood processor? I just don't want to buy the Dell and have it fry in their inadequately cooled box. Thanks for your help!

[Treeman]

Scorpy,
Is building your own, out of the question? If you want something rock solid and autonomous, "meaning you can upgrade anything you want," then build your own. Or have a local shop spec. out what you want and build it for you.
Grab some computer mags, and check out their ratings for computer manufacturers you can order from.
With Dells, Gateways & HP/Compaq you’re stuck with proprietary hardware, drivers and sometimes restore Cd's, or an imaged O.S.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard; "I only want to surf the internet on this computer, but I want it to be cheap and fast!"
There is no such thing as cheap & fast. You get what you pay for in the long run.
Maybe folks buy out of simplicity, advertising, and price & branding, but do yourself a favor and look at the small print, especially about "shared video."
Do more research and you'll be happier down the road.
Disclamer: Dear Big Computer Manufacturers: The above statements are an opinion only, please don't take it seriously.
Treeman

[zprog]

Hey, Dell's are cool. Certainly, building your own PC is wonderful, but you can customize your PC online at Dell.com

[neosapience]

You could always upgrade the CPU heatsink/fan yourself. Maybe you could add a blowhole or something, it's not hard.

[Alanoll]

isn't Prescott the new one? eh, maybe not. Not really sure anymore....

I personally get a new HP laptop (it's in transit) and I was able to customize it quite nicely. Including a nice 128 meg DEDICATED vid card. It was the only one (besides over priced Dells) that had one.

I believe you can go to HP.com and customize a desktop as well. BUt usually, if the processors have been out for awhile, they tend to use the newer ones over the old ones (except Extreme Editions).

[scorpy]

Upgrading isn't out of the question, but my first DIY had some compatibility issues. So my Dad wants to get me a stable system for school. I would love to build one for myself, but I cannot hit the price range he is looking at ($1200), at least through Newegg anyways. My current system will be given to siblings, so I do have to purchase everything. SO I am torn between what to do.

Anyone have comments on cooling in a Dell box though? That is my biggest concern. If I do get the new Prescott core, I want it fairly cool in there. Thanks!

[neosapience]

Hmm, after you buy your pc, you could take it to a shop and have it professionally refitted. It may cost you a few extra bucks, but it would be fairly safe. Try looking in the phone book for some local computer shops. There's a few around here that do mods and whatnot, I'm sure you have some in your area.