I'm in a bit of a dilemma because my dad found this deal on an Alienware with a 5070 Ti that he really wants me to buy, especially since it's $400 off. However, I've heard so much negativity about Alienware, mostly due to their use of proprietary parts which makes customization difficult. I'd much prefer to build my own PC, and I've even put together a build on PCPartPicker. But my dad won't really consider my build unless I can convince him that my choice is better. So, should I stick to my custom build or go for the Alienware? Here's my original build: [https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8y8mpK](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/8y8mpK) and here's the Alienware link: [https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktops/alienware-desktops/spd/alienware-aurora-act1250-gaming-desktop/useact1250wcto02?configurationid=8eaa64af-41bd-454e-92df-78c1aece4c53](https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktops/alienware-desktops/spd/alienware-aurora-act1250-gaming-desktop/useact1250wcto02?configurationid=8eaa64af-41bd-454e-92df-78c1aece4c53).
9 Answers
Honestly, if you show your dad some reviews—like the one from Gamers Nexus on the recent Alienware model—it might help. They found it wasn't a complete disaster but definitely overpriced. Plus, with your custom build, you’re more likely to get a system that you can upgrade down the line, unlike the Alienware which is on a dead-end platform.
I think the major drawback with Alienware is their proprietary parts, which limits future upgrades. If you love customizing and building your own rigs, your build looks solid! You might want to consider upgrading that 7600X to a 9600X and adding a better cooler for efficiency.
Yeah, Alienware has a history of issues with build quality and proprietary parts. If you do decide to go that route, inspect it thoroughly when you get it and run some thermal tests to ensure everything is good. But honestly, your custom build is more future-proof and gives you much more control.
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That's a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion!