Feeler: Dual XeonE64MT Nocona Workstation, custom built

[iHeartTheApple]

Hey all,

This is my first thread in the marketplace, so forgive me if I do something wrong. I'm looking to get a feel for what I could get for this computer (details to follow) and whether anyone is even interested. :confused: I understand that this is a Mac forum, but I figured that there may be someone out there that might fancy it...

Details:
Dual Intel Xeon 3.2GHz Xeon Nocona E64MT with 512MB DDR2-400, PCI-E X600Pro with 128MB DDR VRAM, dual WD Raptors (10kRPM, 74GB HDD), fully cooled CoolerMaster Aluminum Tower, Antec Power Supply with the total original prices/specs as follows in the attached image
43000

As you can see, the price that I paid for everything when I bought it a year ago was slightly less than $2900. Since then, I have barely used it as it was originally purchased to do plasma physics simulations (for grad school) which have since been put off until later in the degree.

Here are some more photos:
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43004
43003
43002

FWIW, I will be using the money from this to purchase an Intel iMac, most likely. I've fallen in love with Apple and I would like to make the final transition. I guess I'm looking for something in the range of $2000 :o for this setup. As I said, it's hardly been used...That price would include everything in the list above. I also have a Dell 17" CRT, a Logitech Z90 (IIRC) speaker system, a Microsoft split keyboard and a Kensington Pilot Optical Mouse that I could sell in addition to the $2k. Again, let me know what you guys think...Hopefully I'm not too far off base... :)

Late EDIT: This is a quad core machine (two cores per processor). See the comparison benchmark with the QuadG5 here: http://www.geekpatrol.ca/blog/74/

[cr2sh]

To begin with... on your spec sheet.

I can buy the cpu's for $150 less of new egg right now, the mobo $130 less right now, the video card seems about $40 too high, the dvd burner $40 too high, you're claiming $272 for a case and power supply, plus you're claiming $231 on OS's.

It may have cost you that much to build it... and they are very high quality parts... but to build it right now, off new egg.. I'd think $2200 is a little more reasonable.

Subtract the $800 savings from that and you're around $1400... which to me, sounds high.. but closer to the real value.

--

To be blunt, there is no way you're getting anywhere near what you payed for this machine.. out of this machine. The market does not lend itself to it.

First, anyone who is of a mindset to own a machine like this is either going to:
1. Build it themselves, or
2. Order it from Dell or the like

Plus, you don't have a warranty... which only a person who is capable of building a machine like this themselves would be willing to deal with. *I think.* You may be better off parting it out and selling the pieces on ebay.

[iHeartTheApple]

To begin with... on your spec sheet.

I can buy the cpu's for $150 less of new egg right now, the mobo $130 less right now, the video card seems about $40 too high, the dvd burner $40 too high, you're claiming $272 for a case and power supply, plus you're claiming $231 on OS's.

It may have cost you that much to build it... and they are very high quality parts... but to build it right now, off new egg.. I'd think $2200 is a little more reasonable.

Subtract the $800 savings from that and you're around $1400... which to me, sounds high.. but closer to the real value.

--

To be blunt, there is no way you're getting anywhere near what you payed for this machine.. out of this machine. The market does not lend itself to it.

First, anyone who is of a mindset to own a machine like this is either going to:
1. Build it themselves, or
2. Order it from Dell or the like

Plus, you don't have a warranty... which only a person who is capable of building a machine like this themselves would be willing to deal with. *I think.* You may be better off parting it out and selling the pieces on ebay.

Wow! :( Ouch, ok. So, then you're saying even if someone *was* interested in buying the entire package, $1400 would be a more reasonable price to ask? I realize that the parts have decreased in value and the system carries no "complete package" warranty. Unfortunately, I didn't even think about that being an issue. :o You make very strong points, Cr2sh. Thanks for the help! :)

[RGunner]

that is one heck of a nice "PC" ... SuperMicro makes premier boards, I would take my chances on Ebay, you have a good start already for the Auction... Maybe some more high res. pics and it will sell well.

I have a question for the seller too.. How loud is this machine? (most Xeons I have been around you cannot think straight while near)...

[iHeartTheApple]

that is one heck of a nice "PC" ... SuperMicro makes premier boards, I would take my chances on Ebay, you have a good start already for the Auction... Maybe some more high res. pics and it will sell well.

I have a question for the seller too.. How loud is this machine? (most Xeons I have been around you cannot think straight while near)...

Thanks for the praise and advice, RGunner. I think I may toss it up on Ebay to see what happens. I may wait to see if I can get a few more opinions from MR first, though. :)

As for the noise, it's decently loud. I haven't ever had a major problem with fan noise on computers, but for those people who can't deal with anything louder than a PowerBook, this guy may alarm them. :D I've heard compies that are much louder, but it's still a decent wind tunnel.

[iHeartTheApple]

/bump

Anyone else with any other advice on this one before I try to put it on ebay? Any suggestions for prices/trades? Sorry for the shameless act of self-promotion, but I just would like a bit more advice. :confused: :o

Thanks again everyone! :)

[4JNA]

from the point of view of someone who builds boxes for a living, i think even $1400 for the system is high. you would do much better selling the individual parts.

it would be impossible to compete with dell/hp workstations. dell precision 470, same processors, 1gb ddr2, 80gb sata, dvd-r, quad dvi card, for less than $1000 is an easy find. and is really quiet (on par with dual g5). sorry. :(

since you mentioned grad school, how about a classmate ahead or behind that needs the workstation? might bring more, and no shipping. of course, if it blows up, you have no where to run and hide. :rolleyes:

and regarding your last edit; the processor is not a dual core. it's a hyper-threaded xeon. one physical core, two logical processors. a new dual core xeon is worth more than you entire setup at the moment. the fastest dual core xeon is 3.0ghz as of today (xeon 7041); http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl=en&q=xeon%207041&sa=N&tab=wf

sorry again.

[ChrisA]

Here is how to price a "custom built" (AKA "no brand") PC...
Go to www.pricewatch.com look up the current selling price for the parts.
Add up the total. Divide by two. If the part is no longer listed on pricewatch figure it as "free"

Remember you are selling used parts with no warenty.
Also remember anyone who is thinking about buying s used PC is someone who likely is on a very thin budget.

[iHeartTheApple]

from the point of view of someone who builds boxes for a living, i think even $1400 for the system is high. you would do much better selling the individual parts.

it would be impossible to compete with dell/hp workstations. dell precision 470, same processors, 1gb ddr2, 80gb sata, dvd-r, quad dvi card, for less than $1000 is an easy find. and is really quiet (on par with dual g5). sorry. :(

since you mentioned grad school, how about a classmate ahead or behind that needs the workstation? might bring more, and no shipping. of course, if it blows up, you have no where to run and hide. :rolleyes:

and regarding your last edit; the processor is not a dual core. it's a hyper-threaded xeon. one physical core, two logical processors. a new dual core xeon is worth more than you entire setup at the moment. the fastest dual core xeon is 3.0ghz as of today (xeon 7041); http://froogle.google.com/froogle?hl=en&q=xeon%207041&sa=N&tab=wf

sorry again.

Good point, 4JNA. Thanks for the advice. I didn't realize the actual difference between the dual core and HT. :o Oops! I didn't even think about finding a fellow grad student...That may work out after all! :p