[mc32]

Perhaps the difference is in testing.

A large mfg, I would imagine, would test a configuration repeatedly before making it available, and then, once approved, the individual systems would go through burn-in, probably with more rigor than beige boxes. So even beige boxes with pricier (but unproven configurations) might suffer from grater failure rates. In addition, large mfgs might be able to demand better "lots" from their parts mfgs/oems.

Just a thought.

[JoeAltmaier]

Dell tests nothing. Parts in one door, assembly, shipped out other door to consumer.

Essentially you the consumer are doing the burn-in. Its cheaper for Dell to replace failed machines. The cost to burn-in (and the time!) is large.

[JoeAltmaier]

I was wrong! A former Dell employee tells of touring a plant and seeing the test station - hydra-like cables dangling from the ceiling with 1 plug for every hole in the computer. It would get plugged in, network-boot diagnostics and run for some time before being passed. But this was 12 years ago...