Yes I know you can build or get similar configuration cheaper but 5 year parts and labor warranty is great for small business users or the less computer savvy people who hate tinkering with a PC.

AMD system

* Microsoft® Windows XP Pro
AMD Phenom™ X4 Quad-Core Processor Q9650 at 2.30GHz
* 4MB L2 cache
* 1800MHz Front Side Bus

Intel system

* Microsoft® Windows Vista Home Premium (64-Bit with SP1)
* Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q9300 at 2.50GHz
* 6MB L2 cache
* 1333MHz Front Side Bus

Both Have
* 4GB DDR2 SDRAM memory (2 x 2GB)
* 500GB (7,200RPM) Hard Drive
* 20X DVD±/RW Drive
* 19-in-1 Multimedia digital card reader
* Integrated graphics
* Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000 (only 10/100 for intel config it maybe a typo)
* Realtek® ALC888 8-channel audio with jack sensing
* ZT 104 Key Desktop Keyboard
* ZT Optical Mouse
* Two 5.25" Exposed (1 occupied)
* Two 3.5" Exposed (1 occupied)
* 6x USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 4 rear)
* 1x 6-Channel Audio I/O jack
* 1x RJ-45 connector
* 2x PS/2 connectors
* 1x VGA port
* 1x DVI port
* 1x PCI-E 16x slot
* 1x PCI-E 1x slot
* 2x PCI 2.2 32-bit PCI bus slots

Warranty and Support Information:

* Hardware Warranty: 5-year limited hardware parts and labor from date of purchase
* Lifetime 24/7 toll-free phone support
* Email Support from 9am-6pm EST
* Fax Support from 9am-6pm EST

oh no Hardware Warranty: 2-year limited hardware parts and labor from date of purchase for Intel quad core

MyCauldron said:It looks like the warranty is offered by the manufacturer, ZT Systems, not Costco. Does anyone know anything about the customer support offered by this company? Is the company going to be around for another 5 years?
knowing costco they don't deal with fly by night type of companies, From what I have read ZT systems seems like a solid company; if I recall they have been in business for 10+ years and partnered with several other retailers and busniesses. Also from my experience with costco, I am sure they would back the product if something dramatic happened to the manufacturer.