New Comp or Build-Your-Own?
 

I've been looking at getting a computer recently and have come across several options. I know that there are plenty of websites out there that sell barebones systems and even indvidual parts so that you can construct your own computer, but is it really worth it to go with this option. I know a fair amount about computers and am confident that I could do the assembly, but is it a big risk to build a computer from scratch instead of buying a manufactured unit from Dell or something? It seems like more of a hassle than its worth to build my own, and a little riskier too... However, it is much cheaper to buy the parts individually. Any opinions on this one?

Usually each bit has its own warrenty, so you're pretty sweet.
Though Intel only covered their CPUs if they are installed by "certified technicans" whatever that is :)

well in my opinon i would build my own comp...i use to buy IBM computers untill i realized that they can't really upgrade. I am not to sure about DELL but the motherboards that IBM used can only handle that cpu that is with it nothing higher then that (or so the IBM tech told me) i found it much more better to build my own computers and it turns out to be a lot more cheaper and faster.

It all depends on what you're gonna use it for. If you're not a PC enthusiast that wants raw power, I'd just buy some cheap, cheesy Dell instead. It's not worth buying a custom PC unless you know exactly what you're doing with a concrete purpose.

-Lasereth

I would agree 100%.
For 95% of PC users a decent Dell PC would be more than most would ever need, but I would have to get a $3200 machine built by them to be happy. Why would I do that when I built my PC for under $2000? Plus, building a PC is fun to me. I know evey component in my PC, and no bullshit ever gets installed on it that I never wanted in the first place. Custom built PC is the only way to go for me, but I'm weird.

If you're gonna build your own PC make sure you buy everything from Newegg. They're the best. Great prices with fast and cheap shipping, free shipping on some items.

Ditto. Sometimes you can end up with weird integration problems too, driver conflicts, subtle timing issues - unless you're prepared to spend a lot of time tweaking a prebuilt is the way to go.

It might sound like a Catch 22 but the internet has hundreds of sites that will show you step by step how to build a PC from the ground up.

Plus most of it is very self explanitory. Thanks god we're past the days of mainboard jumpers!

I'll never buy a whole computer again. Not only is building them fun, but usually it's pretty cost effective. One of the things I hate most about pre-built computers is all of the proprietary crap that you get from that company pre-installed onto your system. At least if you build your own, you know exactly what is going into and on it.

This is exactly how I feel. Verbatim. Chalk up another vote for custom-self-made. (I've built 3 systems that I'm very proud of :) ) and I'm sure if you ever run into any problems you can ask in here and find great help.

Could you really go wrong with an Alienware desktop (not laptop)?

Build your own, it's not hard. I've built them for myself and friends and never had any conflicts at all. Ask the sales guy if your parts selection is compatable.

My thoughts exactly. If you get a Dell, you do not know exactly what parts are in there. I built my compter and still have my invoice from newegg.com so I still know exactly what piece is in my computer. I know what goes in my computer and what goes out.

I am a big proponent of DIY computers, for many of the reasons already stated. I would only ever build for myself, and I highly recommend it. But I'd like to remind the thread starter of one thing he may not have considered: the cost of software. If budget is a major consideration, be sure and factor in the cost of your preferred operating system, a basic office suite, things that get thrown into the package with a Dell but you must provide yourself if you build.

Of course you may prefer a free OS and other free software, or perhaps you have already bought all that stuff. And of course some people have the means at their disposal to acquire software at huge discounts or even for free through unusual channels. Regardless, don't forget and realize only at the last moment that you really wanted Windows XP Pro and whatever the latest version of Office is, and you didn't allow an extras $600 or so to buy it.

I'd highly recommend building your own or getting a small computer store to build it for you.

I was hoping to see the type of use for this computer you want to build. Gaming vs. reliability; home vs. office. Speed, reliability, expense are all factors.
Building a computer is really very easy the SECOND time. the first time its scary, but in the end very rewarding. You can customize everything very easily and not pay for rediculous upgrade costs if you use Dell or another major comp. maker. thats were they make their money, the starter system has a small drive, little RAM, slow processor, and a cheap video card. If you upgrade anything they charge you 200-300% more than what the item actually costs. But the big thing is as someone already mentioned, when, not if you want to upgrade one of these Dell, IBM, Gateway systems you yourself can't or you pay huge prices for their special parts. Not to mention you also can't flash their boards with a new BIOS.

Please let us know what you plan to use you system for and I'll bet you will get some very specific suggestions.

For those of you that don't want the added software, but aren't quite comfortable building your own, even if you buy a prebuilt Dell, HP, whatever, all you have to do when you get it, is reformat, and only install the stuff you need.

That said, build your own. If you don't know how...learn. It's fun, and you can get what you want, exactly. No compromises have to be made. Plus, you'll save a bunch of money.

if it's for gaming, build it yourself.


if it's for surfing the net, writing papers, and email, by a Dell. end of story. I can't stress this enough. with dell, you'll get a printer, monitor, speakers, all that good stuff bundled in. go for it.


if you want to play some Half-Life 2, build it yourself.

I would definantly buld it yourself.

Building your own computer can save you money, but more importantly, you know exactly what is in your computer, unlike Dell computers, for example, where you could wind up with any motherboard. The "downside" is that you are your own tech support. If anything goes wrong, you fix it yourself or it will not be fixed. That said, if you feel comforable enough, its a great experience to build your own computer, and enjoyable as well.

I'd advise reading the manuals (especially for the motherboard) and making sure to take everything slowly and methodically if this is your first time.

Also, though this may sound stupid, make sure you have everything (ie. cables, supply, etc.)

i would go for building your own if you know exactly what you want but if you don't really care then just buy one.

Having gone both ways, I think building a system is the wy to go. For under $500 you can throw together a decent system for almost anything (games, movies, etc). For under $200 you can have a computer worthy of day-to-day activites (browsing the web, text editing, etc).