Community Newsletter: Q&A: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer?
- 4/22/05 2:56 PM
Key things to consider for building over buying
by JohnJBest - 4/22/05 5:53 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
*) you get the components you want (quality, brand, style)
*) you get the software you want/need. No MORE and no less. (First thing I did with my first new computer is re-install to get rid of all the junk they load on it...You're paying for that you know...)
*) You can often find high quality components cheaply (160G drives for $50-60 after rebates) and can save money if you gather components when cheap (Start planning for the components you need early).
*) You can build for expandability (ever buy an e-machines where all the slots were full when you went to add a new card or device?)
*) As you build, you reuse components. I upgraded an older Pentium 200 last year.. (Over time I had added a DVD, CDRW, Bigger harddrive, etc) I was able to reuse all of those components again and it only cost me ~$300 to go to a 2.8g p4 with extra memory... (Identify components you can scavenge from your old machine... )
*) One caviat, is that the hw mfgrs keep changing the architecture which could render your components truly obsolete... (pci -> agp -> ? video, EDO->SDRAM->RDRAM, etc)..
* It is generally easy to build. Many companies will do the scarier part for you... bundle the mother board, processor, and memory and TEST it for a nominal fee ($10 or so) or you can do that your self.. hooking the mb to the case/components is pretty easy. Only a couple of cables to hook up most are sized so you can't goof it up with clear instructions/labels. (Particularly if you know your way round the inside -> which you seem to..)
Satisfaction is Ultimate
by Rajasekhar - 4/22/05 6:02 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi,
I agree with James in terms of buying a computer. But the Satisfaction you get after building and seems the system running is great and can't be replaced by money. If you carefully plan you can build computer even with cheeper price than any vendor. It goes like this:
(just I am giving the rough figures for you)
1. A tradition P4, with 2.8GHz, Motherboard combo is costs ($124. (network card, audio cards, USB 2.0 in built) (not modem)
2. In deal you can get CD +RW (free)
3. In Deal you can get DVD RW for $40
4. RAM ( you can get for $50 for 1GB) (yesterday only I bought)
5. Graphics card ($40) I guess 4X
6. Hard drive (50 cents for 1 gb should be max.)
7. Computer case with monitor power card etc (2nd sale you will get $20). I got it like that(It even included the hard drive)
8. Operating system (This is most expensive and around $100 you can get in deal)
you can always buy components keeping mind that future upgrade. (like number of PCI slots, No of IDE slots etc.). For example I bought MB with 3 IDE slots which can accomudate 6 IDE devices.
So totally around 450 you will get nice system and ultimate satisfaction.
But if you want to build it in one day you are end up paying more than what you buy on the shelf system.
So keep on eye on deals pages....build your own system. But while be careful in compatibility of those components. Main thing you need to see is Motherboard , RAM and CPU should be in sync. Rest all just plug ins. Take help of forums on net.
Regards,
Raj
Build or Buy
by csillama2 - 4/22/05 6:04 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Totally dependant upon whether you are going to recycl your old machine. Many peripheals are reusable so you will have to factor the price of replacing them in or how much you may save by re-installing them into the new machine. Personally, would buy a new machine and maybe donate the old machine to some worth group or charity. Yes, I agree for all new components you can buy one already built and running for less money, but it is sort of fun to stick one together yourself.
Save by building slowly.
by hotrod - 4/22/05 6:14 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You already have a computer that works. Build your new computer slowly, shop around. newegg, zipzoomfly, pricewatch, etc.
If you case now is from compaq, dell, gateway and such you may want to upgrade your case to make it more accomodating for your new devices.
Powersupply; if your old power supply is at least 300w keep it for now.
Buy a new MB, CPU and Ram and stick all your old components in there and upgrade them when you have time and money. $2-300 should get you a very nice P4 rated intel or amd processor with 512mb DDR ram. You don't need to buy the latest and fastest processor today, just get a MB that will support today's latest and greatest and you can upgrade your processor in the future.
Use your old CD drive(s), floppy drive, HD(s), video card, (sound card if you had one).
For maximum flexibility and upgradeability I would try to find a MB that supports both standard atapi HardDrives and serial ATA (SATA) harddrives. That way next year or when ever you have the money you can buy a new faster SATA HD.
I didn't succeed at keeping this short, but my point is to build so that you can use some of your old parts and upgrade over time.
(NT) I'd like to add
by Dadmadeit - 4/28/05 9:57 AM In reply to: Save by building slowly. by hotrodMy submission on this topic is saying much the same buy slow and perhaps you can still buy the best. At this point my next build is the ultimate rig for games it's being put together this weekend I just recieved my second 6800 GT SLI video card thats 2 top of the line video cards in one case at 350 per video card. It took me 2'1/2 months to get the high price pieces together but heck at a value of $3400.00 from a custom retail builder, my investment of a little time and about $1200.00
Listen to a novice: just build it!
by ragrillo - 4/22/05 6:19 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Take it from someone who is not an expert. A couple of years ago, I wanted to upgrade my then 2-yr. old and already obsolete Dell computer. With an off-the-shelf rig, you can only do a few cosmetic upgrades like adding memory or a HD. So, out of an article in PC Magazine, and after much thinking, I decided to build my own. Man, was I scared! What did I know about computers? So, I started shopping for components. A lot of reading in different good websites. I set out to build the computer of my dreams. I ordered all the components (top quality), and before I realized it, I had an awesome rig that worked perfectly well. In all honesty, it is very easy! What about the old Dell computer? Well, I simply bought a new case, MoBo, processor and memory (at around $500) and using everything that could be salvaged from that old rig (HD's, drives, and even fans), I built yet another fantastic computer for my son. I was even able to sell the old memory chips, so Mb. for Mb. I just end up paying for the extra memory capacity (from 512 to 1 Gb.). Was it cheaper than buying off-the-shelf? With the second one, for sure. And that's the point. In the long run, it is definitely cheaper to build, because your own computer is completely upgradeable, which is NOT true of brand-name ones. And I am telling you: the satisfaction of building your own and see it work is worth it!!! Two years later, my two home-built computers have given me no problems whatsoever.
Great Advice
by dweave - 4/23/05 12:29 PM In reply to: Listen to a novice: just build it! by ragrilloRight on Ragrillo, same here!
Don
Build it yourself?
by dowesner - 4/22/05 6:26 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It's hard to add anything to James' advice, which is excellent. However, his message can be made more explicit: If you have special needs - for example, if you need a deluxe powerhouse - you might consider doing some serious study & research & then doing it yourself. In other words, the advantages of doing it yourself increase in proportion to how specialized a machine you need. A deluxe powerhouse gaming machine, with a very fast processor & fast accessories, will cost several thousand $, and the cost of building such a machine yourself begins to approximate that price. If you have very basic needs, & wish to save $, buy it off the shelf.
I would buy a new one, but a BRAND NAME
by alonso110675 - 4/22/05 6:33 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
personally I like HP's, but they say other good brand is DELL
I work with cad and too much graphics, and have and hp 3.4 ghz with 1gb ram and ati 256mb, and I can have autocad, photoshop, 3d max, excel, and access open, and I can still be listening to music surf the net and burn a cd all at the same time, I really like this computer, if I compare it with a custom machine that My friend sold to the fire department, 2.8ghz, 512mb of ram and same video card, you will hate the custom built, when you start burning a cd, you cant do anything else, and I installed photoshop on it and doesnt run very well since I usually have autocad open for the city map, the city map itself when I move it, takes time to refresh, I used that map to compare both computers and there is no comparison, I am glad we decided to make a trip and buy this one, besides we had the option to purchase an extended warranty plan for 4 years which is very nice
Think about it for a moment
Usage
by dweave - 4/23/05 12:38 PM In reply to: I would buy a new one, but a BRAND NAME by alonso110675What’s your CPU usage with all those programs running? Mine is 30% on my home built system the same programs and more running.
Don
dcweave@msn.com
Don't be led astray
by wolffrench - 4/22/05 6:43 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I really have to disagree with you on the part of it having to take several DAYS OR EVEN WEEKS until the computer is up and running. What are you talking about????? When I built my current system (and I'm not talking about a plain Jane no frills box) I did it in under a day. Assembling the components took less than 30 minutes, what took the longest is installing the software, but even that was done in less than 5 hours.
As far as the price, you maynot save any money by building your own system (compared to buyng a Dell, Gateway, Compaq, or HP, but you are able to get a lot more for your money when you do build your own. When you build your own system, you know exactly what you are putting into it. When you buy a system off the shelf, you usually have no idea who made the components, and trust me sometimes a generic sound card or modem can be more of a pain than you think when you try to upgrade.
If you shop smart online, you can put together a system that will cost about the same as an off the shelf (this is including shipping in the price) but will have name brand components, a warranty on the parts, and you will 1.) Not only have the satisfaction of building your own computer, but 2.) Will have a computer that can be upgraded with no limitations and you will know who manufactured each component.
Don't think that you will be getting a lot of software for free with an off the shelf either, most of the time it is a trial version that you will have to pay for when it runs out, or it will be very limited until you upgrade to the standard version. As a rule of thumb, I purchase my software so I have the right to re-install each piece instead of a single recovery disk method. Sometimes with off the shelf models, you get a recovery disk. Through experience, if your hard drive fails and you have to replace it, there is the very good possibility that the recovery disk will see that the hard drive is not part of the original configuration, making the recovery program think it is running on a computer other than your off the shelf model, which will then render your recovery disk useless, and you will have to purchase your OS, along with any programs, games or utilities that were originally on the recovery CD.
The worst computer advice I ever read. Seriously.
by griffin6002 - 4/22/05 7:00 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I can't believe this letter won the best response title. It absolutely IS cheaper to build your own PC than buy one retail. And this business about "point to liftoff" is ridiculous. It does not take days or weeks to put together a new computer, even if you've NEVER done it before and you have to learn everything from scratch. What this response did is potentially scare off all the kids who don't have the money to buy a new PC at retail prices from owning a computer. So let me set the record straight: if you shop at a reputable OEM part dealer like newegg.com you will be able to build a tower for far less than anything you can buy at Best Buy. And if you are on a budget, like most kids, you can buy a part at a time instead of having to fork over the entire purchase price at once. If you've never put a computer together before, it will take about an hour, and the hardest part is hooking up the little wires that connect the power on case LEDs to the motherboard. And don't worry about damaging any components; contrary to popular belief it really is hard to damage most computer components. They are engineered to only fit one way and they really are sturdy. And then when it comes time to upgrade your PC you will know exactly how to do it and will be able to swap out a part at a time; or re-use your monitor and keyboard and build a completely new tower. And I'll tell you another reasn you don't want to buy retail: computer companies know the only spec most laypeople pay any attention to is CPU brand and speed. So they stick an expensive Intel Pentium 4 processor with a cheap motherboard and other subpar components to save costs and boost profit. You never know what you're really getting with a retail PC. So the naive buyer purchases what they think is a great Pentium 4 tower and it never runs right. I've seen this happen countless times. My advice is go to a site like tomshardware.com and read their manual on building your own PC. Then go to newegg.com and buy the parts and put everything together. You can do it! Have confidence in yourself and save a ton of money by building your own PC!
I'd have to mostly agree...
by marshman11 - 4/22/05 7:19 AM In reply to: The worst computer advice I ever read. Seriously. by griffin6002Very true griffin. Saving money is still a bit of a toss up. If you buy ALL of your components from one place like NewEgg you can save fairly well. I built an AMD 64 3000+, 36G 10,000rpm HD, SB Audigy Platinum, 512MB DDR400 RAM, 12x CDRW/DVD combo drive, MSI Motherboard, and 550watt Power Supply for about $870 dollars back in August 04, comparable system sold for about $1100 retail.
Agreed!
by caseys_32 - 4/22/05 7:43 AM In reply to: The worst computer advice I ever read. Seriously. by griffin6002I'm hoping that the winning submission was the only submission, because griffin is exactly right. When comparing building to buying you have to compare apples to apples. Check the motherboard, power supply, cases and sometimes ram from OEM companies, vs. what you can buy. In most cases it’s all sub par at best.
As for time to build a pc my most recent one was a dual raptor setup (fast hard drives), and it took me as long to open all the boxes and organize the components (from New Egg) as it did to get everything running. It took 30 minutes to build and 10 minutes to partition, format and install Windows.
OEM PC's also come with a crap load of useless software, plus they don’t come with an actual windows or software disks. You get a system restore disk that if you ever do reformat it will just reinstall a bloated OS. With a build-it-yourself PC you have more freedom. Maybe Linux would be an option, the price is sure right, plus there are a ton of people or web forms that would be willing to help with any problems. As for the useless software if you want it go to download.com there are free versions of almost all of it, including the Microsoft Office Package (Open Office).
I also really like the upgrading idea. But with OEM PC's there is really little you can do to upgrade besides removing the motherboard and starting from scratch. And who wants to use an OEM PC case that everyone else has?
There for build your own PC and get the best motherboard you can. This is the toughest component to upgrade. Then get one of the lower end CPU's that your motherboard supports, but compare prices sometimes you can move up a notch or two in speed for only $10. The reason why is say to get a slower CPU is one you save a lot of money vs. buying the best available and two the CPU is the fastest component in the PC. Normally (especially in OEM pc's) performance suffers due to a bottle neck, meaning the CPU is sitting idle while it waits for other components to get information to it. Check www.pricewatch.com or just go to newegg.com. Get one stick of ram, 512 MB (at least, and PC 3200 or higher). It would be easy to upgrade to a gig or more in the future. For video card purchase a Radeon 9800 Pro or similar, and onboard audio is sufficient for the vast majority of people. For power supply get a name brand like Thermaltake or Antec, something around 400 watts should be sufficient.
From my experiences 3-4 years later (when your FREE warranties run out) will be the optimal time to upgrade. Throw in the fastest CPU that your motherboard can handle (now for $70 vs $400 at the time of first building), double the ram, get a faster video card and you will be good to go for another 3 years (depending on your computer habits getting desired performance on a pc for 7 years is a long time but you have a much better chance of doing it with a build-it-yourself rather than buying). Your old components may be worth a little to, sell them on EBay and get a little more money to invest in your PC.
Building a PC is not as hard as it seems. Looking into a case or seeing unassembled PC components is intimidating and when I put together my first PC I was sure I was going to break something, but it is actually very hard to screw things up. Find a good tutorial on line, there are tons of them! And good luck building your PC!
Save money? Not necessarily...
by ecrabb - 4/22/05 7:57 AM In reply to: The worst computer advice I ever read. Seriously. by griffin6002Whoah, chill out dude. I think "worst advice ever" is a little strong.
To be fair, whether you can build cheaper depends on whether you're talking about a budget system or a higher-end system. At the low-end, it really is hard to build a cheaper system than Dell does.
A basic Dell box is in the $350 ballpark. Guess what? That's about exactly what it will cost you to build it. So, what's the point? If it's to have fun building a computer - fine. But, it better not be about saving money - you'll save $10 or 20 at the most, and you'll spend at LEAST a couple of hours building it and installing OS and updates. That 2 hours is if you know what you're doing, and doesn't take into account all the research (which optical drive should I get?), shopping, picking out parts, and some reading and learning for a newbie.
You might end up with something a little better when you DIY, but you're NOT going to save much money - especially if you put much value on your time.
Higher-end boxes are a different story, since that's where the big box makers like Dell make the coin.
SC
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