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Community Newsletter: Q&A: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer?
- 4/22/05 2:56 PM
Buy or Build a Computer
by graveytd - 4/25/05 8:17 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
What about buying a barebones system and adding your own hardware? Would this be cheaper than off the shelf?
Barebones system
by Lloyd Stuber - 4/25/05 10:51 AM In reply to: Buy or Build a Computer by graveytdThat's a good question and the answer is sometimes. But if you read some of the posts, you'll see that people are divided. Depending on where you buy from (I buy all of my components from www.ncix.com), you might be able to save some money on a barebones PC but make sure it has the components you want first. I just built a new computer for my brother for about $100.00 less than anything that I could get off the shelf and with bigger & better parts. I was going to buy a barebones PC from NCIX but up here in Alberta, Canada, they have just implemented a new tax on all pre-built computers and NCIX couldn't ship me what I wanted as they did not have the payment system worked out yet, so I ordered the componets seperately (they always list what's in a barebones, so you can price out the items yourself), and they COULD ship it and it only cost about $11.00 more to buy them seperately & I saved the $15.00 tax. The only "benefit" from a barebones is that you wouldn't have to put those parts in yourself, if you think that is a benefit. What normally comes in a barebones is the motherboard, CPU, ram and the case c/w powersupply. If these parts are what you want and you can get it cheaper and it's your first build, then go for it. And then you can add compatible componets later or at the same time, if you have the money to get them. Read my reply to the original question under the "Additional advice from our members (Section 1)". Mine is the first reply listed. Hope this helps. Lots of fun & luck. Lloyd S.
Building a PC vs. Buying off the shelf
by - 4/25/05 4:23 PM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I personally have built my PC and found it to be a lot cheaper than buying off the shelf. You just have to do some research on where to buy your parts. one good source is Fry's electronics(or Outpost.com). Watch for their ads on the paper. They pretty have good deals on PC parts. Also, it is not that difficult to build one and you don't have to be nervous about it if this is your first time. All you got to do is read the manuals of each component you buy. It will also be a lot cheaper if you have an old PC to salvage the parts and transfer it to your new one (ex. hard drive, RAM, CD ROM, Floppy drive, Fans). Timewise, as a first timer, this will take about 2 days at the most.
Build or buy, timing is everything
by krysium - 4/25/05 4:47 PM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
In response to a DIY computer being more expensive I have found that home built can be cheaper if ou have the time and timing. I wait to build my computer until November. I have gotten $100 hard drives for $40, $100 video cards for $50, DVD burners for $25, scanners for $5, and 3200 DDR ram for $30. If you buy during the Christmas frenzy, and dont mind standing in line at the local electronics store after thanksgiving, you can build a kickin home system for a phenomenal price. Being as you can use this for a few years and then upgrade to remain competitive for a few more, I find this sacrifice well worth it. I have built my whole family systems that are much better than store bought for 25% less. You just have to be willing to fight them on the rebates.
Create Art
by cws3e - 4/26/05 11:43 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
While I understand the merits of buying an off the self computer, and perhaps just upgrading a component or two so that it suites your needs there is so much that you can do building a system that is hard to find in an off the self computer.
If you have the time and the love for dealing with electronics I'd recommend building your own computer, but it need not only be about power speed and performance. If you have an artistic streak about you you can really turn your new PC into a work of art, these days you can get cases with see through sides, fans that light up, cables that glow in a black light or light up all on there own, interesting looking fan covers and many other mods. Today's home built computers can really become a work of art as well as adventure into technology. Take pride it your creation whether it is just a white box or a glow-in-the-dark PC with a water cooled processor.
If you are decide to build your own computer expect and budget for mistakes. The first time I built a computer I fried my CDRW Drive. Then there was the motherboad I bought that was incompatiable with virtually all of my components. Do your research and expect mistakes. In the end building your own PC can become a rewarding and fun hobby.
Just Buy One off the Shelf!
by lazarus81 - 4/26/05 6:52 PM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I agree that building a computer cost more money than one you would buy from Dell for example. It can get quite stressful; often time you will either fry the processor or burn you memory, if you do not read the instructions carefully. You also have the option to buy a barebone and finish the PC to your own specifications. The best reason I can think of right now is that the insane amount of customizations possible when building one: Cool aluminum cases with neons lights inside, Powerful graphic cards, HDTV cards, Advanced sound cards, etc. To tell you the truth you may just as well buy a New computer with warranty, and just order those customizations! It will cost you less and will be faster! The worst thing about buiding a computer is that you have to learn a lot of new information that quickly become obsolete, unless you are an IT technitian. You can use your time better than that!
"No, no, no!" " Psst, here's your answer.."
by yawni - 4/27/05 5:54 AM In reply to: Just Buy One off the Shelf! by lazarus81If you are the owner/user of a p.c. and ask: "Build or Buy?"; you are, now, ready to build your first computer. Why is this the only criteria? Because you know your unit is too slow, hangs up, crashes too often, etc., and is frustrating! You have a base line for comparison and know what to look for in improvement. You have some money and you know there's something better out there for you. And you're right. Your computer should work just as flawlessly as you can imagine.
The question is not "Build or Buy?"; and which is cheaper? It's "Where can I get the most 'Bang for my buck'?" VALUE is the key! Right? So, here's the skinny (real info) on the economy of building your own and the reason for doing so. You will invest your money in the most important components and acquire a machine which is better (faster, more trouble free, and longer lasting) than anything off the shelf from any manufacturer.*
[Oh, if you can, or want to, buy a computer: just go get the most expensive one you can afford. Or, if you are a shopper: Learn the "numbers game", by listening to your television and start comparing advertised specs for the price: After a while you will know that a Pentium 4 is better than a Pentium III {now,obsolete}. You will figure out that this is the "processor" and the faster (more ghz) it is, the more expensive the unit. ...the more MG's of RAM, the more Gigs of hard drive, etc., the better...and go to Best Buy, any electronics store, and start reading the labels and prices on p.c.'s and the components they offer.]
Well, if you did some of the above, then, you are ready to start building because you, now, have a pretty good idea of what goes into a p.c. The only real question is: "Do I go with the Intel Pentium 4 processor or do I want to go with an AMD processor?" First time builder? Stick with the list of Intel P-4's and buy the fastest one you can afford
The market, about now, is best for a P-4 with 3.0 ghz and HT, or hyper threading:about $180. You will find out that you could have bought a little faster AMD for the same money-maybe even upgraded to the next generation 64 bit processor- oh, well, next time...
Say, did you notice "FSB" numbers while you were looking at processors? That's "Front Side Bus" speed- offered maybe at 500 or 800? And you got? 800! Right? It doesn't matter, if you know what it does, or how. You have to pick a mother board which is set up for your processor,and vice versa, so, ask, "What's compatible?" The MB should be built for an Intel Pentium 4, HT, and 800 FSB. I got a MSI MB (motherboard) for my first computer (P-4 1.6 ghz) and an Intel motherboard ($100)for my second (Intel P-4 3.0 ghz). Your sales person can help you with the rest: 512 mgs of RAM (DDR), minimum (Two memory sticks of 256 mgs each, which clip onto the MB), about $100. Get a nice case (about$70). I got an all aluminum light weight unit with a power supply (ps) of 300 watts (min). Hard Drive (data storage): spend about $80 -$100 with 7200 rpm (they are up to 10,000rpm now, got the bucks?) Your only criteria should be: will I "see" any improvement? If not, you don't need it!
What else? The fan (ask salesperson- he/she'll remind you to purchase one (about $30). It's a little harder, if you purchase, separately, on the internet. In California, and many states, there is an implied warranty of fitness for the purpose intended; and, therefore, all components sold together must be compatible.) Next: just get a mother board with "on board" audio and video capabilities; then, upgrade to what you need, or want, later, with separate plug in cards. You'll know, what you want, if you are a gamer or audiophile...Lastly, you'll need an operating system: bite the bullet and buy a licensed Microsoft XP Home edition (software: about $100)(Linux?).Pull your old key board, mouse, modem, floppy drive, cd and/or dvd drive, monitor, printer, scanner, or anything else you can use, off your old unit and you're ready for assembly! When you are finished, upgrade to a fast DSL internet connection, if you can, in your area for about $19-$26/mo with a 1 year contract.
Some tips on installation: Get a grounding wire to attach your wrist to the case with an alligator clip when handling and assembling components (anti-static electricity). Follow instructions, read the installation manual(s). Use common sense. Don't forget the thermal compound supplied with the processor to glue it to the heat sink; unless it's, maybe, already applied and dry before you start. It's nice, if you have internet access while you are building for any questions which might come up. Hmmm, be really firm and use force to seat memory, modem, plugs,etc., only when you are sure you know where the part goes... Unplug,the power supply when going back into the case to check things out and plug in the fan that you forgot about. "Jumpers" are little clips that slip over two pins on the mother board or hard drive. If you plug in your old hard drive and a new hard drive you will learn that the one you want to use most will be the "master" and your old one the "slave". Just screw 'em in and plug in the power supply line and data cable (colored line on cable indicates that side plugs in closest to the power supply line on all HD's, I think. So, make sure you flip the plug over and push it in the right way without crunching the little pins. The processor will have a dot or triangle in the corner that matches up to the place it plugs into the pins on the mother board...careful.)
That's about it. Someone will add whatever I forgot...or correct any mistakes. I say just "go for it" but to be absolutely on the safe side, just corroborate my instructions, or cross check with, at least, one other source. Always ask questions. Many forums recommend that you read the topics for "newbies" and search the threads for your answer before asking the same question again. This means avoiding the same question over and over not finding a needle in a haystack, so, check quickly and ask away.
When you're up and running and connected to the internet, check out PC Pitstop for testing your unit and the forum for questions. Refdesk.com for general information. CNET for shareware and download: Zone Alarm (free) for a firewall, AVG for anti-virus, Adaware 6.0, Spybot Search and Destroy, Pest Control, and/or the new Microsoft program for anti- spyware. Get familiar with Microsoft's website and updates (Sp-1 for XP; I'm not too sure about Sp-2?)
Ok,now, just a word for the retailers and manufacturers of p.c.'s. Dell, Gateway, Hp, Sony, Tiger Network, HSN, who do offer very good packaged deals very often: It's true, that you would have a hard time beating the price of their computers with all the peripherals (printers, scanners, cameras, monitors, etc.)which they offer by purchasing these items yourself, separately. However, that's not what you're doing, is it? You are running that old CRT 15 inch monitor into the ground, then going out and spending $300 on a great 19 inch LCD flat panel unit when you can afford it, or are forced to buy it!
Bottom line is, though, I saw no one above stating: "I built my own computer...what a fool I was...I lost a fortune...I coulda' had a Apple, duh..."
What you will have, if you take my advice and build your own, is lifetime freedom from all the hype and nonsense about computer specs and you will not have to depend on anyone else, again, for this info because you took the time to learn the facts and master the craft. You will become an insider with a minimum amount of effort. You will gain a great deal of personal satisfaction and confidence in mastering a minor challenge. Your friends and family will praise and admire you. They will seek out your assistance and advice on a wide range of human endeavors. You will prosper (spend money more wisely) and ...you will have one kickin' mean machine at your disposal...to amaze and entertain your friends!
You will, also, make me happy. Good luck. Hope this helps.
-Yawni-
buy or build
by fewb - 4/26/05 7:59 PM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
One thing that I didn't see in the posts that I read (not all)was that of buying a barebones system and adding the necessary items to complete the box. I just built a barebones using my old cd-rw and floppy and monitor for around $250. It took a couple days to flog it into submission but the experience is something I wouldn't trade.
Always less cost upfront build it folks
by Dadmadeit - 4/27/05 9:42 PM In reply to: buy or build by fewbLet this be a lesson to all you fellow (yes proud to be one myself) and soon to be geeks out there wanting to build your own. I'll give you a website that had helped me to tackle my first build 5 years ago. It's called www.mysuperpc.com there's always going to be less upfront cost when you build your own PC. How!How!.. !!How!! well I'll tell you ,let's say website (A) has a motherboard on sale with all the dodads and bubadubs you need and want and you've done some research on for $90.00 and you have $100.00 well you can't get a Dell but you can get that motherboard. On your next payday there's a sale at worst buy for 512mb of memory for $45.00 and across the street at bomp USA they have CDrw-DVDrw combo drives on sale for $50.00 a hundred this week will get you both of these you get my point. Leave all the parts in there boxes unopened just incase you get squemish about the whole thing or decide to buy a better part and keep the reciept the unknowlegeable salesfolks at nogiveacrap"r"us won't give you that "you used it" look. It won't cause you a headache just remember static electricity kills PC parts dead, so use latex gloves like the bumbling fools at Dell and keep using that old clunker untill you have purchased all the parts you'll need for the assembly of your new PC. Then head back to www.mysuperpc.com and print out the pages you need if you don't have internet access at home or at the place you intend to do the build, print the pages out at the local stinkos printshop and get to work the site rocks I even sent the guy a bone for support you don't have to pay the guy a cent If you choose I only did after my 6th or perhaps 8th build. On my first time out I had just watched the birth of my daughter and thought if I can watch that I can learn whats in my PC box and I can build a great PC for me now and for her by the time she's old enough use it. She loves her custom pink and Black PC with the pink lighted side window and pink lights under the monitor... She told me not to forget her PC lego stunts game. So gather pieces + no electro static + build + pry + boot it = yes proud new Geek.
GEEKS UNITE AS ONE SAY IT WITH ME AAAHHHOOOUUUUMMMMMMM AAAHHHOOOUUUUMMMMMMM
You have to have thumbs
by juditte - 4/29/05 10:08 PM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The only problem with building your own is the same as upgrading if you have arthritis in your hands. It is really difficult to seat memory and impossible to set in a processor correctly. All those screws and connections in awkward places etc. So you have to go find younger, stronger hands. Sad but true.
I'm not messing anymore also because of frying a video card and getting a few bad parts. Sigh. Too expensive. But if you have the time, the $ and the hands - have at it. A lot of satisfaction.
Buying or building a computer
by glenroy - 5/13/05 6:52 AM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I agree with Lee, after graduating from commodore 64 and apple IIe, I built my first XT compatible in 1990 at a cost far less than buying one. I have since built several PCs adding components as the years goes by at costs less than buying from suppliers. That means I start with a basic system and at the end of three years, I have the 'hi-tech' system that I want. However, at that time I now need to build a new system to keep up with changing technology.
I am heading to the Amatuer Radio Convention (Hamvention) in Dayton Ohio next weekend (where I usually buy computer stuff), where I plan to replace my current system which I built two years ago. This system cost me more than buying one from a supplier, though I've selected some specific components.
Since I've had the satisfaction of building several computers, as well as the frustration of incompatible and defective parts, etc., my approach now is to find a unit already assembled and tested by a supplier, with the specifications I want, then add or replace other components.
I don't like on- board video and sound, so i'll ask the supplier to include my specified cards and recalculte the cost, or replace these myself at a later date.
The bottom line is, (my view) buy a pre-assembled PC, specififying the components you want, and most suppliers have this option. This will definately cost less. If you want the satisfaction of building a PC, this will come with a cost and some frustration. however, the greatest joy is overcoming thes obstacles and have a functional unit you build yourself.
Glenroy Levy
Electrical Engineer
Kingston, Jamaica, West indies
Buy or Build
by hagbard44 - 5/17/05 2:13 PM In reply to: 4/22/05 Should I buy or build a computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
For me - the answer is build. Because I can. Also it gives me the freedom to get the best prices for the best gear. This means that I can work outside the normal dumb-down attitude that I encounter computer stores.
I was running an Athalon 64 system 8 months before the systems became available to the general public. Build - and enjoy.
Regards hagbard
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