Desktops: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer:
- 3/21/08 12:56 PM
Build my own
by ESUNintel - 3/21/08 8:20 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I prefer to build my own computer, since that way I know exactly what's in it. There are many companies I respect out there, like Sony and HP, I will; however, never go with a Dell ever again, not for personal use, not for business. I guess I can buy a PC from Alienware (who happens to be using cheap parts now), or Voodoo PC; however, I rather save a bit and build my own. The easy thing to do, just buy a Mac Pro and you don't have to worry about manufacturers using cheap parts, and if you do want to run XP or Vista, the Mac Pro will have no issues doing so, I am slowly shifting to Mac's with VMware Fusion, and it outperforms any PC in the market right now. ...but than again, I find myself using OS X a lot more often just cause it looks nice, and its fun, plus I need to learn more about it.
Build from scratch
by ctubbs - 3/21/08 9:18 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I buy quality parts, place then in an existing box and have what I want using parts known good. I am my own tech support most of the time. I work for FREE for my self. I even can understand what is being said when I talk to my tech support and i am supporting an American. HA! HA! Seriously, my box last years with minor tweaking and upgrades. The current box is six years old with a few upgrades and still humming. Of course it does cost more to buy and build yourself, but you have what you want, not what some bean counter found for lowest bid.
I roll my own
by Backup Bob - 3/21/08 10:03 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I started out on CP/M systems with the S-100 bus.
I bought an IBM XT clone with two floppy drives, no hard drive, and I have built my own since then. I still have the original machine, however, it is on its 10th box and 15th monitor. < g > Oh, well, at least the power cord is original.
Whether to build or to buy is a tough choice. It depends on so many factors.
Brand name systems often have limitations. For example, recent HP systems use the Asus motherboard (MoBo) and these are generally excellent, other than having a BIOS with limited options. Most of the standard ASUS options are just not there.
Brand name systems may use a non-standard MoBo. Gateway use an ATX-B MoBo, which may become as standard but it is not there yet. HP often has a standard ATX MoBo. Dell is its own thing. Does this really matter? Probably not, since the MoBo does not usually fail.
Brand name systems may use non-standard accessories. HP puts their CDs behind a cover. Most standard drives will fit there. Some Gateway systems uses a sculpted drive that is only available from them. Dell drives are often, but not always, standard.
Pizza box systems look cool but they don't hold standard sized cards and they may have a power supply with a small fan that gets right toasty.
A manufactured unit gives has a team of engineers designing it, not just one computer guru. It also comes with the operating system (OS) configured for you.
There are some down sides to manufactured units. The power supply for that pizza box unit can be mighty expensive since it is only available one place. The OS may be copied to a special partition of the hard drive; it will be up to you to make rescue CDs. All you get is a license sticker on the box and instructions for burning a set of rescue disks.
Many manufactured systems come with a "home" version of Windows. For many users that is OK. For many it is not as it restricts networking and some other activities.
Building a system is not as simple as it used to be. There are so many options and styles to contend with.
The proliferation of memory types, CPU types, etc. can make for a real challenge when you are putting together a system. There is no longer a "Pentium" chip. Instead there is Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, Dual Core, etc. Then there is the matter of die type. Just try and find the right CPU and fan for your MoBO. It can be difficult.
Newer MoBos may have all the features but they also have all the bugs, at least until they are not the newest MoBo on the block. Check out the list of acceptable memory for your MoBo. Some MoBos do not like certain brands of memory. An integrator or a name brand builder will take care of these details. They can be problematic for the individual builder.
There are a number of technical considerations. For example, memory comes in different voltages and now there is DDR3 memory. Windows XP will not use more than about 3.25 or 3.5 gig of memory. Vista pushes this closer to 8 gig. An individual builder may discover some of these issues the hard way. An integrate or name brand building has already taken care of them.
So, if you are willing to shop around for the best parts at the best price, and if you are willing to deal with driver issues, compatibility concerns, and the like, building may be for you. At least you will know what is inside the box. You won't discover some day that updated drivers are no longer available for that OEM video board that inside your unit, or that your memory is an odd type or that is uses n odd voltage.
I have an HP Pavillion I inherited (long story) that is my primary machine. I love it, other than the limited BIOS. I moved it to a bigger box with more space for disk drives and more fans and I added a super video board, but otherwise it is the same HP Pavillion you can buy at the local retail store. I also ditched the Vista Home and installed XP Professional.
So, which will I do? I will likely keep on building them. That way I have control over what is inside.
Buy them off the shelf
by ruby2zdy - 3/21/08 10:04 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
But first I review them.
I used to make my own, but once you start adding programs, and they start interfering with each other, well, it's just better to have a manufacturer you can b*tch to than to throw your wrench through the window, y'know?
Setup According Our Own Requirements!
by flr3148 - 3/21/08 10:27 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have two preferences, one is that I have to buy the preconfigured because it is easy for customers to go and buy the pc and get back to home it just take not much time. In preconfigured I also depend on the manufacturing company. Accroding to my point of view if you want to buy a preconfigured DELL and IBM are the best.
Second preference is that I have to buy all the components according to my requiremet than I have to fix them either by my slf or from the other person. Reason for buying components self is that we buy those components which we need, suppose I need a pc 3 GHz, with XX MB/GB RAM, XXXX MB/GB VGA card etc, here first I have to see in preconfigured if it is not avilable then I have to purchse all the components by myself. Some time our requirements will not matched with the preconfigured.
DIY, roll your own
by mjd420nova - 3/21/08 10:36 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I always build my own machines and have always planned new units at least six months ahead of time and shop persistantly for the best parts at the best prices. This always yields a good, fast machine at or near the cutting edge for the best price. Some users maynot have the skills to do this, but they can search out a knowledgeable person to help them build and possibly even teach them how to build their own units.
buy parts and build my own
by killav - 3/21/08 10:50 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have friends that bought off the shelf with a warrenty and it was the biggest hassle for them when something simple happened like the power supply died. This is the third one I've built since the Apple 2c/e days and life is alot easier on the wallet and mind. Easier to upgrade when you know what your needs are, and easier to fix, (especially when it comes time to hunt up drivers to update). The only thing I buy off the shelf are laptops. Just got a killer deal on a duel core, 250g hard drive with 3gig ram preinstalled for $700!
I buy it pre-configured right off the shelf
by Chigal48 - 3/22/08 2:12 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I used to have it built to specifications, but I find that it's just as cheap to buy a computer "on sale" than have someone build it for me. However, I am concerned about the next operating system and the ability to have WinXP vs. Vista on the next computer I purchase. I'm afraid that Microsoft will discontinue totally the manufacturing of XP; we know they will stop supporting it.
I dont want to F%^# it up
by Magicmushroom98 - 3/22/08 3:43 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
i buy it myself and have others build it, just because, although I know enough to do basic repairs, and change stuff around, i dont know how to build it proprly, adn i wont pretend i do. I would rather have the assurance it will be put together properly
Direct from the manufacturer
by dfarber10 - 3/22/08 3:53 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I never could roll my own, so I always had friends do it for me. Amazing what can happen when you buy the components.
In the overal scheme of things, I have found that ordering from a manufacturer like Dell has given me the best compromise between prepackaged and my own componenets. It also appears to offer the best bang for the dollar. Addionally, Dell gives me 30 days in which to try it out and to return if I am not satisfied. I like that little bit of extra insurance.
The right combination of cost, performance and Perspiration
by fschoonbaert - 3/22/08 4:45 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Even though 10 years ago I felt comfortable taking a PC apart or building my own, I don't really feel that comfortable anymore to build a reliable PC myself out of individual components. I have owned quite a few desktops and have run a company network as well and my opinion is:
1. To build your own PC you need to be very comfortable skills. However in most cases The cost however is prohibitive, particularly since you will need to buy the software as 'retail'
ALSO a) Not all components can work well together. I ahve in my desktop a top-end NVIDIA graphics card and a top-end multi monitor ATI. They both work reasonably well (but do cause an occasional crash), but I am unable to upgrade the drivers, because they refuse to install. A reputable custom builder will have tested most of his configurations.
2. The giant online retailers like Dell only offer a good price on Basic models. As soon as you start upgrading the basic spec with extra memory, better graphics card etc the cost goes out of control. Also the number of options they offer to you are just too limited. E.g. At best you get a choice of 4 graphic cards and in some cases the only difference is the speed. Most of tehse seem to also heavily focus on specific component suppliers.
3. The local retailer usually is just a lot more expensive and the choice of components is relatively limited.
4. I find it best to find a reputable online retailer that can provide the components you are looking for. The UK has many of those. You get a good price and a wide range of components to choose from. The system will arrive fully configured and you have somewhere to go in case there is a problem.
Frank Schoonbaert
Depend On What my needs are?
by terrierterrorNH - 3/22/08 4:55 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The last desk I purchased I built my self from parts ordered/purchased from various online and local retail outlets. Why? I want to configure it my way to certain standards I have that would of cost big $$$ too order on line. As well I could install and set up the OS and all the programs the way I wanted too, so I knew what I had, where the files were, and what the settings were. I didn't think of looking at a local because I felt that they would be too expensive, but might try them the next time I want a desktop, but I think I've gone laptops for the foreseeable future.
Other, I have used all of the methods in this poll
by bus - 3/22/08 6:52 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Out of all the computers I own, I find that the ones I have built from buying all the components and building it myself to be the most functional and satisfying. The problems that hold me back now are;
1.Vista's retail price is so high that buying "preconfigured, directly off the retail shelf" is a more frugal approach.
2.The current flex of the SP3 for XP and SP1 for Vista and the flex of "is Vista going to be accepted or turn out like ME", which leaves me indecisive as to what is the best approach to do a build at this time.
3.I have two rebuilds coming up that take precedence over a new build.
build to needs:
by Dana Hansen - 3/22/08 7:29 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I would go to dell business line. Their computers can accommodate more internally. more drives of a better, faster type. SAS type 15,000 RPM. They can retrive data faster which will help efficency. Wider line of CPUs.Cost ratio is better another wordes you get more for your money. They don't load your computer up will a lot promotional B.S. One drawback no tuners avalable.
build it!
by Riskman - 3/22/08 7:56 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to purchasing a new desktop computer: by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I build it myself, not because its any cheaper but because I know exactly what is going into the machine, what video card, who's memory, whos MB, whos dvd burner. No Vista! You wont know that in a preconfigured machine and you dont know the quality of the parts. sure there is a warranty, for the inhome warranties have you ever tried to actually get them out for a repair? forget about it and isnt it fun dealing with a call center in India? exactly! for about the same money you get a much better quality machine if you do it yoursef (if its a desktop) if its a laptop you want then buy it preconfigered
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