Simplify your laptop buying
Computer newbies: building versus buying
I just built my first computer
by sexydarin - 4/17/09 11:28 PM In reply to: building versus buying by frombolmi got to choose all high end parts and man i am so proud. I had always bought prebuilts before this, but no more. i had very little trouble intalling all the part, i found it to be more elbow grease than headaches. I had problems with motherboard screws not fitting to well into the placeholders. I had a problem at first with no power, i thought it was a dead power supply but i went to the manufacturers website, did their test and found out the power supply wasn't dead. I had some wiring issues with the fans and power button. I changed the wires around and everything worked perfectly. I will never buy a prebuilt again. I got every part on sale over a few months and the total cost after tax was less than $1,200 canadian dollars. Loved it.
thanks
by frombolm - 4/18/09 12:52 AM In reply to: I just built my first computer by sexydarinthanks for all the posts here. i think i'm going to build my own. i realize that i won't really save any money, but i think it will just be fun. i'll make sure to research up on things, and i'll probably post my build on one of these forums just to make sure everything is compatible.
Just remember
by danstheman7 - 4/18/09 9:34 AM In reply to: thanks by frombolmwhen buying your parts, try to avoid open box and refurbished. The cheapest place to get your parts is called newegg. That is where everyone (literally) gets their parts. If you would like me to make you a list of compatible parts to fit in a particular price range, or if you want suggestions, email me at
danstheman7@Ymail.com
I would be more than happy to help you.
Choice - Buy or Build a computer
by trucks69 - 4/18/09 1:13 AM In reply to: I just built my first computer by sexydarinI've built computers from scratch for last 15 years & have great satisfaction in doing so. It isn't hard; however I stress to you, if you intend to build, to read up first before buying. Especially on different parts & what is compatible with each. Check the manufactures websites on CPU, M/B and video cards, as most good brands have compatible lists. Google for reviews on different parts.
If you shop around, you can save a small amount of money on building your own. Check www.pricespy.com.au for comparing prices between retailers (if in Australia). You're country should have something similar. Buying a pre-made system is usually trouble free; however most name brand computers have limited allowance for future upgrades (esp the case & power supply).
Ultimately it's your choice. Good luck.
Choice - Buy or Build a computer
by Brechan - 4/19/09 1:32 AM In reply to: Choice - Buy or Build a computer by trucks69I only started building my own computers when I found that many of the 'manufactured' pc's out there didn't actually use the name-brand components they said they used.
This being said though I didn't save a whole lot of money building my own, but I knew from the start that my pc had exactly what I wanted running inside.
The one thing I made sure of getting (when buying the components)was an IPR (Instant Product Replacement)or Extended Warranty for all the major components (motherboard,CPU,memory,etc.).
This way; if a component fails within the period of the warranty, then you can have it replaced by the (computer parts)store, rather than having to RMA it all the way back to the manufacturer.
I have also found that the 'techs' at my local comp. parts outlet are a fountain of useful information, and are more than willing to share their knowledge with others wanting to build.
I agree with the concensus. Build, but not for the money
by davagain - 4/18/09 11:10 PM In reply to: building versus buying by frombolmYou probably won't save enough to make it worth the trouble if you're just doing it to save $, but its a great learning experience. Very satisfying. I built my 1st computer recently, then my 2nd. You have much better quality control that way, and you know exactly what's in them. You can get suggestions on making sure your components are compatible from sites like Newegg or stores like MicroCenter. Both, as well as other places, support build-it-yourself.
I had a couple of big hard drives that I wanted to turn into low-cost file servers for my network. I used Atom processors (low-end, low-power, low-cost and adequate for my needs) along with small ATX cases. I will definitely do it again when I have the excuse, I mean the need, to do so.
Building your own PC
by atlmann10 - 4/19/09 12:01 PM In reply to: building versus buying by frombolmThis is a great question. I have been building PC's and have worked professionally for and on every major manufacturer in existence. So I am knowledgeable on PC'S I would say. The decision to build a PC is one you must make on a personal level. As far as advantages go I would say it is a great idea. There are many books on the subject and I would suggest if you are limited knowledge wise to get one and look it over before making your decision. However, I would buy a PC no other way. You get what you want exactly, minus all the add in's etc. You also learn a lot on how your pc operates, and all the components in it. I know PC support people are looked at as very knowledgeable, and you are not going to gain all that knowledge from doing this. You will though gain quite a lot of it. As for cost advantage I would say yes in prices for hardware it is cheaper. The thing you really pay for when you buy a PC is the software. I find in many cases this is a joke in reality. A lot of the software is either available open source for free, except of course the operating system which you pay for either way. I would say the only advantage to buying a pre-built PC is the support. However; if you build it yourself, you will also understand what is wrong with your PC, as a wider concept and be able to support it yourself, and generally much faster than sending it in or getting it repaired by an OEM. I would say it is also a very rewarding thing to learn and do. Also remember that every part in a PC also has a warranty, as some have also mentioned this warranty is in effect longer than a pre-built PC. You just have to get it repaired or replaced by component rather than as a full unit. If you need any help on anything components, expectation, recommendations, or vendors send me a message and I will answer as fastidiously as possible.
Build Advantage - Qualtiy & Long Term Cost
by ghicker - 4/20/09 9:17 AM In reply to: building versus buying by frombolmThe cost to build your first computer will be slightly more expensive than what you could buy. However, the cost savings is in long-term costs. Building your own computer allows you to save money over the long-term by providing an upgrade path. As components slow down or wear out, you can replace the individual components on a custom built PC. In contrast, many of the cheap store bought or name brand computers integrate components and/or make slight design changes that make it difficult to upgrade some components.
In the future, when it is time to replace your "home built" computer you will find that some components are likely re-usable. Towers (PC cases) can often be re-used, which saves you money in the future. Likewise, DVD drives and harddrives can be reused, perhaps as secondary drives. Software can also be reloaded if you have the disks, including operating systems. I reloaded XP after upgrading a system and I know many people that have done the same.
The dollar amounts are relative and change over time, but for example sake here is what I have observed. The average person can buy a good new computer for $1,000 and about 3 years later they will spend another $1,000 to replace it with a 6-7 year cost of $2,000. You can build a good computer for about $1,100 and then 3 years later upgrade for about $700-800 for a total cost of $1,800-1,900. My point is that the long-term options and cost for a custom built computer can be to your advantage.
One last consideration is how long a custom built computer will last compared to store bought. When I go into a retail store, I see computers that are 6-9 months old from a hardware perspective. And as previously posters have mentioned, the warranties are often 1 year or less. When you build your own computer you often have access to components that are not widely distributed or readily available in store bought computers, which gives you a 6-9 month edge. Additionally, the components come with longer warranties and tend to last longer, which gives you longer life. The computers I have built have lasted longer than the computers I bought. If you can get 1 year longer out of custom built computer; then over the cycle of two computers you will have gained two years. If you determine the cost of ownership by how long the computer lasts, then I believe the advantage goes to building your own PC.
Good way of looking at it
by atlmann10 - 4/20/09 2:58 PM In reply to: Build Advantage - Qualtiy & Long Term Cost by ghickerMy last build was an Athlon 64 4000+, Then I transferred some components and bought a few parts and put it in a computer for my girlfriend. I bought a new motherboard CPU and ram and used the existing PSU, Case, CD-DVD drive, HD, GPU and built a new computer that was dual core. I am looking to build another one soon when I7 or Phenom2 prices and capabilities get where I want them using my Aluminum full Tower I initially got for 60 dollars I think. That's one thing look around you may find great deals. The full tower is actually an initial unit of a very high end brand name (begins with Cooler)aluminum tower. of course minus the brand name (Zaz something) and paint and a readout panel (which I put in myself for 35 dollars). The full tower costs between 3-500 I got it for 60..........
Building High End Gaming/Graphics System
by Onjin - 4/23/09 7:57 PM In reply to: building versus buying by frombolmI am new to building myself, and after researching parts, I can get a great high end system. Cost? A pretty penny, in the range of $3K or up.
I have several friends who have built many systems and are willing to teach me how to built and set up my own system.
Looking at pre-built PCs, most are far cheaper but won't be able to run any game at it's highest settings. Alienware is very expensive. Online quote for a similar system is pushing $6K to $7K.
So building my own seems a far better choice. My $3K price is also including dual graphics cards, a 28 inch HD monitor and a Bose Speaker System.
I will be ready to buy parts in a month. I forgot about the computer fares and such, so I will go to one to compare prices and see what I can get. I'm looking to run Far Cry 2 and Crysis at their highest settings.
Wish me luck. Build your own to buying a pre-built, all depends on what you are going to use your PC for.
Building your own computer Vs. buying one
by YeYe55 - 4/24/09 8:23 AM In reply to: building versus buying by frombolmI personally would prefer to build my own computer since i can, at the same time, see for myself it's inner workings. Be able to touch the gusts and install it myself and have a full understanding of what makes this thing run in the first place.
Not only that, while sitting before your creation, you can have best assurance that you KNOW what's inside. This alone will make you even more wonder.
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