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Desktops: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy?

by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator - 10/16/09 3:18 PM
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Post 46 of 68

"Parts generally cost more than a factory job?"

by salsashark - 10/17/09 7:40 PM In reply to: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by dxjanis

So not true.
www.newegg.com
www.tigerdirect.com
www.frys.com
The only way parts cost more than ordering or buying from a manufacturer is if you buy from a small computer business or have someone build it for you, then of course they are going to mark up the parts. Check out these links, very reputable places to order from. Just trying to help you out here.

Post 47 of 68

Well I donīt are a Tech. In building harware, and donīt can

by Old jazz lover - 10/17/09 1:29 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

Hi, i have a pentium IV clone computer with win Xp professional, I buy it here In my Country, with his sofware license, and instaled with the shop i buy this one, I know I donīt have a p.c. state or the art, but, this old p.c. are enough for me. Tanks

Post 48 of 68

Build yourself is the only way to go!

by villanim - 10/17/09 7:12 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

I build them myself, for myself, friends and family as well. It is not just the pride as others have mentioned, but the ability to get the exact components I want. Knowing I will get a 4 Seagate 1.5 TB HDD in a Raid 0+1 instead of a WD that will fail within one years time, or a Samsung SH-223 DVD +/- R/W that I cannot get from any vendor, my choice of an off the shelf RELIABLE system board (not that crap that Dell passes off that will fail within two years or less), knowing I can choose either AMD or Intel and not be limited to just one, pick the OS of my choice without being charged extra if I want to downgrade and not having to worry about my OS deleting all my accounts and data like on a Mac with Snow Leopard and Apple going "oops my bad, your screwed"! Being able to choose the keyboard I want instead of being told by Apple you need to take our shiny white one and deal with the keylogger bug problem when it occurs - the one where you can get a key logger in you keyboard. Only way to get rid of it, is to get rid of the keyboard! Out another $100! Thanks but no thanks Apple I will stick to building my own bug free, virus free Windows based computers. Yes, you heard right, I have been computing on Windows since 1991 and have never had a virus, spyware or adaware infestation of any of my systems. If you use the right protection, both software and hardware based, you can surf safe on any platform!

Post 49 of 68

Windows Vista vs. Windows 7

by scarlettbama - 10/17/09 11:42 PM In reply to: Build yourself is the only way to go! by villanim

Have a HP desktop w/ 24" screen. Great for me. 8 months old. No such whimper of Win7 then.

Now ... knowing that Win7 is indeed about to launch, what shall I do?

a) leave it alone and keep Vista

b) install Windows 7

c) pray someone will build me the "wonder" unit w/ Win7 to go w/ my pretty 24" LCD monitor.

I am a 40-year-old lady; disabled & homebound thanks to a spinal disorder. Computer is my lifeline. This HP was a gift from a nice family that had the extra money to share.

Will appreciate any honest answers as to what to do with the Windows 7 upgrade consideration. Many want to sell it to you, but that worries me.

Please reply, and I will be ever, ever grateful.

Scarlett in Alabama

Post 50 of 68

If I where you

by bowacl - 10/18/09 5:34 AM In reply to: Windows Vista vs. Windows 7 by scarlettbama

I would choose A.) leave it alone and keep Vista. If you are happy with your computer and it is doing what you need it to why change it? Just because a new operating system comes out it does not mean you have to get it.

I have three computers here with Vista on them that run fine and unless someone gave me Windows 7 I will not be bothering with the upgrade until I need a new computer that it would come pre-installed on and since I keep my computers 3-5 years I have a while, mainly because I buy very low priced ones and I get them to do everything I need to.

I did not have any problems with Vista and it improved things for me over XP so I was glad to move up to it.

Post 51 of 68

Stay with what you have.

by robains - 10/19/09 1:11 PM In reply to: Windows Vista vs. Windows 7 by scarlettbama

Windows 7 is Vista SP3. What do you think you need in Windows 7? I've been using Windows 7 for over a month now, it's had some compatibility problems with several games. There was a recent Windows 7 update to fix stability issues, so far so good. But unless you really need something in Windows 7, then stay with what you have and save yourself some money.

Post 52 of 68

Build Myself Every Time (Almost)!

by Jason83 - 10/17/09 10:43 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

I only ever bought my first PC, for there, I have taught myself how to build and upgrade PCs. I always build now, as you get to choose exactly what you want and need, and don't end up paying for any extras that you will never use. Also, you never really need to buy every component unless you plan on passing your old PC down to a friend or family member. A lot of components can be carried over to your new PC, even the hard drive and your existing Windows installation (with the correct know-how, and possibly a new license key from Microsoft).

Post 53 of 68

I build my own

by Jim5554 - 10/17/09 11:11 PM In reply to: Build Myself Every Time (Almost)! by Jason83

I build my own because I don't trust companies who get their parts from the lowest bidder. I was sorry to see Computer Shopper go.

Post 54 of 68

I build it myself because

by gdthestew - 10/18/09 1:49 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

You can get exactly what you require for the way you employ a computer.

Building from scratch is fun. You can also build a system that is well balanced. That means that the choice of a motherboard will dictate most if not all of your future choices. You might choose or want to over clock the CPU or the memory or graphics card in the future. Most OEM motherboards are often one of a kinds that you cannot get information on a year or two later. The typical BIOS allows you to do very little simply as an idiot proofing and economy exercise. Over spec'ing the components on your self build allows you to get performance while running the system at a cruise level that makes the system far more reliable than running it at or near it's potential. Building your own system makes you the manufacturer, customer service, and fix it tech for your computer. You do not get ripped off by bloated fees for minor repairs.

Your biggest ally is the discipline of creating back up or restore images, so that if something goes awry you can simply put your system in a state prior to that last boo boo that now has everything bollixed. You can also copy all of the installation and driver CD's and DVD's to an outboard drive that can be employed whenever there is a problem.

Post 55 of 68

I buy it pre-configured off-the-shelf

by js61054 - 10/18/09 5:53 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

I used to build my own but PC's have become commodity items. I can buy a pre-configured PC with a full warranty for about 1/2 the cost of building one. Sure there are comprimises but todays hardware is so generic and so well engineered that comprimises really boil down to "hair-spliting". I'd put it in the same category as buying a point and shoot digital camera. They are all good and what you end up is a combination of personal preference and price.

Post 56 of 68

Cost effective

by 0bucchr - 10/18/09 6:19 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

When I come across I computer I like, I steal it. Saves money and time otherwise spent building or configuring it.

Post 57 of 68

Locally built by Pros

by swamprat - 10/18/09 2:06 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

I use a local company to build what I want. Give them the specs and let them sort through the maze of compatibility. Keeps money in the local area as much as possible, I get what I ask for and if there is a problem, I get walk in immediate service. No overseas tech support or run around. The few dollars I spend extra are more than worth it.

Post 58 of 68

Build my Own

by Ralphdb - 10/18/09 9:24 PM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

I always have built my Own Choosing components that I want to use.
I did make a mistake onetime Buying the latest and the Greatest Hardware. In 8 months it was outdated.My Graphics card cost $500 and worked good but I could have waited 8Months and bought that card for $180.
So that is how I build them Now with 8 month old Hardware.. but it is still Twice as fast as the current one. for less than half the cost..
Plus I can look at it and say I built this machine, Works great..

Post 59 of 68

I steal it

by Porch-a-Geese - 10/19/09 3:52 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

Yes, man.
I take it when no one's looking.



I buy and build on it. Take them from the trash and rebuild.
Have them given to me and rebuild.

Post 60 of 68

I'd Buy One Already Configured

by jmagee - 10/19/09 5:43 AM In reply to: Poll: When it comes to a new PC, do you build or buy? by Lee Koo (ADMIN) Moderator

I had intentions of building my own computer some day, and there were certain features that I wanted it to have. I started checking around and found a nice computer already built that had everything that I wanted and needed at that time, so I bought it.

I found my computer at Aldi's of all places, and it is a Medion that has served me very well for about 6 years now. I have made some additions to it over the years, by adding an additional Hard Drive for storage and backup reasons, but the basic computer as it came was loaded with everything that I wanted and cheaper than I could have built it myself, buying each part a piece at a time.

I would suggest that others do the same thing, unless you just want the joy of building it yourself, and paying whatever it costs to get what you want.

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