Desktops forum: When it comes to a new desktop, do you build or buy?

I prefer to build my own system, because that way i not only have a say in what goes into the system, but also what size and type of case I want. I know that if I build the best possible hardware will be in my computer, and it also makes upgrading so much easier.

...but, there are times when buying might be the way to go. For example, if I rather not have a desktop or tower at all, I would just buy an iMac or Sony L-Series. I actually purchased a Sony Vaio L-Series last week because I wanted a touchscreen system to play around with Windows 8, and I didn't want a bulky tablet.

You mean why it might be better to buy for Windows 8 vs build?

Windows 8 does better on a touch screen. I've tried the Developer Preview of Windows 8 on regular laptops; however, it doesn't seem much different than Windows 7, and I think it's because I'm not getting the full user experience. On the Vaio L, the touch screen actually makes it fun to use.

There's really no way we can build our own tablets (or else I would be happy, because the Windows tablets out there are either too bulky or underpowered), and touchscreen monitors just aren't so common - which is why I went with the Vaio L, but there are other options from HP, Samsung, and others.

Then you also have the group of people that just want an all-in-one, iMac-like, system. Sure, there are bare bone kits out there, but they don't look as elegant as the all-in-one systems made by Apple, Sony, Samsung, etc...

NOW you all know WHY there is so much software piracy. Microsoft screw$ everyone. There is absolutely NO REASON WHY Microsoft should be charging sky high prices for a retail copy of Windows when Manufacturers may as little as $30 per license.

This is EXACTLY why I am against any form of software piracy prevention.
I cannot in good conscience want to eliminate piracy so that Microsoft or any other 'copyright' owner can get even richer off my back.

Note; I do legally own my copies of XP. I bought them from a local computer store.

Now, buying is a lot cheaper than building. However, buy makes things far too limited for me. You cannot upgrade when needed. You are limited on junk motherboards with very few memory slots or slots filled with cheap small modules that you must toss if you want more memory. You are also stuck with all the crapware that the manufacturer wants to toss on there. For years, many of the manufacturers made towers that did not conform to the ATX standard and you had to buy THEIR power supplies at ebay-kidney-selling-prices instead of reasonable prices at other places.


I build all my own. I can swap parts, upgrade when I feel the need or have to, and take pride that I did something myself the way I want it.



On both my XP boxes I did numerous upgrades over the years. Some because of hardware failures, others because I needed better equipment (can't tell you how many video cards I went through because ALL OF THEM are junk).


So, on this box I normally use Linux about 99% of the time. The other 1% of the time is because my spouse wasted a huge amount on money on Adobe and I want to make sure we get something for it.
And of course the occasional games that my 9 year old wants to play that are 'Windows' Only'.

So, if you want a killer box and have the money, build one and toss PCLinux on it (or Mint). Ubuntu is a huge bloated OS.

If you are lazy or cheap, then buy a budget box that is ready to go and plan on replacing it every 3 years.

About 5 years ago I bought my first laptop and a new desktop. The laptop was for myself and desktop for everyone
in the house. Both are Dell and I both went online and spoke with someone at Dell to help make choices for each. My desktop needs to be upgraded and because it is rarely used I will NOT buy another for some time. The laptop is an Inspiron E 1705 and I have Windows XP on it. Years ago I did a survey for Microsoft and got to choose from their
software, I chose the 2003 Windows Professional. I have done several installs with it. My laptop is VERY slow and I have been window shopping since last April for the perfect laptop for me. While looking it became very clear ( I read MANY reviews!) that for me buying from Costco was the best option due to their extended warranty and 90 day return policy. It does limit my choices a bit but I finally found one and ordered it on the 9th. I did a custom build on Dell.com to compare prices and features. So I am getting a Dell XPS 17 Intel Core i7-2670 QM 2.2 GHz with Blu-ray Triple Writer 1 GB NVIDIA Graphics and a 1 TB Hard drive. It also comes with Microsoft Office Home/Student 2010 full version. I think once a computer gets 5 to 6 years old its time to buy new just for the technology.
Good luck with your decision!

I put 'other'. I go to my trusty computer guy down the road and he makes it and I pay it. I like it this way. Oh, he also fixes it.

I do all the research, and most the engineering and then have my desktop custom built. I am replying to this question for those who need large (or in my case-an Asus Supercomputer). While most people do not need a computer with twin Zenon X5670s with 24 gigs of RAM with 1 gig per thread, there is software that can only be run on such a large system ie: 3D graphics using Vue 10 Infinite. This is a totaly customized machine, built for high end graphics. It is also outfitted with twin nVidia GTX 480s in SLI configuration. With this much power, I would never attempt to build a computer like this. It uses 28.5 amps of 110 volt electricity and costs about an extra 35 dollars (US) a month to use.
And to those that think this is overkill, even a fairly uncomplicated image (10" long x 7" tall @ 300 ppi) takes an hour to render. The point I'm trying to make is, as your computer power needs increase, you can do the engineering; but use an expert to build the computer. Don't risk your life or the life of your family to shave off a few dollars.

I prefer to build myself. I know the hardware AND software that goes into it, and I don't have the troubles of uninstalling the bloatware that comes with a pre-built system. It still takes a while to install the OS and other software I prefer, but it's worth the effort.

I'd get a used box and gut it and start over. Since 04' been a laptop guy. Get non working and fix with max possible upgrade on mobo and maybe not cutting edge components but way less money. Pick up a very good board and decent cpu and memory. GPU's are where the money goes for speed these days... Laptop GPU's are limited by cooling but I find more fun to work on.

Iv'e done, and do, all of the above. Long ago, I was a big supporter of building your own. Used to be, you could get a much better system for much less money. As the margins got smaller and smaller, the tables turned, and now I usually find I can't build a system nearly as cheaply as I can buy one, especially when you throw in the cost of windows, even OEM. Yes, sometimes the purchased PCs aren't quite as high performance or quality, but honestly, most of the time, it really just doesn't make any difference. I've done it for others, but I've also been saddled with being their tech support for the next five years. If it's for work, then I definitely buy. My company doesn't pay me (or anyone) to build PCs. If they did, the PCs would cost more than Porsches. I'd be an idiot to forego the factory warranty. The first time I had to fix one PC, the cost to my company would be greater than the cost of the PC, probably a lot more. I would still build one for home, just for the fun of it, or if I wanted something specific or higher end than I could easily buy. On the other hand, the stuff on sale, especially newer refurbs are just irresistible.

Don't know what happened. This was supposed to be in reply to susanai.

Anyone that's ever built their own system knows 2 things. 1: If you scrape the bottom of the barrel, sure, you can build a REALLY cheap computer. 800 watt power supply for $25? Who could go wrong? And is that your case, or is that what happened when a Japanese toy robot made it with a Borg cube? Sure you can get away cheaply, but I have to be honest...my rigs always turn out more expensive. My video card and power supply cost more than most folk's entire system. But when you spend a bit more, you get a lot more. I can say, I think without hyperbole, that my PC Power & Cooling PSU could be drug beneath the Arctic ice by submarine, take a direct hit from a nuclear missle, and be shot into the sun with a rocket and it'd STILL produce a rock solid 12v+ rail. But all this takes us to...

2: When you buy your own stuff, you get WAY better than the 1 year warranty that covers every single part in an OEM pc. Most of the stuff in my tower has 3 year or 5 year warranties, some stuff is even covered for LIFE. Try to get a dead ram stick covered in an OEM pc 10 days after the warranty drops. Not only does the warranty of off the shelf parts blow OEM away, they always, always, always seem to last longer. Probably a result of the nature of manufacturing supply to rely on the lowest bidder...

I use my PC for video editing and graphics. Having a technical background, I research components when it's time for a new system. This way, I get what will work best for my needs.