Buy or build a computer?

[laureth]

I was just wondering which would be better and cheaper....

[Money]

build most expensive thing is usually windows LOL buy ive got a copy of XP PRO with a corporate cd key

but build it, the reason i like to build mine is i get exactly what i want and its not full of bullshit programs like a bought one

[Pummel]

Bought computers suck.

[Denon]

Buying a prebuilt PC is just easier.

If you build your own it will ALWAYS be better* and for cheaper.



*DISCLAIMER: Aslong as you have a f*ck*ng clue.

[McVicar]

Someone looking to evade their ban again?

Huzzah

[Refund!]

Buying a prebuilt PC is just easier.

If you build your own it will ALWAYS be better* and for cheaper.



*DISCLAIMER: Aslong as you have a f*ck*ng clue.

i'd like to build my new one, but as you said, i have no "f*ck*ng" clue

[Subjugation]

The only advantage of buying a prebuilt PC is not having to spend a fuckload of money on software. If acquiring software isn't a problem for you, then by all means, you most definitely should build it yourself.

Down the road, when you need to upgrade your system (whether it's CPU, Video Card, RAM...etc), that's when the money savings actually starts to make a difference. And you will know exactly what brand RAM, mobo or PSU you have, so searching the web for incompatible hardware schemes isn't an issue.

If you build it yourself, it's natural to want to buy a cheap, plastic tower instead of a nice, strong Lian-Li case---since the price difference can be as much as $100 dollars. Trust me, just spend the extra money on a Lian-Li case. It will last forever if you take care of it, and anytime you need to open up your PC to work on it, you will be so glad you spent the extra cash. I got the PC-60 and with ultra-convenient features like all-thumbscrew design and a slide-out mobo tray, changing your video card, or upgrading your DVD-Burner or CPU is as easy as pie.

[Ewan]

I disagree with the whole "spend loads on a good case thing", at least for the whole convenience to upgrade thing. In my opinion, spending an extra $100 on a convenience which you'll see not too often (let's face it, it's not like you upgrade a component every week). is not worth it. My case was about $25, it has thumbscrews and even an LCD screen with temperature sensors and I am perfectly happy with it.


Regarding the question buy or build:

Buying:
You'll typically get good tech support
You know everything will be put together well (unless you buy it from some shitty dealer) and it will work
It'll simply be a case of the computer arriving and you plugging in the relevant chords.
BUT
Most PCs you buy prebuilt will come with a ton of shitty software that slows the whole thing down.
You'll pay a little bit more


Building:
You know EXACTLY what components you're putting in your PC.
You can customise it exactly to your needs.
Will typically be cheaper than a prebuilt one.
The first run will be clean, Windows will be installed and nothing else
BUT
You need to know what you're doing. Either have built/upgraded PCs a lot before, or at least have a friend with the know-how.
Troubleshooting can be a bitch if you have a problem when you're first setting up (Don't forget to put on the spacers for your motherboard!)
Tech support/warranty will be component specific
Takes a lot longer to set up
You'll have to buy Windows (it's really not that much for an OEM version)


Personally, I'd recomend building. It REALLY depends on whether you believe you (and a friend if applicable) can put a working PC together, and don't mind spending a few hours doing so.

[Jason]

i've been using the same antec case since 1999

booyah

[geekbot]

Agree with Ewan's good summary-

Buying: customer service and a warranty on the complete package, it's easy, SW will be cheaper

Building: more control, cheaper

Personally I think the warranty and ease of buying is worth it. A couple possible exceptions:

1) you need specific things not available (like building a DVR)
2) high end machines or really stripped down I think you might be able to save more

[Zeebu]

ive been thinking about building my own... mainly for the lack of preloaded software and control over what i want...

id like to be able to run some of the analysis stuff that i use a bit faster than i do now... i dont need the powerhouse of a computer like i use at work, but id like a bit more than a hamster in a wheel

not counting the software or additional hardware such as a monitor, speakers, keyboard etc... if i wanted to spend between about 1000 dollars on a computer... how nice of a computer? with decent warranties and such...

and now for giggles, how much of a beast could i make if i wanted to spend a couple thousand and then some?

[paradise!]

you guys build ur own computers...??? sigh all that hardware is confusing

[Money]

not really

[paradise!]

not really

shut up burnout

[Money]

LOL maybe you should smoke some weed, MAYBE IT WILL MAKE YOU SMARTER OR AT LEAST GIVE YOU SOME COMMON SENSE