Hey, what brand would you consider better overall?

Nvidia

or

ATI

Thankss =]

The mechanics of building a computer are fairly straight-forward. I have taken out and replaced most of the components if not all of them in many computers. I have never had to purpose-build or had the desire to build from scratch my own PC. I have never wanted to bother with the process of figuring out how to select all the components and sort through all the choices.

The task that seems to me to be more difficult is reviewing, selecting and matching the components. It would seem to me that would itself make a more insightful article.

An example: say you wanted to build a PC that would run all the Linux distros, or a computer that would be able to run all the WinX versions, or all the WinX versions and the largest range of Linux distros how would you do this? How would you research and select all the components to be able to accomplish this (and the reasons for the various selections)?

Another example would be to write an article that would step through all the mistakes (at each step) that could be made and how to look out for and correct them. For instance, I think you should assemble all the parts first in a clean, dry, well lighted, static free environment etc. and first examine the parts (as well as their directions specifically). From this examination (during my various repairs), I have often found conflicting information in the parts packages (how do you resolve them) and discover, that you indeed need different tools i.e. a nut driver instead of a screw driver for some of the parts.

Screwing together all the parts is fairly straight-forward and while important to learn, the foundational decisions prior to actually assembling the parts if often more or equally as important.

I like mid to high-end Dell comps (eg. XPS line). they are pretty durable and have some room for upgrade unless you choose the most expensive options they offer when you build a system on their site. And there’s some room for expansion as well but just not as much as what you get when you build your own.

Basically, Dell comps are made for the average users that want mid or high-end comps but not for real enthusiasts or super hard-core gamers. I totally see why most of the people go for HP, Dell, etc. I bet 90% of the computer users in this country never open their computers to add a card etc anyway. And only do like one upgrade in the computer’s lifetime caz they aren’t that obssed with keeping their comps up to date. Besides, it’s probably nice to know for most of the people that if their comps have issues, there’s one phone number to call for warranty support as opposed to having to diagnose the issue by themselves and contacting the manufactorer of the mulfanctioninig hardware. In addition, those pre-built comps aren’t expensive anymore. A 1000 dollar system that you build will be equivalenet to 1100-1200 dollar Dell comps but hardly no more than that, but for the extra they charge, they offer 1 or 2 year remote diagnosis / in-home service, etc. so, in the end you pay about the same.

It’s about how picky you are about what your comp has. Most of the people don’t really care so long as their comps allow them to e-mail and surf the net, download music, watch DVDs, and do some casual gaming.

Just got i7 this thing rocks!!

DELL does make a decent computer if you have no knowledge of what you’re doing and if you don’t want to learn. As for making the Best computer for the Best price that’s another thing.

The truth is if you have two computers, one built by DELL and one homebuilt, and you spend the same amount of money on both, the Homebuilt should be way better than the DELL.

But the problem is with Home Built Computers you don’t get the customer service (no matter how bad it is). You also don’t get the warranty on the computer as a whole. Sure, you can get a warranty on all the individual parts, but that’s only helpful if you know enough about the computers to know what needs to be sent in (which lets face it, if you’re building the computer then hopefully you know enough about what you’re doing to know where problems are comming from, but then again some of us actually think a DELL computer will be up to date 20 years after it’s been purchased).

So basically, DELL can save you a headache of buying your own computer but anybody saying they’re cheaper than building your own computer is just lying or ignorant.

I agree with mam89. I WAS one of those people that bought ready to use computers from HP and Sony (NEVER DELL) for convienience until a friend of mine who builds computers for a living laughed at me when i recently bought an HP m8530f for $800.

If you take the time to learn a little about computers, which costs $0 @ google.com and know where to shop for parts newegg.com ANYONE can build a great reliable computer for far cheaper. And as for your local computer shop its a great way to get a little technical advice when youre stuck on a build and pretty cheap as well.

The bottom line is….. pre-built computers are built to last for the length of the warranty NOT for the ability to upgrade or quality of the system.

Dont waste any more money….. I SAY BUILD YOUR OWN!!!!!

Actually how many components are recyclable I have a windows XP with the above in my previous comment, it is wireless for internet a CD (DVD R/RW) player, key board, mouse and a floppy disk

I have a Dell desktop can I use that tower to build my own computer?