Reasons to build your own computer

[kjcookin]

There are thousands of pre-built high end computers sold each day from companies like Dell, Hewlett Packard, Sony, and Gateway. I feel that anyone that purchases one of these pre-built computers needs to be informed of another option.

I regret the fact that I was not informed of my other options when I bought my first computer. I decided that I needed a computer of my own during high school, so that I wouldn’t have to fight with my brother and sister for computer time. At the time, I really didn’t have much knowledge about computers, so I decided to buy a mid range Dell. This computer worked fine for about a year, until I decided that I wanted to start playing computer games. I soon found out that my Dell wasn’t good enough to handle this task. My first though was that I could upgrade the video card to allow me to play computer games. After doing some research, I found that this wasn’t worth the extra money. I also wanted to add another hard drive. I bought a second hard drive but found out that the power supply wasn’t powerful enough to run two hard drives along with the other components. My next though was that I could buy a better power supply. This idea was shot down when I found that the dell power supply is incompatible with a regular power supply. This was when I found out that I had wasted $800 on a computer that wouldn’t do half of what I wanted. This was when I decided that I would build a computer myself. Since this decision, I have built two more computers from scratch for family members.

As you can see, pre-built computers have several things that could be improved upon. First, these computers often use cheap parts, which tend to break over time, in order to save the manufacturer some money. The second problem with pre-built computers is that they are not customizable, which makes customers buy unnecessary components. This leads into the third problem, the waste of money that could be used for better components. The fourth and final problem is that pre-built computers don’t leave much room for upgrades in the future. All of these potential problems can be solved by building a computer yourself.

Dell, Hewlett Packard, Sony, and Gateway often use computer components that are not of the best quality. These components often end up breaking after time, causing problems to the buyer. Some examples of these lesser quality motherboards are PC Chips, Chaintech and Gigabyte. Some better quality manufacturers of motherboards are Asus, Biostar, and Abit. For a little extra cash, users can opt for a substantially better quality motherboard. Another area where these companies often choose lesser quality parts is memory. These companies often install no name brand memory into their computers. This can have a negative effect on the ability to multitask, or use more than one program at a time. To improve the multitasking ability, they should have installed a well known brand of memory, such as Crucial, Samsung, and Corsair. If these companies are using lesser quality replacements for the main components, just imagine what type of components they are using for the secondary components.

The main focus of Dell, Hewlett Packard, Sony, and Gateway, is to produce an inexpensive computer in order to pass on the lower prices to their customers. In doing so, they rarely pick parts that are ideal for what the customer will be using the computer for. One example is the fact that most pre-built computer systems come with a floppy drive. These floppy drives are obsolete since the popularity of CDs and Flash drives. Another example of an unnecessary component is the modem (or a network interface card, or NIC) because most people will use one or the other. I think that having the option to install these components will save you from wasting money on components you don’t need.

With the money you will save from not installing components that you do not need, you can buy better quality parts. These better quality parts will then last longer, and will fit your exact needs. You will never have to waste money on unnecessary parts if you take the time to build your own computer.

The last and biggest problem with pre-built computers is the lack of upgradeability. Most of these pre-build manufacturers modify the original components so that they will only work with other parts of their brand. This enables them to make more money by only allowing upgrades through their specialized components. Dell, the leading computer manufacturer, actually uses a power supply and motherboard that are incompatible with any standard power supply or motherboard. I have heard of several stories where someone buys a replacement part, only to find out that it is useless because it isn’t a Dell part, making it incompatible.

Learning how to build a computer is not hard. There are several websites and forums that you can visit if you run into problems or have questions. The main tool that you will be using when assembling a computer is a Philips head screwdriver. With this one tool, you will be able to put almost the entire computer together. By deciding to build your own computer, you will not just save money now, but in the future as this is a skill that will always be with you.

My suggestion is that everyone thinking about buying a pre-built computer should look at their other option. Every day there are more and more people who are learning how to build their own computers. With some time and research, I think that anyone could build their own custom computer, allowing them to save money in the long run.

[blue60007]

Excellent! Nice job

Keep up the good work.

[Dark Nova]

wow, nice. keep up the good work

[jayb1234]

I agree entirely, except for the Floppy Drive. Thay still have a place, installing drivers, moving small files, running some recovery programs, running Memtest and a few other things. As inexpensive as they are, I don't see any big need to leave them out.

[Dark Nova]

yes jay is right, i also meant everything exept th floppy part.

[imadad]

You speak for a lot of people here. Very nice. Though, I agree with Jay about the floppy.

[Thebranded]

nice essay 8/10.
less for the floppy
less for the NIC/modem bit - I have both and use both. adsl/cable/etc is not always avaiable to everyone.

[Knut crusher]

My computer is from dell and its very hard to upgrade because most parts have to come from dell, its really annoying because everytime i need ink for my computer i have to order it from dell. with your own built you can always upgrade so its nice

[masonbarge]

1. There are a lot of options in between. Many store systems are fully upgradeable (e.g. Powerspec). Or closer to a self-build would be one of the many custom builders, although usually they have a limited number of choices for each component. Or even closer, a barebones system, which has (or should have) the advantage of a burn-in.

2. One of the biggest reasons for me personally to build is that I can get quiet components, although there are one or two custom builders that will give you a quiet system.

3. You can get a functional used floppy for about $5 -- no reason not to have it.

4. Another bad thing about prebuilt computers is that, most of the time, you have no idea what you're getting. It's like pulling hen's teeth to find out what MB, chipset, memory brand, etc. is in the machine. (And btw, although I have never used one, I was under the impression that Gigabyte makes some solid MB's).

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by masonbarge And btw, although I have never used one, I was under the impression that Gigabyte makes some solid MB's.

They're sort of hit or miss. Gigabyte likes to be first to market with new technology but in the process I think they release the motherboards a bit early without enough testing behind them so some of their motherboards tend to be sort of flakey until after a few revisions have been released.

I've worked on a few Gigabyte motherboards and have found them to be kind of fussy about certain things and their layouts sometimes seem weird.

I've used lots of different motherboard brands over the years (since 1997) and prefer to use ASUS motherboards.

Cricket

[Jaggannath]

Originally Posted by Knut crusher My computer is from dell and its very hard to upgrade because most parts have to come from dell, its really annoying because everytime i need ink for my computer i have to order it from dell. with your own built you can always upgrade so its nice

Your computer needs ink?? I'm assuming you meant printer, and that's pretty much the same for all the printer companies

[Strider]

Pre-built computers are fine for people who just want to do word processing, home financing, and surfing the web, but for peope who want to use their computer for something more then a custom built is the way the go. Unless, they are willing to pay some serious $$$ money for a computer from Alienware, even Dell is making high end computers for gaming, etc... The only advantage of doing that is you get a good warranty and don't have to do the troubleshooting yourself.

However, building a compuer to me is addicting and educational where I can do my own troubleshooting without having to wait 2 1/2 hours on hold trying to get someone from tech support. I agree with KJ and I have also learn the hard way by buying prebuilts until 5 years ago.