Build or Buy...that is the question?

[starflyer59]

My computer that I built a few years ago has gotten where it just does not meet my needs anymore. I am in the market for a new computer. I have been checking out a few websites and I can buy a fully built computer for alot less than I can build one for.

I have been looking at ibuypower.com and their prices are incredible. I can't build anything close to the price that they sell them for.

Should I build or buy?

I am a computer tech for a major university and also run a small computer repair business on the side so I work on computers about 60-70 hours a week and when my computer breaks down I just don't feel like working on it.

If I buy a computer somewhere else and it breaks then I can let them worry about fixing it.

There is a local computer shop in my town that specializes in gaming systems and they offer a lifetime labor warranty on all their pc's. Free labor for the life of the computer is a really good deal. Have a virus...let them fix it...something not working right...let them fix it.

What do you guys think? Buy or Build?

[glc]

It all depends on the components that the builder uses. A lot of them cut corners to keep the price down. You cannot get a prebuilt with the same quality as a carefully chosen custom build for the same price - anywhere.

You are going to find that the lifetime labor warranty only covers hardware failures - you bring it in for a virus or a software/OS problem and you will pay their shop rates.

[rwest]

With today's prices on computers, you can't build one for the money spent. But, you will sacrifice in quality somewhere.

I'd say look at what's available and look closely at the components in the unit you wish to purchase. Decide if the area's where money was saved by throwing in cheap parts is feasable for your purposes.

I bought a Compaq Presario with the 3200+ Venice Core, 1 Gig of ram, and pci express 200 onboard. It has a cheap dvd/cd burner and multiple integrated ports. I can live with this.

There is a prebuilt for any type of person who wants to use a computer, and almost gaar-run-teed cheaper than you can build it for. You have to decide if where they cut cost at is acceptable.

[Staren]

Just to add my own $0.02, anytime you are looking at a sub $600 computer, building your own just can't touch pre-builds. Really that trend doesn't reverse untill you get into high end gaming boxes where you would be paying a premium for prebuilds.

I wouldn't go with anywhere like IBuyPower. If you're going to do that, then you might as well build. But if you have a local shop to work with, then it might be worth it to buy from them if you want to get away from fixing your own problems. I would be looking at Dell or IBM from what you've said.

[kram 2.0]

Depending on your budget, price both of them up. In terms of warranty and labor, that is a hard question. I would mildly recommend building, given you have some experience on hand. Relying on warranty service is a roll of a dice - it could serve you well, or it could really annoy you.

I suggest you take a look at this:
http://www.pcmech.com/show//756/

kram